electric dog fence

[Barborv]

Does anyone use them? Since TV does not allow fences around our property, I was wondering if those dog fences work, are safe, and doesn't cause any discomfort to the dogs. Does it really contain the dogs ?
Let me know your thoughts and experience with these fences.
thank you

[Fredman]

They work fine. If your dog decides to ignore the warning beep he will receive a mild shock and he won’t ignore it again. Whoever installs it should show you how to train the dod so he doesn’t go through the fence

[Mleeja]

We have an 8 year old female lab. She has been exposed to an invisible fence her entire life. When we moved to The Villages 3+ years ago we had a dog watch fence installed. After learning the boundaries she had not left our yard until last week. She followed my wife down the driveway and into the street. That was a surprise to both of us! Guess it was time to change the battery in her collar! Our fence emits a tone before the shock if the dog gets to close to the boundary. When she hears the tone she will back off.

With proper training, I think invisible fences are an acceptable solution to not having a physical fence. If you install one, be sure to let your lawn service know if they plan to aerate your yard!

[JSR22]

I would not recommend an electronic fence. I have seen dogs run through and then afraid to come back because they will be shocked again. Honestly, I think training your dog to stay on his/her property is the correct method. I do NOT believe in shocking dogs.

[Mleeja]

I would not recommend an electronic fence. I have seen dogs run through and then afraid to come back because they will be shocked again. Honestly, I think training your dog to stay on his/her property is the correct method. I do NOT believe in shocking dogs.

I have used invisible fences for years. They are a safe and effective method to contain your pet. Dogs are pretty smart. It only takes one or two correction for them to get the idea.

Like I wrote above, most modern fences emit a sound before applying a shock. The dogs learn they need to back up. If they are shocked, it is not so strong the dog is harmed, but it does get thier attention. Think of it like getting a strong shock of static electricity.

Just becasue the pet owner has an invisible fence, they should still supervise their dog’s activity. It is just not necessary to follow them around the yard on a lead.

There are two major vendors in The Villages. The Original Invisible Fence Company and Dog Watch. We used Invisible Fence in Indiana and have the Dog Watch fence in The Villages. Talk to both.

[billethkid]

The so called shock is no threat to human or dog.
We have used them for years. Some dogs actually teach themselves. The training involves putting up flags where the wire is. The objective is that the dog, sees the flags, hears the sound and yes then there is a shock.....little more than a tickle actually. For most dogs all it takes is once. The actually associate with the flags more than the sound. Eventually learning there is no surprise with the sound.

There are some breeds that will walk right through the barrier in and back....for example a rottweiler. My daughter had one that would go through like it was not there.

Most dogs train in a very, very short time.

Keep in mind that having the invisible fence should not be to let one's dog stay out and about untended.
Cayotes and bobcats do not have a collar on!!!!!!!!!!!

[dnobles]

We have labs and have used Invisable Fence since 1995 Both here and in NY Love it. Call Don 352 275 6663

[Polar Bear]

I think electric fences are fine. A mild shock or two teaches the dog boundaries very quickly..without ever harming the dog.

Having said that, if you do not leave your dog unattended when in your yard...which you should never do...good training can accomplish the same thing as the ‘fence’. It takes commitment and absolutely consistency, but it is easier than you might imagine...and very satisfying and positive for the relationship between pet and owner(s).

[Mrs. Robinson]

Our dog jumped over the area (height) that is covered by an electronic fence.
If you have a small dog, be aware that if left alone (without you there), she could be snatched by a predator.
Those fences are not fool proof and I would not trust them 100%.

[DonH57]

I think electric fences are fine. A mild shock or two teaches the dog boundaries very quickly..without ever harming the dog.

Having said that, if you do not leave your dog unattended when in your yard...which you should never do...good training can accomplish the same thing as the ‘fence’. It takes commitment and absolutely consistency, but it is easier than you might imagine...and very satisfying and positive for the relationship between pet and owner(s).

Very true. Despite having the invisible fence system we never let our dog out unattended mainly because predators can still come in to our yard. One of the things to remember is to keep track of when the battery in the collar receiver was changed.

[Barborv]

Thank you all for your feedback. I will take everything into consideration. Much appreciation.

[CFrance]

Our dog jumped over the area (height) that is covered by an electronic fence.
If you have a small dog, be aware that if left alone (without you there), she could be snatched by a predator.
Those fences are not fool proof and I would not trust them 100%.
I knew of two small dogs in Michigan who wanted their freedom so badly they chose to accept the shock in exchange for getting out of the yard. There are some very clever dogs out there.

It worked fine with our first golden. But the fence installer, when showing me how to train him, took a flag and whapped it on his leash so hard he would never go near the flags again. I was horrified (this is NOT how the training manual wants you to train the dog!)

I think if you're wanting to be out with the dog throwing a ball, etc., it would be fun to have the fence. But I wouldn't let the dog outside alone--coyotes, snakes, alligators... did I mention snakes?

[John_W]

Having an invisible fence means you're going to break the leash law by allowing your dog to roam without a leash. Probaby containing your dog to the backyard would maybe work. We use to take walks around Odessa Circle where we live, but at one home they have a huge Great Dane that looks just like this photo and must weigh 200 pounds, and he stands in their front yard and watches everyone. It's very scary, even though it appears they have invisible fence, they have no signs warning anyone and usually no one is in the yard with the dog.

https://media.buzzle.com/media/images-en/photos/mammals/dogs/great-dane/1200-14109610-harlequin-great-dane.jpg

The Villages also has roaming cayotes, there has been many reports of small dogs being snatch by a coyote. The invisible fence may keep your dog in, but won't keep out unwanted wildlife, gators included.

[photo1902]

Having an invisible fence means you're going to break the leash law by allowing your dog to roam without a leash. Probaby containing your dog to the backyard would maybe work. We use to take walks around Odessa Circle where we live, but at one home they have a huge Great Dane that looks just like this photo and must weigh 200 pounds, and he stands in their front yard and watches everyone. It's very scary, even though it appears they have invisible fence, they have no signs warning anyone and usually no one is in the yard with the dog.

https://media.buzzle.com/media/images-en/photos/mammals/dogs/great-dane/1200-14109610-harlequin-great-dane.jpg

The Villages also has roaming cayotes, there has been many reports of small dogs being snatch by a coyote. The invisible fence may keep your dog in, but won't keep out unwanted wildlife, gators included.

You are incorrect about violating the leash law by having a dog on your own property.

County Code 4-10 - All dogs must be confined on the owner's property at all times or under direct control or on a leash when off the owner's property.

[Polar Bear]

Having an invisible fence means you're going to break the leash law by allowing your dog to roam without a leash...
As photo pointed out...wrong.

[John_W]

You are incorrect about violating the leash law by having a dog on your own property.

County Code 4-10 - All dogs must be confined on the owner's property at all times or under direct control or on a leash when off the owner's property.

I stand corrected, here's the law:

Sumter County Code 4-10 - All dogs must be confined on the owner's property at all times or under direct control or on a leash when off the owner's property.


It's still scary seeing a 200 pound dog who's head is as high as my shoulders standing 20' away from the roadway I'm walking and no one is around.

[photo1902]

I stand corrected, here's the law:

Sumter County Code 4-10 - All dogs must be confined on the owner's property at all times or under direct control or on a leash when off the owner's property.


It's still scary seeing a 200 pound dog who's head is as high as my shoulders standing 20' away from the roadway I'm walking and no one is around.

True :)

[Mrs. Robinson]

Having an invisible fence means you're going to break the leash law by allowing your dog to roam without a leash. Probaby containing your dog to the backyard would maybe work. We use to take walks around Odessa Circle where we live, but at one home they have a huge Great Dane that looks just like this photo and must weigh 200 pounds, and he stands in their front yard and watches everyone. It's very scary, even though it appears they have invisible fence, they have no signs warning anyone and usually no one is in the yard with the dog.

https://media.buzzle.com/media/images-en/photos/mammals/dogs/great-dane/1200-14109610-harlequin-great-dane.jpg

The Villages also has roaming cayotes, there has been many reports of small dogs being snatch by a coyote. The invisible fence may keep your dog in, but won't keep out unwanted wildlife, gators included.

Not every breed of dog is typical of the breed standard, either in look or personality.

However -- the Great Dane is also known as the Gentle Giant and that pseudonym is typical of their personality.

[Mrs. Robinson]

According to the law, there is no law which states an owner's dog cannot be unleashed on his own property.

[CFrance]

Not every breed of dog is typical of the breed standard, either in look or personality.

However -- the Great Dane is also known as the Gentle Giant and that pseudonym is typical of their personality.
Never met a Great Dane with an ounce of menace in him. I think the size puts people off. But they don't even look scary.

[John_W]

...However -- the Great Dane is also known as the Gentle Giant and that pseudonym is typical of their personality.

Never met a Great Dane with an ounce of menace in him. I think the size puts people off. But they don't even look scary.

Everyone has a different history with animals, and what works for you might not work for someone else. When I was 6 years old I was at my neighbors playing with their children. We were on top of a dump truck that belonged to their father.

A large German Shepherd just like the one in the photo below showed up out of nowhere. The dog started circling the dump truck and everytime someone tried to get down, the dog would run and jump up on the side of the truck. We were all yelling for someone to come help, but no one came.

Finally after about half an hour or so the dog went away. I needed to go home, so I jumped down and headed for my yard. Out of the side of my eye I could see the dog running at me, I started running and just when I got to the chain link fence between our yards and I had to jump over, the dog bit me on the back of my leg and tore my pants.

My dad came out and the dog was gone. He started asking the neighbors if they knew who owned the dog. No one knew or had seen the dog before. I had to go to the doctors office and get rabies shots. It was 21 shots with a long needle in stomach. This went on for weeks. So now, for some odd reason, when I see a large dog not on a leash, even ones that appear friendly, I head a different way as quick as I can.

https://www.outlookindia.com/public/uploads/newsimages/doggu_630_630.jpg

[CFrance]

Everyone has a different history with animals, and what works for you might not work for someone else. When I was 6 years old I was at my neighbors playing with their children. We were on top of a dump truck that belonged to their father.

A large German Shepherd just like the one in the photo below showed up out of nowhere. The dog started circling the dump truck and everytime someone tried to get down, the dog would run and jump up on the side of the truck. We were all yelling for someone to come help, but no one came.

Finally after about half an hour or so the dog went away. I needed to go home, so I jumped down and headed for my yard. Out of the side of my eye I could see the dog running at me, I started running and just when I got to the chain link fence between our yards and I had to jump over, the dog bit me on the back of my leg and tore my pants.

My dad came out and the dog was gone. He started asking the neighbors if they knew who owned the dog. No one knew or had seen the dog before. I had to go to the doctors office and get rabies shots. It was 21 shots with a long needle in stomach. This went on for weeks. So now, for some odd reason, when I see a large dog not on a leash, even ones that appear friendly, I head a different way as quick as I can.

https://www.outlookindia.com/public/uploads/newsimages/doggu_630_630.jpg
I get what you're saying. I had a similar experience with a Boxer when I was in elementary school. Fortunately, we were able to contact the owner and ascertain that it didn't have rabies.

When I was in kindergarten, a boxer lived across the street. I had nightmares about that dog getting out and coming over to our house.

Certain breeds are protective. Even small dogs of the protective variety, you should never approach when they're on their property.

My friend's son's Rottie, even though I could enter his house, walk and feed him, and he considered me to be "in his pack," became mildly distressed if I were positioned between him and his owner. Needless to say, I respected that.

[Mrs. Robinson]

Everyone has a different history with animals, and what works for you might not work for someone else. When I was 6 years old I was at my neighbors playing with their children. We were on top of a dump truck that belonged to their father.

A large German Shepherd just like the one in the photo below showed up out of nowhere. The dog started circling the dump truck and everytime someone tried to get down, the dog would run and jump up on the side of the truck. We were all yelling for someone to come help, but no one came.

Finally after about half an hour or so the dog went away. I needed to go home, so I jumped down and headed for my yard. Out of the side of my eye I could see the dog running at me, I started running and just when I got to the chain link fence between our yards and I had to jump over, the dog bit me on the back of my leg and tore my pants.

My dad came out and the dog was gone. He started asking the neighbors if they knew who owned the dog. No one knew or had seen the dog before. I had to go to the doctors office and get rabies shots. It was 21 shots with a long needle in stomach. This went on for weeks. So now, for some odd reason, when I see a large dog not on a leash, even ones that appear friendly, I head a different way as quick as I can.


Your first mistake was that you ran; dogs have an instinct to chase and the dog probably sense the fear in you. Not being there, I don't know what you should have done and I only would be guessing.

[paquettede]

Does anyone use them? Since TV does not allow fences around our property, I was wondering if those dog fences work, are safe, and doesn't cause any discomfort to the dogs. Does it really contain the dogs ?
Let me know your thoughts and experience with these fences.
thank you

We installed an electric fence for a dog in January it’s been the best thing we ever did. He enjoys running around the yard and I feel safe that he cannot leave the yard

[jcmerello@aol.com]

The Villages is currently building designer homes in Fenney with privacy fences around the back yard. This seems to be a good solution for dog owners. They are called Verandas.

[Suezsmith]

THE electric fences sometimes work although rambunctious dogs hig spirited ones typically will break through. I personnally feel the fences are evil. A dog gets zapped ad they get too close to the border. I have not and never would use one. Having had dogs our entire live. I feel they are cruel and not 100% painfree

[Guzzi]

Electric fences absolutely work. Your dog will, most likely, avoid getting shocked and stay within the boundary of your yard. BUT,....the negative affect on your dog is not worth it, in my opinion. How can your dog remain calm and relaxed knowing that he/she is trapped within this space? Your dog will know that it is confined. Yet, anyone, dog, or predator is able to cross the boundary. This makes it unsafe for your dog. What if a loose dog or predator enters your yard? How can your dog escape from being attacked? It can't. So, many times dogs will become reactive and increase barking and lunging behavior to prevent scary things from coming into it's space, and who can blame them for this. What happens if your dog happens to get through the fence and a good meaning neighbor brings your dog back. The dog keeps getting shocked. Do some research before considering this option. If you want your dog to be in a calm frame of mind then, please, consider your options carefully. I don't know if TV allows underground fences as we are new homeowners and are relocating in October. Can't help you there.

[russoncindy]

I would not recommend an electronic fence. I have seen dogs run through and then afraid to come back because they will be shocked again. Honestly, I think training your dog to stay on his/her property is the correct method. I do NOT believe in shocking dogs.

Not very realistic. Sooner or later your 'trained' dog will be tempted by some event that will overcome the training and have him/her running loose.

[olemon]

If you properly train your dog they work great.

[russoncindy]

Never met a Great Dane with an ounce of menace in him. I think the size puts people off. But they don't even look scary.
There's always the exception - I met two great danes that had to be put down because of their vicious attack on a person. And no the person was not trespassing or threating the owner etc etc. Never say never. It seems that every time there is an incident the owner always declares "Gee I can't believe it, he/she has never done this before".

[JSR22]

Not very realistic. Sooner or later your 'trained' dog will be tempted by some event that will overcome the training and have him/her running loose.

My dogs are extremely well trained. They go out off leash in our backyard which very private. They are never out there alone. The have an extremely Reliable Recall.

[CFrance]

Don't leave dogs or kids out in the yard alone!

[Polar Bear]

Not very realistic. Sooner or later your 'trained' dog will be tempted by some event that will overcome the training and have him/her running loose.
A dog should not be left unattended in a yard under any circumstances. But a truly well-trained dog is as certain to stay in an attended yard as a dog surrounded by an electric fence.

If you don't believe that, then you have never owned a well-trained dog.

[rsgolfer]

I understand that they will keep your dog in, but as one of my neighbors painfully discovered, they do not keep coyotes out.

[Mrs. Robinson]

Electric fences absolutely work. Your dog will, most likely, avoid getting shocked and stay within the boundary of your yard. BUT,....the negative affect on your dog is not worth it, in my opinion. How can your dog remain calm and relaxed knowing that he/she is trapped within this space? Your dog will know that it is confined. Yet, anyone, dog, or predator is able to cross the boundary. This makes it unsafe for your dog. What if a loose dog or predator enters your yard? How can your dog escape from being attacked? It can't. So, many times dogs will become reactive and increase barking and lunging behavior to prevent scary things from coming into it's space, and who can blame them for this. What happens if your dog happens to get through the fence and a good meaning neighbor brings your dog back. The dog keeps getting shocked. Do some research before considering this option. If you want your dog to be in a calm frame of mind then, please, consider your options carefully. I don't know if TV allows underground fences as we are new homeowners and are relocating in October. Can't help you there.

If you read my previous comment, you would know that electric fences do not necessarily "absolutely work!"

Our dog jumped over the hedge which was around the perimeter of our electric fence. At a certain height, the electric fence does not work.

[rondvu2]

I have used invisible fences for years, they work great but some training is involved and maybe some adjusting from the start. I never use it unless I am at home, you cant trust what comes in your yard :)

[rondvu2]

My lab runs on an acre in WV on an invisible fence, i am always home when i put the collar on him and let him out, i can track/watch him out several windows. I use the invisible fence brand and when the battery needs changed in the collar it starts flashing red, usually last 3 months or so, depends on how close your dog is getting to the boundary line setting the beeper
off. My mother is at the villages but i never bring the dog, i board him, I suppose if i had my own place at the villages i would prefer one with a wall like those verandas, just for the privacy and keeping other critters out, and less distractions............but all for the invisible fence as long as you don't leave your pet unattended. We have had some people throwing out treats tainted with glass or worse so you have to be careful.......ya never know.

[OhioBuckeye]

Does anyone use them? Since TV does not allow fences around our property, I was wondering if those dog fences work, are safe, and doesn't cause any discomfort to the dogs. Does it really contain the dogs ?
Let me know your thoughts and experience with these fences.
thank you

Those dog fences, you can set them according to the size of your dog. Of course you wouldn't want to set it as high for a Yorkie or a Toy Poodle as you would for a Shephard or a Great Dane. Yes, I've seen dogs run right through them & it looked like it never fazed them. But I don't know why anyone would want an electric dog fence because you're not suppose to let your dog run without a leach on, no matter if what you do. Personally I wouldn't chance it!

[JSR22]

Dogs can be off leash on your property.

[DonH57]

Don't leave dogs or kids out in the yard alone!

Or some times husbands!:laugh:

[OhioBuckeye]

Dogs can be off leash on your property.

Yea, maybe so, but if your dog isn't obedient to stay on your property & you have a hot headed neighbor that doesn't care for animals then you've got a neighbor that doesn't like you! I really don't think most dogs listen all that well. But that's the owners issue then!

[Polar Bear]

...I really don't think most dogs listen all that well...
Actually almost all dogs listen very well...with proper training.

[JSR22]

Yea, maybe so, but if your dog isn't obedient to stay on your property & you have a hot headed neighbor that doesn't care for animals then you've got a neighbor that doesn't like you! I really don't think most dogs listen all that well. But that's the owners issue then!

Actually, my 2 dogs are extremely obedient and are off leash in my backyard without a problem.

[tomwed]

I thought one of the benefits of owning an electric dog was that you did not need a fence.

[Summerhouse]

I have used an invisible fence for 10 years with our lab. The key is training, training, and training. We use at our Northern home, and we used a portable one (PetSafe) in our Motorcoach. Our dog respects it. He has only had 1 or 2 shocks in the early days and now just knows his boundaries. Honestly the shocks are just a correction strength. They will not harm the dog. It’s not pleasant, they don’t like it. It startles them as much as anything. However, I still would never, here in The Villages, let my dog outside unattended. For the reasons stated above, and because dogs are dogs. In the right circumstance, something could trigger a given dog to to bolt towards something. Having said that though, I would totally have one here myself. We bought a villa so do not have need of one currently. If we ever were to purchase a house, it would be the first thing I’d do to the home.