Above-Ground Electric Fences for Dogs

The Benefits

• Installing elaborate wooden fencing or brick walls can be expensive and time consuming. Even a simple chain-link fence, although not as aesthetically pleasing to the eye, can cost a pretty penny or two. Above-ground electric fencing is not only cheap but also easy to install. Despite their appearance, simple metal wiring posted around the perimeter of your yard is strong, durable and can be installed in any environment, be it the suburbs or out on the farm.

How It Works

• An electric fence isn't meant to harm or hurt your dog each time it comes in contact with the wires. When it does, it receives a short and sharp - but safe - electric shock. It's meant to create a psychological barrier. With proper training, your dog will quickly learn to stay away from the fence.

Training Your Dog

• Installing an electric fence is only half the process. Training your canine to interact with the fence correctly is the second half. Each training session must be kept short, lasting no more than15 minutes. The frequency of these sessions depends on the dog. The more stressed your pet becomes, the less frequently you should perform the sessions. Let your dog roam the yard. When it approaches the fence say in a firm, disapproving tone any chosen word to deter your pet from getting any closer. Repeat this several times. At the end of each session praise your canine and give it a treat or two.

Other Cautions

• For the animal to feel the shock, the electrical charge must make a complete loop from one end of the energizer to the other. The charge travels through the wire, passes through the animal's body when it touches the metal, goes back through the ground to the ground circuit and back to the energizer. For this reason it's important to ensure the ground rods are properly installed and the soil you're installing them in is adequate. It's also important to make sure the wiring doesn't contact any tall grass, shrubs or trees as this will either diminish or eliminate the shock.