By
Julie Rahm
An invisible fence is an
electronic system that prevents pets (mostly dogs) from leaving a yard. A
buried wire in the yard is energized with coded signals. A shock collar on the dog
receives these signals. When the pet approaches the buried fence line, the
collar makes a warning sound and then gives the pet a harmless electric shock.
The pet soon learns to avoid the invisible fence location, making it an
effective virtual barrier. Although called "fences", these fenceless
boundary systems are more accurately termed “electronic pet containment
systems.” These systems are less
expensive and more aesthetically pleasing than physical fences. One popular
brand claims more than three million installations. Most pet fence systems are
one of three types.
Most
common is the aforementioned buried wire that emits a radio signal to activate
the receiver collar. Other pet fences are wireless. Rather than using an
underground wire, they emit a radio signal from a central unit, and activate
when the pet travels beyond a certain distance from the unit. Other sophisticated
systems use GPS signals to determine proximity to a predetermined "virtual
fence", without the need for any physical installation at all. These GPS
systems allow additional flexibility, such as inclusion of "islands"
within the containment area, and easier changes to the boundary. Although,
location of the boundary is only as precise as GPS. The first commercial
underground fencing system was patented in 1974 by Richard Peck, owner of
Invisible Fence Company. However, there
are drawbacks to these various systems.
Underground
fences cannot exclude other animals. A dog contained within an underground
fence can still fall prey to a larger dog or coyote, or even a person looking
to harass or steal animals. Also, this type of fencing does not provide a
warning to humans who might inadvertently wander inside the perimeter. Children
or other persons may still be able to approach dogs or other animals that are
confined by an invisible fence. And, the fence may cause the behavior of a
confined animal to appear better than it actually is. This type of containment
is also not maintenance free. This system requires functioning batteries in the
animal’s collar. Finally, underground fencing is not accepted by every animal.
Some pets become too afraid to wander their yards for fear of being shocked. And
lastly, an electronic fence may not be effective if an animal crosses a
boundary while in a state of excitement. This was the case with my in-laws dog,
Luther. Luther was a formidable German Shepherd who often bolted, at full
speed, though the electronic fence. Luther resolved to endure the electric
shock for the sake of pursuit. Unfortunately, Luther could run a lot faster
than my husband and his brother when they both tried the collar! Read my column
next week to learn what happened when these two grown/educated men tried to run
through the invisible fence wearing the dog collar! And, visit me online at http://www.FB.com/ReliefWithJulie.
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