Keep your dog contained
without building fences

DO you find it hard to keep your dog from roaming but can not yet afford to fence your property?

A less expensive remedy could be to investigate using an electronic control system. If you haven't heard of electronic training methods, your first reaction is probably, like many people, to assume that the collars would be cruel until the dog learned not to cross the boundaries.

But nothing could be further from the truth. The energy generated by an electronic collar is very small and as shown in the accompanying graph, is less than static electricity.

The graph shows the results of a test of an electronic collar carried out by the New Zealand Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR). Their research concluded that the energy derived from the collar was five times less than what is considered to be the human threshold of pain. An electronic collar generates 3000 times less energy than a typical electric fence.

So how does it work then? The truth is you don't have to inflict pain to provide the kind of aversion training needed to modify a dog's behaviour. The dog will find the correction he receives from the collar unpleasant, but not painful - and he will make the decision to avoid repeated corrections.

A survey carried out independently by a Queensland veterinary hospital reportedly showed a 98 percent success rate with a range of electronic products, including collars, containment systems and remote trainers. Tests such as this provide the proof that electronic training methods are both humane and effective. The test sought conclusion on the effectiveness of the method, as well as any signs of distress or suffering on the part of the dog.

Electronic control has now been around for quite a few years, so can no longer be called an experimental method of control. Any glitches have long since been discovered and addressed, and electronic control is now a well-used system for anyone who is having problems.

It is not only used for keeping a dog or dogs within their fence boundaries. You can also use it for a dog that has a barking problem and has not responded to training. Or you may not have the time to train if you are away at work for most of the day and your dog only barks when you are not there.

The boundaries work like this - you create an in-ground hidden fence using the easy-to-install boundary wire. When your dog is wearing an electronic collar and approaches the boundary, he hears a warning tone. If he continues towards the boundary, he receives a harmless but effective electrical stimulus that reminds him to stay in the "safe" part of the yard. You can also use a containment system to block off areas such as gardens, swimming pools or anywhere else you don't want your dog to go.

You can create the boundary in any shape you wish, and in as large an area as you wish. If you live on a farm the dog's boundary could extend to an acre or two - it is up to you. Most dogs learn their boundary in a very short time. Some who have had total freedom before may try to bolt over the boundary in spite of the stimulus, but the percentage is quite small.

Some collars have a 'run-through preventer' feature which increases the stimulus if a bolt-through occurs. With this feature most difficult-to-control dogs will soon prefer to remain in their safe and comfortable area.

Note: While this method keeps your dog contained without fencing, worth consideration is that it does not keep your dog safe from dangers outside the boundary - the scavenging stray dog or dogs; the brainless type of human that can not resist teasing a dog; the tradesmen or other visitors who take lack of a fence as an invitation to drive straight in; and even children whose motives can be questionable and will often tease until they are bitten and then swear they did nothing.