The Hidden Way To Keep Your Pet At Home

by James R. McCree

Reprinted From Better Homes And Gardens

What you can't see can help you; it may even save your pet's life. That's the principle behind underground pet containment systems, which create an electronic safety shield around your yard without the use of traditional fencing. Your pets roam freely, but only within the boundaries you've chosen.

Electronic systems work by hemming your property with insulated wire a few inches below the surface; you may also protect areas within a yard, such as a pool or garden. Your pet wears a collar that sounds a warning when it gets too close to the boundary.

If your pet attempts to cross into forbidden territory, the collar administers a mild shock. The shock is similar to the sting you get from static electricity after shuffling your feet across the carpet. The exact intensity may be adjusted to your dog's breed, temperament, and skin sensitivity, as well as to whether the pet is long or short haired. Physiological studies show that animals are surprised, rather than hurt, by the shock.

Training consists of placing a visible barrier of flags or string about six inches inside the wire, then walking your pet alongside the inside of the boundary, saying 3no2 whenever your dog attempts to cross it. Next, put a long lead on your pet and allow it to explore. When it receives a shock, pull on the lead so your dog doesn't go over the wire. Praise your pet and give it a treat when it stays inside the flagged area. Most dogs can be trained within a week.

Not everyone agrees that this method is good because it relies on negative reinforcement. Your pet learns to avoid the shock rather than be rewarded for not crossing your boundaries. But you can use praise and treats to reinforce the behavior, and many veterinarians believe the safety factor far outweighs such philosophical objections. The brief sting of a shock hurts your dog far less than the potential pain of a tragic encounter with a speeding car on a busy street. Besides, pets quickly learn to associate the warning sound with the shock, so they rarely get shocked after the first few times.

A few warnings. While electronic containment systems keep your pet in, they don't keep other animals out, so the potential for disease transmission remains. Also, children and others who enter the enclosure will not be protected from your animal. Finally, although smaller collars are available, cats react differently to shock than dogs. Because of that, using these systems on cats is most effective indoors, for instance, under carpeting to keep your cat off the furniture.

Costs range from $90 to $1,000. To a great extent, the price depends on the service you receive, ranging from do-it-yourself to installed and from phone assistance for problems to on-site troubleshooting. The sophistication of the electronic controls can also affect prices.

Manufacturers include: DogWatch Inc., 800/793-3436; Invisible Fence Company, Inc., 800/538-3647; K-9 Containment System, 800/666-3334, and Radio fence, 800/992-2966.

Reprinted from Better Homes And Gardens, September 1994. Copyright © 1994 Better Homes And Gardens. All rights reserved.