Will a Radio Fence Keep Your Dog Safe?

A good dog fence will keep your new dog safe. A good fence can also keep your dog from ending up back at the Humane Society - many family pets are lost each year because they found their way out of the yard, but couldn't find their way home again. This is a particular problem around the Fourth of July, when firecrackers and other loud noises cause dogs to panic. A fence that holds a pet quite safely for most of the year won't even slow him down if he's frightened or if he hasn't been neutered and the neighbor's dog goes into heat.

Unfortunately, many dogs are dropped off at the shelter by frustrated owners who simply give up the fight because they've run out of patience, ingenuity and cash. Their athletic dogs seem to be capable of jumping or digging up any fence the owner can build.

Border collies are notorious for their ability to open the gate, and I once knew a Newfoundland cross who could scale any wire or wooden fence, no matter how high. The northern breeds and sight hounds have a well-deserved reputation for traveling for many miles in a day, without ever looking back, if they manage to escape the back yard. And since no dog understands the danger of a fast-moving car, even a short jaunt around the neighborhood can lead to tragedy.

Fortunately, there are now humane, attractive solutions that even the most determined hound can't get around or through. The new breed of dog fencing has two parts - a wire that surrounds the perimeter of the yard, and a special collar that contains a radio receiver. The dog receives a warning vibration as it nears the fence line, and a correction if the initial warning is ignored. The dog and the fence interact to train the dog - without any yelling or frustration from it's owner.

The radio fence does not require wood or wire fencing to be effective. However, if your dog needs to be kept away from other animals or children, a traditional fence will also need to be built, since the neighbor's toddler will not be wearing a radio collar. The underground wire will not keep children away from your rambunctious pit bull or snappy pekinese.

However, in suburban and rural areas a dog radio fence used alone is much less expensive than a wood or wire fence. The radio fence is a safe and effective way to control your pet, and can be the first important step in any training program.