[rwwong]

Does anyone have any experience with invisible dog fences? I'm contemplating getting one for our pup. The only thing holding me back is I don't want him to be scared of leaving the yard, I want to be able to take him on walks, and such.

Really the only reason I want one is to give him a little freedom. He's a Vizsla and he will be a hunting dog, so I'd like for him to be able to run around. I don't want to build a fence.

[nyczyang27]

Like you said; dogs, especially puppies tend to start developing a fear of new places with the use of invisible "shock" fences. It's often hard to unlearn this phobia. I wouldn't risk using one personally..

[Etnies]

I've got one. You can set it up pretty much any way you want, different loops, etc. If you want to take him on walks, then see if you can have the fence company leave an opening for your dog to be able to leave, but only if you permit your dog to have access to that exit.

You don't want to take the collar on and off whenever you want to take him for a walk. This will confuse the dog if they can leave the premises sometimes, and other times they get shocked. They will learn very quickly, usually only take one or two shocks for them to know what's up. I've got my backyard from one side of the house to the other invisible fenced, but there is an opening to the patio so they can come inside the house, but keeps them out of the flower beds.

[ettil]

Each dog is different and invisible fences work differently for different dogs. Same thing w/puppies - some puppies are pretty fearless while others much more skittish.

I had a hound who would not stay in the yard w/an invisible fence. Yes she received the proper fence training but her desire to run was way greater. She had no problem taking the shock (strength didn't matter) then waiting outside the line for someone to turn off the fence so she could return home. The fence was installed when she was around 9 months. A few pickups by animal control and we gave up on the fence.

She had an acre to roam with regular long walks and it just wasn't enough though she was a small dog. Continued to roam for 10 years until back surgery ended her walking. Contrast w/the wolf hybrid next door never broke out and she only had a tiny space fenced.

[Brunotheboxer]

the problem with these fences is that a bad dog can come into your yard and f up your pup. also kids can walk into your yard to pat the cute puppy and if they get a little scratch you better hope that their daddy isn't a lawyer. i have always used chain link so that my dogs can see out of the yard. i would never buy an invisible fence. just my $.02