Good Alternatives to E-Fencing: Dog Training Experts Weigh In
In many places, physical fences are prohibited, or property owners have certain constraints they must work within when it comes to fencing. This leaves those of us who have canine family members in a bit of a quandary: how can we keep our dogs safely contained? Electronic fences can seem to be a good option, after a cursory view. These fences include two components: there is a collar for the dog with prongs that sit against the dog’s skin and deliver an electric shock when the dog crosses a perimeter. The perimeter is the second component. It might be a physical wire set underground or it might be wireless. Although the manufacturers use all kinds of language and photographs to make these fences look safe and the dogs who are ‘contained’ by them joyful, there are known issues with the use of electric shock to change a dog’s behaviour. Electric shock has side effects which can include fearfulness and aggression. In addition, there are problems with e-fencing specifically (a bevvy of good dog science and the issues with both painful dog training and shock-collar fencing can be found here). Modern dog trainers draw a line in the sand about the use of electric shock: it’s a no-go zone. Sadly, almost all of us have stories about dogs who were made fearful and aggressive due to the use of electric shock.
But what’s a home-owner to do? If physical fencing—which is absolutely the best, safest, and most humane way to contain dogs—is prohibited or otherwise unwanted, dogs might not have access to their yards. And isn’t that a welfare concern for dogs? Luckily, there are a lot of nice work-arounds that do not carry the potential side-effects of shock. I’ve polled my friends and colleagues, and here are some of the creative ways that we can keep our dogs safe both physically and emotionally.
Casey McGee of Upward Hound likes to set her clients up for success:
“Rocket recalls so they can go dog-parking or hiking or swimming with lots of freedom, to augment leash walks around the neighborhood.” Giving her clients options to tire dogs out safely allows them to be comfortable and easy-peasy as they snooze on the couch.Megan O’Hara of Fetch the Leash uses tie-outs.
“Well-anchored long line tie-outs can work for some dogs.” But she recommends that people get creative, too. “Also, asking a friend or neighbor with a fenced yard if they'd be willing to let your dog come over to get their sillies out on a regular basis. In exchange for baked goods, naturally… Also, there are a bazillion ways to supplement leash walks with indoor or small-space activities like tug, flirt pole, fetch up and down the hall or stairs, etc.”Karolin Klinck of Team K-9 Dog Training works with her clients to get the dogs comfortable on a long line or long leash.
“[L]ove the long line sniff walks...that's what I recommend a lot. Digging, sniffing, maybe ball play or whatever. …Nose games are a favorite too and easy to do. Then to get the heart rate going some tug or playing chasing something like the ball.”Jane Wolff of Good Wolff Dog Training likes to give clients a break for those early mornings.
“I also recommend a small fenced potty yard if that's possible. Something to give people a break at 6am. Farm fencing at a place like Home Depot is super cheap and easy to install.”Kate LaSala of Rescued By Training likes cable tie-outs too, and likes adding extra space with a trolley/zip-line system:
“Overhead cable line to create a run line between trees.”Lori Nanan has found that shorter fencing can be an issue for athletic dogs.
“I have a client who can't have more than 4' chain link or pasture fencing (they have chain link). I recommended the bamboo sheets to cover it. It'll be taller, the dog won't be able to see through it and it will be easily removable if there are any complaints.” Coyote rollers, which can be do-it-yourself, or ‘stand-ins’ can be added to existing fences as well, to make them more dog-proof.Jessica Ring of My Fantastic Friend also recommends that her clients consider smaller-zone fencing.
“Something like Pet Playgrounds fencing might an option for some. It's easier to install and less expensive than other physical fencing, and can handle changes in topography. If the size of the area is the issue, I recommend fencing just a portion of the yard. There are lots of options for tiring dogs out in smaller spaces, too — tug, fetch (even if your dog doesn't bring the object back, have a stockpile that you continue to throw for your dog to chase), flirt pole, puzzle toys, fun training games, hide & seek, sniff walks, doggie play dates or day care…”Lizzy Flanagan of Lizzy and the Good Dog People also loves Pet Playgrounds.
“When I bought a home on land with forest and rock walls, I researched affordable fencing that would work with the funky topography. Installing an invisible fence and using electric shock on my dogs wasn't an option, so I was relieved when I found Pet Playgrounds! It's safe and can be installed just about anywhere. Even with professional installation, it costs 25% less on average than chain link fence. The fence disappears into the landscape so we can enjoy a view of the woods while the dogs have a ball climbing rock walls and barking at the deer!” Lizzy has a pin board of humane fencing options as well.Suzanne Bryner of Lucky Fido also recommends considering a variety of fencing options.
“Where I live, impact on scenery and view are often cited as reasons for using electric fences. Critter Fence offers affordable options with very little visual interruption.”Nickala Squire, of Carefree Canine, also coaches creativity. “When the need arises, as it often does, I encourage getting creative with fencing options. For larger properties I love the idea of installing fencing in chunks as finances and weather permit. For an area to run around before the whole thing is complete you can use temporary fencing or lower cost fencing to fill the gap. I've even hooked up ex pens to fill smaller gaps temporarily. It may not be pretty, but it is a dog friendly option that doesn't compromise welfare or risk life altering fear and aggression problems.”
If you have a large acreage and feel like an e-fence will give your outside dog the freedom they want, I would love to pitch a whole new idea: dogs don’t need space nearly as much as they need your time. I have written about this here.
Cover photo credit: Karolin Klinck of Team K-9 Dog Training.