Q: Are underground fence systems cruel?
A: Underground pet containment systems can be an effective and humane
way to train pets to stay in their yards. Even the Humane Society of
the United States has endorsed this method of training. When a quality
system is installed properly and used appropriately, dogs and cats will
rarely experience any discomfort. It is true that if they challenge the
system, they will get a correctional shock. However, effective training
will quickly teach pets not to cross the barrier. After all, the
intention of the system is to keep a pet safely contained.
It is important to choose a reputable system that is professionally installed. These systems are much more likely to be properly grounded and much less likely to experience radio frequency errors that can randomly shock pets. Also, there may be some benefit to receivers that use FM radio signals instead of AM (see dogwatch.com). The system should not continually shock a pet if they do escape the yard. The system should have the ability to vary the shock intensity to fit your pet’s personality and size.
Finally, the service you choose should provide a trainer to come work with you and your pet for the first day or two. If you take these precautions, an underground fence may be right for you and your pets
It is important to choose a reputable system that is professionally installed. These systems are much more likely to be properly grounded and much less likely to experience radio frequency errors that can randomly shock pets. Also, there may be some benefit to receivers that use FM radio signals instead of AM (see dogwatch.com). The system should not continually shock a pet if they do escape the yard. The system should have the ability to vary the shock intensity to fit your pet’s personality and size.
Finally, the service you choose should provide a trainer to come work with you and your pet for the first day or two. If you take these precautions, an underground fence may be right for you and your pets
