Debunking Common Myths About Electronic Dog Fences

Dog training is a sensitive subject. It’s not often that individuals will proudly exclaim that they use a dog fence. Words like cruel or inhumane are often used when describing a tried-and-true training method.

When such stigma exists around using an electric dog fence, it’s easy to forgo it for another perhaps less-effective method. 

This article will discuss and debunk common myths about underground dog fences and point out ways they can help keep your dog safe!

Myth 1: Training is Enough

Every dog has a different background story. One dog may have had a peaceful and loving upbringing with just one owner and has very few behavioral issues. Another dog may have had several owners that mistreated or abused it. 

These dogs will, undoubtedly, respond differently to triggers, training methods, and external stimuli. 

When training, the dog with an unstable upbringing will likely display significant agitation, stubbornness, and poor listening skills. Nonetheless, either dog may respond poorly to training methods based on its nature, breed, and several other factors.

Proper training with positive reinforcement is an excellent tool that can only go so far. If your dog feels that call of the wild and takes off, it can be next to impossible to call it back to you without a backup plan.

Myth 2: Collars Shock Your Dog

It’s difficult to imagine a successful business for a company dealing in the manufacturing and sale of shock collars if such collars were equivalent to a taser. 

These collars do not shock your dog. When the dog passes the boundaries of the safety perimeter, the collar will first emit a high-pitched alarm signal. If your pet continues past the barrier, the collar will emit a painless static impulse that will encourage it to move away from the out-of-bounds area. 

There’s also a common misconception that these collars are solely reserved for aggressive, large dogs that need to be cruelly contained. This is false. Not only are they an excellent correction and training tool but also work to keep dogs of every shape and size safe. 

Myth 3: Collars Malfunction

Many concerned dog owners worry that the collar or dog fence will suddenly malfunction due to which it will either continuously shock their dog or emit pulses unnecessarily. 

This is a valid fear, but remember that if the electric dog fence is installed by a team of professionals and is of high quality, the chances of this happening are very slim.

Myth 4: It’s Too Expensive

This is not true. Once installed, most electric dog fences don’t require much upkeep, and upfront costs usually range from $500–$1500 depending on the brand.

Myth 5: Store-Bought Brands are the Same as Professionally Installed

Not necessarily. Store-bought brands are usually made of cheap materials that won’t stand the test of time. These brands may experience the aforementioned malfunctioning or will stop working—both of which are unwelcomed. 

The professional installation of a top-of-the-line underground dog fence ensures the fence is custom built to your preferences and normally includes preliminary training and testing for your dog as well.

Call Dog Guard of St. Louis—Your Electronic Dog Fence Experts!

St. Louis–based professionals at Dog Guard of St. Louis understand that training a dog is not a black and white process. We know that every dog is different and that owners want extra security in place for their furry family members.

For more information or a free quote, call us at 636-397-3321 or fill out our convenient contact form. 

Let us help your dog adjust to its surroundings!