Dangers of Electronic Training Devices
This section provides information about the extreme risk to your dog’s physical and behavioral health inherent in the use of electric shock as a training tool. This includes any related tools like remote shock collars, and electronic/"invisible" fence shock collar systems. It's important to understand that sometimes electronic shock collars are referred to as "stim collar", "tens collar", "static collar" and "avoidance training collars" but don't be misled or fooled. Electrical shocks are administered to your dog through them, no matter how cleverly they're labeled.
There is no such thing as a behavior problem that can "only be fixed" through the use of a shock collar. Period.
Most people are unaware of just how dangerous and inhumane electronic shock as a training tool is for their dogs. This includes but is not limited to electronic/invisible fencing. There are many reasons to think twice and be sure you understand all of the potential dangers, including the development of serious behavioral problems, before you make this decision. https://www.banshockcollars.ca/comments.php
More on the dangers of shock collars for training on Eileen Anderson's blog: http://eileenanddogs.com/shock-collar-info/
Electronic Collars vs. Traditional Leashes by the late, great Dr. Sophia Yin, Veterinarian and Applied Animal Behaviorist
Think the shock your dog receives isn't painful? Watch this video - http://www.dogwork.com/scoll8/
Yes, there are some people out there willing to put their own dogs shock collars on their own necks to see how it felt - and video tape it! Their reactions "even on level 1", says it all.
Training Your Dog to Hunt in the Field? Information on alternatives to shock collar training for field training
Electronic/"invisible" shock fencing systems - You need to understand the extreme risks involved - your dogs "freedom" could cost him his life.
An Open Letter from Lisa Patrona, Dip. CBST, CPDT-KA, ACDBC, AABP-CDT to those considering electronic/'invisible' fencing
http://www.positivedogs.com/articles/electronic_fencing.html
http://www.dogstardaily.com/blogs/illusions-quotinvisiblequot-fencing
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/invisible-fences-unnecessary-evil.html
http://thelifeofroyal.blogspot.com/2011/02/why-you-shouldnt-put-your-puppy-on.html
Electric containment system causes neck injury... read more.
Is an electric shock fence even legal in your municipality? Click http://dogbitelaw.com/electronic-pet-containment-and-liability/electronic-systems-are-not-always-legal.html for an article on the subject from DogBiteLaw.com
SAFE CONTAINMENT ALTERNATIVES WHEN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD DOESN'T ALLOW PHYSICAL FENCING, OR IT'S TOO EXPENSIVE TO INSTALL A PHYSICAL FENCE:
There are plenty of safe alternatives to electronic/"invisible" fencing! Among the most popular reasons we hear that people go ahead with the choice to install electric fencing is "we live in an area where physical fences are not allowed".
My husband and I live in one of those neighborhoods too! Here's what we did - and it only cost about $75.00!
***Safe alternative #1 - Install an overhead trolley system in the back yard. It can be anchored between 2 large trees, or if your yard doesn't have trees, anchoring to posts sunken in to the ground works just as well. Your dog can have as much "freedom" as you choose to provide. *NOTE: It is not safe to attach a dog to this by his collar. Attach the cable line behind the dog's shoulders using a back-attach harness.
See photo's of my own dog's overhead trolley system here.
Safe alternative #2 - check with your association about a dog run. My husband and I do own a home in a neighborhood in which perimeter fencing is not allowed, but a dog run to certain specifications, is. Don't assume that a dog run is not allowed. My husband and I wouldn't have known if we hadn't asked our association! We use the dog run area for potty (makes clean up A LOT easier!) and the trolley system out in the yard when our dog is in the yard.
See photo's of the dog run here.
For some, "invisible" fencing is opted for because the appearance of physical fencing detracts from the property's beauty. Click on the link below for information and photos of a physical fencing product called Best Friend Fencing http://www.bestfriendfence.com/default.asp that virtually disappears yet is just as safe and strong as traditional physical fencing options! Since one of the many drawbacks of e-fencing is that it does not keep other animals (human or four-legged!) out of the yard, this system does both by keeping your dog and yard safe and secure!
Visit the following links for more on the boundary training using a positive reinforcement approach: http://www.clickertraining.com/node/2409
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuTh47i3hOY&feature=watch_response