Looking for advice on "underground dog fences"

[CrzyCatLady]

I'm a long time cat caregiver, but new to the puppy world, and need some advice.

We just moved to a new house, with a great big yard, and have taken the big leap to adopt a beautiful puppy. But in the country, there are no fences...and we don't know what to do.

I'm against chains, and am leaning towards a large fenced enclosure, but don't know what's best.

What's the deal with "underground dog fences"? Do they harm dogs in any way?

I'd like to know people's opinions on using these to keep a dog "contained" in the yard.

Any opinions are welcome!
Cheers,

CrzyCatLady

[Shaykeija]

i like the fenced in yard. Keeps other dogs and cats out. A underground fence keeps your dog in, but other dogs can also come on to your property. Fenced in seems safer to me.

[LavenderRott]

IMHO - underground fences are useless.

While they MIGHT (and I do mean might) keep your dog in the yard, it will not keep anything out of your yard that might harm your dog. And if your dog has any kind of prey drive - the lure of a squirrel might just be more then he/she can handle and out of the yard he/she goes, ignoring that momentary zap. She is much less likely to ignore that zap to get back into the yard.

I would fence in an area for him/her to use when you are not going to be able to keep a close eye on him/her while you are out and the pup can have supervised freedom (once it has learned some basic commands) when you can watch.

[dmc123]

I agree with the other posters, never wanted an underground fence, mine would not be protected from the strays!

Diane

[rainbow]

I also agree with everyone and would not get one of those. As mentioned, it would only keep your dog in (unless it doesn't mind getting shocked ) and since you live in the country not only other dogs could get in your yard but other wildlife (coyotes, skunks, racoons, etc) as well.

[mollywog]

I know a few people who swear by them, but I agree with other people who have mentioned that it won't work with every dog. I could just picture Molly running right through it without noticing anything if a squirrel or something else caught her eye/ nose.

[clm]

I could see Bentley running right through it too and then not want to come back and get zapped again. I wouldn't trust anything except a proper fence.

clm

[shirley1011]

I suppose I am the "odd man" out. When we bought our country home there was already an invisible fence here so when we got the dogs we used it and have not had any problems except when the batteries die and we don't realize it...with no beep they go but just back into the bush! And yes we did have a coyote come on the property but poor thing wished he hadn't by the time our gang got finished with him. Our property is just too big to fence and they enjoy running and playing...can't imagine them in a confined space... just my

[MyBirdIsEvil]

I wouldn't use an underground fence unless used along with an actual fence (like if your dog is a fence climber, which mine is).

Just about everyone I know has had their dog run through the fence and get out. And like other posters mentioned, other animals and even people can still come into your yard and harm or steal your dog.