pet containment system

[Gracie H.]

When we got our Addy -- upon the advice of a friend who has two male Rotties -- we bought an invisble fencing system. It is installed -- the flags are up -- but after reading some of the horror stories here I have yet to start training her with the system.

I could really use some help -- both pros and cons of a pet containment system. I DO NOT use a shock collar to train her -- I just use a flat collar and sometimes in situations that may cause over stimualation for her I use a gentle leader (head collar).

I don't know what the heck to do.

The only thing I can come up with is to ALWAYS be outside with her when she is within the fencing system -- which won't be difficult as she much prefers to be with us than on her own. However, if a dog goes by -- or even a person -- she heads for them -- and there seems to be no stopping her.

I know I have LOT of work to do. Addy and I have only been together for a month.

All suggestions welcome. I'm not sure what to do!

One of my friends suggested putting up a sign saying 'Invisable Fencing' -- however, being that other dogs and little kids can't read -- they could still roam into our yard and become puppy lunch as she is very protective.

HELP! :(

[LavenderRott]

I don't think that I would ever use an invisible fence. It certainly doesn't keep anyone or anything out nor does it keep a determined dog in.

Rottweilers have a tendency to have a high prey drive. A dog after a squirrel is not going to think twice about that little twinge it gets for a split second.

[JD102175]

Does the"fence" company have a return policy? Or a trial period that if you don't like it you can get at least some of your money back? Look at your contract and see what it says. Then get a real fence. Yes, it is more expensive, but the security it provides far outweigh the cost(in my opinion).


Jaime

[Luvs]

I would not use an invisible fence for the simple reason that it does NOT keep other dogs or people out. Just because your dog stays in your yard does not make it safe unless there is a fence surrounding it and keeping people and other animals out. If you are going to keep the invisible fence then I would definately stay outside with your dog when she is out.

[Judi W]

Unless all the other dogs, little children and your dog can read the sign, it does little. A sign is not going to reassure anyone who has a Rottweiler charging towards them. I know it would not me and I would be very angry at being made to feel afraid. The sign does not tell me that the power is on, that you made sure to see that the batteries on the collar were up to snuff........

Please get a real fence. Even if you are out with the dog, the charging has got to be terrifying for passer-bys. Of course a leash or long line would take care of that. So, a fence or you - always - and a leash on the dog. People who live in city apartments have learned to walk their dogs on leash for the dog's exercise. If you have an unfenced yard, have no intention of fencing it and got a dog anyway, then the rules are the same as if you had no yard at all.

[LORHEL]

Ditto to the above, in the long run you will have much greater peace of mind having that fence. I recommend nothing shorter than a six foot fence. We got ours with our tax check one year, its not a privacy, but was a LOT cheaper and still serves the purpose. We even eliminated one gate (we had a four foot fence before that) and cut off all access for the dog to the side of the house, that way we don't have to deal with any passerbys out front).

Whenever you have a dog, it is imperative that you have a fence. Unless you live in an apartment. You don't want to tie the dog out to a tree, etc, and take any chances on it getting loose. With the fence, they can go anywhere in the yard, and be safe, although I always am out with my girl while she is out, since we have little kids on both sides now. I take no chances with any situations that could arise. ;)

[Gracie H.]

Thank you all!

The invisible fence was not that expensive and after looking at photos of what happened to 'Rufus' -- I wouldn't care if it were. I won't be relying on this fence for her protection (or anyone else's) .

I'm going to to chalk it of to getting poor advice from a friend and following that advice before doing my OWN research. The collar hasn't come out of the box yet -- and now after hearing your advice -- it won't.

I live on a steep hill. I were to get a 6' fence she would easily clear it. A REAL fence would have been my first choice.

I am going to keep her one of her longer leashes when we are out in the yard. I don't want to stir anything up in the neighborhood and don't want people to think she is some kind of crazed Rottie -- as she is not. She charges - with tail wagging - but who can see that tail but the person behind her! You're right- I'd be a little afraid too if a dog charged me.

Thank you all so much for confirming what I already figured -- I made a dumb purchase.

(Not the first one I've made! The last one was buying a jar of cream that swore I'd be wrinkle free ...)

:o

[Judi W]

Good plan. Actually it is possible to fence even with hills. We fence cattle pastures all the time that have hills, streams, etc. 6 foot would be 6 foot from ground level and unless it is at the bottom of a cliff - it is the same.

[Gracie H.]

:(
Unfortunately my yard DOES have a 'cliff'. We care talking about putting in a retaining wall ... adding truckloads of dirt ... and ultimately adding a fence. City ordinances allowing.
However, for now -- we are keeping Addy on a long tether attached to ME(!)when we are out.
She doesn't seem to be bothered by it all. She can still get where she wants to be and that is usually right by me or the kids or 'Dad'.
I envy you having SO much room. That is how I grew up -- and now we are in the suburbs.
Thanks so much for your reply!

[Judi W]

She won't mind the line a bit and it has the advantage of the two of you spending more time together. It also allows you to give her instructions here and there and teaches her to listen to you. I have never thought that apartment dogs were abused, but rather fortunate because they get more walks and attention than those dogs simply let out.

See? It's fine.