[jjmota007]

Please read this. Perhaps this may common sense to some but for us, we learned the hardest way. We have an electric fence installed. My Soft Coated Wheaten ALWAYS respected her boundaries. We learned a very difficult lesson last night. When a dog wants something it will go after it. Our 1.5 year has recently been chasing Chipmunks in the yard. I saw her "hunt" become more active as she matured. Last night, she saw a Chipmunk in the driveway. She chased it down at full speed. Despite calling her, which she responded to 99% of the time, she bolted down the driveway through a 12 foot pinch zone (an area that she would be shocked it entered) and a boundary line 5 feet from the road to try and catch the Chipmunk. Ultimately, she ran into the road and was killed.

The point it is that I should have not relied on the electric fence. I should have had an absolute blockage to keep that from happening despite no matter how many times I watched her respect the boundaries. She has never ever gone close to the boundary in our driveway until she saw the Chipmunk last night. In retrospect, I realize by nature it's in her breed to instinctually chase vermin. Yes, I feel incredibly guilty and responsible for not doing more. We are devastated. I am posting here not to blame the equipment but to just share with the community that the electric fence is invisible and can be penetrated. If you are considering one please think again. If you have one, I urge you to take it out and replace it with a physical fence.

 

[LMMB]

So sorry for your loss. You've learned a tragic lesson that others would do wise to learn from. Hopefully reading a story like this will make some of the electric fence proponents stop and listen, but I fear there are those who will have to learn the lesson in the same way you did.

May your dog RIP.🌈

 

[JoanneF]

Again, my condolences.

This is just one of the problems with electric fences - if the drive to get through is enough, the adrenaline will dull the pain enough for the dog to escape. Then either a tragic accident could happen, or he just won't be able to get back in. Or, something else could get in and he won't be able to escape.

This is an interesting article, explaining why these fences are banned in many countries.

Using an Electric Fence For Your Dog | Victoria Stilwell Positively

Electric fences have become a popular alternative to putting up traditional fencing. But did you know that these fences can cause more harm than good to your dog?

positively.com

 

[Gary F]

Thank you for sharing all appreciated sorry for your loss