Shock Collars: Take Two!

Shock Collars: Take Two!

Last week I talked about shock collars and why they weren’t the best option for training your large breed dog. Well, thanks to a couple of my readers, I’m going to eat some of my words and talk about some instances where shock collars can actually be beneficial.

Reader Marg had this to say:

“When I was training my German Shepherd, Dax, I used a shock collar, but I would never hurt him. The model I bought has 3 different settings, with the lightest being more of a vibration than a shock. I tried it on myself first so I’d know how it felt. It’s a training tool, not a disciplinary tool, and we don’t have to use it at all now.”

And reader Taylor had this to say:

“I use a shock collar on my dog strictly as a safety measure. There are three levels: sound (very loud), vibration and a firmer vibration/shock. I’ve only had to use that third setting once – when he ran out to the road and almost got hit by a car. I was too far away and that shock made him stop just in time. I use it for his safety, not as a punishment.”

So, as you can see, there are instances where this type of collar can keep your mutt out of trouble! Thank you, Marg and Taylor for your feedback and for educating me on the pros of shock collars 😊

 Pablo’s “Paw”nderings

Hello furry friends! I hope you’re all doing well in this cooler weather! I’ve been enjoying time on my backyard patio and I’ve been playing with my bestie next door, Ricky. He’s a rescue dog from Mexico, and he’s a lot smaller than me, but we love to play together. And guess what else? Last week, my mom’s brother and sister and in-laws came over and they gave me so much attention! I was in dog-heaven I tell ya! They all told me how handsome I was and how good I was. They ordered Chinese food for dinner and I got some chicken balls and some beef and vegetables. I even got a bit of fortune cookie 😊 I love it when we have company, cause I am the center of attention! I was sorry to see them all go, but I know they’ll all be back for Thanksgiving. That’s it for this week! Send me pictures of you and your hoomans, I’d love to see them. See you next week!

Do Electronic Fences Work for Big Dogs? What You Need to Know

Whether it’s the neighbor’s cat or a passing car on your street, sometimes it seems like a dog’s instinct is to give chase to virtually anything that moves. This behavior is one of the reasons a growing number of dog owners are installing electronic fences to help keep their canine companions safe and secure in the confines of the yard.

 While many people endorse these hidden fences* for their efficacy with smaller breeds, some dog owners wonder: Do electronic fences work for big dogs? This guide will examine whether electronic fences meet the challenge of containing our larger furry companions.

 Understanding Electronic Fences

An electronic fence is pretty straightforward. Think of it as an invisible boundary that gently reminds your dog, “Hey, don’t cross this line!” Now, how does it do that? The fence uses two key components: the transmitter and the receiver (usually a collar your dog wears).

 The transmitter sends signals through a boundary wire, which your DogWatch installer will bury underground around the area you want to keep your dog within. This wire is like the magic line that defines where your dog can and can’t go. If Fido starts to get a bit adventurous and approaches the boundary, the receiver (or dog collar) picks up the signal from the wire and delivers a subtle static shock (or correction). It’s not harmful—just a nudge saying, “Maybe you shouldn’t go that way!”

That’s the magic of electronic fences: A smart combination of a transmitter, boundary wire, and a receiver collar keeps your furry pal safely within your desired space.

Considerations Specifically for Big Dogs

You now know how electronic fences work, but the question remains: Do electronic fences work for big dogs? First, let’s factor in some unique challenges for larger breeds.

The World Through Your Dog’s Eyes

The way big dogs perceive the world around them can be vastly different from their tinier counterparts. Larger dogs often have a stronger prey drive, heightened curiosity, and are more territorial. This means that they might be inclined to bolt when faced with an external stimulus—like the neighbor’s cat sauntering just out of reach or a squirrel scampering up the tree across the street—regardless of the fence boundary.

Proportional Correction

Now, let’s talk about the correction mechanism. With some dogs, a gentle nudge from the collar when they approach the boundary might suffice. But for dogs with a stronger prey drive, that might not be enough to distract the dog from their object (or critter) of interest. The intensity of the correction must be adjusted to be adequate to deter them without causing distress or harm. It’s a delicate balance, and what works for a older lap dog won’t be the same for a eager young herding dog.

Click here to read the full article:

Question of the Week:

Will an invisible fence keep stray animals out of my yard?

No, an invisible fence will not keep stray animals out of your yard; it's designed to keep your own dog in, not to provide a barrier against external animals. Stray dogs, neighborhood pets, and wild animals can easily enter a property with an invisible fence, which offers no protection from external threats. For true security against stray animals and potential hazards, a traditional, physical fence is a more effective solution. 

Why invisible fences don't stop other animals

·         A one-way barrier: 

The system works by delivering a static correction to your dog's collar if they try to cross a boundary, but it doesn't create a physical barrier that other animals would encounter. 

·         Free entry for others: 

Any animal or person not wearing the collar can pass through the boundary without receiving any correctional stimulus, allowing them to enter the yard unhindered. 

·         No prevention of interaction: 

Stray animals can still enter your yard and interact with your dog, potentially causing conflict or danger. 

What to use instead 

·         Physical fences: 

A traditional fence made of materials like vinyl, wood, or aluminum is designed to keep both your dog in and other animals out.

·         Consider your environment: 

If you live in an area with significant wildlife or a high number of stray animals, a physical fence provides crucial protection.

For more information click here:

Product Pics of the Week:

That’s it for this week, folks! Enjoy this beautiful September weather!

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