Do Wireless Dog Fences Work?

Though some people report that wireless fences work for their dogs, we never recommend using them. These fences require a shock collar that shocks the dog anytime they cross the barrier of the wireless fence. There are other alternatives to this negative reinforcement technique that are more humane and work better in many cases.

What is a wireless fence?

A wireless fence (sometimes called an electronic fence or invisible fence) uses a collar that’s synced to a buried wire. That wire is connected to a transmitter to create a perimeter. As your dog nears the boundary, the collar might get a vibration or a beep as a warning (but not all do) before delivering an electrical shock. “These shocks can range from mild to intense shocks depending on how the collar is set, the quality of the collar, and whether the collar malfunctions,” Christine Hibbard, CTC, CPDT, says.

Why not use an electric fence for dogs?

If it wasn’t already clear, we’re firmly against using shock collars or any form of negative reinforcement. Not only are they harmful, but they can also create more problems than they solve. “What happens is that dogs start to generalize the pain to what they see and hear around them,” says Niki Tudge, certified dog trainer and behavior consultant. “Then you end up with dogs who become reactive and aggressive towards children going past on bikes or people walking by.”

If you’re looking for more information on why not to use an electric fence for dogs — here are a few reasons why.

1. Electric fences can cause pain in dogs: Research shows that while shocks can be made stronger gradually so as not to scare the dog, this process risks desensitizing the dog over time, which makes them ineffective. To be effective, the initial shocks need to be strong — and that raises some serious ethical concerns.

2. Electric fences use negative reinforcement: Wireless fences rely on dogs receiving unpleasant feelings to learn, which can lead to fear, anxiety, and even behavioral issues such as aggression.

3. Electric fences can create unintended associations: If a dog gets shocked near something harmless — such as a person or another animal — they might associate that person with negative feelings, causing unnecessary stress or fear.

4. Electric fences may cause your dog to fear your yard. Those unintended associations work with places, too. For some dogs, a single shock may be enough to create extreme fear around what should be a safe place.

5. Electric fences can malfunction: Unlike a physical fence, wireless fences are prone to issues such as collar malfunctions, weak signals, battery failure, or damaged wiring, making them far less reliable and dangerous. A malfunctioning collar can shock dogs continuously, causing irreversible injuries.

6. Electric fences aren’t foolproof: If there’s something really tempting on the other side of the boundary — say a cat, squirrel, or trash — some determined or overly excited dogs might ignore the shock and run through anyway.

7. Electric fences offer no protection: Unlike a traditional solid fence, wireless fences don’t keep out other critters, stray animals, strangers, children, or potential dangers, leaving your dog vulnerable.

What is an alternative to an invisible fence?

It is far kinder to use an alternative to a wireless fence that works for both you and your dog.

• Putting up a physical fence, there are many dog-friendly fence options available.

• Create a smaller physically fenced-in “dog run” to lower costs

• Only take your dog outside on a leash and consider walking them more often.

• Working on off-leash commands such as “stop” and “no.”

Commonly asked questions

Can you set the boundaries with a wireless dog fence?

Yes, with a wireless dog fence, you can determine the boundaries through the use of buried transmission wires.

How reliable are invisible dog fences?

Invisible dog fences are only as reliable as the dog’s training and personality and the system’s functionality allow. These systems can lead to unintended consequences such as anxiety, misplaced fear, or even aggression. And for dogs with high prey drives or strong determination, these fences might not stop them from crossing the boundary if they see a ground squirrel or other enticing item.

What happens when a dog runs through an invisible fence?

If a dog runs through an invisible fence, they get shocked, and then they’re free to bolt, leaving the fence totally useless. If and when they return home, they’ll be shocked again to return to the inside of the boundary. And once they’ve learned they can break through, they’ll be more likely to do it again.

References

Krulik, CTC, CSAT, Tracy. “Electric Dog Fences: The Danger and Risks Associated.” Kinship.com, 2024, www.kinship.com/dog-lifestyle/debate-electronic-dog-fences-continues. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Hibbard, CTC, CPDT, Christine. “Invisible Fences: Not a Recommended Solution.” Companionanimalsolutions.com, 12 Oct. 2010, blog.companionanimalsolutions.com/invisible-fences-not-a-recommended-solution/. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Blackwell, Emily, and Rachel Casey. “The Use of Shock Collars and Their Impact on the Welfare of Dogs: A Review of the Current Literature.” 2006, science.rspca.org.uk/documents/1494935/9042554/Shock+Collar+Review_2006+%281%29.pdf/.