We have an invisible fence and our miniature schnauzer is completely contained and happy with it. For the following question lets assume that the dog is trained properly, fence and collar are maintained, and dog is supervised (the fence isn't a babysitter).

If I am planning on getting a working GSD will this type of fence effect future training in Schutzhund?

Does anyone have a dog with off the charts prey drive and still use an Ivisible fence, how does it work?

If I choose to do future work/obidience with and electric collar is there an issue with the invisible fence?

Bottom line is that I just want to confirm that this type of fence won't have negative repercussions. I understand that people and other dogs/critters (including coyotes here) are not stopped by this type of fence. My concern has to do with effecting drive or future work with an electric collar. For example I believe if you stake a dog out you can end up with an aggressive dog from a dog that did not start this way. I want to make sure the Electric fence isn't going to has ramifications I'm not aware of.

I've got thick skin so feel free to be honest and detailed when telling me why using a fence like this is wrong if it is. I have searched the web and haven't found too much info (other than the fluff). If you have reference material feel free to include it.

About the high-drive dogs and invisible fences...

I do know a couple of high-drive dogs that couldn't be trusted with an invisible fence. They would take the burn to go after whatever it was they were after (an errant ball, another dog, a squirrel).

It didn't seem to phase them because a dog in drive will need a much higher correction from the fence than a dog that's just meandering around the back yard.

I suppose those issues could have been worked on (supposedly if the fences are introduced properly from the beginning you shouldn't have these issues, but I don't know if I trust even that), but it was easier to just put up a fence for these people, especially considering the other downfalls of the invisible fences.

And as for me, I would just never really fully trust an invisible fence for my high-drive dog. I've seen some of the crazy things he will do while in drive and I just wouldn't feel secure with it. But as I've said...I haven't really used them on my own dogs so maybe someone could change my mind. Still, I have seen them fail more than a few times.

I haven't kept up with the new technology of the fences, perhaps someone's found a way of overcoming these issues. But if the dog is going to be supervised anyway, why not just condition the dog to the e-collar and use it for recall when you feel the dog is straying too far from you?

As for whether it interferes with future e-collar training, I can't speak to that because I don't use an invisible fence. I'm sure there will be someone here with some good advice for you on that.

Roni Hoff is a mod for this forum and an e-collar guru. I'm sure she'll have some input on the subject.

Thanks for the quick response, since I don't have the dog yet I don't know the level of prey drive it will have.

I do have a friend who laid his fence out to have a double barrier, kind of a larger no mans land that took way longer to break through and it seemed like a good idea (more that a grin and bear it run to get through it).

The reason I'm asking is because I'm about to re-burry a new line and am thinking of putting it in a protective "pipe" to prevent breaks when the ground freezes and shifts.

I have a 5 yr old boxer with a HIGH HIGH prey drive on the fence. It seems to work but I have 20 acres. She is high drive but sensitive and like you I have never left the property with her unattended on the system.

Roni said there will be no problems with the e collar and the fence. Totally different.

I am just on the beginning stages with the e collar.

I have a 6 mnth old GSD that I probaby will not bother with the inv fence.

ALL of my dogs ran through it. You could see them (all except the Bloodhound, I think he is too dumb to realize he was getting shocked ) getting ready for the correction, but they did it anyway.

I went step by step on introduction to the fence as well. If I was right there they were fine, but if I went into the barn, shop or airplane hanger to do something, or was working on the other side of the house....they would run through it. I thought it was not working, but I tried it on each dog (should add here that I only had 3 dogs at the time) and all were the same.

Too much drive in my dogs to have nothing but actual fencing.

Gave it to my hubbies son and it works great for his dogs.

 Quote: Carol Boche

(all except the Bloodhound, I think he is too dumb to realize he was getting shocked )

Or just smart enough to realize it was worth it

Other than not working and dogs escaping ( I'm not taking that lightly ), it seems that it's not a negative in terms of effecting drive or workability. I understand and can evaluate the escape danger and the fact that it doesn't keep other stuff (people, animals, UFOs) out.

I'm evaluating this in two parts. One is will the dog be effected negatively by this type of containment and two will the dog be safely contained. The second is fairly easy to proof with a long lead and supervision until that perfect test of a rabbit or something even more 'fun' comes along (number of times and again this isn't just for babysitting purposes even the Miniature Schnauzer is supervised when out).

At what age can you begin to place the collar on a dog? Either for and invisible fence or just a training collar. I've read of the two 'fear' stages in development, but don't know if that means wait until after the second or simply be aware of them.

I'm just researching right now, the dog isn't here yet. So don't worry I'm not in the yard just experimenting with an 8 week old......

The invisible fence company told me 16 weeks when I got the boxer. I called last week when I was thinking of putting the shepherd on the system and they now will start at 12 weeks.

I decided against the system with the shepherd but still might...

I have read the e collar should wait until 6 months. ( I think). Also Ed's DVD was TONS AND TONS of help.

I am going to one of Roni's seminars next month on the e collar.

I have seen collars placed on dogs as young as 6 months, but I like to start at a year. I always have the dog wear the collar (any collar) for a few weeks before using it.

Although my new pup has been wearing hers for a few weeks now and she is 6 months. Have not used it yet, and not sure if I am going to start now or not.

Hi Chris;
The "Invisible Fence" is a brand name of buried electic containment system that I am comfortable with, if you must use one. The other systems on the market are just not reliable.
The use of an electronic containment system does not affect drives of the dog as far as genetics. Inappropriate training of the fence can dramatically bother a soft dog, as with any correction. I prefer to use an e collar to control my dogs when they are off leash. My complaint about a containment system is that it gives a false sense of security to the human. It cannot stop another dog from entering your yard and it is not fail safe.
A dog that is trained on a containment system, is fully capable of understanding and learning how to work with an e collar. It is up to the trainer to be clear. Happy Training!

Roni, thanks for the info.

At the last house and with the last GSD we didn't have a fence and the dog was simply trained to stay in the yard (was supervised). Maybe the Schnauzer gets to keep using the fence and I control the new GSD (not here yet) in the manner you described.

I'll have to continue to think on this one. At what age can you start working with an ecollar (either fence or hand held)?