Do Electric Fences Work for Big Dogs? How Well Does it Work?

Last Updated on December, 2024

Traditional fences may not be suitable for certain types of dogs. Electric fences are a possible substitute in this situation.

It is safe to use electric/invisible dog fences for any animal with a neck size of 25 to 55 cm and a weight range of 5 to 70 kg. But training is essential.

If you have any questions regarding electric/invisible fencing systems for a big Dog, you better know more to find the best one for your wonderful pet.

Quick Summary

Yes, electric fences are effective for big dogs. They can be used as a substitute for traditional fences and are safe for dogs with certain weight and neck size requirements.

Electric fences are safe to use for any animal with a neck size of 25 to 55 cm and a weight range of 5 to 70 kg, but training is essential.

Training is essential for the effective use of electric fences on big dogs.

Are There Electric Fences for Big Dogs?

a dog lying on the ground

There are no electric fences designed exclusively for Big Dogs. Big Dogs can utilize the standard electric fence for dogs. The receiver’s sensitivity in this instance and electric impulse can differ from Dog to Dog.

Do These Fences Work on Big Dogs?

Yes, these Electric/Invisible Fences are effective on Big Dogs. The Invisible dog fence device’s receiver is built to send out a static pulse potent. It is enough to effectively deter your Big Dog from trying to get out of your yard.

Large, uncompromising dogs may require a more durable receiver. Electric/invisible fences are effective for Big Dogs because they deliver electric shocks.

How Do These Electric Dog Fences Work?

a dog wearing electronic dog collar

Inside your home or garage, a transmitter for an electric dog fence is attached to a wire. The wire will be put entirely around your yard. The invisible fence wire is buried three to five inches deep inside the ground.

To alert the Dog approaching too close to a boundary, the electronic dog collar’s receiver receives a radio signal from the transmitter box that is sent 360 degrees around the wire (buried wire).

If your Dog continues to travel in the direction of the boundary wire, the radio signal will correct it. It will indicate a collar-based electric shock. When properly trained, your Dog will know to return to the house when it detects the signal.

What About the Usual Electric Fence? (Don’t Get Confused!)

Electric Fence

An electric fence is a boundary created above ground with an electric current running through it using electricity.

This electrified fencing will startle anyone who touches it with a powerful electric charge, preventing people and animals from touching it again. Electric fences for dogs and cats are not prohibited by law.

Although these systems use very high voltages, no testing has been done to evaluate the long-term impacts. Electric cattle fences do not have some safety elements that are present in “electric dog fences.”

Should the Intensity Levels Be Higher in the Invisible Fence Receiver for Big Dogs?

Intensity levels for giant dogs should be about two to three levels greater than for medium-sized dogs. A more powerful receiver means a more sensitive indication.

With this, your Big Dog might change its mind to obey the instruction to stay inside the barrier. Problems may look hard, but solutions are simple.

Do Electric/Invisible Fences Hurt Dogs? 

a dog wearing Electronic Fence collar

Dogs are safe around electric fences when used at the proper intensity levels. Only when used at its maximum capacity can it become problematic.

Can a Dog Breakthrough an Electric/ Invisible Fencing System?

Yes, a dog can break through an Electric Fence if there is any interruption in the power supply (a cut wire or a dead battery in the collar).

But after getting familiar with the electric boundary, the Dog might not try to escape. It is a sort of psychological phenomenon.

Is it Possible to Control Electric Dog Fences Using Smartphones?

a human using a phone

Yes, smartphones can control the Electric/ Invisible Dog Fences. When installing the electric fence system, you are supposed to install the relevant app on your mobile phone.

Using the app features, you can adjust the properties of the fencing system as required. 

Pros and Cons of Electric Fences for Dogs

Pros

Cost Effective: Less expensive than the materials and installation fees for conventional fencing

Electric fences do not block the view of the surrounding area: The Electric/invisible system doesn’t block the view. Acting as available property borders, they create green spaces and provide owners with flexibility.

While conventional fencing can help keep pets in their places, it can also be unattractive and isolate your yard from its surroundings.

Dogs can roam freely: The Electric Dog Fences give the dog room to run and play inside your property’s perimeter. It is good not to need a leash or runner when letting your Dog run around.

Feasible: A typical fencing system is either climbed over by the Dog or dug under. However, having an electric fencing system, the pet typically picks up on staying inside the boundaries to avoid the warning signal and subsequent shock.

Quick installation: Electric fences are easier to install than conventional enclosures. Trenching, laying wire, nailing boards, welding iron, and rolling wire all take longer than fencing and installing wire.

Cons

Electric/Invisible fences could frustrate dogs with barriers: An invisible barrier allows a dog to see another dog or person coming but prohibits him from approaching and greeting them. It could make the Dog frustrated with barriers. A Dog tethered to an object for a more extended period can also cause the same effect.

Induce Fear: The effects of electric impulses include dread, anxiety, and anger.

The invisible fence aims to teach dogs to identify discomfort with approaching a barrier, but some dogs are unable to establish the connection.

Doesn’t prevent wild animals and strangers from entering the property: Dog breeds were the focus of the design of the electric/invisible fence system. Other animals and people who are not wearing collars are not covered by the barrier, though.

Keeping Dogs contained is not 100% guaranteed: The Dog may be able to successfully escape if the power source is interrupted by a cut wire or a dead battery.

Conclusion 

For many people, maintaining the barrier with Big Dogs may be challenging. Wooden fences and other conventional fencing methods may not be suitable for Big Dogs and are out-of-date.

Invisible fencing options can provide more significant outcomes in keeping the dogs contained. These types of fencing are affordable, cost-effective and prevent dog escapes. 

Now that you know invisible fences work on big dogs, it’s time to pick a worthy one if you don’t have one yet. For that, I recommend you checkout this article of the best invisible fences that suits the large dog breeds that are available on the market. 

Hope this article helped you figure out whether or not invisible fences work on big dogs. If you did but are still having questions, make sure to let us know in the comments and we’ll get back to you as soon as we see it. 

FAQs

Traditional fences, including wooden fence types, aluminum fence types, and Kennels, can be considered. 

The traditional fencing systems might not be effective for Big Dogs in preventing them from a dog running and jumping over the boundaries. The specifications of the Humane Society for kennels should be followed when choosing kennels for Dogs. 

Yes, an electric/invisible dog fence can effectively stop Pitbulls with proper training.

Your Invisible Fence system will keep running with the optional battery backup even if the power goes out. Consider other containment strategies if the power outage lasts an hour or longer.

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Author
Stefano Giachetti
Stefano Giachetti is always excited to share his knowledge and love of animals with you through our blog, IPetGuides. And he has always loved animals and has been blessed to have many pets throughout his life. Currently has a Pomeranian Dog Breed.

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