How Electronic Fencing Controls Your Dog
A crucial element of learning is reinforcement of "good" or "bad" consequences when a certain behaviour occurs. For example, let's say your dog has learnt some unwanted behaviour. Common problems include:
- "My dog destroys the garden, ripping out plants and the irrigation system."
- "My dog destroys the fence, tearing away timber, chewing it, and escaping."
- "My dog climbs the fence to visit neighbours or other animals."
Whatever the problem, your dog sees this behaviour as a rewarding positive experience. Each time your dog repeats the behaviour, it makes it more likely he will do it again.
Electronic fencing works by consistently presenting a "bad consequence" in the form of an electrical "correction". When your dog repeatedly encounters the barrier it discovers that the bad consequence always happens. Very quickly your dog decides to behave properly and avoid receiving a correction. Your dog's backing off response is rewarded or reinforced because the correction is avoided. The original reward of escape eventually becomes a distant memory.
Practical Considerations
In many situations it makes good sense to remove the stimulus that your dog finds rewarding. As far as practical, try to do this at least a week before starting electronic containment. Maintain the removal as long as possible.
What situations should you consider? For example, let's say your dog is escaping because it is visiting neighbours either for food or companionship with people or other dogs. Obviously, your dog finds this enjoyable otherwise he wouldn't be doing it. If your neighbours are part of the overall situation then talk to them about your plans. Your dog's visiting should in no way be rewarded but be immediately rebuffed. Removing the stimulus will lessen the possibility of your dog persistently challenging the boundary.
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