Seeking advice on virtual dog fence.

[Zak]

I adopted a 3yo lab/husky mix a few months ago. Rigby's training is coming along, but I can't trust him outside off of a leash. He would chase a rabbit or squirrel with no thought to anything else.

I rent, and our place is unfenced on one side. We have a nice big backyard, but Rigby could run past the house and out into the street.

I'm curious about virtual/GPS fences that work with a shock collar. I've never used one. Thoughts? Are they cruel?

We go for two walks a day, each a little over a mile. But he is a fit, fast dog. I'd love for him to be able to run and get his yayas out in the back yard. Our last rescue we could let out there on her own, no problem.

Has anyone used these systems and have any advice and/or recommendations?

Thanks.

 

[Yard Sale]

I had a Houdini dog that just kept escaping our back yard. After a year of fortifying our fences she was still getting out. She was equal parts smart, stubborn, and athletic. I finally broke down and ran an electric wire fence. I ran it at the lowest level and it barely buzzed until she got close. She tested it a couple times but by the second day she wouldn't go close to the fence line. She never even tried to get out again. After a month I took the collar off and she still didn't try to get out. No experience with the GPS type, sorry.

 

[Zak]

I had a Houdini dog that just kept escaping our back yard. After a year of fortifying our fences she was still getting out. She was equal parts smart, stubborn, and athletic. I finally broke down and ran an electric wire fence. I ran it at the lowest level and it barely buzzed until she got close. She tested it a couple times but by the second day she wouldn't go close to the fence line. She never even tried to get out again. After a month I took the collar off and she still didn't try to get out. No experience with the GPS type, sorry.

Thanks! Did you bury the wire? Do you remember the brand name?

 

[Tom Butler]

My dad picked up an electric fence like Yardsale mentions at COSTCO, don't know the brand. Their Westy hated the collar, but after several months he would stay in the yard and no collar was needed.
Emma has always stayed in the yard, even the unfenced front, no issues for the most part.. She runs away if another dog passes by. But if she sees a squirrel, like yours, all bets are off. They do get focused.
Hope you find the right solution, dogs are so wonderful.