Do German Shepherds Work With Electric Fences

Expert’s answer:

Electric fences can be effective for some German Shepherds, but it may not work for every dog. The thick fur and double coat of German Shepherds can sometimes interfere with the effectiveness of electric fences. Additionally, German Shepherds are known to be intelligent and strong-willed dogs, so they may be more likely to challenge or ignore the boundaries set by an electric fence.

Pros and Cons of Electric Fences for German Shepherds

Electric fences have their own set of pros and cons when it comes to German Shepherds. Here are some factors to consider:

Pros:

  1. Boundaries: Electric fences can provide a clear boundary for your German Shepherd, preventing them from wandering off or entering restricted areas.
  2. Training: Electric fences can be used as a training tool to teach your German Shepherd to stay within certain boundaries.
  3. Aesthetics: Electric fences are often invisible, which means they won’t obstruct your view or alter the appearance of your property.

Cons:

  1. Thick Fur: The thick fur of German Shepherds can reduce the effectiveness of electric fences, as the fur may act as insulation and prevent the dog from feeling the electric stimulation.
  2. Strong-Willed Nature: German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and independence, which means they may be more likely to challenge or ignore the boundaries set by an electric fence.
  3. Potential Fear or Anxiety: Some dogs may develop fear or anxiety associated with the electric stimulation from the fence, which can have negative effects on their overall well-being.

Considerations for Using Electric Fences with German Shepherds

If you are considering using an electric fence for your German Shepherd, here are some additional considerations:

  1. Consult a Professional: It’s important to consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who has experience with electric fences and German Shepherds. They can provide guidance on whether an electric fence is suitable for your specific dog and situation.
  2. Training: Proper training is crucial when using an electric fence. It’s important to train your German Shepherd to understand and respect the boundaries of the fence. This may involve using positive reinforcement techniques and gradually introducing the electric stimulation.
  3. Supervision: Even with an electric fence, it’s important to supervise your German Shepherd when they are outside. This ensures their safety and allows you to intervene if they show signs of challenging the fence or attempting to escape.
  4. Alternative Options: If an electric fence is not suitable for your German Shepherd, there are alternative options to consider, such as physical fences or other containment systems that may better suit your dog’s needs.

Remember, every dog is unique, and what works for one German Shepherd may not work for another. It’s important to consider your dog’s individual temperament, training needs, and safety when deciding whether to use an electric fence. Consulting with a professional can provide valuable guidance in making the best decision for your German Shepherd.

Literature on the topic

Everything German Shepherd Book - Joan Hustace WalkerEverything German Shepherd Book
Author: Joan Hustace Walker
Year: 2011
Description:do this if they are receiving enough exercise, mental stimulation, and interaction with their owners; however, there are always exceptions. You might also consider adding a below-ground invisible electric fence that works with a …
German Shepherds For Dummies - D. Caroline CoileGerman Shepherds For Dummies
Author: D. Caroline Coile
Year: 2019
Description:work. Take the example of the new Shepherd owner and the old fence. The new owner surveys the fence and decides that it may … electric wire across the top to discourage fence climbing. Whatever you do, do it right. Fencing In an Escape …
The Complete Guide to German Shepherds: Selecting, Training, ... - David DaigneaultThe Complete Guide to German Shepherds: Selecting, Training, …
Author: David Daigneault
Year: 2019
Description:Selecting, Training, Feeding, Exercising, and Loving your new German Shepherd Puppy David Daigneault. Sometimes it’s … do not recommend when dealing with a digging dog. □ In line with the positive reinforcement approach, no electric fences
Invisible fence
Invisible fence – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What makes German Shepherds want to go outside so much?

Being active, these dogs may naturally want to spend a lot of time outside, especially in pleasant weather. The majority of their time shouldn’t ever be spent outside, though. They need to develop a close relationship with their family, among other factors.

It won’t harm your German Shepherd if you do it occasionally and leave him outside all night. It won’t harm them as long as the weather is suitable and their other needs are satisfied.

German Shepherds are devoted to their owners, though. They were raised to have an unrivaled level of loyalty to their family. They should spend as much time as possible with their family members because they are not intended to be outdoor dogs.

German Shepherds, as well as the majority of dogs, to be fair, prefer to sleep indoors.

Can a german shepherd jump a 6 foot fence
Can a german shepherd jump a 6 foot fence – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Can German Shepherds snooze outside in a dog house?

When the weather is nice and your German Shepherd is an adult, you can let them sleep outside. But inside or in a crate is the best place for them. After all, a German Shepherd won’t be guarding
anyone outside.

These dogs, like all shepherd breeds, have strong attachments to their owners. They should be around people as much as you can tolerate because they also need plenty of socialization.

Especially if their owners are home, your dog should spend the majority of their time indoors while they are awake. Although keeping your dog outside has some inherent risks, this isn’t the main argument in favor of keeping your German Shepherd inside most of the time.

This breed requires human companionship. This promotes socialization in puppies. They must settle in at a house. Social interaction with their peers provides them with the mental stimulation they need to remain happy as adults.

Best fence for german shepherd
Best fence for german shepherd – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Do large dogs fit through electric fences?

If you are the proud owner of a large dog, it is likely that you will go to any lengths to keep it safe and protected. It’s always nice to be able to give your dog lots of space to roam and get some exercise, but letting your dog out without keeping it in your yard can be risky. Your dog would face numerous dangers, such as attacks from wild animals, hunters, and fast-moving cars, if it were allowed to roam the neighborhood and beyond. After some time, if your dog is brought to a shelter, it might be put to sleep. Traditional fencing can be effective at keeping pets contained, but it can also be unsightly and isolate your yard from its surroundings. Additionally, it’s frequently unaffordable, especially when you factor in maintenance costs. Therefore, an electric fence for large dogs like our Dog Guard out-of-sight underground fencing might be what you need to keep your pet in its place. All Dog Guard goods are productive and vetted by doctors.

Our wireless fences for large dogs include a transmitter that is installed inside or on your house, typically in the basement or garage, and a receiver that is attached to a unique collar for your dog. Each Dog Guard transmitter is capable of successfully containing your dog over a 50-acre area. The transmitter sends a digital radio signal through a wire that can be buried underground along the perimeter of your property to the receiver on your dog’s collar in order to communicate. Your dog will get a warning stimulus as it gets close to the barrier. It will be given a mildly unpleasant static pulse to correct its behavior if it approaches the barrier too closely. Although the correction is benign, it is potent enough to deter the animal from attempting to cross the invisible fence. Dog Guard can assist you in training your dog to quickly become accustomed to the boundaries of its secure play area.

For large dogs, wireless fences have a number of benefits over conventional fences. One reason is that older fences made of aluminum, vinyl, chain-link, or wood can be unsightly. It may reduce the size and sense of isolation in your yard from its surroundings. Traditional fencing is also vulnerable to weather, which means you’ll have to pay for repairs if it gets damaged. Wooden fences require frequent painting, which can be expensive for homeowners. Larger dog breeds have a history of scaling fences or leaping over them to get away. A large dog electric fence is significantly less expensive and has the aesthetic benefit of keeping your yard open while still providing pet protection.

Petsafe wireless fence
Petsafe wireless fence – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Why is an electric fence not a good idea?

Risky: If installed and maintained improperly, electric fencing can be dangerous to both people and animals. If the fence is not clearly marked and visible, an electric shock from one of these fences may result in harm or even death.

Electric fencing needs a constant power supply, which presents a challenge in regions with frequent power outages. In such circumstances, the fence won’t be able to offer the required security, leaving the property open to intruders.

Interference: Lightning, power surges, electromagnetic interference from nearby sources like power lines or cell towers, as well as other external factors like these can all cause electric fencing to malfunction. The fence might not function when it’s most needed as a result of this.

German shepherd fence height
German shepherd fence height – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

I want to keep a German shepherd in my yard, but how?

Create a happy space in the yard. Ample fresh water and shelter should be provided. Take a toy that dispenses treats out for amusement. Rotate the toys you give your dog to keep them engaged. Never leave dogs outside alone for extended periods of time or whenever you can’t watch over them.

Many dog owners believe that having a nice, fenced backyard where their pet can roam, explore, and take a nap in the shade is essential. Except when your dog decides the grass is greener somewhere else and turns into a master escape artist, it’s perfect. They are visible from the kitchen window one moment, then vanish.

There are now more ways than ever to monitor your dog thanks to technology. A GPS-enabled device, such as the newFi Smart Dog Collar, is an excellent tool for ongoing tracking of your dog and for alerting you when they escape. Additionally, with features like a live map on your phone, collars like this one make it much simpler to find your dog if it were to successfully escape.

Feeling like you can’t trust your dog even in your own backyard is frustrating, along with worrying about their safety. Don’t give up; there are a few reasonably easy things you can do to prevent your dog from escaping the yard or to track them down if they do.

Ways to entertain a german shepherd
Ways to entertain a german shepherd – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Can you teach a German Shepherd to stay in the yard?

It’s crucial to continue working on and reinforce the lesson of teaching your dog to stay in the yard. No matter what is happening, it is never acceptable for your dog to wander off the property without you, and if they do, you must always bring them back to establish the rules.

The proper use of an ecollar or an electronic fence are two additional tools that can be used to teach your dog to stay in the yard. Both of those techniques have a learning curve, and the success of either one depends on the dog and the owner’s willingness to learn how to use them properly. In addition to praise, a clicker is an excellent training tool.

Training may also need to vary depending on the breed and personality. Given their speed and innate desire to pursue prey, sighthounds like grey hounds, whippets, and Italian greyhounds are poor candidates for yard freedom.

Are vinyl fences strong enough for dogs
Are vinyl fences strong enough for dogs – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How can I keep my German Shepherd from running away?

Remove their Escape Aids if you want to stop a German shepherd from jumping fences. dot. Keep your attention on obedience training to stop unwanted behaviors. dot. Offer The Correct Mental Stimulation To Them. dot. They should become more active. dot. Heighten the fence a bit. dot. Disrupt Temptations From Your Dog’s View.

Imagine you had the knowledge to keep your German Shepherd from scaling the fence.

But at the moment, you’re anxious and stressed out and unsure of what to do.

There is only one solution, so continue reading to discover the precise strategies I used to stop my German Shepherd from scaling the fence and which you can immediately put to use.

How high of a fence is required for a German shepherd?

When in doubt, pick a fence that is 6 feet tall. For medium- to large-sized dog breeds like German Shepherds, this fence is ideal.

Can a dog jump a 4 foot fence
Can a dog jump a 4 foot fence – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Which fence is best for dogs with aggression?

Pressure-Treated Wood Fences A traditional wooden fence is a great option, particularly if you have a dog that barks or growls at people, cars, other dogs, or humans (possibly even squirrels!).

Our cherished pets enjoy being outside just like humans do. It’s critical to have a secure outdoor area where your dog can get lots of fresh air and exercise, especially for dog owners. Having a yard that is a reasonable size is great, but without a proper enclosure or fence, you must keep your dog on a leash. With a fence, your pet can play safely and without the risk of escaping, being hit by a car, or interacting with stray animals. A well-installed fence also eliminates the need for early morning or late night dog walks by enabling you to open the back door and let your pet out to relieve itself.

If you’re thinking about getting a pet or already have one, it’s a good idea to think about the best fencing options that will work for your house and your dog’s personality. Check out the popular types of fencing below for more details on which one will keep your dog safe and secure.

For many dog owners, a cheap solution is chain link or wire mesh fencing. This kind of fencing seems ideal for creating a dog run enclosure because it is a low-cost and low-maintenance choice. Chain link fencing does have some drawbacks. Since this type of fencing is transparent, if your dog enjoys barking at everything and anything that passes by, you run the risk of becoming the latest neighborhood nuisance. Chain link fences lack aesthetic appeal despite being cost-effective. Other fencing options might be a better fit for you if you’re looking for that instant curb appeal!

How far can a German Shepherd jump?

It’s not unusual for German shepherds to have been family dogs and the majority of them can jump six feet in the air.

What fear do German Shepherds have?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What fear do German Shepherds have?

Unfamiliar people or places are among the main things German Shepherds dislike. German Shepherds are naturally wary and aggressive toward strangers, especially if they don’t know them.

German Shepherds need socialization to become accustomed to new environments and people. Early exposure to a variety of experiences can help your dog feel more at ease and confident when confronted with a novel situation.

But that’s not all. German Shepherds are bothered by a variety of additional issues.

Here are the top 10 pet peeves of nearly all German Shepherds.

Do German Shepherds require a fenced yard?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Do German Shepherds require a fenced yard?

Experience is the best teacher, and it has shown us that a fenced yard or area is the safest environment for a rescue German shepherd. Most rescued dogs, in general, require more restrictions because they require time to get to know their new owners and form bonds. We strongly believe that dogs who are allowed to wander unattended run a higher risk of becoming lost, stolen, poisoned, or hit by a car. Dogs that are allowed to roam freely run the risk of coming into contact with rabid animals and possibly infecting the family with this fatal disease. GSRNE requires some sort of fenced area that is connected to your home at the back or side door. To protect the dog’s safety, this is being done. Your fence doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive. It doesn’t have to cover the whole of your yard.

The fenced area is NOT meant to be the dog’s permanent home; rather, it is meant to provide a safe outdoor exercise area for the pet. German Shepherds are extremely sociable, loving dogs that depend on their owners for happiness. Placement: It’s important to think about where the fenced area will be. It must be fastened to your home at the back or side door to increase your dog’s safety and make your life easier. It ought to have a gate that can be locked. Unless it is a stockade-style fence, a fence along a sidewalk or road must be set back at least 20 feet.

Size: The fenced area must be at least 1000 square feet (for instance, 20′ x 50′) to give your GSD a comfortable, safe space to exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and go potty without worrying about people, children, pets, or other animals straying into their territory. If not enclosed within a larger fenced area attached to your home, kennels or pens do not qualify. Along with fresh water, there should also be shade and protection from the sun and weather. Height: For active dogs, we typically recommend a fence that is at least 5 feet high. For less active dogs, we are open to discussing an exception to the standard fence height of 4 feet.

Video:


Best & Safest Wireless Fences For German Shepherds

We all want to let our dogs run free, just to see the joy on their faces. But unfortunately, the rest of the world isn’t always okay with it …



DIY Electric fence install and setup for a German Shepherd

This is for our German Shepherd puppy . She was hit by a car about one month before this video was made. she is fine now.


Do German Shepherds Work With Electric Fences.
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Chelsea Vaughn

Chelsea is a former marine biologist who switched gears in her twenties to build a small house and start a business. She enjoys traveling and going on hiking adventures with her husband, their two Australian Shepherds and their African Grey Parrot.

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16 comments

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  • For those who complain, what’s the alternative to an electric fence according to you? The way I see it is if your dog won’t stop jumping over the fence that is designed to keep your animal and the public safe, then you can either make the dog think twice about trying to jump it or you can let it jump the fence. If it jumps the fence and bites someone, the owner will be held liable for damages and the dog may be put to death. If it runs away, it may get hit by a car or attacked by other animals. Or it may trespass and attack someone’s animal or people and end up getting shot by the owner or the police. An electric fence is a mild way to enforce the safety of everyone. Try touch a cattle fence with your back hand(always touch potentially hot and electrified items your back hand, unless you have a death wish) and you’ll get a mild shock, but you’ll survive and hopefully learn to not do that again. Animals learn quickly this way.

  • Doesn’t this only work because she’s still touching the ground when she touches the wire? I have a smaller dog who is completely off the ground (i.e. not grounded) when she’s jumping the fence. Would I need to run two wires? Or would a single hot wire be sufficient because she would probably touch both the hot wire and the chainlink fence (grounded)? Anyone have experience with this?

  • Thanks for the article. From what I can tell, I did these exact steps to install mine, for the same purpose (dog keeps jumping the 5 foot tall gate) and the wire sometimes works but most of the time it just has a very small pulse of electricity that I can barely feel when I touch it. The dog touched the wire with his nose multiple times and had no effect what so ever. I’m at a loss here. What am I doing wrong!?! Please help. 😭

  • I have this same controller box that I’m trying to install on a chain link fence. I bought 19 gauge wire and my husband used it without fully reading directions (which say 10-18 gauge). What gauge is used here? Or anyone who has used this same box know the wire gauge they used? Is the ground wire the same wire used for fencing?? I need to make sure my neighbor did the ground post correctly, but I’m thinking it might be the wire gauge I bought not being within the limit.

  • ok, one thing i learned the hard way, those screws that come with the insulators, WILL just screw in, i was drilling the hole out as well… once you put the plastic part on, the screw goes right in…. and to all you bleeding hearts complaining about using electric fence… i paid over 6k for my 4ft tall fence, and some times electric is the only way to stop the buggers from jumping out, or digging under, i would rather have my dog get shocked a few times, than getting ran over, mangled, suffering and dragging itself back home. I had to install electric fence around the bottom of my fence because mine tries to dig out, he got popped a couple of times and no more digging, i tested it on myself by the way, it stings, but its not enough to really hurt, it does get your attention and you dont want to touch it again

  • I have a question. Is it essential the the ground pole be at least 3 ft deep into the ground? We’ve installed an electric fence and it worked in the past. Then we installed a newer fence and when we hooked the electric fence back up, it won’t go live. What could be the problem? I checked the outlet, the power, and the wires are connected to the right terminals. The only thing could be with the grounding or at the wire connection where the charger and the positive electric fence intersect (scratching head in frustration).

  • Its better to use these poles lowes.com/pd/Fi-Shock-1-in-x-3-38-ft-Plastic-Electric-Fence-Post/3006156. Cost a little more at first but says a lot of time money and headache later. I have had them up for about 6 years and still going strong and stops the dog from getting close to chain link fence. . The ones you hook to the post are crap. If you have a dog that loves to climb fences and just do anything to escape then the post help the best i wasted a lot of time and money on the devices you hook to your fence and personally feel the standalone post work the best. Put some in a bucket of concrete and you have a portable fence you can move around. For people that think it is cruel for the dogs, not cruel it is only about 3 volts and i personal got stung more then my dogs by accident and it is more surprising for the dog then anything. As soon as they know it shocks them they stay away. Just do not get the live stock one it is way to strong and a lot more volts. Also get the aluminum wire last a lot longer then the steel roll. The steel rust then you have to spend alot more time replacing the wire. For the box i had to put mine on grass so i made a base with brick, ran a outdoor extension cord and set the box on top of it. I then set a 5 gallon bucket over the top of it put some bricks on top so it would not blow over in wind storm. For gates you have to use what he has on his gate. then you just run it to the post at the end of fence.

  • You can fence dogs in or out with nothing but horizontal electric wires. I have a kennel that keeps in 50 lb dogs with 5 horizontal wires and in hindsight, I believe that’s overkill. I suspect you could do it with only 2 or 3 wires with proper training and things to make the wires highly visible, meaning you start out by tying them at a point where they can only reach the fence if they choose and get shocked by it, but can’t pass through it. The problem with allowing them to pass through it is they receive a mixed message. Once they learn what an electric fence looks like, you can set up dummy single temporary polywire fences within a larger fenced yard to keep them out of a garden, flower bed, etc. Keeping them out of something is actually much easier than keeping them in.

  • wow people are such dicks. we have a 6’ fence with a gs and a husky/gs mix and the husky/gs mix still jumps over the fence. i personally am a 20-something year old home owner and cannot afford a higher fence. maybe the person struggling can only afford an electric fence. also, training does not always work when a dogs primal instincts kick in, speaking from experience. thanks so much for the article, i didn’t quite get what i needed from it, but i still appreciated the article.

  • So, probably stupid question, but here it goes: I’ve had the power unit, wire, and mounts sitting in my house for a month or so now for my husband and/or roommate to install to keep 2 of our 4 digging dogs in (before the bleeding hearts come for me—I am one of you, seriously, but we have poured copious concrete and blocked multiple dig spots with many different items, and they continue to dig, having been picked up by the dog catcher a couple times now, and it can’t keep happening. Nvm that they’re digging to get at a stray the catcher NEVER picks up…I digress). Anyway, in all of this, no one has mentioned a grounding rod to me, and since it seems I’m going to have to be the one to do this, even though they both have loads of experience with installing an electric fence, perhaps you or a viewer could offer some advice on the type of metal and length I should procure. Thanks!

  • I get that you were too cheap to just instal a higher fence but you still want to keep your dog safe, so not hating on you about at least caring enough… but I think we could all do without you calling her over for the purpose of a demonstration. we believe you when you say it worked and only took a couple of times and don’t need to watch her attempt to come to you like a good dog would, only to be hurt. I think I speak for everyone when I say that it was kind of disturbing how you seemed to get pleasure out of her shock, based on the creepy laugh you gave. Just saying

  • Ugghh.. I was already running out of ideas of how to keep my GSD in the yard. I have a huge brick wall in the back yard and she still jumps that shit like its nothing😓 i tried having her on a leash while im not home and somehow she manages to escape it. Next thing i know shes wondering in the street. My dog already got lost for a week and it was the worst feeling ever and she got hit by a car. You gotta fo what you gotta do before something worst happens. Trying this method next !! Gracias 👍

  • You have a whole collection of idiotic comments here. German shepherds are KNOWN for jumping and climbing fences. I’ve tried every method under the sun to keep my dog contained, and have resorted to locking him in the garage until I can set up an e-collar. Made the fence higher, he dug under. Blocked the holes, he made another. Blocked the base of the fence with concrete, he started climbing PRICKLY BUSHES to get higher, then jump over. Now I can continue to trim down every bush or tree in my yard, and build a wall that would make Trump jealous, OR I could set up a damn e-fence and be done with it. I appreciate your walkthrough.

  • couple mistakes your making…don’t call your dog to the electric fence like that. she will start to think shes gona get shocked when you call her and she will loose trust in you. and in the beginning you told her “no” for trying to jump the fence and then petted her on the head…don’t associate “NO” with being petted…..sorry, don’t mean to be a dick, but just a few things I wanted to point out to you

  • could barely hear you . Really hard . Have help make an outline go in steps tell us why you are doing things. Use a seperate mi as you take your cell phone or camera around it goes away from mic I had to stop perusal. Probably won’t link or subscribe or give thumbs up. even though you had the makings of a great article. Sorry

  • I personally dont like electric fences around the home, pets have been killed by electric fences, MORE THAN YOU REALIZE. Often when a pet is shocked, they panic and get a leg or foot in the fence, resulting death by electicution. Electric fences are ok to keep out intruders ect, bt for keeping pets in the yard? I THINK ITS A STUPID POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS IDEA, NO WAY id ever use an electirc fence around my pets fuck that 😐 I PERSONALLY use more SAFE ways of keeping my dog in the yard, not all this electric fence crap, if you dont believe me look it up, see how many pets per year die of electric fences around the home 😐