You probably already know that dogs have amazing ears. They can hear things that we can’t, like the electric current running through an electric fence. Whether or not you choose to use an electric fence for your dog, it’s important to understand that they can hear it and know where it starts and stops. In this guide, we will discuss signs that indicate your dog can hear the electric fence and provide information on how to train your dog to work with it.
Signs Your Dog Can Hear the Electric Fence
Dogs have superior hearing compared to humans. They can hear a wider range of frequencies and from much farther away. So, it’s no surprise that your dog can hear the electric fence even without wearing the collar. If you see your dog twitching their ears, pausing, or flattening their ears to their head, it’s a sign that they can hear the fence buzzing. Other signs include perking up their ears, bobbing their head, or tilting their head to locate the sound. Pay attention to your dog’s body language as well, such as being alert, tilting their head, raising their ears, turning their head, or dilated pupils.
Other Signs
There are additional signs to look out for, such as your dog flattening their ears against their head, refusing to move towards the fence, showing timidness or anxiety, twitching their ears, or tucking their tail.
The History of the Electric Dog Fence
The electric fence was invented in 1971 by Richard Peck, who wanted to keep dogs contained in their yards. He partnered with an electrical engineer and created a system using boundary wires and a receiver collar. The invention was patented and later sold to John Purtell, who renamed it the invisible fence. Over the years, the invisible fence has been bought and sold multiple times and is now owned by Radio Systems Corporation.
The Science Behind Dogs Hearing Electric Fences
Dogs have incredible ears, with about 25 times more hearing receptors than humans. They can hear about 100,000 times better than we can and can hear frequencies that are almost twice that of human ears. It’s no surprise that they can hear the buzzing of an electric fence.
Training Your Dog to Use an Electric Fence (Safely)
Contrary to common belief, installing an electric fence does not eliminate the need for training. Dogs need to understand their boundaries and the consequences of crossing them. Start by ensuring your dog knows basic commands like “stay” and “no.” Walk your dog on a leash around the yard to familiarize them with the boundaries and the sounds of the electric fence. Gradually introduce the warning beeps and shocks. Reward your dog for staying within the boundaries to reinforce positive behavior.
“Unlock the secret superpower of your dog’s ears – they can hear the electric current buzzing through an electric fence!”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Dogs have a remarkable sense of hearing and can actually hear the electric current running through an electric fence. This means that even without wearing a collar, they can still sense the presence of the fence.
2️⃣ You can identify if your dog knows the electric fence is on by observing their body language. Signs such as twitching ears, flattened ears, head tilting, and head bobbing indicate that your dog is aware of the electric fence.
3️⃣ Training your dog to use an electric fence requires patience and proper obedience training. Basic commands like “stay” and “no” should be taught before introducing the electric fence. Gradually familiarize your dog with the boundaries and reward them for staying within the designated area. Positive reinforcement is key to successful training.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. How can you tell if your dog knows the electric fence is on?
– Look for signs such as twitching ears, flattened ears, head tilting, head turning, and head bobbing.
2. What are some body language signs that indicate your dog hears the electric fence buzzing?
– Alertness, head tilting, raised ears, head turning, head bobbing, dilated pupils, and whale eye.
3. What are some other signs that your dog might hear the electric fence buzzing?
– Flat ears against their head, refusal to move toward the fence, timidness or anxiety, ear twitching, and a tucked tail.
4. What is the history behind the invention of the electric dog fence?
– It was invented in 1971 by a traveling salesman named Richard Peck to keep dogs contained in their yards. It has since been bought and sold multiple times and is now owned by Radio Systems Corporation.
5. How can you train your dog to use an electric fence safely?
– Start with basic obedience training, familiarize your dog with the boundaries through walks on a leash, gradually introduce the warning sound and shock, and reward your dog for staying within the boundaries.
