ELECTRIC FENCE

Question
I HAVE A BOXER THAT LIKES TO RUN BUT IS YOUNG.  I HAVE A LAB/PIT BULL MIX THAT IS GREAT AND VERY OBEDIENT, ETC.  

WE ARE THINKING ABOUT THE ELECTRIC FENCE/COLLAR PROGRAM SO THEY CAN BE OUTSIDE ON THEIR OWN, ETC.

IS IT CRUEL?  ARE THERE GOOD AND BETTER AND WORSE TYPES OUT THERE?  WE CANNOT AFFORD ALOT.

THANKS,
B

Answer
Perhaps it may depend on your dog.  Some of invisible fences work, and work
well.  Four people on my block have them, and I have never seen any of their
dogs running loose including the one young, unneutered male Lab.  On the other
hand, I know they won't work with some dogs.  Some dogs are very determined to
get loose, and aren't going to let a little shock stop them.  

Is your dog careful to avoid anything where it got hurt?  Is it creative and
determined to do what it wants regardless of your corrections?  Does it roam
the neighborhood, or just stray into you neighbors yard?  You know your dog,
does it seem like a shock would stop it?  Do you have a friend that might let
you try their collar and fence?

This is one case where I would go with name brand quality.  Many of the ones I
see working have the little white flags with the Green IF logo.  Maybe the
dogs I see running loose with their radio collars escaped a $50 unit from Big
Lots.  Is your landscaping complete?  Grading cuts the buried wires.  How
often is your dog home alone in a power outage?

I am sorry my answer is so full of questions, but it think you need to answer
them to decide if the invisible fence will work for you.  Many pet owners find
them a very workable way of giving their dogs freedom.  I hope my answer helps you choose a way to control your dog that works.