We use the Pet Safe brand wireless fence. So there is no wire, just a collar and a transmitter box. We've been using this for over a year now? Yoshi respects the boundaries to the point he will not even get close enough to get the warning beep. We've moved his boundaries twice and he adapted within minutes. He knows, beep, bad, turn around. We have woods that border our backyard and he has all sorts of critters to entertain him, but he will not follow them past his fence line. The flip side is everything else can get in. I've come out side a few times to find him romping around with some neighborhood dogs that have gotten loose. I know the repeat offenders by name now and have their owners numbers in my speed dial. Thankfully everyone gets a long just fine and they love having the impromptu play date. My house has officially become the "Is my dog over there?" house. Yoshi is a very gracious host. I do believe he keeps anything he doesn't want in the yard at bay. We've had quite a few dear wonder into the yard and Yoshi tries to play with them but they scamper at first sight of my dobe.
Ok maybe a bit off track, but to sum up. It works great. The only scare I ever had was during the first couple of months his batteries went dead in the collar and I didn't notice. So he went out to the street to meet some golden retrievers. I ran after him, the owners we're not very happy but were understanding and everyone got a long fine. Thankfully.
But if you're worried about bad things getting in, get a physical fence. If you're worried your dog is aggressive towards strangers, dogs, etc. Get a fence.
If you can be responsible and make sure he always has collar on, and a good battery (mine last about 2-3 months). Go the wireless route. It's working well for us.
Couple side notes. When we first trained him on it he was very scared of the beep and resulting shock. We felt like terrible owners and I thought I totally broke my big beautiful proud doberman as he would not go and run in the yard. It was heart breaking for a day or two. A day or two later. Poof. Magically he's ok with it and is exploring his boundaries more and more.
Just as others said. Don't leave the collar on all the time. As a result of the way my system works there are places in the house that will set the collar off and he will get shocked if he has it on! I know because I was holding his collar and walked into one of these rooms yesterday and got a good surprise. (it does not hurt me, it's just literally shocking).
~austin
Edited by Austin & Missy, 18 August 2010 - 10:58 AM.