Invisible   Fencing   

A few reasons why it isnt such a good idea for Danes or any OTHER dog!

We find invisible fencing is not much of a deterrent for escaping Danes.  We've had too many calls from frustrated owners regarding it over the years.
Danes will escape because they've learned that it doesn't hurt that much if they run through the force-field. You might want to "sell" the owner on the shortcomings of invisible fencing by also advising them that:

(1) It does not prevent other dogs from coming into the yard and starting fights -- which vets can testify to after having to stitch up the owner's dogs (not unusual in our area).

(2) It does not prevent wild critters coming into the yard and an otherwise invisible fence-minding dog suddenly forgetting all about the "fence" being
there in his/her eagerness to chase the "varmint" due to either "prey drive", territorial prerogative, boredom, or just the fun of it.

(3) It can malfunction, and the owners won't be aware because they don't
wear the collars.

(4) It doesn't prevent dogs being stolen, even when owners are at home as
has happened in our area.

(5) It doesn't prevent an ordinarily invisible fence-abiding dog from panicking and running out of the area as has happened due to thunderstorms and firecrackers.

(6) Lastly, (and, IMO, given people's escalating litigious nature) visitors
(invited or otherwise) are very easily intimidated by a barking dog in an invisibly fenced yard because they can't see the fence and don't necessarily
trust the "invisible fence" sign. If these people panic and hurt themselves
while getting away from (what they perceive to be) a ferocious dog, or
frighten themselves into a heart attack, they can sue and collect from the
owner -- regardless of the legality of the owners' claim that the dog was
effectively confined. Unfortunately, it's happened and is continuing to happen.

Gail McKenney
Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League, Inc.