This can sound a bit strange to a new family who is ready to adopt a dog. Many times the family feels that their "large fenced yard" can be a wonderful offering to a newly adopted shelter dog. Don't all dogs love to run free with no rules and enjoy their fenced yard?
While we agree that eventually this wonderful fenced yard can be a huge plus, that huge plus falls mostly into the asset column for the "owner", not the "dog". The dog can learn to enjoy the fence in due time, but our advice for the first month after the dog adoption process is to pretend the fence is simply not there.
Rule #1 in our book: The dog goes out on the end of a 6' leash to potty. That means that you are on the other end of that leash. This is important for several reasons. The dog is in a new environment and we generally have little idea about the past of a shelter dog. This may be their first introduction to a yard where they will eventually have some freedom. Some have been kenneled or tied their whole life. The dog feels more secure in a new environment when you are on the other end of the lead. It takes several months for a new dog to mentally "put down roots". That means that if they should get out of the fence that they have some sense of where they belong and to where they should return. Certainly this applies with an electronic fence as well. In the case of the electronic fence, there is no "visual" barrier so this is especially important to wait before training on this type of fence.
So much learning and bonding takes place with a new owner on the end of the leash. The dog begins to understand that you are their leader. It limits their freedom and gives them a chance to become familiar with their borders and their yard. We have experienced that adoptive families can tend to put their guard down after a few days if they simply let the new dog free in the fence to potty or play. The fence quickly becomes a convenience for the owner as the nervous dog roams their yard and tries to come to terms with this new area. One of two things happens. A nervous dog tends to feel confused and overwhelmed at this new freedom that comes too quickly. A pushy and dominant dog tends to become inflated with a sense of importance with this freedom. Both are not desirable and can be avoided by slowly introducing your dog to freedom. Baby Steps. That is my mantra and it has served me and many adopted dogs very well! Good luck with your new family member.
