Some people may wonder if it’s worth it to seek out an alternative to a fence when you can just train your dog to stay put or keep an eye on them when they are outside.
If you have the time, patience, and a little bit of luck, boundary training does work with some dogs.
Training your dog to stay within boundaries on their own is recommended only in areas with little or no danger, and is usually not used exclusively or when you can't be there to watch them.
Boundaries, both physical and mental, help your dog understand what can and can’t be done, making them happier.
They look to their owners to be the leaders and tell them where they stand, and what they can and can’t do.
If this doesn’t happen, their instincts kick in, and they may feel the need to fill the role of leader.
This can lead to the dog trying to “set the rules," or doing whatever they want, which is problematic for your dog and for you.
Mental boundaries like saying “no” when they do something wrong sets behavioral standards, and your dog learns from them.
Physical boundaries have the same effect and make clear what is expected of them, avoiding any problems you may otherwise have to encounter.
However, no matter how well trained your dog is, or how watchful you are when they are outside, there are factors that are out of your control.