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initial training to electric fence
Author: Dr. Brenda Specht, DVM 
Date:   02-15-05 00:01

I have used electric for my horses & cows for many years, & realize that good "educating" is the key to long term respect for the fence. I'm looking for tips, pointers, & protocols for training horses & cattle as well as other livestock, incl llamas & alpacas, sheep & goats, who are being introduced to electric for the first time. Also advice on retraining animals who have lost respect for the fence due to energizer inconsistency or poor fence to animal conduction, etc. Thanks.

Dr. Brenda Specht
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RE: initial training to electric fence
Author: Janet 
Date:   02-15-05 09:45

First and foremost of course the fence must be kept energized. I realize this is easier said than done, but it is paramount for maintaining the animals' respect for the fence.

With horses I always hand walk (halter/lead rope) the individual around the fence line so they know where it is, then go to the middle of the area to turn them loose. In the process of their exploring they will touch it and learn respect.

With the other livestock its a similar issue - it has to be set up so that they "touch" the fence rather than run into it. Visibility and not scaring/pushing them into it are key issues. For individuals who have lost respect doing something to make the fence seem different (change heights, put temporary flags, etc.) to bring the animal up to the fence slowly so that they touch it instead of running through it.

Janet
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RE: initial training to electric fence
Author: Royal A. Purdy 
Date:   02-15-05 19:08


Dr. Specht and Folks,

As a New York State High Tensile and Wooden Horse fence designer

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