The guy behind my dad's house has electric fences. If it doesn't injure the baby goats, my son, and even myself the few times I've forgotten, I think it is fairly safe. Also, Max will learn not to touch it. It won't take long. Dusty went under the electric fence once to chase the sheep, and he never did it again. I know that they turn the juice up for larger livestock, but it is never high enough to be dangerous or fatal. Max's reaction was probably more from surprise then an actual injury.

I guess I have different feelings then some of the people at PT about dogs running off leash. I was born and raised in an agricultural city, so it's only natural to see dogs loose in the country. I think it is a beautiful thing to see a dog happily running free, even if there are a few dangers.

Of course you have to use your judgement. When I'm out at my dad's, I let Dusty run free if I just have him because he has common sense. He avoids roads, he doesn't go near the canal, he doesn't stray further then the neighbor's ranch, he gets along with all the other farmer's dogs. But Roxy, on the other hand, if I have her out there, she doesn't get to run offleash. I know she'd get herself hurt.