“Does he get the shock when he tries to come back?”

Jeb and I are standing on our friend’s flag-marked lawn discussing their new underground electric fence. They are trying to keep their young dog from running into neighboring yards, or worse, the road.

I’m explaining to nine-year old Jeb that I believe they first train the dog with a sound that signals if he goes beyond the flags. At a certain point in the process, a shock may be incorporated that zaps him if he tries to cross the line. It’s a jolt that’s enough to get his attention, but not enough to hurt. The hope is that he experiences it once or twice, remembers the consequences, and stays within his bounds forevermore.

One thing I’d not considered was the challenge of re-entry if he did cross the boundary lines. Would he get shocked again attempting to come back home?

I suggest Jeb ask our friends about this technicality, and though I overhear him do just that, I am just out of range enough to miss their answer.

Which is fine, as I’ve been simply enjoying his question.

Where many may be wondering about the pain inflicted on the escapee at the crossing, my son was focused on whether return was even possible once free.

Is there always a reprieve for our transgressions?

If we push the limits, is there a point of no return?

In life, I do have some shock-collar memories of a few times when there was no ‘do-over’.

As for the Pet Safe Stay and Play Invisible Fence System- I’ll have to find out about that one.