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The electric fence stopped working years ago

"Don't worry, he won't leave the porch. The electric fence hasn't worked in years, but he still won't go past it."

Electric fences train dogs through graduated discomfort, first a warning beep, then a shock. Eventually, the dog learns the boundaries so well that even when the fence stops working, the memory of pain keeps them trapped. It's just the memory of some childhood rejection, some social rule someone made up, some fear that caring more makes you matter less.

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