Depends on the breed, the individual dog and the time and training you are willing to invest. With aussies (and many prey-driven dogs) they will gladly risk the zap to get what they want.

My sister had a doberman, and the electric fence (EF). He would literally HUG the house, when he went outside ~ however if the UPS man (his mortal enemy) was around, it was like the EF was nonexistent. tina

Heres my two cents worth.  If you live in a remote area, they are great.  It is a much better solution than tying and it gives the dog freedom in his area. 

*HOWEVER*- if you live in town it presents a whole new set of issues:

*other people don't know that the dog is really contained.

*other dogs are not kept out of his area nor are bunnies or squirrels that will be a huge distraction to his training.

*often a dog that runs through the stimulation is not dumb enough to go back through it just because he is now out of his yard. 

*It doens't keep stray kids out of your yard and safely away from your dog either, which can allow for your dog to be mistreated or abused by kids/people he can't get away from.

JMO-

 I just bought one of these wireless ones today..Really costly, $500.00 fot the set up plus one collar. But, the best investment I ever made. At first I felt like I was cruel, when my bandit yelped after going out of the peramiters. But he and Sophie learned super fast! Now they can play in the yard while I am at home. ( i take them in if I go out, just in case) But I gotta say, these things are pretty much worth your while. The wireless ones like the one I got are good B/C you can take em anywhere. And no wires to bury.

Good Luck!

-Nadia