Pros and Cons of Invisible Fence for Dogs

As dog owners, we, too, know the value of keeping your best friend safe, healthy, and happy. Dogs are treasured members of our family, and as proactive pet owners, we want what is always best for them. This is certainly the case regarding their nutrition, veterinary care, and overall quality of life. Time outdoors to play, run, and enjoy the sunshine is a great way to improve your and your dog’s lifestyle. Dog fencing is one way to give your pet and your family the best of both worlds.

Regarding the containment of your pet, many dog fences are on the market, including invisible fence for dogs, and GPS wireless systems. Although these fences make many promises, how realistic is the use of these types of fences for you and your dog(s)? This blog will discuss the pros and cons of invisible fences for dogs. Including the good, bad, and the ugly …

Answers To Your Questions

As the Nation’s top-rated fence company, we receive many questions regarding dog fencing. This includes questions about an invisible fence. With this in mind, we are not experts in invisible fencing or veterinarian care, and anyone choosing a fence for their dog should research and lean on their veterinarian’s advice.

What Is An Invisible Fence For Dogs?

To ensure we’re all on the same page, let’s discuss what we mean when we use the term invisible fence. “Invisible Fence” is a specific brand for an underground dog containment system. This system works by installing an underground wire around your yard (or other designated containment area). The underground wire emits a signal to the accompaniment collar worn by your dog. As your dog approaches the boundary line, the collar gives a warning beep. This “beep” is followed by a “corrective” shock should they move closer to the boundaries of the designated contained area. Ideally, your dog will learn where the boundary line is after a few unpleasant experiences and stay in the yard.

As technology has advanced, variations of this same basic idea are available. These include wireless systems that cover a circular area. It also covers GPS-based models that allow you to “enclose” very large or irregularly shaped portions of land. From your dog’s perspective, these systems all work the same way – using a warning tone and a corrective shock to enforce your chosen boundaries.

Exploring Alternative Fencing Options For Invisible Fence For Dogs

Pros & Cons Of Invisible Fence For Dogs And Related Systems

Superior Fence & Rail wants to acknowledge at the outset that this can be a hot-button issue for many dog owners, with strong feelings on all sides. This is perfectly okay. The purpose of this article is to outline the pros and cons of invisible fence systems for dogs. These include the wireless versions and the systems that include burying the wire that makes the fence perimeter invisible to the naked eye.

Pros

Clear Visibility: The system offers full visibility to your yard or designated containment area. After all, these systems are, well, invisible. This means they do not block any scenic views or greenspaces you wish to retain as part of your property dynamics.

Adaptability: These systems (especially the GPS wireless systems) allow you to set diverse containment boundaries. While traditional fences work well on flat or gently sloping yards, invisible fencing works on almost any terrain. These fences can span hilly spots, wooded areas, and even water.

Reliability: (This can be considered a pro and a con). Dogs who tend to climb over, dig under, or chew through fences may be better contained with an invisible fence. Remember that the reliability of an invisible fence can also be considered a con in some circumstances, as power and/or an internet connection are needed to power these systems. Should your power go out or the internet go down, they will no longer function unless you have means for backup.

Protection: Intruders might be deterred by the presence of a dog in your yard since they aren’t likely to realize that your dog may not actually be able to reach them.

Reduction Of Human Error: The loss of protection from human error is greatly reduced. This is especially true for homeowners who regularly forget to “close” their fence gate.

Cons

Discomfort: This is probably the most discussed disadvantage of using invisible fencing systems among dog owners. And the one that bothers them the most. The “corrective” shock is obviously meant to cause discomfort as a way to train your dog from going beyond the designated perimeter setting. Depending on the level of correction you have the system set and the physical attributes of your dog (weight and stature), this can cause severe discomfort and even pain to your dog. You can search and view many videos online where pet owners have worn their pets’ collars on various correction settings to test how painful the corrective shock can be …

Training: Dog owners must have the time and patience to train their dogs so the system will work as intended. To ensure success, your dog must learn where the fence is. This requires a training period where the owner and dog walk the perimeter of the fence, noting the flags. However, most companies will usually provide training protocols and spend time working with owners and their dogs.

Lack Of Protection From Outside The Perimeter: While these systems keep your pet contained within the designated perimeter you set, this does not prevent other dogs from entering the area. Stray dogs and wild animals can still access your yard and interact aggressively or even injure your dog(s).

Reliability: As mentioned above, most of these systems rely on electricity and/or internet access. Should either, or both fail or go out due a storm (for example), your fence will not work.

Escape: Many dogs will escape the perimeter regardless of the correction when they spot something they want to “take the hit” for. In essence, this can include squirrels, deer, other wildlife, and passing cars. Dogs taking the hit from the correction shock may run away, leaving them unprotected or even sustaining injury.

Barrier frustration: Some dogs become agitated when they watch neighborhood dogs freely romp about and realize they cannot join in.

Alternatives To Invisible Fence For Dogs

Superior Fence & Rail offers many options for your dog’s fencing needs. Your dog fence will work in two ways for your pet. This means keeping them safely inside their own yard and protecting them from pets that might be roaming loose outside their yard. No electricity or internet is required for our fences to protect your best friend. Additionally, our dog fencing is tried and true and is built with your pet’s comfort and protection in mind.

Invisible Fence For Dogs Alternatives

Contact Us Today

If you are considering a dog fence at your home or business, contact us today to explore all our versatile dog fencing options. Moreover, we would love the opportunity to work with you and your dog. We love dogs at Superior Fence & Rail, and it shows!