Invisible Fences: Do or Don’t?

Do you have a yard for Fido to patrol? If so, that’s great. As you may know, our canine companions love to run and play outside. Your pup will both enjoy and benefit from having a fenced-in yard. If you’re looking at installing fencing, so your dog can have an outdoor play space, you may be wondering about invisible fences. A local vet lists some things to consider before purchasing these below.

Pros

Invisible fences do have some appealing benefits. One of the bigger selling points is that these are quite affordable. If you live in an HOA neighborhood, you might also be spared the hassle of making sure your fence is up to code, though this of course will depend on the HOA and its rules. They can be used on any type of terrain, and are rather quick and easy to install. Last but not least, because they are invisible, they won’t obstruct your views.

Cons

Invisible fences also have some significant downsides. For one thing, these devices are definitely not ‘plug and play.’ You’ll need to teach your pooch where the fence is, which means taking time to walk him along the perimeter. Most manufacturers do offer directions on this, and some will even work with you. This is something for you to consider when shopping. Another thing to keep in mind is that even if the fence keeps your canine pal in, it won’t keep the neighbor’s dog—or any other animals—out. Reliability is another issue. If your power is ever disrupted, you are going to be down a fence. Finally, these fences do make dogs uncomfortable. Your pet may get confused or agitated. And some determined dogs will just ignore the fence and bolt through anyway.

Tips

These are all general pros and cons. It’s also important to consider your dog’s personality and temperament. If you have an active pup that is pretty likely to run, such as a husky, an invisible fence may not be the best option. Generally, these fences are likely to work best in quiet areas, and with calm, faithful dogs that will probably stick close to home anyway. It’s also important to realize that some of the pros we listed can become cons. For instance, an invisible fence won’t offer you the privacy that another type of fencing would. It’s probably safe to say that physical fences are the better choice in most situations. However, ask your veterinarian for specific advice.

Call us, your local veterinary clinic, today! We are always here to help!