As you may know, our canine companions love to run and play outside. The vast majority of dogs will both enjoy and benefit from having a fenced-in yard. If you’re looking at installing fencing, so your pup can have an outdoor play space, you may be wondering about invisible fences. A local vet lists some things to consider below.
Invisible fences do offer some appealing benefits. One of the bigger selling points is that these are quite affordable. If you live in an HOA, you may also be spared the hassle of making sure your fence is up to code, though this of course will vary, depending on the HOA and its rules. They can be used on any type of terrain, and are quick and easy to install. Last but not least, because they are invisible, they won’t obstruct your views.
There also some significant downsides to invisible fences. For one, these devices are definitely not ‘plug and play.’ You’ll need to teach your pet where the fence is, which means taking time to walk him along the perimeter. Most manufacturers offer directions on this, and some will even work with you. This is something to consider when shopping. Another thing to keep in mind is that even if the fence keeps your dog in, it won’t keep the neighbor’s dog—or any other animals—out. Reliability is another issue. If power is disrupted, you basically are down a fence. Finally, these fences do make dogs uncomfortable. Fido may get confused or agitated. Some dogs will just ignore the fence and bolt through anyway.
While these are some general pros and cons, it’s also important to consider your dog’s personality and temperament. If you have an active pooch that is pretty likely to run, such as a husky, an invisible fence may not be the best option. Generally, these are likely to work best in quiet areas, and with 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 would. It’s probably safe to say that physical fences are the better choice in most situations. However, ask your vet for specific advice.
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