Invisible Fences: Do or Don’t?

Does your dog have a fenced yard? If so, that’s great. As you may know, our canine companions love to run and play outside. The vast majority of pooches both enjoy and benefit from having a fenced-in yard. If you’re looking at installing fencing, so your furry friend can have an outdoor play space, you may be wondering about invisible fences. A local veterinarian lists some things to consider below.

Pros

Invisible fences have some very appealing benefits. One of the bigger selling points is that they are quite affordable. If you live in an HOA, 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 quick and easy to put in. Last but not least, because they are invisible, they won’t obstruct your views.

Cons

On the other hand, there are some significant downsides to invisible fences. For one, these devices are definitely not ‘plug and play.’ You’ll need to teach your four-legged friend where the fenceline is, which means taking time to walk him along the perimeter and work with him. Most manufacturers do offer directions on this, and some will even work with you. This is something you may want to consider when shopping. 

Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that, although the fence will keep your furry buddy in, it won’t keep the neighbor’s pets—or any other animals—out. Reliability is another issue. If power is disrupted, you basically are out a fence. Finally, these fences do make dogs uncomfortable. Fido may get confused or frightened by this, or both. Some pups will just ignore the fence and bolt through anyway.

Tips

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

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