Invisible Fences: Do or Don’t?

As you may know, our canine companions love to run and play outside. The vast majority of them will both enjoy and benefit from having a fenced-in yard to chase squirrels around in. 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 a few things to consider below.

Pros

Invisible fences do offer some appealing benefits. One of their bigger selling points is the fact that they are quite affordable. If you live in an HOA, you may also be spared the hassle of making sure that 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

There are also a couple of significant downsides to invisible fences. For one, these devices are definitely not ‘plug and play.’ You’ll need to teach your pup where the fence is, which means taking time to walk him along the perimeter and work with him. Most manufacturers offer directions on this, and some will even work with you directly. This is also something for you to consider when shopping. Another thing to keep in mind is that even if the fence keeps your four-legged friend in, it won’t keep the neighbor’s dog—or any other animals—out. Reliability is another issue. If the power is ever disrupted, you basically are down a fence. Also, these fences do make dogs uncomfortable. Fido may get confused or agitated by his invisible adversary. Finally, some dogs will just ignore the fence and bolt through anyway.

Tips

In addition to those pros and cons, you’ll also need to consider Fido’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 stick close by anyway. It’s also important to realize that some of the pros we listed can become cons in certain circumstances. For instance, an invisible fence won’t mar your view, but it also 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. 

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