Dogs are very energetic and adventurous, and they love to run and play outside. The vast majority of dogs will both enjoy and benefit from having a fenced-in yard to chase squirrels around in. If you’re thinking about installing fencing, so your canine companion can have an outdoor play space, you may be wondering about invisible fences. A local veterinarian lists a few things for you to consider below.
Invisible fences have some appealing benefits. One of their bigger selling points is the fact that they are easy on the wallet. Affordability is always a plus! 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 ultimately 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.
There are also a few drawbacks to invisible fences. For one, 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 offer detailed instructions on this, and some will even work with you. This is something to consider when shopping. Another thing for you to keep in mind is that even if the fence keeps Fido in, it won’t keep the neighbor’s dog—or any other animals—out. Reliability can also be an issue. If power is disrupted, you basically are down a fence. Finally, these fences do make dogs uncomfortable: that’s how they work. Your pet may get confused or agitated. Some dogs will just ignore the fence and bolt through anyway.
It’s also important to consider your dog’s personality and temperament when shopping. If you have an active pup that is pretty likely to run, such as a husky, invisible fencing may not be the best option. Generally, these are likely to work best in quiet areas, and with pups 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 block 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!
