Invisible Fences: Do or Don't?

Do you have a fenced yard? Are you considering getting one? If so, your canine pal will be happy. 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. One option for fencing is the invisible fence. Are these actually good for Fido? A local vet lists some things to consider below.

P  ros

Invisible fences do offer some unique benefits. For one thing, they 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 ultimately depend on the HOA and its rules. Invisible fences can be used on any type of terrain. Plus, they are quick and easy to install. Last but not least, they won’t obstruct your views.

Cons

There are also some downsides to invisible fences. They’re not exactly ‘plug and play.’ You’ll need to teach Fido where the fence is, which means taking time to walk him along the perimeter and monitoring him until he’s trained.. Most manufacturers do offer directions on this. Some of them will even work with you directly, though that may be tricky in a pandemic. Another thing to keep in mind is that even if the fence keeps your pup in, it won’t keep the neighbor’s dog—or any other animals—out. Reliability can also be an issue. If the power grid is disrupted, you basically are down a fence. 

Tips

While these are some general pros and cons, it’s also important to consider your dog’s personality, temperament, and opinion. These fences do make dogs uncomfortable. Fido may get confused or agitated. Some dogs will just ignore the fence and bolt through anyway. If you have an active pooch that is pretty likely to run, such as a husky, an invisible fence probably isn’t the best option. Generally, these work best in quiet areas, and with dogs that will probably want to stick close to home anyway. 

Keep in mind that some of the pros we listed can become cons. For instance, an invisible fence won’t mar your view, but, on the flip side, it also won’t offer you the privacy that another type would. However, ask your vet for specific advice.

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