As you probab ly already know, our canine companions love to run and play outside. As such, 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. Below, a local Grayson vet lists a few important things to consider.
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Invisible fences do offer some appealing benefits. One of the biggest selling points is that they are surprisingly affordable. If you live in an HOA, you may also be spared the hassle of making sure your fence is kept up to code, though this of course will vary, depending on the HOA and its rules. Invisible fences can also 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.
Cons
Unfortunately, there are also some serious 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 detailed directions on how to do this, and some will even work with you. This is something to consider when shopping.
Another important 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’re basically down a fence. Finally, these fences do make some dogs uncomfortable. Fido may get confused or agitated. Other dogs will just ignore the fence and bolt through anyway.
Tips
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 prone to running, 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 above could easily become cons. For instance, an invisible fence won’t mar your view, but it also won’t offer you the privacy that another type of enclosure would. It’s probably safe to say that physical fences are the better choice in most situations.
Call us, your Grayson veterinary clinic, today! We are always here to help!
