Articles and Advice

Does Your Dog Need An Invisible Fence?

An invisible fence can let your dog roam free without having to change up your landscaping. Here's how to tell if an invisible fence is right for your dog.

If your dog is the adventurous type, you've probably considered a fence for your yard for their safety. An invisible fence has helped many pet owners keep their adventurous dogs safe while still allowing them the freedom to run around and have fun. Here's what you need to know about invisible fences to decide if it's the right choice for your pet and home.

Advantages and disadvantages of an invisible fence

One of the biggest advantages of the invisible fence is that it keeps your landscaping intact. You may have to bury some wires depending on the system you select, but it's much less of an impact on your yard than a traditional fence. If you have any HOA rules or local ordinances regarding the style of acceptable fences, you won't have to worry about those. But you'll still have peace of mind knowing your dog is safe at home. Invisible fences also take less time to install than a traditional fence. In some cases, if your dog likes to go under, over, or through a fence, they can be more effective at keeping your dog in your yard than a traditional fence.

One of the disadvantages to an invisible fence is that you have to take the time to train your dog properly. Not everyone has the time, ability, or desire to do that, so sometimes dogs can develop behavior problems. Some dogs also have a problem with seeing other people and dogs walking by just beyond their reach, and it changes how they interact with them.

How invisible fences work

There are two kinds of invisible fences, wireless and wired. Both use a transmitter to send a radio frequency signal to a receiver on the dog's collar. For the wireless kind, you simply plug in the transmitter, set the perimeter, put the receiver on the dog and start training them. Once they learn how it works, this system can be portable.

For wired systems, you'll install the underground wire and transmitter, then put the collar on the dog and start training. Underground systems can be used to define the area the dog is allowed to be in, or it can be used to keep the dog out of a certain area of the yard, such as a garden. Both types of systems require training your dog. Most kits include flags to visually mark the perimeter to help with training, and you can remove them later.

Important considerations for an invisible fence system

Coverage area. Wired systems are generally more powerful than wireless ones. Large yards may require a more powerful system.
Shape of your yard. Wired systems can more easily accommodate irregularly shaped areas, slopes, and obstacles. Wireless systems simply provide a large circular coverage area.
Multiple dogs. If you have more than one dog or will in the future, you'll want to make sure you can add additional receivers.
Changeable contacts for the collars. Short hair dogs need shorter contacts on the collars, and long hair dogs need longer ones. You may need to switch contacts to customize for your dog.
Remote control. Some people like this accessory to make training easier.
Adjustable correction strength. All dogs are different, so you'll want to be able to adjust the correction signal strength if needed. Larger dogs may need a slightly stronger signal to get their attention.

Invisible fences have been helpful for many homeowners, and they can be a good compromise between keeping your pet safe and your yard looking the way you like.

Thinking about buying
or selling a home? I can help make the process easy, click here to get in touch today!

Does Your Dog Need An Invisible Fence?

Advantages and disadvantages of an invisible fence

How invisible fences work

Important considerations for an invisible fence system

Login to Saved Search

We have detected that you have cookies disabled.