As you may know, dogs 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 in. If you’re looking at installing fencing so your pup can have an outdoor play space, you may be curious about invisible fences. Additionally, if you’re considering expanding your family with a canine friend and are weighing the options between adoption and purchase, our article on “Is It Better to Adopt or Buy a Dog?” might provide valuable insights. A local vet lists some things to consider below.
Pros
Invisible fences do offer some great benefits. One of the bigger selling points is that these are quite affordable, and are significantly cheaper than conventional fences. If you live in an HOA, you may also be spared the hassle of making sure your fence is up to their code. (HOA codes can sometimes be a hassle, but that’s another topic.) They can be used on any type of terrain, and are simple to install. Last but not least, because they’re invisible, they won’t obstruct your views.
Cons
There are also some significant downsides to having an invisible fence. For one, these devices are definitely not ‘plug and play.’ You’ll need to teach your canine buddy where the fence is, which means taking time to walk him along the perimeter and train him. Most manufacturers offer directions on this, and some will even work with you directly, though this may be unavailable during the pandemic. This is something to consider when shopping. Another thing to keep in mind is that even if the fence keeps Fido in, it won’t keep the neighbor’s dog—or any stray ones—out. Reliability is another issue. If the power is ever 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 and temperament. Generally, these are likely to work best in quiet areas, and with dogs that will probably stick close to home anyway. Keep in mind that 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 may not be the best option. If your dog shows signs of distress or behavioral issues related to the invisible fence or other environmental factors, consider reaching out to our “Veterinary Behavior Counseling” to help manage and improve your pet’s behavior. It’s also important to realize that some of the pros we listed can become cons. For instance, an invisible fence won’t spoil your view, but on the other hand, 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. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Call us, your local veterinary clinic in Live Oak, FL, today! We are here to help!
