Typically, you have three choices when it comes to dog fences. Each fence comes with advantages and disadvantages, so this can make it tricky for the novice to decide between systems. Your decision must be based on choosing a fence that fits your budget, a fence that works with your yard size and slope, a fence that appeals to your own desire, and a fence that works with your dog's personality.
Chain Link/Wooden Fencing
Not only is this the most expensive option, it is also the more tiresome version to install. Installation takes days to complete. The fencing is installed around a portion or all of your yard and brought to the house so that there are no gaps. If you install wooden fencing, yearly wood treatments are necessary to prevent rot.
Traditional fencing lasts the longest and is most humane to your pet. However, it does obstruct the view of your road or out of your yard, so this can be a large deterrent.
Invisible Fencing
Invisible fencing is a system in which you install a cable around a portion of your yard. The cable can be installed on the ground level or underground and is marked with white flags. The cable is attached to a transmitter that sends out a signal along the cable. The dog or dogs meant to be confined within the area wear a special collar that gives out an electric shock if the dog comes too close to the boundary line.
Invisible fencing is affordable, does not obstruct your views, and is generally easy to install within an hour. These are the key advantages. If your dog is easily trained, invisible fencing can be extremely beneficial.
The electric charge emitted by the collar is meant to be low enough to not cause damage. There have been a few instances, however, where a smaller dog has been permanently injured by the jolt. There have also been a few cases where the collar shorted out and continually zapped the dog causing fear and aggression while the owners attempted to remove the collar that was also zapping them.
In certain dogs, the warning system isn't enough of a deterrent. These more stubborn breeds will cross the boundary regardless of the warning jolts. Then once over the line, they refuse to return knowing that they will get zapped in the attempt.
Finally, invisible fencing allows other stray animals into your yard. Your pet may be unable to escape an attack. It also is invisible to those who walk or drive by your house. If your dog charges them, they may startle and passengers may dart into the road and cars may swerve into other lanes or into ditches in an attempt to avoid the charging dog. This can cause potential, even deadly accidents.
Wireless Fencing
Wireless Fencing uses the same technology as invisible fencing, but there is no cable to install. With wireless fencing, you simply plug in the transmitter in an out of the way area and you are ready to go. The transmitter gives off a signal that has a range of approximately 300 feet. If the dog leaves that range, the collar begins giving off shocks until the dog returns to the correct range.
Wireless fencing is simple to install. Installation takes a matter of seconds. It cannot, however, be used if your yard slopes. The transmission travels in a parallel fashion and cannot travel down slopes. Only those with flat yards will find this system to be beneficial.
Each type of fence has its advantages and disadvantages. For humane reasons, it may be wise to install traditional fencing for your dog.
