Do you have a fenced yard? If so, that’s great! 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. If you’re looking at installing fencing, so your canine pal can have an outdoor play space, you may be wondering about invisible fences. A local veterinarian lists some things to consider below.

P  ros

Invisible fences offer some appealing benefits. One of the bigger selling points is that these are quite affordable. If your neighborhood has an HOA, you may also be spared the hassle of making sure your fence is up to code, though this of course will vary, depending on the HOA’s rules. They can 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 view.

Cons

There are also some significant downsides to invisible fences. For one, these devices are definitely not ‘plug and play’ devices. You’ll need to teach your pet where the fence is, which means taking time to walk him along the perimeter and make sure he knows how far he can go. Most manufacturers offer directions on this, and some will even work with you. This is something to consider when shopping. 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 is another issue. If your power is ever disrupted, you basically are down a fence. Also, these fences do make dogs uncomfortable. Your dog may get confused or agitated. Finally, some 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 furry buddy’s personality and temperament. If you have an active pooch that is a high flight risk, such as a husky, an invisible fence may not be the best option. Generally, these fences are likely to work best in quiet areas, and with placid, faithful dogs that will probably stick close to home anyway. It’s also important to realize that some of the pros we listed can become cons. For instance, an invisible fence won’t offer you the privacy that another kind would, though you may offset that with shrubs. It’s probably safe to say that physical fences are the better choice in most situations. However, ask your vet for specific advice.

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