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Invisible Fences: Do or Don't?
April 1, 2021

As you may kn ow, our canine companions absolutely love to run and play outside. The vast majority of them 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. A local vet lists some things to consider below.


Pros

Invisible fences do offer some distinct benefits. One of the bigger selling points is that these are quite affordable. If your home is in a neighborhood with an HOA, you may also be spared the hassle of making sure your fence is up to code, though this of course will depend on the HOA and its rules. They can be used on any type of terrain, and are quick and easy to install. Last but not least, because invisible fences are, well, invisible, they won’t obstruct your views.


Cons

There are also some downsides to invisible fences. For one, these devices are definitely not ‘plug and play.’ You’ll need to teach Fido where the fence is, which means taking time to walk him along the perimeter. Most manufacturers do offer directions on this. Some will even work with you. This is something to consider when shopping. Another thing to consider is the fact 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 basically are out a fence. Finally, these fences do make dogs uncomfortable. Fido may get confused or agitated. Some more determined 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 canine buddy’s personality and temperament. If you have an active pooch that is pretty likely to run off seeking adventure, like a husky, an invisible fence may not be the best option. Generally, these are likely to work best in quiet neighborhoods, and with pooches that will probably stick close to home anyway. It’s also important to realize that some of the pros we listed above can become cons. For instance, an invisible fence won’t obstruct your view, but that means 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. However, invisible fences can be a great option for some. Ask your vet for specific advice.


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