Many of our canine companions 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 around in. If you’re considering installing fencing, so your pup can have an outdoor play space, you may be wondering about invisible fences. A local veterinarian lists a few things for you to consider below.

P  ros

One of the bigger selling points of invisible fences is the fact that they are quite affordable. Saving money is always a plus! If you live in an HOA, you may also be spared the hassle of making sure that your fence is up to code, though this of course will ultimately depend on the HOA and its rules. They are easy to put in, and can be used on any type of terrain. Last but not least, because they are invisible, they won’t obstruct your views.

Cons

Invisible fences do also have a couple of significant downsides. For one thing, they are definitely not ‘plug and play.’ You’ll need to teach your canine pal where the fence is. That means you’ll need to take some time to walk him along the perimeter and work with him. Most manufacturers do offer directions on this. Some will even work with you directly, though some companies may have shelved that option for now ,due to the pandemic. Another thing to consider is the fact that even if the fence keeps your canine buddy in, it won’t keep the neighbor’s dog—or any other animals—out. Reliability can also be an issue. If your power is ever disrupted, you basically are down a fence. Also, these fences do make dogs uncomfortable. After all, that’s how they work. Fido could get confused or agitated by his invisible adversary. Finally, some dogs will just ignore the fence and bolt through anyway. 

Tips

In addition to those pros and cons, you’ll also need to consider your dog’s personality and temperament. If you have an active pooch that is pretty likely to run, such as a husky, an invisible fence might not be the right option for you. Generally, these fences will work best in quiet areas, and with 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, we mentioned above that an invisible fence won’t mar your view. If you want privacy, then you’d probably prefer a different type of fencing. Our final take? These can work, but it’s physical fences are probably the better choice in most situations. 

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