Invisible Fences: Do or Don't?

As you may know, our canine friends 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 having fencing installed, so your pup can have an outdoor play space, you may be wondering about invisible fences. A Carteret County vet lists some things to consider below.

P  ros

Invisible fences do offer some appealing benefits. One of the biggest selling points is that they are quite affordable. If you live in 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 specific HOA 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 interfere with any of your views.

Cons

Of course, there are also some significant downsides to invisible fences. For one, these devices are definitely not ‘plug and play.’ You’ll need to teach your pet where the fence is, which means taking the time to walk him along the perimeter. Most manufacturers offer directions on how to do 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 dog in, it won’t do anything to keep the neighbor’s dog—or any other animals—out. Reliability is another issue. If power is disrupted, for example, you are basically down a fence. Finally, these fences sometimes make dogs uncomfortable. Fido may get confused or agitated. Other dogs will simply ignore the fence and bolt through anyway.

Tips

While these are some general pros and cons, it’s also important 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 may not be your best option. Generally, these are likely to work best in quiet areas, and with dogs that tend to stick close to home anyway. 

It’s also important to realize that some of the pros we listed can sometimes become cons. For instance, an invisible fence 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, ask your Carteret County vet for specific advice.

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