The Best Invisible Fence

Life with a dog in today’s neighborhoods can be tough. Some don’t allow fences and even in those that do, the type of fencing allowed can be extremely expensive. Taking a dog out on a leash multiple times a day gets old quickly. Plus, dogs benefit from being able to run and play freely.

Invisible fencing is a great alternative to pricey, obstructive fencing. Today’s invisible fencing options mean you don’t even have to bury a wire if you prefer. After an initial training period, you’ll hopefully find your dog doesn’t even try to cross the barrier, keeping Fido safe while also giving him the freedom to roam.

The biggest decision you’ll face when you commit to buying an electric fence is whether to go with a wireless or traditional model. Traditional electric fences involve burying wire ­— a process that can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Although wireless fences clearly have that advantage, they do have a few issues. They use a transmitter to send a signal, which means bulky items can interfere. They also may not work as well on smaller yards or in bad weather.

Weather is a consideration with all electric fences. It’s important to make sure the collar that comes along with any electric fence you buy is waterproof. Otherwise, it could short out and harm your dog. You’ll find many of the collars on the market offer that feature. Another weakness of electric fences is that they keep your dog contained, but they don’t restrict your yard from visitors. For this reason, you may want to keep an eye on your dog and have a plan in case a stray dog, critter or even a person happens to walk through your yard.

Electric fencing has been associated with sending a shock to the dog, but many of today’s units use sound as a deterrent, with the jolt being the final measure. A continuous beep will warn the dog who, when properly trained, will gradually learn to avoid that area. Some dogs never even need a physical warning.

Overall, though, many people have found electric fences provide a great level of security. Once trained, you’ll find your dog likely doesn’t even stray to the edge of the yard. Experts recommend multiple short training sessions initially with flags around the yard. You’ll walk your dog on a leash, helping him learn the boundary area. As the dog nears the boundary, the unit will beep, eventually teaching him to avoid that area.

• The first choice you’ll need to make is whether you want a traditional buried-wire fence or a wireless system. PetSafe Wireless Fence Pet Containment is a wireless model, which means you won’t have to install any wire. This also makes it more flexible than wired models, which will require you to dig up any existing wire or install new wire if you ever want to alter the range. The SportDOG In-Ground Fence System is a hybrid model that uses a combination of a wireless receiver and wire in the ground to keep pets safe.
• Some households have more than one dog. Even if that isn’t you yet, consider that you may eventually decide Benji needs a companion. The SportDOG In-Ground Fence System can be expanded using SDF-R Add-A-Dog Collars, which retail for more than $100 each. With PetSafe Wireless Fence Pet Containment, you can buy additional collars for less than $50, which could sway you in the direction of a wireless fence.
• The Perimeter Technologies Ultimate Dog Fence and High Tech Pet Electronic Pet Containment Systems both sell their systems based on the number of dogs you have, with the price jumping up significantly from one to two or three dogs. The big negative to this is that if you add a dog later, you’ll have to upgrade your system rather than just adding another collar.
• This may not top your list of features, but the High Tech Pet Electronic Pet Containment Systems collar offers something other systems don’t: fitness tracking. You’ll be able to see the percentage of time your dog spends resting versus active, as well as how much of that active time is spent engaging in mild and intense activity.
• Coverage area is important as well. SportDOG In-Ground Fence System covers 1.3 acres out of the box. You can purchase more flag receptors to increase that up to 10 acres. With the Perimeter Technologies Ultimate Dog Fence system, you’ll choose from 500 feet to 2,500 feet, with the latter option only increasing the cost slightly. However, you can purchase additional wire to expand that unit up to 10 acres. The PetSafe Wireless Fence Pet Containment covers up to half an acre, but it’s important to note that wireless units rely on a signal. You’ll be able to adjust within 90 feet in each direction, so that can put restrictions on the area in which you can use it.
• Dog size can also restrict which unit you choose, especially if you have an extremely small dog. The SportDOG In-Ground Fence System is limited to dogs over 10 pounds, while PetSafe Wireless Fence Pet Containment works with dogs as small as 8 pounds, with neck sizes between 6 and 28 inches. The Perimeter Technologies Ultimate Dog Fence works with dogs between 8 and 120 pounds.
• If you’re working with a budget, you’ll find many electric fences range between $200 and $300. However, you’ll add to that price if you want to expand your coverage area or if you have more than one pet to safeguard.
• Any purchase of a new electric fence will start with a training period. Some of today’s fences use tone-based correction, with the shock kicking in only once that part of correction fails. The SportDOG In-Ground Fence System sends a tone and vibrates the collar as the dog nears the boundary area, which will be enough to encourage some dogs to back off. The PetSafe Wireless Fence Pet Containment has a tone-only mode that you can use during training.
• As for the physical correction portion of your electric fencing, the SportDOG In-Ground Fence System uses four correction levels that you set, each increasing in intensity. PetSafe Wireless Fence Pet Containment and the Perimeter Technologies Ultimate Dog Fence each have five correction levels.
• You probably already know that water and electricity don’t mix very well, but your dog will still have to go out when it’s raining. For that reason, there are many waterproof collars now. The SportDOG In-Ground Fence System, PetSafe Wireless Fence Pet Containment and High Tech Pet Electronic Pet Containment Systems all have waterproof collars.
• If there’s an issue with your in-ground wire, you may not realize it until it’s too late. The SportDOG In-Ground Fence System remedies that by sending an alarm if a problem is detected with the boundary wire.
• With in-ground systems, you’ll, unfortunately, need to do some digging and burying when your wire first arrives. The SportDOG In-Ground Fence System includes an installation manual to help walk you through it.
• Your collars will come with batteries that have to be replaced. But these collars are known for going through batteries fairly quickly. The SportDOG In-Ground Fence System takes a standard 9-volt battery that you can buy in any hardware store. The High Tech Pet Electronic Pet Containment Systems collar and PetSafe Wireless Fence Pet Containment collar, on the other hand, require a special replacement battery that you have to special order every time.
• One additional benefit of a wireless fence like PetSafe Wireless Fence Pet Containment is portability. If you move, you simply pack up all your items and go. With in-ground systems, you’ll need to dig everything up and install it at the new location.
• Another safety feature not found on all electric fences is lightning surge protection. The SportDOG In-Ground Fence System has that protection built into its transmitter.
• The Perimeter Technologies Ultimate Dog Fence comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which may be a plus for those who want that security. The SportDOG In-Ground Fence System includes customer service that can answer any questions you have, six days a week. That system also includes an operating guide with training tips to help walk you through those tough early days.
• One benefit of High Tech Pet Electronic Pet Containment Systems is that it also includes bark control. This will help with cutting down on barking, which can be particularly important if you live in close proximity to other homes.