Do Electric Dog Fences Work and What to Expect

Electric dog fences can be an effective solution for pet owners who want to keep their furry friends safe and secure. They work by emitting a harmless electrical stimulation to deter dogs from crossing the boundary.

The type of electric dog fence you choose will depend on your yard's size and layout. A survey of dog owners found that 75% of them prefer a wireless electric dog fence for its ease of installation and flexibility.

Some electric dog fences can be installed in as little as an hour, while others may require more time and effort. The installation process typically involves burying the fence's wire underground and setting up the transmitter and receiver units.

A well-maintained electric dog fence can last for many years, with some owners reporting up to 10 years of reliable service.

Take a look at this: Electric Fence

A dog fence, also known as an invisible fence, is a system that uses a buried wire to create a designated boundary.

It's paired with a collar that delivers a mild electric shock or vibration to a dog when it approaches the boundary, teaching it to stay within the designated area.

Many people mistakenly believe that invisible fences will keep highly energetic or social dogs in their yard, but that's not the case.

Your veterinarian can attest to the fact that some dogs will go for months without a problem, until a trigger event causes them to leave their property.

In fact, once a dog goes through the boundary, it's likely to happen again and again, and you'll need to consider a more physical fence.

The original invisible fence system consisted of a buried boundary wire that transmitted a radio signal to the dog's collar.

The collar emitted a sound, followed by a mild shock, which the dog learned to associate with discomfort and avoided going further.

With the development of WiFi technology, invisible fences became wireless, simplifying installation and eliminating the need for maintenance.

Most modern geofences, like Halo and others, don't deliver actual shocks, instead using beeps, vibrations, and static pulses to deter dogs from crossing the boundary.

For more insights, see: Shock Collar Not Working on Dog

Electric dog fences can be a convenient and effective solution for pet owners, but like any technology, they have their pros and cons.

No sight line obstruction is a major advantage, as invisible fencing won't spoil the view. Invisible fences are also adaptable, working well on sloped or irregular terrain as flat ground. Additionally, no permit is required to install an invisible fence, making the process hassle-free.

Here are some key benefits of electric dog fences:

However, some owners may find that electric fences can be frustrating for their dogs, particularly if they're social animals who enjoy interacting with other dogs or humans.

Invisible fencing is a great option for pet owners who want to keep their furry friends safe without obstructing their view. No sight line obstruction means you can enjoy your yard without any visual barriers.

One of the biggest advantages of invisible fencing is its adaptability. It works just as well on sloped or irregular terrain as it does on flat ground, making it a great option for yards with varying elevations.

Suggestion: Invisible Fence

You can also create and save up to 20 fences of any shape and size using a smartphone app, giving you a lot of flexibility when it comes to designing your pet's boundaries.

Invisible fencing is also a cost-effective option, often costing less than a physical fence. Plus, you won't need to worry about permits or negotiating with neighbors.

Reliable containment is another benefit of invisible fencing. Pets can't jump over or burrow underneath it, giving you peace of mind when your furry friend is playing outside.

Here are some key benefits of invisible fencing at a glance:

Invisible fencing is also convenient to install, taking less time than laying traditional fence posts or wire. And, it's a great option for yards with lots of foot traffic, reducing the chance of escape.

One of the main cons of invisible fences is that they don't provide one-way protection. Your dog may be confined to the yard, but neighboring dogs, strays, and other animals can still get in.

Some dogs may become agitated when they watch neighborhood dogs freely romp about and realize they cannot join in, leading to barrier frustration.

Training your dog to respond to the signal delivered by the collar is part of the process, but it can be rough on the dog as it works by aversion training.

Electricity-dependent invisible fences won't work if the power goes out or the battery in the collar dies. This means your dog may still find a way to escape.

Some dogs are too young to train or may have medical conditions that prevent them from tolerating the collar, making invisible fences not suitable for all dogs.

Here are some potential issues with invisible fences at a glance:

Invisible fences work by using a buried boundary wire that transmits a radio signal to the dog's collar. The collar emits a sound, then gives a mild shock if the dog approaches the wire.

Suggestion: Bury Dog Fence Wire

With the development of WiFi technology, invisible fences became wireless, simplifying installation. You can now program the fence boundaries into an app on your mobile device.

Most geofences don't deliver actual shocks, instead using deterrents like beeps, vibrations, and static pulses to teach the dog to stay within the designated area. The Halo deterrent system beeps as the dog approaches the boundary, followed by vibrations and finally a static pulse.

Invisible fences use a buried wire to create an invisible boundary that teaches dogs to stay within a designated area.

The original form of invisible fences transmitted a radio signal to the dog's collar, which emitted a sound and then a mild shock if the dog approached the wire.

With training, dogs learned to associate the audio signal with discomfort and avoided going further.

Invisible fences have evolved with the development of WiFi technology, making them wireless and simplifying installation.

Check this out: Types of Wire Fences for Dog

You can program the fence boundaries into an app on your mobile device.

Sung Vivathana, co-founder and vice president of engineering at SpotOn Fence, says that invisible fences require zero maintenance.

Most geofences don't deliver actual shocks; instead, they use a beeping system followed by vibrations and a static pulse that feels like tapping.

Some dogs may go through the boundary wire once, but they'll likely go through it again and again, making a physical fence a necessary solution.

Invisible fences can't protect your dog from the environment. They don't work to keep others out of your yard, so stray dogs and wildlife can still come in and hurt your dog.

Some dogs become hesitant to leave the yard, even on a leash, after being trained with a shock collar. They've learned that going over the boundary was a painful experience, and it's hard for them to understand that when the collar is not on, they can go through.

1.2 million dogs are hit by cars every year. Veterinarians see too many dogs wearing shock collars in the ER.

Intriguing read: Does Halo Dog Collar Work

A physical fence can be a great option for many people, but it's not always feasible or desirable. Only 6% of dog owners purchased an invisible fence before the pandemic, but that number is projected to rise to 10% post-pandemic.

Many people are turning to connected devices to keep their animals safe and happy. These devices are extremely cost-efficient when compared to in-ground fence installations, which can run upwards of $1,000 and take a few days to install.

Invisible fences are becoming more popular, but it's essential to be aware of their limitations. They can't protect your dog from the environment, and even if they do work to keep your dog in the yard, they don't work to keep others out.

Here are some key differences between invisible fences and physical fences:

Ultimately, a real fence is often the best option for many people, as it provides a more secure and reliable way to keep your dog safe.