We all know dogs love to run, but sometimes their enthusiasm gets them into trouble. That's why many pet owners choose to fence in their yards. Electric fences are becoming more popular, especially among those who have smaller yards that aren't suited for a regular fence or those who want something that's easier to install than traditional fencing. But how well do electric fences for dogs work?
As the creators of the Fi Smart Collar, we understand that some dogs may require certain items to keep them safe. While our collar, does not contain your dog in your home area, it can keep tabs on their location without causing any discomfort to the dog.
The Fi Smart Collar is a GPS tracking collar that not only keeps track of your dog’s location, activity levels, and sleep patterns, but it also alerts you if your dog escapes your backyard. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape.
Here we'll explore both sides of the argument so you can decide if a pet containment system is right for your dog.
The Basics - What Is An Electric Dog Fence?
An invisible electric fence provides a safe, reliable way to keep your pet contained. When used correctly, it can help you train your dog to stay in the yard and avoid unwanted behavior like digging or chasing other animals. An invisible electric fence for dogs is made up of numerous devices that send a mild shock to anyone who touches them. The devices can be installed underground or above ground and come in different shapes, sizes and materials depending on their purpose.
Before buying an electric dog fence, consider whether your yard needs a pet containment system—or if it needs something else instead! They are not without drawbacks: they require routine maintenance; they aren't effective against large animals like deer or bears, and some dogs may become accustomed to the static shock over time (meaning that eventually, no amount of voltage will deter them from doing what they want).
How Does An Electric Dog Fence Work?
An electric dog fence uses a low-voltage current to create a barrier that dogs will be uncomfortable crossing. The current is harmless to humans but unpleasant for dogs. In fact, the amount of electricity used in an electric system is not strong enough to cause harm or even discomfort—it's simply enough to get the dog's attention and deter it from crossing over.
This makes it a great option for pet owners who want more control over their pets' movement around their yards without having to resort to using physical barriers like fences or walls (or if they're renting).
What You Get When You Order An Invisible Electric Dog Fence
The effectiveness of an electric dog fence could be helpful because they keep your pet in the yard without any accidents or escape attempts. The electricity only comes on when your dog touches it, so he will learn quickly not to go near it by himself or with another animal or human companion who may encourage him not to respect what's off-limits.
You'll be happy knowing that a wireless dog fence is safe for both your pet and property as well. Unlike normal fence methods, which require digging large holes to put in posts and nails/staples that could hurt someone walking by, this type doesn't even require hardware.
The current level released by these devices isn't enough voltage levels required to cause harm either - most homeowners worry about their children playing inside. At the same time, these units are active but rest assured there's no risk involved here either way.
Do Electric Fences For Dogs Work?
You may have heard of electric fences or shock collars for dogs, but do they really work? It turns out that the answer to that question depends on a number of factors.
First, you should know that electric fencing is an excellent option for some dogs but not as good for others. Dogs that are motivated by traditional options—such as a chain-link fence or wooden fence—may not respond well to an electric system because they don't enjoy the sensation of being shocked.
In contrast, other dogs who are less motivated by traditional options might respond better to an electric system because it provides them with additional motivation to stay within the boundaries of your yard.
It's also important to note that there are different types of systems: some rely on batteries while others plug directly into an outlet. This can make a difference in terms of effectiveness; however, most experts agree at this point in time that both battery-powered and outlet-powered systems work equally well when placed correctly around your property line (and preferably inside).
Outdoor vs. Indoor Systems
An outdoor system is a more effective choice for most dog owners, but an indoor system may be appropriate if:
- Your pet spends most of his time outside, and you don't frequently travel with him. If your pup is often outdoors, the energy-consuming process of installing an outdoor fence just isn't worth the trouble if he stays put on his own accord.
Two Types of Electric Fence For Dogs - Radio Frequency (RF) and Wired Systems
Radio frequency systems are more expensive than wired ones but are also more reliable. They don't have a physical connection between your dog's collar and the transmitter, so there's no chance that something could go wrong with the wiring. This kind of system is best for dogs who spend most of their time outside and need to run free without restrictions.
Wired systems are cheaper than RF ones, but they're also less reliable. They do have a physical connection between your dog's collar and the transmitter, so if anything goes wrong with that connection, there's no way to fix it except by digging up your yard and reconnecting everything. This kind of system is best for dogs who spend most of their time outside but need some restrictions on their freedom.
The key difference between wired and RF systems is that you can move the transmitter for a wired system. If you want to keep your dog inside on rainy days, then it's not a problem! Just move the transmitter indoors and keep him from wandering outside.
With an RF system, however, if something goes wrong with the wireless connection between your dog's collar and transmitter, there's no way to fix it except by digging up your yard and reconnecting everything.
This kind of system is best for dogs who spend most of their time outside and need to run free without restrictions. Wired systems are cheaper than RF ones, but they're also less reliable. They do have a physical connection between your dog's collar and the transmitter, so if anything goes wrong with that connection, there's no way to fix it except by digging up your property and reconnecting everything.
Wired or Wireless Electric Dog Fence?
When choosing for your dog, it's important to consider what type of installation is needed. Wired systems are cheaper and easier to set up but require more maintenance: if the wires become damaged or bent, they'll need to be replaced or realigned.
Wireless systems are more expensive and more reliable than wired ones—if a wireless system is installed correctly, it can last up to 10 years without any maintenance at all! However, because these systems don't have wires attached directly to them (and instead use radio signals), they're more convenient for homeowners who don't want the hassle of installing new lines every couple of years.
Pros and Cons of An Electric Fence For Dogs
Pros
There are a few reasons why a fence system might be your best bet. First, if you're looking to use the fence in an area that has high winds or other weather conditions that could knock over a traditional fence, they're easier to set up. You don't have to worry about burying them as you do with wood and metal fences—you can just mount them on top of posts or railings wherever you need them.
Second, pet containment systems are easier to maintain than other options. There's no need for regular inspections like there is with barbed wire or barbless woven wire; instead, all you have to do is check the batteries once every couple of months when they run out of juice and replace them as needed (although many models come equipped with solar panels that charge automatically).
Thirdly, this type keeps things light enough so that even smaller dogs can get through without getting hurt too badly if they get themselves tangled up in one! Another advantage here is that since these fences aren't as tall as most others (usually around two feet), they won't take up much space in your yard either!
Cons
While there are a lot of benefits to using an electric dog fence, there are also some drawbacks. If you're not careful, your dog could get hurt or even die from electrocution. The biggest problem with this type of fence is that it can be dangerous for dogs if used incorrectly.
Can A Dog Run Through An Invisible Electric Fence?
One of the main downsides of an electric fence is that some dogs will still be able to run through the boundary line if they are motivated enough. While some dogs may be deterred by the shock transmitted by the electric fence and learn to stay within the boundaries, other dogs may be able to run through the invisible electric fence without feeling the shock.
This can happen if the dog is highly motivated to escape or is experiencing a high level of excitement or stress. Additionally, the effectiveness of invisible electric fences can also be influenced by factors such as the strength of the electrical signal, the size of the dog, and the thickness of their fur. It's important for dog owners to carefully consider the individual needs and behaviors of their pets before relying on an invisible electric fence to contain them.
This is important to consider if you are thinking about buying an electric fence for your dog. This is why it is recommended to have a backup plan such as our GPS Tracking Collar to make sure your dog never escapes and gets lost.
Tips for Choosing and Installing an Electric Dog Fence
Determine what you want your fence to accomplish.
Before you begin the process of installing an electric dog fence for your dog, it's important to think about what you want your fence to accomplish. What are your goals for your dog and their behavior?
Do you want them trained to stay within a certain area of your property or be able to go through the entire property as needed? How big is your yard, and how experienced is your dog when it comes to training? These are all things that need consideration before beginning any project like this one.
If you want your dog to stay in one area, then you can set up an electric dog fence that extends around that space. If you have a large property and want your dog to be able to roam freely without having to worry about them getting out, then installing a fence around the entire perimeter will work best.
Electric dog fences come in many different models and styles, so there is something for everyone. If you are looking for a more traditional style to keep your pet in one place, then a wireless dog fence may be right.
This type of fence system uses batteries to power the signal and can be placed anywhere throughout your home area to create an invisible barrier around where you want your dog to stay.
There are also other types of fence systems that use different methods to keep your pet in place. For example, some fences use flags or flags and wires to create an invisible fence barrier around your land.
These are great for smaller spaces where you do not want your dog roaming outside of their designated area.
These types of fences are also a good choice if you have multiple dogs who like to roam together. The flags and wires will help prevent your pets from leaving the area while preventing them from running into each other.
Determine the layout of your property.
Before you start shopping for an electric fence, it's important that you consider the layout of your yard. How do you plan to use the space? Will you be using it as a dog run or a place where children can play? What about your house and garden?
Keep in mind that an electric dog fence will only work if there are no gaps between the wire and any other objects that might interfere with its signal.
As noted above, ensure no trees or buildings obstruct the line of sight between the transmitter and receiver collar. It's also important not to bury any wires underground because dogs may dig them up or step on them when they're running around.
If your dog is a digger, you may want to consider burying the wires in an attempt to deter him from digging them up. However, this can be difficult if you have a large property because there's no way of knowing where he'll decide to start digging up your lawn.
If your dog likes to run away from home, consider using a wireless fence as an alternative. This type of fence is a good option because it allows you to keep track of your dog without having to worry about him getting out of the home area. You can set up an invisible fence around your property using wire and plastic flags in order to create a safe area where your dog can play and run without going too far. When he approaches the edge of this area, he'll receive an electric shock.
Consider the needs of your dog.
Now that you know what an electric dog fence is and how it works, it's time to consider your dog's needs. First, consider the size of your dog. If they're small, they won't need as much area covered by their fence as a larger breed would.
Second, consider the breed of your dog—some breeds are more active than others and therefore require more walking over greater distances on a daily basis.
Thirdly, look at your own lifestyle and determine how much time you want to spend training your pet out in areas where it can roam freely without being contained by a correction fence. Depending on these three things will help you decide what type of fence is best for you!
If you're going to train your dog on an electric fence, place the collar around its neck and turn it on before letting the dog out. Make sure the collar is snug enough that it doesn't move around when the dog moves but not so tight that it causes discomfort or chafing.
Check for underground lines and pipes before installing your fence.
Check for underground lines and pipes before installing your fence. If you don't, you could be fined or even sued.
Call your utility companies to have them mark the areas where underground lines are located or call your local utility companies directly if they're not available in your area. Most importantly: DO NOT start digging until you have contacted them!
Install the electric fencing above ground or in-ground.
Electric fences for dogs can be installed above ground or in-ground. Above ground, systems are cheaper and easier to install, but they’re also less durable and will need to be replaced more frequently. In-ground systems are more expensive, time-consuming, and difficult to install, but they last longer than their above-ground counterparts.
In order to choose between these two options, you need to consider your budget as well as your dog's size and strength level. If you have a large breed dog that's known for its strength or agility (or if you think yours might be), then an in-ground system could be a better fit for your needs than an above-ground one would be.
A third option is a combination of above-ground and in-ground systems. This is the best of both worlds, but it's also more expensive than buying either option separately.
With an underground dog fence, you can choose between a wireless dog fence and wired system. A wireless dog fence uses radio waves to communicate with your dog; this is the most common type of containment system for dogs because it's easy to install and inexpensive.
On the other hand, a wired system uses a series of wires buried in the ground to keep your pet from wandering too far. This type of system is more expensive than a wireless one, but it's also more reliable—not to mention safer for your dog.
A wireless pet fence system is more prone to signal interference than a wired one, which can be frustrating if your dog keeps running through his boundary. A wired system also requires you to dig up the ground in order to install it, which can be very time consuming and difficult; however, this type of containment system is generally more reliable than a wireless one.
If you’re interested in installing a wireless containment system for your dog, there are a few things to consider before purchasing one. First of all, ensure the brand or company has good customer reviews; it should have plenty of positive comments from customers who made a purchase. Also, look into what kind of training materials come with the brand or company; if none are included, you may need to invest in some additional resources.
Attach the wires to the strands of fencing you'll use to enclose your property.
The wires can be attached to the strands of fencing before you install them in the ground, above ground, or inside a fence.
Attach each wire to one strand of fencing with a screwdriver. Make sure that all your strands are electrified before you go outside with your dog for training sessions.
Once you've attached the wires, you can attach them to a wireless fence. The wireless system is also easy to install and use, but it does have some limitations. Because it uses radio frequencies (RF), there's no way for the dog to tell where he's getting shocked if he crosses into another area or goes near any other electronic devices that use RF.
A wireless fence can be used with dogs of any age, but you should train your dog before installing a wireless system. If you want to set up an outdoor training pen, make sure that the wire is buried deep enough so that your dog cannot dig under it.
You can also use the wire to keep your pet in a certain area of your home property, like around a swimming pool. The wires come in different lengths and shapes so that you can customize your system.
Train your dog to understand his boundaries once the fence is installed.
Once the fence is installed, you can begin training your dog to understand his boundaries. The best way to do this is by using positive reinforcement techniques and avoiding negative reinforcement (such as shock or spray) at all costs.
You'll also need to ensure that your dog isn't allowed out of the fence until he understands it. If you let him wander off too soon, he will likely run into an edge along one side or another and get shocked when he tries to leave the perimeter through an area where there aren't any wires yet set in place.
This is why training your dog before the fence is installed is important. Once the fence is up, you can begin training your dog to understand his boundaries. The best way to do this is by using positive reinforcement techniques and avoiding negative reinforcement (such as shock or spray) at all costs. If you intend to use a shock collar, be sure to do so under the supervision of a professional trainer.
Electric fencing can help keep pets safe while training them not to wander off, but it's important to do some research before installing it in your home area, especially if you plan to go with an in-ground system.
Electric fencing is a great way to keep your pets safe while they are in the backyard. It's also a great way to train your dog or cat when they are first getting used to the idea of being outside without you. When using an electric dog fence, you want to make sure that you do some research and pick the correct brand or company before installing it, especially if you plan on going with an in-ground system.
Troubleshooting Electric Dog Fences
What to Do If Nothing Seems to Work
If you've tried everything to keep your pet from escaping your home area, it may be time to consider changing the type of pet fence you use. If the one you have is not working for some reason (say, if your dog has learned how to jump over it), try something else.
If a shock doesn't work, try a stronger one; if an underground shock doesn't work on a wet surface or in snow, try an above-ground system that won't get soaked or covered by snow and ice as easily.
If none of these solutions seem to help, consider changing locations and buying another type of pet fence altogether. A wireless system might not be able to reach all corners of your property effectively; an above-ground wire might be easier for your pup to jump over than an underground wire.
An effective last resort
Electric fences are a last resort and not for everyone. If you're considering getting one of the dog fence systems, we encourage you to do some research on the various types of dog fence before making a decision. For example, there is no such thing as 100% effective pet containment—but if it's used in conjunction with other training techniques and appropriate practices (such as keeping your dog leashed while outside), it can be a very effective way of keeping your pets safe!
Alternatives to Electric Fences
Physical fences
When it comes to physical fences, you want to make sure that they are at least six feet high and buried at least eighteen inches deep. The fence should have no gaps or weak points where dogs can get through. Attaching the fence to a wooden post at least six feet tall is also important for its stability.
Try using solid materials like metal, wood, or stone for your physical barrier if possible, as these materials will last longer than plastic ones, which tend to become brittle over time and can break easily under pressure from larger animals such as horses or cows.
Invisible fences
Invisible fences are a great alternative to electric fences. They're safe, effective, and can be used in any weather.
These systems utilize a transmitter that sends out radio waves through the air. The collar is equipped with a receiver that picks up these signals when your dog is within range of the transmitter. When it does, it emits an unpleasant but non-harmful shock that will make your dog associate this area with pain and discomfort, so they learn not to cross it again.
The amount of training required depends on how old your dog is and how easily they learn new things - but most dogs pick up on it within just one or two days! Generally speaking, though, if you put in enough effort during training, you'll be able to have full control over where your pup roams within 24 hours!
The price of an invisible fence system depends on several factors, such as whether or not you need multiple parts like extra transmitters (if there are multiple dogs) or collars, etcetera; however, the average price tends to hover somewhere around $200-$300.
Kennels and cages
Kennels and cages are a great alternative to electric fences for dogs that are destructive or escape artists. You can use cages to keep your dog inside the house, and they're also useful for confining puppies or dogs with separation anxiety.
Keep in mind that not all dogs are good customers for confinement in a cage—some will feel claustrophobic, while others may have separation anxiety when left alone without having the option of running around outside their enclosure.
A GPS Tracking Collar
A GPS tracking device like the Fi collar allows you to keep track of your dog's location while not having to install anything outdoors. This may be the best option if you live somewhere that does not allow you to dig up anything.
The Fi collar does not send any static corrections like those seen in invisible fencing systems or other dog fence systems. With the Fi, you can create multiple geofences as a boundary. These geofences will not signal to the pet that they are leaving the perimeter but once the receiver exits, you will get a text notification on your mobile phone.
Fi Smart Collars also offer activity tracking to keep tabs on how much your dog is walking and sleeping during the day. It is also waterproof so your pup can wear it at all times. This is great if you have an active dog.
The GPS receiver on the collar has a battery life of up to three months. With battery life like that, you can feel secure knowing your pet's location if you have to leave on a trip.
Final Thoughts on Getting A Electric Fence For Your Dog
Whether you have a small home area or over an acre, there are many considerations to make in choosing an invisible fence for dogs. The most important thing is to start with the basics. Make sure that you have properly installed your wireless dog fence and that it is working correctly before adding any extras like wires or flags. By taking the time upfront, you can reduce the likelihood of problems down the road—and save yourself some on the cost in the process!
Find more helpful articles on pet-parenting at the Off Leash blog at TryFi.com.
Also, be sure to check out TryFi's Fi Dog Collar, a cutting-edge GPS tracking collar that keeps you updated on your dog's location, activity, sleep, and alerts you if they escape the backyard.
