Invisible Dog Fence – Can It Work for Your Dog?

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What is an invisible dog fence, and can it work for your pet? As a dog owner you must always be concerned that your pet is properly contained. You do not want your puppy running free.

This can be harmful for your dog and might also scare your neighbors and friends. As an owner you will be held responsible for the dog’s behavior. If the pet is not contained it could also get run over by a car or end up biting a child. So if you want your pet and the people around it to be safe, you must buy a good dog containment system.

Invisible Fence brand’s electronic pet containment systems have gained a lot of popularity among dog owners. The reason for this is that you need not restrict your dog to small cages or playpens, and you can let it have all the fun of running and playing while still effectively containing it.

Freedom is the biggest advantage, which is provided when you use Invisible Fence for your dog. So how does this system work?

Hello, Invisible

The Invisible Fence is truly invisible. There are no chains, locks or fences that protect your dog or contain it. You also don’t need a steel or wooden gate to restrict the dog’s movements. Also gone are the days of stringing long stretches of electric fencing. Irrespective of how big or small your property is, you can make use of the new “invisible” system.

The “hidden dog fence” makes use of an advanced technology that is installed by a professional team. A perimeter of underground wires is created. Your pup will wear a “Computer Collar,” which will track its movements around the yard; and in case it strays beyond the perimeter marked for it, a warning sound is generated via radio waves.

It not only offers the dog freedom but also gives you peace of mind, as you do not have to constantly worry about its safety. With the invisible dog fence, can it work for your dog and you if you have more than one dog? Yes, you can contain more than one dog using this system, and this is just as effective with more than one dog. You’ll need multiple collars.

Most dogs back off when they hear the warning, but in case your dog gets too close to the perimeter, then it might get a very mild shock (similar to static electricity). The shock is harmless (and adjustable to your pet’s needs), but this will no doubt scare the wits out of your pup. This experience will teach it to respect its boundaries. You can still walk your pet outside your yard – just remove the collar first.

How Much It Costs

Basic indoor Invisible Fence-type systems are available, which can cost around $150 (some models are even portable, meaning you can take it with you on trips!). A complete outdoor invisible dog fence system, meanwhile, will cost anywhere from several hundred dollars to more than a thousand, depending on the size you need. Also, you’ll need to replace the batteries in the collar every three months (at $15 a pop).

Before you can have the system installed, you must have your utility company mark any underground electrical wires in the area. A controller unit will be located in your basement or garage. If you lose power (power failure, blackout, etc.), your dog fence will not work. Also keep in mind that while your pet won’t venture outside the area, OTHER critters can still wander in (so supervise your pet even when the fence is turned on).

The company behind the Invisible Fence brand claims a 99.5 percent success rate, and many veterinarians (plus the ASPCA and OSPCA) recommend this brand. Shop around, though. There are other companies that make these types of dog containment systems; you might find a better deal. A brand called PetSafe wireless dog fence sells for less than $300, and it covers a fairly large area (180 feet in diameter). Now, for 300 bucks we’re not exactly talking cutting-edge technology here, but the company does proudly boast that “if you can plug in a cord, you can install it.”

So what do you think about an invisible dog fence? Can it work for you and your dog?

Photo: samplereality/Flickr

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