Many people think an invisible underground wireless electric fence is the best way to keep their dog in their yard. However, they are simply not as effective as you might think. Statistics suggest that invisible wireless electric fences are only about 70% effective.
Dr. Ivana Crnec, DVM, highlights that while invisible fences can work for small or low-energy dogs, they are often less effective for high-energy or prey-driven dogs [SafeWise] [Pet Lover Guy]. Moreover, these fences do not provide a physical barrier, leaving your dog vulnerable to other animals entering your yard, which can be particularly concerning in areas with wildlife such as coyotes [PetMD].
What is an Invisible Dog Fence?
An invisible dog fence, also known as a wireless dog fence, is a system designed to keep a dog within a predefined boundary without the need for a physical barrier. It works by using a wireless signal or radio frequency to create a virtual perimeter.
How Does an Invisible Dog Fence Typically Work?
- Transmitter Unit: The system includes a central transmitter unit, which emits a radio signal. This transmitter is usually placed inside the home.
- Boundary Area: The signal forms a circular boundary around the transmitter. The size of this boundary can often be adjusted to suit the size of your property.
- Collar Receiver: The dog wears a special collar that receives the signal from the transmitter. As the dog approaches the boundary, the collar will detect the signal.
- Warning and Correction: If the dog gets too close to the boundary, the collar emits a warning sound. If the dog continues to move closer or tries to cross the boundary, the collar delivers a mild electric shock or other type of correction, such as vibration.
- Training: Training is essential for the dog to understand the boundaries and the warnings given by the collar.
Advantages of a wireless dog fence include its flexibility, ease of installation, and the fact that it does not obstruct views or require physical maintenance like a traditional fence. However, it requires consistent training to be effective, and some argue that the use of electric shock can be inhumane or stressful for the dog. Additionally, it does not prevent other animals or people from entering your property like a traditional fence.
Do Invisible Dog Fences Work?
Here’s why using an invisible underground electric fence for dogs is not a good idea:
- While an electric fence may look invisible, its damaging effects are very visible and generally increase harmful behavior over time. Dogs can become fearful or even aggressive because they are being hurt. This might make it harder for you to take your dog outside of your home at all, and can even cause dogs to bark or bite strangers because they simply don’t know who or what is harming them [PetMD].
- Dogs can feel like they are being punished (by the shock) when they run and greet someone who is past the boundary line. That new association can lead them to believe that everything should be feared and nothing is safe. This new fear can easily turn into aggression.
- Invisible wireless electric fences do not stop other animals from coming onto your property. If you live in an area where coyotes are common, you can endanger your dog, because essentially your dog becomes a sitting duck. Invisible fences allow other animals to freely enter your property while your dog is restricted [Rover].
- Many invisible wireless electric fences do not include a transmitter that includes lightning protection, which means in inclement weather your electric fence might not work.
- Some of the DIY invisible wireless electric fence kits do not use wire that is rated for outdoor use and will simply short out after a few months.
- Invisible underground electric fences require a long training process. If you just install an invisible dog fence, slap the shock collar (receiver) on your dog, and then stick him in the yard to figure it out on his own – at best you’ll confuse your dog and at worst you’ll frighten him. If you want to create an area where your dog can run free without having to spend the $1,000 training fee that most invisible fence companies charge, get a non-electric dog fence kit. Because it’s a real physical barrier, no training is required.
- At low levels, the shock is too weak to stop your dog from leaving your yard to investigate nearby wildlife or another dog, and at high levels, the dog may become scared or aggressive [PetMD].
- If your dog is younger than 6 months old most veterinarians will tell you to wait before you can install an invisible wireless electric fence, which means your pup cannot run free and play. With a non-electric dog fence kit, you do not have any age restrictions.
You might think at Pet Playgrounds, we’re biased, but you don’t have to take our word for it. According to Victoria Stilwell of Animal Planet’s It’s Me or the Dog: “Dogs contained behind electric fences tend to become more reactive and in some cases more aggressive toward strangers and even family members because of anxiety and frustration. Recent studies show that dogs without previous aggression problems are more prone to attack family members when the systems are activated. Only a proper fence will keep people or other animals out of the yard and offer more protection. It is a much safer and more humane and effective containment option than an electric fence will ever be.”
So there you have it. Invisible fences are not the best way to contain your dog. Interested in why so many dog parents have chosen our unique dog fence? Find out why in the video below.
What do you think about wireless, invisible dog fences? Use the comment section below where many have described their experiences. Join in on the conversation. Ask about our dog fence or build your dog fence kit here.
17 Comments
Comments are closed.
Jeree Johnson
Our dog has gotten out over and over and now has injured another animal. We need help quickly.
petplaygrounds
Please order your kit at petplaygrounds.com/product/build-your-kit so we can ship your kit to you as soon as possible.
John
How long does it take to get the kit ?
ppg2018new
It takes 10 days
SHARON TAGGART
Does this fence work for a dog that can climb a cyclone fence?
ppg2018new
It does. The reason is because of its flexibility. Dogs can’t get a grip to climb. When they try the top of the fence flexes so prevent climbers from actually getting over.
ppg2018new
Yes, it does. The reason is because our fence is incredibly flexible which prevents any dog from actually getting a grip in the first place. The top of the fence flexes any time the dog tries to climb, the bottom of the fence is made out of metal and mesh, which is how dogs that can bite and chew through other fences are stopped.
Christian Pattison
Just spent sometime reading you “articles’ above , note that you have not stated what study you are referring to.
In my experience with two Australian kelpies , registered with the Australian kelpie association, an invisible fence is the way to go we have ~ 2ac with invisible fence and the dogs love it they learnt very quickly ( less than one hour )
where the invisible fence is and in 4 years have not once got out. The invisible fence is just great we did not have to spend ~ $10,000 to get the area fenced with dog proof fencing , invisible fence cost about $600. Don’t have to worry about dog taking off if a gate is open or anything. All the people that live close to us with dogs also have invisible fences and think they are awesome.
Even when we have storms the dogs stay in and do not even try to bolt, just check Facebook after every storm with people looking for lost dogs that jump a fence.
We have a very popular walking take on the boundary of our block the dogs will not even try to cross the invisible fence no matter who or what is going past our block , dogs , motor bikes horses , people kids what ever.
For people with small bits yards maybe a invisible fence is not the way to go as the ~ 3 – 5 m wide barrier would make the usable area too small so the dogs would not have enough room to play , or owners have the system set up incorrectly with the barrier to wide for the area and have not spent the time to train the dog to the invisible fence or maybe just have overly i bread purebred dogs that are not trained correctly.
Too say that dogs become aggressive when an invisible fence is used is incorrect how may dogs behind a normal fence are aggressive , jus go for a walk down any suburban street , poorly trained dogs going nuts are the fence all over the place.
Jason Levine
Thank you for sharing your experience with invisible fences. While your setup has worked well for your Australian Kelpies, it’s important to note that experiences can vary greatly depending on the dog’s breed, temperament, and the specific conditions of the environment. The effectiveness of invisible fences can indeed be around 70%, as reported by several sources. This means that for many dogs, particularly high-energy or prey-driven breeds, these fences may not be as reliable.
Moreover, invisible fences do not provide a physical barrier, which means other animals can still enter your property, potentially putting your dogs at risk. Additionally, the shock mechanism can cause anxiety and aggression in some dogs, as highlighted by experts.
For those looking for a more secure and humane solution, we recommend considering a physical dog fence, which provides effective dig, chew, and climb protection without relying on electric shocks.
If you have any further questions or need more information, please feel free to reach out.
Robin Achille
I am researching options. I don’t think your system will work for me. My first dog, Shelby, is 60 lbs, small husky size. I had a 4 foot chain link fence installed for her. She does not challenge it and is no problem. My new rescue, Anya, is an escape artist. She is 45 lbs large cocker spaniel size. She chases whatever moves. She wants that chipmunk on the other side of the fence. I have reinforced the bottom of the chain link where it could be “swayed” and she could scoot UNDER the fence. NOW, she has resorted to DIGGING to get under. I put mesh wire fencing down vertically 4 inches, angled to the ground and stapled 4 inches out from the fence. I have a huge backyard 100 ft/145 ft/100 ft. Fairly level ground. I put rocks against parts of the fence and ivy vegetation has grown at the base. I thought I had a fortress but if Anya is determined, I still think she would dig amazing holes the size of her body to get under. How can your fence system work for one who digs?
ppg2018new
Yes, it would. I would recommend a 6 foot tall MAX Strength kit for your dog.
Melanie Crawley
I am getting an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy on January 7, 2020. If I gave you my address, would your company be able to provide an estimate on the cost for a kit with 2 gates? I would like the side and back yard fenced. As for as the height of the fence, I would like to leave that decision to your companies discretion, based on your knowledge of this particular breed.
ppg2018new
You can get a quote online in seconds by going to https://staging.petplaygrounds.com/product/build-your-kit/.
If you have any questions you can call us at 1-800-985-9202
Robert Roach
I have had a buried fence around the house, barns, and dry lots (about five acres) for about a year. My four dogs have not gone through it. Prior to installing the fence they roamed over the farm and adjacent farms.
Jason Levine
Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s great to hear that your buried fence has been effective in keeping your four dogs within the boundaries for over a year. It sounds like you have a well-functioning system in place.
While buried fences can be effective for many pets, some owners find that a physical barrier offers additional peace of mind and security, especially in areas with potential external threats like wildlife. Our dog fences provide dig, chew, and climb protection, ensuring a comprehensive solution for keeping your pets safe.
If you’re ever considering adding an extra layer of security or exploring other fencing options, we’d be happy to help. Feel free to reach out with any questions!
John
“ Statistics suggest that invisible wireless electric fences are only about 70% effective.”
Can you please provide the reference source for that statistic? The effectiveness of an invisible fence is my primary consideration as we are deciding whether to get one.
Thanks
Jason Levine
Thank you for your question. According to various sources, invisible wireless electric fences are reported to be about 70% effective. This effectiveness can vary significantly based on factors such as the size and temperament of the dog, the strength of the fence’s transmitter, and the layout of the property.
Dr. Ivana Crnec, DVM, highlights that while invisible fences can work for small or low-energy dogs, they are often less effective for high-energy or prey-driven dogs [SafeWise] [Pet Lover Guy]. Moreover, these fences do not provide a physical barrier, leaving your dog vulnerable to other animals entering your yard, which can be particularly concerning in areas with wildlife such as coyotes [Pet Playgrounds].
For a more secure and reliable solution, you might consider a physical dog fence that offers proven dig and climb protection, such as those provided by Pet Playgrounds.
I hope this information helps with your decision-making process. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!