Tag: Electric Dog Fence

Comparison of Different Dog Fencing Options

There are three types of outdoor electric fences available for pets, Inground Fencing, Instant Fencing (known as a Wireless Fence), and Above Ground Fencing. Above ground fencing is typically used for larger animals, although there are some products available for pets. The most popular electric fencing is in ground fencing. I will focus on this type of product. The main manufacturer that we are aware of is Radio Systems Corporation. They make Petsafe and Innotek products.

Benefits of In-ground Dog fencing

An electric pet fence allows your pet to roam in the front and rear of your residence. This allows your pet to enjoy the activities and surroundings all around your house as opposed to just the backyard (if it is fenced in). Pets are naturally curious and enjoy being able to monitor the activities, sights & sounds that surround their house. Note that there are models available for cats and dogs.

With no perimeter fencing we need to contain our pets in a pen or on a lead if we are not present. This allows for very little mobility. I have found that an electric fence offers a tremendous amount of additional freedom for myself and my pets by having the ability to open my front or rear door and let them out without worry. Pet ownership has enough responsibilities and restrictions without having to personally take your pet out every time they want to go outdoors. 

The safety this provides our pets is immeasurable. This is evidenced by the ASPCA’s support for the use of wireless fences. Fencing also allows you to create restricted areas that you do not want your pet to enter such as pools, flower beds as an example.

Finally, this saves you from the expense of putting up what can be an unsightly traditional fence. Some home owner associations do not allow this. Additionally dogs can dig under a traditional fence to get out creating multiple obvious issues.

How Does Inground Fencing Work?

Installation is performed by burying wire to define the boundary configuration. Simply place the boundary wire in any configuration you choose. The wire is connected to the transmitter (mounted in an environment protected from the elements). The transmitter sends a signal through the wire. The wire acts as an antenna that send out a signal. The signal is received by your pets collar receiver as they approach the boundary. 
 
The collar receiver then responds accordingly. When a dog approaches the boundary area, he receives a warning tone. If the dog approaches further and/or hasn’t retreated, the tone is followed by a mild electrical stimulus. In some cases with the more expensive models the stimulus can be set to different levels to match pet temperament. If he still continues toward the boundary, some models will boost the stimulation to help prevent run-through. It has been my experience that most dogs learn to avoid the boundary area all together in a short time. Published information confirms this as well.

What to consider when buying

There are a few features that I have found to be very important while others are nice to have but necessary. The following is a list you should consider.

  • The transmitter needs to have a warning light or audible tone when the boundary wire has been broken. In this situation the fence is no longer operating properly and it is necessary for you to know this immediately. Most units now have this feature. When installing the fence use some natural boundary markers so that you are aware of where the wire is buried. I have been frustrated by trying to find the wire location without an aid in the past.
  • The receiver collar should have an indicator (typically an LED light) to tell you when the battery is getting low. A low receiver battery is the number one reason pets breach the fence boundary. Unfortunately, at the time of this writing only the more expensive models have this feature. This is a critical feature I will not do without. I would expect this feature to be more universal in the future. Note that battery life is typically less in the winter months.
  • In some cases with the more expensive models that Innotek and Petsafe make, the stimulus can be set to different levels to match pet temperament. Some may add the feature that the stimulus is boosted as a pet further approached the boundary after an initial correction to help prevent run-through. I have not had the need for this feature but depending on how aggressive the nature of your pet it may be necessary.

Overall we have had great success with electric dog fencing. It is to the point that we would not do without it. The freedom and safety it offer our pets as well as our family (freedom, anyway) is worth far more than the cost of the item.