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If you’re tired of chasing your dog down the street, or worry that one day he won’t return, it might be time to explore your fencing options.
We’ve been selling and installing residential fences for over 15 years. We’ve seen firsthand how frustrating and exhausting it can be when you do everything you can to keep your pet safe, only to have him consistently take off. Whether your pet’s a jumper, a climber, a digger, or runner, our fencing experts have seen it all and can help tailor a solution for you and your pet that’s safe, effective and visually pleasing.
But maybe you’ve reached the breaking point and are considering an invisible fence. You’re tired of your dog roaming onto your neighbor’s property or bolting after anything that moves. You’re afraid that one day he’ll take off into the busy street and you won’t catch him in time.
You’ve heard people call their invisible fence a game changer. You’ve read glowing reviews from loving pet owners who said nothing could keep their pet contained until they installed an invisible fence, and that it only took a few times of “testing” the fence for their former Houdini to submit to his boundaries.
So while you used to think shock collars were cruel, you’re left wondering what’s worse for your pet – escaping and getting hit by a car, biting a neighbor kid and having to be put down, or the occasional pain or discomfort of “static corrections” designed to keep your pet safe?
Peace of mind for you. Unleashed freedom for your pet. Invisible fences sound like a win-win for all.
Right?
As with any meaningful purchase, it’s important to research your options before making a final decision. Just like not all traditional fencing options are fool-proof for every dog, not all invisible fence systems are right for every pet. Below we’ll take an in-depth look at invisible pet containment systems, including the controversy surrounding the method of containment, how the systems work, the success rate, behavioral ramifications, the common pitfalls, and other risks associated with invisible fences that you may not be aware of.
What is an invisible fence?
Also known as electronic fences, electric dog fences, or wireless or semi-wireless pet containment systems, invisible fences use fencing wire (unless 100% wireless), radio technology, a transmitter, and a shock collar outfitted with a receiver to contain your pet to a specific area.
A brief history
In the 1970s, Richard Peck, a traveling salesman and dog-lover, was troubled by how many dead dogs he saw on the side of the road during his travels. Most had been struck by cars. Also an amateur inventor, Peck set out to create a simple solution to keep pets from straying from their yards. He is credited with developing the concept that would eventually go on to become the world’s first commercially sold electronic containment system for pets.
How do invisible fences work?
When the invisible fence is activated, the boundary wire or transmitter sends a consistent radio signal to the receiver collar worn by your pet. So long as your pet stays within the pre-designated safe zone, he is free to roam without repercussion. When your dog approaches the boundary, however, the collar senses this and emits a warning vibration or tone to encourage your pet to retreat back into the yard.
If your pet violates the boundary, he receives a “corrective” shock through two metal prongs attached to his collar. The shock can last up to 30 seconds or until your pet returns to the safe zone, whichever comes first. The strength of the shock is pre-selected by you and/or the trainer during the training process and depends, in large part, on the size and temperament of your pet. Most systems come with several “correction” levels. Pet owners are encouraged to use the lowest setting needed to contain their pet. The lowest levels have been described as a “tingle” or “tickle” and increasing in “discomfort” from there. Manufacturers liken the sensation to running your hand over a TV or touching a doorknob after walking on carpet. Pet behaviorists, trainers and veterinarians have criticized these descriptions as misleading.
It’s important to remember that not all dogs will respond to shock training the same. A tingle or tickle to a carefree pet may be traumatizing to a timid, anxious or fearful one.
The importance of proper training
Proper installation is only one component of a successful system. Training is the other. Proper training is critical to the safety and well-being of your pet, particularly when teaching him to respect the boundaries of his invisible fence.
Most invisible containment systems come with training flags so your pet can “see” his new boundary area before training. Your pet is introduced to the boundary line with his collar on tone or vibration only mode (no correction) and he will soon equate the flags and the warning tone with the desired behavior.
The collar is then set to correction mode and the training flags are removed a few at a time until completely gone. Your pet begins to associate the unpleasant shock with the warning tone or vibration, not the flags. In theory, once your pet hears the tone, he’ll remember the displeasure of the shock and voluntarily stop or retreat into his safe zone, without or without the flags. Some pet owners prefer to keep a few training flags on the perimeter, not only to serve as visual cues for their pet but to signal to outsiders that an invisible fence is in place.
Training time will vary from pet to pet. Some dogs pick it up quickly. Others take longer to make the connection. To be fair to your pet, whether it takes a day or a couple of weeks, training should last as long as necessary for him to understand how the fence system works.
The difference between semi-wireless and wireless invisible fence systems
There are numerous invisible fence systems on the market, but they typically fall into one of two categories: wireless or semi-wireless. Both use radio signals to establish boundaries (safe zones) and collars fitted with special receivers to catch the signals.
Semi-wireless invisible fences use insulated fence wire to create the boundary area. The wire is usually buried a couple inches underground along the desired perimeter, but some pet owners prefer above-ground installation in which wiring is secured to the ground or bordering areas, sometimes with staples or ties. A transmitter sends radio signals through the wire which are then picked up by your pet’s receiver collar.
There are pros and cons to each installment method, but underground installation is recommended for areas where exposure to the elements or human activity (such as landscaping or snow removal) are likely to damage or sever the wire. In colder weather climates where frost is an issue, even underground wiring can become brittle or fail because of the constant shifting of the ground as it freezes and thaws. Although breaks in the wire can be detected and replaced, locating a break can sometimes be difficult. Replacement may not be possible due to inclement weather leaving potential dead zones for your smart pet to escape.
If you live in a region with heavy snowfall, be aware that your pet relies on multiple senses to learn their boundaries, including sense of smell. Excess snowfall over the boundary wire can cover up an established scent track. It may be necessary to re-introduce the boundaries to your pet to avoid the unnecessary trauma of accidentally crossing where he shouldn’t.
As the name suggests, wireless fence systems forego the wiring and instead rely on radio signals from a central transmitter to establish the boundary lines for your pet. The transmitter is plugged into an indoor outlet on the ground floor of your home and sends out a continuous radio signal to your selected perimeter distance.
While wireless systems are popular for their plug and go set-up, portability and adjustable range, they do have limitations. Unlike in-ground invisible fence systems where you can customize the shape of your boundary area, wireless systems provide only circular coverage. You can enlarge your space by adding more strategically placed transmitters to your house, but the boundary area will still consist of overlapping circles. Since yards are predominantly rectangular, this means reduced yardage for your pet to roam.
Because there is no wiring, wireless systems must rely on a strong signal to maintain uninterrupted coverage. Therefore, these systems work best for smaller, flat parcels of land. Sloped hills or too much acreage can result in signal inconsistencies or reduced range resulting in dead zones for your pet to slip through.
The central transmitter in wireless systems must be housed indoors in a climate-controlled environment 3 to 5 feet above ground level and at least 5 feet away from large metal appliances such as refrigerators or furnaces. If your house has metal siding or a metal roof, manufacturers recommend installing an in-ground invisible fence system instead as the metal will interfere with the signal making it difficult to create a strong, consistent barrier.
Regardless of the invisible fencing system, it’s important to regularly test the boundaries to ensure both the collar and transmitter unit are functioning properly.
The growing controversy surrounding shock collars for pets
Marketed as a quick-to-install, easy-to-use and cost-effective way to contain even the most problematic dogs, invisible fences have grown in popularity since the original system first hit the market in the 1970s.
Although popular with some, these and similar products have not been without controversy. National and international animal rights organizations have condemned the use of shock collars to suppress unwanted behavior (in this case, crossing a set boundary), calling the practice cruel and inhumane. In its 2015 Behavior Management Guidelines, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) stated:
“Aversive techniques include prong (pinch) or choke collars, cattle prods, alpha rolls, dominance downs, electronic shock collars, lunge whips, starving or withholding food, entrapment, and beating. None of those tools and methods should be used to either teach or alter behavior.”
Parts of Europe, Canada and Australia have already taken steps to ban electric shock collars altogether.
Earlier this year, England banned the use of hand-held remote-controlled electric shock collars on pets but declined to ban the use of electric shock collars with invisible fencing systems. Acknowledging growing public concern for the continued use of any kind of electric dog collars, the government planned to amend legislation to add language stating, among other things, that invisible fencing systems should only be used as a last resort.
Though there are no such restrictions yet in the United States, there is a growing movement to introduce similar bans for ethical reasons.
The reluctant solution or “last resort”
Despite the controversy, many pet owners in the U.S. have happily relied on invisible fence systems for years to keep their pet safe in the yard. Some make the decision reluctantly, as a last resort, to try to contain their overly excited, aggressive or mischievous pets.
Some turn to invisible fences out of guilt. Maybe a beloved pet was seriously injured or killed after breaking free from the yard, and they vowed to never let it happen again.
Some turn to invisible fences because they feel they have no other options. Maybe they feel a traditional fence is too expensive but still need a way to contain their pet. Maybe they have a pet that’s overly aggressive and a danger to the outside community. Maybe they live in an area where visible fencing is strictly regulated like a subdivision, the waterfront, near wetlands, in a forest. Or maybe they have a large piece of land they feel would be too time-consuming or cost-prohibitive to fence.
Regardless of the reason, it appears the decision to install an invisible fence is ultimately made when the perceived benefits exceed the perceived risks, including harm to the animal.
If you’re mulling over whether an invisible fence is right for you and your pet, here are several things to consider before making your final decision:
1. Your pet can still get out.
Just like any product, the invisible fence system is not foolproof.
Invisible pet systems may not be the best option for prey-driven dogs as their natural inclination to “hunt” may have them testing the boundaries more often than you’d like. Sometimes a pet is so focused on what’s on the other side of the fence that he’s willing to “take the hit” to get to it. Whether it be another dog, a squirrel or a jogging neighbor, an extremely motivated dog will ignore the warning tone in a rush of adrenaline and break through the barrier.
For most systems, the “static correction” lasts about 30 seconds before it times out. If your pet grits through that 30 seconds without returning, then he’s free to keep roaming. If however, your pet has had his fun and wants to return, many systems will shock your dog again upon re-entering the yard which sends a confusing message.
Anything that relies on technology is subject to malfunction and breakdown. Receiver collars operate on disposable or rechargeable batteries. Once the batteries lose their charge, the signal is lost, the collar no longer shocks and your pet can cross in and out of the yard without consequence. Extremely smart dogs have been known to sit in the ‘warning’ zone until the batteries die. Once the beeping stops, the dog steps freely out of the yard.
Weather-related issues can also affect transmission-based boundaries. Fencing wire can attract lightning during thunderstorms causing transmitters to blow or breaks in the line. Extreme cold can also make fencing wire brittle and fail. Breaks in the line can be hard to detect, and replacement may not be possible until weather issues resolve. Signal interruptions, including power failure, can lead a fence to fail. What’s more, you may not be aware of the failure until your dog is already down the street.
2. Invisible fences do not prevent other animals and people from coming in your yard.
Invisible fence systems give pet owners the illusion of protection for their pet, but while these systems may keep a pet in, little mention is made of what they don’t keep out.
Whether it’s the mail man, the neighbor kids, other dogs, cats, predatory animals like coyotes, bears, alligators, or just bad people looking to do bad things to your dog, all can enter and leave the yard as they choose, but your pet. Roaming dogs, predators or humans with bad intentions can wander in and provoke your pet in his own yard. Because of the collar, your pet may be scared to leave the yard and is forced to choose between defending himself or getting shocked if he tries to leave the situation.
While a pup may be man’s best friend, humans can be a dog’s worst enemy. Whether we want to believe it or not, some people drive around looking for pets to steal. Sometimes pets are “kidnapped” and ransomed back to their owners to support a drug habit, more aggressive pets are stolen for the purpose of dog fighting, and some more elegant breeds are stolen only to be resold to another home. These people are looking for easy targets and as far as they’re concerned, an invisible fence is the same as no fence when it comes to stealing your pet.
3. Shock training can change your pet’s behavior and personality.
Some pets seem to do fine with an invisible fence system. Often, these are easy-going, gentle dogs with little to no prey drive. Although they may be interested in the bustle of activity outside their safe zone, they have no desire to risk getting zapped just to join the party.
Many pets, however, are not so easy going and training with a shock collar only enhances their underlying behavioral issues. For all the risks vs. benefits or pros vs. cons, training a pet with a shock collar to obey an invisible fence is training with a fear-based punishment to deter unwanted behavior. This fear-based, or aversive, practice is at the heart of the shock collar controversy.
While manufacturer websites and online reviews paint invisible fences as the quick and easy solution to your pet containment problem, there are very real unintended consequences to using such techniques on your family pet.
In order for invisible fences to “work”, your pet must receive at least one shock so he knows what will happen if he leaves the yard. If a pet doesn’t understand what caused the shock and why, he may develop a generalized fear and anxiety of the entire yard. Pet owners may notice their pet refusing to go outside or eliminating indoors. Some owners describe having to drag their pet outside, only to have him hover at the door until let back in. Others report having to drive their pet out of the yard to take him for a walk because he was visibly stressed about crossing the perimeter.
Studies have shown that invisible fences can also make dogs more aggressive. Because they are fearful of getting shocked, they are in a heightened state of anxiety while out in their own yard. This may result in increasing aggression toward the owner or anyone else the pet associates with his current situation. A growing concern is that shock collar training damages the fundamental trust between owner and dog.
A pet may also show signs of displaced aggression. For example, if a dog is shocked while lunging at another dog or running to greet a guest, he may associate the punishment he received with that dog or that guest and start acting aggressively toward them. Behavioral therapists see this as a common consequence of invisible fences and warn that it can take significant time to help a pet work through fear-based aggression and anxiety.
4. Sometimes your dog may be shocked even if he’s doing nothing wrong.
While some may reconcile the painful shock of an invisible fence with helping keep their pet safe, no one wants to see their pet suffer for doing nothing wrong. Owners are horrified to learn that their pets may have been shocked even while in the safe zone.
Invisible fence systems rely on electricity to power the transmitter. If an area loses power, an in-ground system will simply be ineffective (unless there is a battery-powered backup).
In wireless systems, however, the shock collar is triggered when the receiver “loses” the signal (meaning the pet has violated the safe zone). According to manufacturers, there is a difference in loss of signal due to a power outage and loss of signal due to a border breach. Sometimes the system doesn’t properly differentiate, and your pet can be shocked during an outage for upwards up 30 seconds, even though he hasn’t left the yard.
There are also reports of pets being repeatedly shocked in their safe zones due to malfunctioning collars. This not only causes your pet pain and distress, but significant confusion and anxiety about the “safeness” of their safe zones.
Perhaps most frightening, in-ground wiring buried too close to the house may cause a pet to be shocked in his own home. One reviewer was playing fetch with her dog inside the home when the pup acted like she’d been shocked. A professional came out and checked each room with the collar. It turns out her dog was being continuously shocked in one area of the house.
5. Visible fences make for good neighbors.
So far we’ve talked about invisible fences from the homeowner’s perspective. Let’s now see things from your neighbor’s perspective.
Have you ever been on a nice stroll with your child when out of nowhere a neighbor dog comes barking and running alongside you? At first you’re startled, and maybe a little annoyed, then you notice that the dog is staying several feet inside his yard as he follows you down the sidewalk. “Don’t worry,” the neighbor calls out. “He’s behind an invisible fence.”
Does that make you feel safe? Or do you still walk faster and avoid that stretch of block the next time you go on a walk? If your neighbor wasn’t outside when you passed, how would you have known if that dog posed a safety risk to you and your child?
This is where the benefits of a visible barrier come in. While some homeowners put up a yard sign or a few training flags to indicate the presence of an invisible fence, some yards have no visible markers, leaving anyone who passes by to nervously wonder about the intent of the dog inside.
In theory, we understand that invisible fences and traditional fences are both designed to keep pets in, but we’ve been wired to trust the barrier we can see. After all, the only way a passerby can really tell if an invisible fence isn’t working is if the dog is suddenly outside of it.
This inability to know for sure can impact neighbors whose own child or dog may be nervous to walk near a house with an invisible fence, particularly if that house has a dog who is prone to patrolling or rushing the “fence”. Is this the one time that dog will “take the hit” to get to you or your pet? Are the batteries properly charged in the dog’s shock collar? Is there a break in the line or a “dead zone” you can’t see that the dog can slip through?
A visible barrier with a traditional fence can provide peace of mind not only for you and your neighbors, but for pets on both sides of the fence.
Conclusion
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best fencing option for you and your pet. Unfortunately, there is no magic, one-size-fits-all solution, but diligent research and careful and honest assessment of your dog’s temperament and surroundings can help you can make the most informed decision possible to keep your family pet safe and happy.
While we understand traditional fencing may not be a viable option for all, chances are we may have a style that will suit the needs of you and your pet. Whether it’s a beautiful wrought iron fence, a galvanized steel chain link fence or any one of our decorative or solid privacy vinyl fences, we’d love to help you find a custom solution.
Do you have questions? How can we help? Leave your comment or concern below or call our customer support line to talk to one of our fencing experts today.