Invisible Dog Fences, sometimes called underground fences or hidden fences, are very popular with dog owners who wish to give their dog the freedom to run and play in a safe and confined area. An invisible dog fence consists of an electric wire which is buried underground along the perimeter of the area desired. The wire provides a weak radio signal that sends messages to a special collar which the dog will wear. As the dog approaches the boundary, the collar will beep, followed by a slight electric shock.

Choosing the right invisible dog fence can be confusing because of the wide variety of options available. Good quality fences are sold by PetSafe, Innotek, and Perimeter, among others. There are a few important things to consider when buying, including an adequate warranty (at least 1 year), making sure that the receiver has a range of correction levels to personalize the training program for each dog. Also, buying a sturdy wire is important for carrying the signal properly. 16-gauge wire is very durable and does this job well. For small dogs, the neck size should be checked to make sure the collar will fit. Most of the normal collars fit 8 inches around, though some fit 6 inches.

Once the invisible dog fence is installed, good training of the dog is a must. After putting the flags up along the boundary to serve as a visual aid and setting the dog’s collar to the lowest correction setting, put your dog on his leash and take him into the yard. Allow him to explore, and when he approaches the boundary, the collar will beep. When this happens, pull him back into the middle of the yard (the “safe” zone), and excitedly praise him and possibly reward him with a treat. Repeat this exercise numerous times; slowly raising the correction level of the receiver until the dog consistently stays in the safe zone. You can also set up distractions for your dog by throwing treats outside of the safe zone or having a friend stand outside and make distracting motions (but do not call the dog to come). After a couple of weeks or so you should be able to take the leash off and continue the training until your dog consistently respects the boundaries you have set. At this point you can also remove the flags one by one over a period of a few days.

As with anything, there are pros and cons to invisible dog fences. Dog owners interested in purchasing an invisible dog fence will be able to make a much more informed decision after a bit of research and advice from those who have “been there, done that.”

Pros to Invisible Dog Fences

• Much less expensive than normal fencing, even if you hire a professional to install the invisible dog fence for you.
• Some subdivisions don’t allow traditional fences.
• Invisible dog fences leave the yard more open and attractive, and don’t ruin the view.
• Traditional fences aren’t reliable, dogs like to dig under them, jump or climb over them, and escape through open gates.
• If a traditional fence already exists, an invisible dog fence can be added to control these problems.
• Most invisible dog fence collars first deliver a beep as a warning to the dog that he is getting too close to the boundary. If he does not heed the warning, a slight shock is administered through the collar. This shock is more surprising than painful and will teach the lesson often with only one or two times. After the training is completed, the warning beep is usually enough to keep the dog well away from the boundary.

Cons to Invisible Dog Fences

• Invisible dog fences cannot be seen by people or animals walking by and who might accidentally walk into the dog’s property. This would especially be a problem with dogs that are very protective of their property and are trained to defend against “intruders.”
• Some dogs may be stubborn and go through the barrier, ignoring the shock, if the distraction is tempting enough. Good training after the invisible dog fence is first installed is usually enough to prevent this from happening, along with supervision.
• Requires some maintenance by the dog owner including battery replacement (every 3 to 6 months) and correct collar and prong placement on the dog’s neck.

With careful planning, consistent training, and minimal maintenance, an invisible dog fence can be a blessing to your dog and family. It will preserve the spaciousness and beauty of your property, as well as keep this valued and loved member of your family safe, secure, and happy.