With that said, there are plenty of different solutions on the market. From physical fences to electric ones, we know how hard it can be to choose the best option for you and your pets. There are plenty of pros and cons for each style of fence.
This article looks at some of the biggest questions that you may have when trying to choose between physical fencing and an electric fence. So let's dig in and discover the best option for your dog's fencing!
What Is an Invisible Fence?
An invisible fence, also known as an underground or hidden fence, is a pet containment system designed to keep pets safe within a designated area without the need for physical barriers such as traditional fences.
This innovative technology provides a practical solution for pet owners who want to give their furry companions the freedom to roam and explore their surroundings while ensuring their safety and preventing them from straying into off-limits areas.
How Invisible Fences Work
Unlike traditional fences made of wood, metal, or other materials, an invisible fence operates through a combination of electronic components, including underground wires and a specialized collar worn by the pet. Here's a breakdown of how an invisible fence system typically functions:
- Installation: A professional installer or the pet owner themselves will bury a series of wires around the perimeter of the desired containment area. These wires are connected to a central control unit, usually placed in a convenient location such as a garage or utility room.
- Boundary Setting: The pet owner, with guidance from the installer or manufacturer's instructions, sets the boundaries by adjusting the control unit. This determines the extent of the designated area where the pet can freely roam.
- Training: Introducing the pet to the invisible fence system involves a training process. The pet wears a special collar that receives signals from the underground wires. These signals emit a warning tone or vibration as the pet approaches the boundary. Through consistent training and positive reinforcement, the pet learns to associate the warning signals with the boundaries and learns to retreat to a safe zone when they hear or feel the signal.
- Correction: In some invisible fence systems, if the pet continues to approach or cross the boundary, the collar may deliver a mild static correction. This correction is designed to deter the pet from crossing the established boundaries. It's important to note that these corrections are safe and are not intended to cause harm to the pet.
Benefits of Invisible Fencing
- Safe Pet Containment: This is the most important feature of an invisible fence. They provide a secure and effective means of containing pets within the designated area.
- Unobstructed View: Because the barrier is based underground, there is no fencing obstructing the aesthetic appeal of a home's outdoor space.
- Cost-Effective: Invisible fences are very affordable. Materials are a fraction of the cost of traditional fencing.
Why Choose a Traditional Fence Instead
While invisible fences may seem like an attractive option when considering a solution for containing your pets, they are not always the best option. Invisible fences do not guarantee containment. At some point, the reward of what is on the other side of your invisible fence may be greater than the temporary pain from an electric shock.
By installing a traditional dog fence, the upfront cost may be greater than an invisible fence, but they can add curb appeal to your home. With so many different materials and appearances, a traditional fence can really up the aesthetic of your home and yard.
The most beneficial aspect of a traditional fence is that it doesn’t just keep things in, but it also keeps things out. Sure, electric fences do a pretty good job of keeping your pets contained. However, any other animal can cross the invisible fence with no consequences, putting your pets and your family in danger. Traditional fences eliminate that issue.
Maintenance
If there is one negative aspect of traditional fencing that could be mentioned, it would be the fact that SOME traditional fence materials will incur more maintenance costs than electric fences. However, with newer high-quality fencing materials, such as vinyl, aluminum, and ornamental steel, virtually no maintenance is required.
So Which One Should I Choose?
While both invisible fences and traditional fences have plenty of positives and negatives that come with each solution, we believe that the traditional fence edges out invisible ones. The combination of aesthetics, safety, low cost of maintenance, and overall better product make containing your pets much easier with a traditional fence.
Choosing the correct fencing and materials when you are planning to install some sort of fence for your pets is vital to keeping them safe. Working with a professional fence contractor will give you peace of mind knowing that it is installed correctly and up to any local regulations.
If you require a pet fence or dog kennel in the Asheville or Hendersonville area, you can count on Asheville Fence for the best fencing products and top-notch installation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!