People who want to keep their dogs safe are starting to use electric fences for dogs instead of other options. With a small electric shock, this fence creates a barrier that keeps your pet in a particular area. An electric fence might be a good choice if your dog is active and likes to run around easily. You can keep your dog from getting too far away from you which won’t hurt or discourage them from playing.
This article will discuss how electronic dog fences work and how to install them properly. You will also learn about their safety features, cost, and other ways to keep your pet inside.
Different Types of Electric Dog Fences
There are two types of electric dog fences, namely:
In-ground
Wireless
Wireless electric fences are the norm now since for most dog owners, a wired or in-ground fence isn't a feasible option. To set up a wireless electric fence, you just dig a hole and place transmitters all over your yard or other designated area.
The goal of connecting these transmitters is to create an impenetrable shield. This surrounds the place where you want your dog to only roam around.
How Electric Dog Fences Work
An electric dog fence works simpler than you can think of. The dog's collar gets a signal from a transceiver, which sets off the electric fence. As the dog gets closer to the specified area, its collar beeps. If the dog continues to approach the border, it will receive a mild electric shock. Although the shock will not injure the dog, it will deter it from crossing the barrier.
If your dog ignores the beep, a small electric impulse, like a light vibration, will occur in his collar. This process may confuse your dog initially. However, it is not powerful enough to damage or ‘shock’ them, even though some still call these devices ‘shock collars.’
Walking your dog around the yard will learn the boundaries and what the warning beep indicates. This process will educate your dog to stay within boundaries and respect the warning beep if they venture too far.
There are several benefits you can expect from using electric dog fences instead of traditional ones, such as the following:
- Adaptable: You may set up an invisible fence on any kind of terrain, even steep ones.
- Adjustable: Depending on your demands, wireless fences can be relocated or altered with ease.
- Budget-friendly: Compared to more traditional fences, invisible dog fences are more affordable.
- No Permit Requirement: Depending on HOA rules, you might need a special permit to construct a traditional fence on your property. This requirement may not apply to having an electric wireless one.
- Open View: Unlike traditional fences, invisible fences won't block your line of sight.
- Reliable: No amount of digging, leaping, or chewing will allow a dog to get past an invisible fence.
Key Components of an Electric Fence System
The three primary components of a dog electric fence system include a Transmitter, Boundary wire or wireless system, and Receiver collar. The fence system relies on each component to keep your dog secure and contained.
Transmitter
The transmitter is the main component. It communicates with your dog's receiver collar through the boundary wire or wireless system. Typically, the transmitter is installed indoors and connected to a power outlet. To keep your dog safe, it must establish an impenetrable perimeter.
Boundary Wire and Wireless Systems
The boundary wire or wireless system is what defines the fence's perimeter. An actual wire, either buried or fastened to an existing fence, serves as the boundary. The Wireless system uses a radio wave to form a boundary around the transmitter.
When your dog gets too close to the boundary, either system will send a signal to the receiver collar. This signal will then trigger a correction to stop them from crossing.
Receiver Collar and Correction Levels
When your dog wears the receiver collar—either a wireless system or a boundary wire—it receives signals sent out by the transmitter. When your dog gets too close to the barrier, the collar's built-in contact points will apply a static correction to its skin.
You can customize the correction levels to match your dog's sensitive nature and temperament. This effectively discourages them from crossing over the barrier without causing harm.
When choosing a wireless electric fence system, these aren't the only significant components to consider; the collar's battery life and range are also important. You can choose the best electric fence system for your dog if you know what each part is for and how it works.
How to Install and Setup Electric Dog Fences
The installation process is similar to how simple an electric dog fence works. However, it takes meticulous preparation and focus on detail to install and set up an electric fence for a dog. Here’s a guide on how you can set electric dog fences in your yard.
Install the Boundary Wire
A well-thought-out and prepared boundary line is essential before constructing a dog electric fence. You can either link the wire to an existing fence or bury it a few inches underground. Additionally, you can use flags to mark the borderline and guarantee precision when installing.
Set Up the Transmitter
The transmitter serves as the core of the electric dog fence system. Opt for a central location for the transmitter, preferably in a dry, well-ventilated area. That way, you can keep it safe from harm. This emitter is very easy to set up with the help of the user guide. A surge blocker is an important part of the transmitter that keeps it safe from power surges.
Fit the Receiver Collar
The dog wears a receiver collar, which receives signals from the boundary wire. To ensure that the electric fence for dogs works correctly, the collar must be properly fitted. You can refer to the manual if you are unsure how to fit the collar. The collar's fit must be checked regularly to ensure that it is neither too loose nor too tight.
How to Train Your Dog to Stay in the Fences
It’s very important to teach your dog to follow the lines set by an electric fence for their safety. To train your dog efficiently, consider the following advice.
Provide Basic Boundary Training
Basic boundary training should be completed before your dog is introduced to the electric fence. You can try weaning your dog off the electric fence and teach him personal space. If you do this, your dog will be able to use the electric fence more effectively and prevent any needless shocks.
Use Positive Reinforcement
You can teach your dog to respect the electric fence by using positive reinforcement. When your dog remains inside the warning zone or responds appropriately to the beep, praise, and food are excellent rewards. Your dog will learn to correlate good conduct with positive results.
Seek Proper Training Advice
You can also ask for assistance for proper training when using the electric dog fence. But before hiring a local dog fence installer to set up the electronic fence, you should ask specific questions regarding the training that comes with it. That way, you can guarantee safety for you and your pet.
If you intend to install an electric dog fence, be prepared to undertake the training or hire a competent trainer to assist you.
Adjust Correction Levels to Temperament
It’s essential to tailor the electric fence's correction levels to each dog's personality. Certain dogs may require a higher correction level to prevent overstepping from the boundaries, whereas sensitive dogs might need lower correction levels.
Also, to help your dog adjust to the warning beep, it's best to start by using the tone-only mode for a few days. Without having to be corrected, they will be able to grasp the repercussions of going over the border.
Safety Measures When Using Dog Fences
Since some pet owners have issues with whether to use dog fences or not, here are the safety measures you should follow:
Ensure Safe Containment
To ensure the safety and well-being of dogs, you should keep the electric fences inside a specific area. You can achieve this with proper installation and maintenance. If the electric fences are set up accordingly, you can offer better protection for your dog.
If you want to know if an electric fence is the best option for your dog before you install one, you should observe their demeanor and actions.
Maintain Reliable Operation
When it comes to dog electric fences, reliability is critical. A solid electric fence will keep the dog safe within the confined area. It’s important to frequently inspect the fence for signs of deterioration or dysfunction. The battery backup should also be checked regularly to guarantee that the fence remains functioning during power interruptions.
Know and Avoid the Risks
There are certain dangers to using electric fences on dogs, but they are generally safe and humane. A shock from the fence could hurt or frighten the dog. But if you have trained your dog and it follows the instructions when using the fence, you can avoid this problem. Also, make sure the fence isn't set too high; it could lead to unneeded suffering and anxiety.
Factors in Choosing the Right Electric Fence for Your Dog
After reading about how an electric dog fence works, you may wonder how to pick the best one for your pet. There are a few things you should think about before buying an electric fence for your dog to make sure you get the best system for your needs and the best safety for your pet. Here are the things you should remember:
Pet Size and Breed
When choosing an electric fence, it's best to consider your dog's type and size. For instance, if you have a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever, you should build a wired electric dog fence for big dogs. For stubborn dogs, getting fences with stronger correction levels is advisable. Moreover, a wireless electronic dog fence may be ideal and suitable for smaller breeds.
Brands and Features
The features and brands offered are another important factor to consider. You can get electric fences with extra features like rechargeable batteries or the ability to train them remotely. To determine what functions are required, you must consider your demands and your dog's actions. Here are some of the most common things that an electric dog fence has:
- Battery Backup: The system will still work if the power goes out at your home, garage, barn, outbuilding, or anywhere else the transmitter is housed, as long as there is a battery backup.
- Built-in alarm: An integrated alarm will notify you immediately if the wire is compromised, preventing you from finding out after your dog has departed the property.
- High-grade, Heavy-duty Wire: Strong, high-quality wire won't snap easily in the event of ground movement or penetration. You can use the wires included in some DIY kits as dental floss. Systems with such clumsy wiring are not worth purchasing.
- Lightning Protector: With a lightning protector, you may rest assured that a lightning strike will only damage your inexpensively replaceable lightning protector and not your transmitter or computer controller.
- Rechargeable Collar: Your system will always work thanks to a rechargeable radio collar that shows how charged and has a long battery life.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Reviewing actual customers' reviews will provide you with a wealth of information regarding the dependability and quality of various electric fence systems.
How Much Does it Cost to Install an Electric Dog Fence?
Before choosing an electric fence for your dog, consider the expenses of various systems, such as Brand, Type, Features, and Installation.
Wireless electric fences are often more expensive than their cable equivalents. Wireless solutions are portable and easy to install. Contrarily, wired systems are typically more dependable but necessitate more installation effort.
Here are the estimated prices to give you an idea:
- The typical installation cost for electric dog fences ranges from $957 to $1,444.
- Setting up a DIY electric fence is relatively simple and can range in cost from $54 to $780, with an average of approximately $238.
- Standard fences typically range from $1,330 to $5,550, averaging around $3,448.
However, many business owners may need to pay more attention to the cost of mandated training, which can run into the thousands. It normally falls in between $30 and $250 for each session. When the price of the electric collar is lower, there is a lower probability that it will function as stated. This is another key fact to keep in mind.
Take each system's characteristics into account when comparing pricing. Some systems have additional features, including:
- Rechargeable batteries
- Configurable correction levels
- Remote controls
Even if these amenities raise costs, some dog owners may find them valuable. An electric fence may appear expensive at first, but it often ends up saving money. Unlike traditional fences, which may eventually need repairs or replacement, electric fences never need upkeep.
Additionally, unlike kennels or dog runs, electric fences do not necessitate as much maintenance. Over time, this can lead to substantial cost savings.
Electric Fences Alternatives
While electric fences are a popular choice for pet containment, there are various other options for dog owners. Here are two alternatives to consider:
Physical Fences
Physical fences are frequently utilized to enclose pets. Aluminum, vinyl, chain link, and wood are some of the available materials they are made of. Constructing actual fences around the property's perimeter is possible to offer a safe and secure environment for dogs to play and exercise.
However, physical fences have limitations. They might be costly to install and maintain. A dog with good digging or jumping skills may be able to escape the fenced area. Additionally, physical fences can block the view and aesthetics of the property.
Other Available Containments
GPS Wireless Dog Fences
GPS wireless dog fences are an alternative to electric fences. A GPS signal tells these gadgets how far away they can be from the dog. The collar sends a warning when the dog gets close to the barrier and then a static correction if it keeps walking toward it.
Pet Containment Systems
Dog owners can also choose to use pet containment systems. These gadgets employ radio signals to establish a predetermined perimeter. When the dog approaches the barrier, the collar sounds a warning, followed by a static correction if the dog walks closer.
While these methods may have limitations, they can be a realistic alternative for dog owners who do not want to use electric fencing. Before selecting a pet containment system, consider the dog's needs and the property.
Choose Wisely for Your Dog Containment
If you’re considering an electrical fence to keep your pet inside safe borders, you must choose the proper system ideal for your pet's needs. It’s also important to properly install your electric dog fence, like setting up boundary wires and transmitters.
But if you don’t like having wires installed around your home, you can check out this innovative pet fencing system. Remember, having a fence in your yard can guarantee your pet a safer and more comfortable environment.