Invisible Dog Fences – Top Ten Myths Dispelled!

Invisible Dog Fences – Top Ten Myths Dispelled!

Almost everyone has heard of invisible dog fences, but far fewer folks really know what they are and how they work. Following are the top ten misconceptions I’ve heard from my clients:

MYTH: Invisible dog fences are really expensive. A pro-installed fence will likely cost you anywhere from $1000 to $3000, depending on the size of your yard and how many pets you wish to contain. A DIY fence that you install yourself should cost you less than $500, including all materials. Either way, it’s less expensive than a traditional chain link, wood, or wrought iron fence.

MYTH: Invisible dog fences don’t work. They’re actually a pretty reliable way to keep your dog in your yard, but only if:

You consistently follow the recommended training process. Every brand includes a training program that is designed to teach your pet how to respond when he encounters his invisible boundary.

You purchase a fence that includes a multi-level receiver (the device your dog wears on a collar around his neck). Without multiple training levels, you can’t customize the training to your pet’s size and temperament. That means a large or stubborn pup may not respect the fence and a small or sensitive one may become frightened.

You put the receiver on your pet every time he goes outside. Most dog fences make a high-pitched sound when your pup first encounters the invisible boundary, and then emit a static correction if he continues to move toward the fence rather than back into your yard. Without the receiver, your pet will eventually realize he’s not getting either one of these cues to stay in his yard.

MYTH: All invisible dog fences are just alike. Every model of fence offers different features — this is even true of different models within the same brand. So, make sure you choose the model that’s right for your pet’s size and temperament.

MYTH: You don’t need to train your pooch to understand an invisible dog fence. In reality, if you don’t train your pet to understand how to respond when he encounters the invisible boundary, one of two things will happen: he will run right through the fence or he will become confused and afraid of your yard.

MYTH: An invisible dog fence will hurt my dog. If you purchase a high-quality fence and you patiently teach your pet how it works, it will not hurt your him. What will hurt is getting hit by a car or attacked by another animal as your pet roams outside your property.

MYTH: You don’t need to put the receiver collar on your pet once he learns to avoid the invisible boundary. The only way an invisible dog fence will reliably protect your pet is if you put the collar on him every single time he goes outside.

MYTH: An invisible dog fence is just like an electric fence. An electric fence will indiscriminately zap anyone who encounters it (and that zap is the same whether you’re a 1000 pound cow or a 25 pound toddler), while an invisible dog fence will correct only those pets who wear a receiver. Also, unlike an electric fence, if your fence includes a multi-level receiver, you can customize and control the level of correction your pet receives — that way you never use a higher correction level than is necessary.

MYTH: Some breeds just won’t respect an invisible dog fence. Breed is irrelevant. I’ve seen fences work well for large and stubborn breeds like Pit Bulls, Boxers, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds, as well as small, sensitive breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and Pugs.

MYTH: My dog is too old to learn how to respond to an invisible dog fence. Unless your pet is so old that his health is failing, he is never too old to learn new tricks!

MYTH: Invisible dog fences only work for dogs. Personally, I’ve trained cats and even goats — that’s right, stubborn ol’ GOATS — to reliably respond to an invisible boundary.

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