Tips for Choosing the Best Invisible Fences
Installing an invisible fence on your property provides a safe, effective way to keep your dog contained without ruining the aesthetics of your yard. Unlike traditional fences, invisible fences work by establishing a set boundary using a buried wire that delivers a mild, static shock through a receiver collar when worn by the dog. This trains dogs to stay within the set perimeter without using physical barriers.
Choosing the right invisible fence for your needs and budget requires careful consideration. Follow these tips when selecting the best system for your home:
Consider Your Yard Size and Shape
Invisible fence systems come with wire you can customize to any yard dimension or layout. Measure your property to determine the full length required. Opt for a system that provides enough wire to establish a continuous loop with no gaps. This fully secures the perimeter.
Account for any nonlinear shapes in your yard too. More wire may be needed for irregular contours or landscaping elements like gardens and trees. You want full coverage.
Choose a Reputable Brand
Established brands like Invisible Fence, PetSafe, and SportDOG have proven track records manufacturing reliable, long-lasting invisible fence systems. They use quality components that withstand the elements. Avoid cheap generic systems that seem like a good deal but may not hold up or keep working over time.
Consider Your Power Source Options
Invisible fence systems require a power source to generate the correction stimulus through the boundary wire. You can choose plug-in transformers that connect to outdoor outlets, or battery-powered collars when outlets aren’t accessible. Make sure to select an option that works for your unique home setup.
Select the Right Collar Type
Most invisible fence systems include standard collars, but you may also choose:
- Stubborn dog collars with extra correction levels
- Small dog collars with reduced stimulation
- Collars with no correction for already trained dogs
Choose a collar that fits your dog’s size, temperament and training needs. Adding extra collars allows multi-dog homes to cover every pup.
Look for Additional Safety Features
Added safety features like automatic shut-off collars, warning beeps before correction, and run-through prevention settings provide extra assurance. These help avoid over-correction and make the overall system safer for your dog. Prioritize fences with built-in safety mechanisms.
Consider Indoor Boundary Options
Many invisible fence systems let you establish indoor boundaries too to keep dogs off furniture, upstairs, or out of certain rooms. If you want to curtail indoor access, look for systems with this capability.
Select from Corded or Cordless Collars
Corded collars connect to the fence transmitter and don’t require charging, while cordless collars operate on rechargeable batteries. Cordless models provide more freedom of movement and often have wider coverage ranges. But batteries must be changed over time. Choose what best suits your needs.
Look for Expandability
Your invisible fence system should accommodate any future property expansions or changes to your yard’s shape or size. Opt for systems that allow you to purchase additional wire, collars, and components to modify the setup down the road.
Make Sure Training Is Included
Reputable retailers include professional training with invisible fence installation to teach your dog the new boundary limits. Proper introduction is key to avoiding confusion. Prioritize systems that provide this important guidance.
Read Reviews on Comfort and Safety
Check product reviews to see what past customers say about the collars’ comfort, the stimulation level, and overall perceptions of safety. Humane, gentle systems get the best ratings. Harsher ones spur more complaints.
Investing in the right invisible fence for your home and dog requires careful browsing of brands, features, accessories, and reviews. But the end result is a smoothly integrated system providing maximum security, safety and peace of mind. With these tips for choosing the best system, you can contain and protect your precious pup.