Invisible Fences vs. Physical Fences: What’s Best for Your Dog?

Many dogs are naturally active and love the freedom of running leash-free. However, this enthusiasm can sometimes lead to them pulling their owners during walks, creating an everyday challenge for the owner. Despite the embarrassing emotions and thoughts that you just run after your dog, not walk, you may feel like you're confining your dog, especially this feeling can manifest itself if you have an unfenced backyard.

When you have a backyard, it can be frustrating not to allow your pup to run and play freely, especially for larger breeds. It is sad when you are looking into your dog’s eyes and understand that you can not let him or her run in the backyard because it is unfenced. While you may trust your dog, it's not safe to leave them unsupervised due to the potential dangers and attractions that may occur in your yard.

So, what's the solution? The go-to option for most pet owners is a fence. Fences provide safety for your pup, keep your neighbors happy, and offer peace of mind. However, when it comes to choosing a fence, you have two primary options: physical or invisible. Each choice comes with its own set of considerations, making it essential to understand the pros and cons of both before deciding which is the best fit for you and your furry friend.

Invisible Fence vs. Regular Fence – Which is Right for You?

First of all, you need to decide which is more important - keeping your dog inside your yard or keeping other dogs (and everything else) out.

Invisible fences, which are also called electric fences or dog fence collars, are often advertised as easy and cheap solutions. However, the fact remains that they are good at keeping dogs on the property, but they don't keep anything else out. If you're concerned that another dog or animal could get into your yard and harm yourfurry friend, you should probably look into "traditional" physical animal fencing. Traditional physical fences made of materials such as vinyl or aluminum are designed to keep your pup close to the house... and other dogs and animals away. It is important to mention that you need to choose a fence that is high enough because there are so many cases when dogs simply jump over the fence.

If it is hard for you to decide and you aren't fully aware of what can perfectly work for your situation, we have a useful tip for you that helps you to decide. Think about your neighborhood. Do you live in a remote or wooded neighborhood where wild animals can get into your yard? What about other dogs? Are you worried that strangers or children will annoy your pets? These questions will help you choose between an invisible fence and a regular, traditional fence.

Fencing Compared

If you have already thought about the previous questions and you are still thinking about an invisible dog fence or a physical one, we highly recommend you read this article further as we provide you with a comparison of these options.

One more solution that we didn’t mention in the previous paragraph, but it might help you to keep your furry friend safe, it is an underground fence. Although these innovative solutions might seem like a great idea, but they come with their fair share of hassle and expenses. Installing these systems can be quite the challenge, requiring you to bury wires around your property. And let's not forget the ongoing maintenance that can be both time-consuming and costly. Plus, who wants to play hide and seek with buried wires?

Another option that provide safety freedom for your dog is an invisible fence, which is pretty much what its name suggests: a fence that cannot be seen. It's essentially an electric fence.

These fences can really catch our attention as they are modern and innovative. There are several types of invisible dog fences:

• wireless fences that use radio frequency signals;
• GPS fences.

Wireless models use radio signals to define your pet's boundaries. They're super easy to set up, usually just requiring a central transmitter. They are perfect solutions for small yards and one remote can provide a safe freedom for up to 3 dogs simultaneously. However, they might not be as precise as GPS models.

On the other hand, GPS models offer incredible accuracy. They use satellite technology to track your dog's exact location and keep them within the designated area. So, if you have a larger property or want that extra peace of mind, a GPS model might be your best bet. It is suitable for areas from 33 yards up to 999 yards. When it comes to choosinan invisible dog fence, remember that each model has its pros and cons. Read reviews and compare characteristics in order to figure out what works for you and your beloved pup.

As for physical fences, they are classic. These are the fences we all know and understand. They provide a visible barrier that keeps your pup within your property and unwanted visitors out. The downside? Well, they can obstruct your view, change the aesthetics of your yard, and might not work for every type of terrain. By the way, some dogs can easily jump over the physical fence. Or dig under the physical fence and end up on the outside.

Pros and Cons of Invisible Fences

Pros of invisible fencing

• Low cost - Invisible fencing is usually less expensive than traditional barriers. Even with the cost of professional installation, you'll typically pay less because there are limited materials used and not as much labor involved.
• Less time - installing invisible fencing comes down to eat steps which are describedin the manual. This work takes much less time than digging post holes, pouring concrete, installing boards or slats, etc. In addition, unlike most traditional fences, they are virtually maintenance free.
• If the area you want to fence is too large, has hills or other unique features, or you want to create a certain pattern in your fencing, an invisible fence is a great way to do it. These fences work well in almost any terrain, and can even cross natural features such as bodies of water or wooded areas. You can also fence off certain areas within a large fenced area to keep your dog out. For example, you can install the safe area that doesn't include flowerbeds or other areas that need to be protected from your dog.
• You'll be able to enjoy the view - Depending on where you live, you may prefer not to block the view from your window with a fence. Especially if you live in a neighborhood with lots of open scenic space. Obviously, since invisible fences are inconspicuous, nothing will block the view.
• Better suited for those who love to jump or dig - if your dog is a natural born climber, can jump any fence or loves to dig, an invisible fence will better contain your pet.
• No gate = no hassle - with an invisible fence, there is no need for a gate. No more trying to open and close the gate when your hands are busy with grocery bags. Also, no more remembering to close the gate to keep your dog out of the yard.
• Scares off intruders - If someone plotting something bad walks by your yard and sees your dog in plain sight, the suspect may be more inclined to move on. After all, he doesn't know that your dog won't be able to get to him. Thus, invisible fences can serve as some protection against burglars and vandals.
• The wide range of models - Nowadays, there are so many models with different features and characteristics. So, you can choose which is better works for you, your area and your furry friend.

Cons of invisible fencing

• If you want that invisible fencing to be effective, the dog should be trained to know the perimeter of the fence. Usually, you have flags that can be used as markers and assist in training. You can walk the perimeter with your dog, keeping the flags on throughout the training period and removing them when your dog realizes where the fence is.
• Limited protection - Invisible fences keep your dog within the yard, but they don't prevent other dogs and wildlife from entering and ruining your pet's life. Likewise, they won't prevent adventurous people from entering your property.
• Power outages - as an invisible hedge is dependent on a power source, if the battery runs out or the power goes out, this could compromise the integrity of the hedge. However, in this case, initial training of the dog may be enough to prevent it from overcoming the invisible barrier. By the way, some models provide us with the amazing battery life.

Pros and Cons of Physical Fences

Pros of traditional fences

• Unlike invisible fences, traditional fences also serve to keep people, dogs, and other animals out of your yard.
• Provide privacy - Depending on the style of fencing you choose, most traditional options provide a sense of privacy. You can enjoy your yard without fear of being seen.
• No training required - You don't have to teach your dog how a traditional fence works. The fence creates a physical barrier that simply prevents your dog from going any further.

Cons of traditional fencing

• Higher Cost - Traditional fences tend to be pricier due to the increased materials and more complex installation process involved.
• Greater Time Commitment - Maintaining and cleaning a physical fence requires more time and ongoing expenses compared to an invisible fence, increasing the overall cost and effort.
• Neighborhood Regulations - Depending on your location, your neighborhood may impose specific limitations on the type and design of physical fences. This could lead to costly or unsuitable fencing options for your dog.
• Increased Risk of Escapes - If your dog is an escape artist, they may find ways to climb, jump, or dig under a physical fence, with the added risk of gates being left open by people, potentially allowing your dog to get out.

In the end, the ideal fence for safeguarding your furry companion should align with your way of life, the area you reside in, and the specific needs of your dog. Occasionally, a blend of both fence types may prove to be the most suitable solution.