ABOUT ELECTRONIC DOG FENCES

DOG FENCE BRANDS: Invisible Fence®, PetSafe®, Pet Stop®, DogWatch®, Sport Dog®, Innotek®, Guardian®

An electronic dog fence -- also known as a pet fence, hidden fence, or radio fence -- is a training tool that teaches your pet to stay within a defined area (like your yard). Some people call every dog fence an "invisible fence," but Invisible Fence® is actually just a brand of dog fence.

HOW DO DOG FENCES WORK?

All dog fences consist of two basic components: a transmitter (generally mounted to a wall inside your home) and a receiver (worn on a collar around your pet's neck). The transmitter is connected to a wire that surrounds the area in which you wish to contain your pet. The receiver responds to the signal the transmitter sends by correcting your pet when he gets too close to the wire.

Most fences use static correction -- similar to the sensation of rubbing your stocking feet on carpet and touching a metal object -- while others use sonic or citronella-based correction. Dog fences that rely on static correction are generally considered the most effective and humane type of dog fence.

DO DOG FENCES REALLY WORK?

Dog fences are one of the safest and most reliable ways to contain your pet if you adhere to the following guidelines:

You must purchase a reliable dog fence product. Not all dog fences are created equal, and the cheapest dog fence products are rarely the most reliable. Make sure you purchase a full-featured dog fence that includes comprehensive warranty support.
You must install the dog fence correctly. Remember, a dog fence with broken wire is a dog fence that doesn't work.
You must use training methods that are customized to your pet's unique personality. Every dog fence product requires that you train your pet to respond to the fence. If you just stick your pet outside and expect him to figure the dog fence out on his own, you're probably going to have a bad experience.

Note that the size or breed of your pet is not a significant factor when it comes to the effectiveness of a dog fence. Large or stereotypically stubborn breeds can be contained as effectively as tiny or timid breeds, as long as you use a high quality dog fence product and follow a training protocol that is customized to your pet's unique temperament.

WHAT MAKES A DOG FENCE "RELIABLE"?

From a hardware perspective, a reliable dog fence always includes:

A receiver with a wide of variety correction levels, from very faint to relatively powerful
A transmitter powered by a digital signal
Lightning protection
Comprehensive warranty support

If the dog fence includes a receiver with too few correction levels, you run the risk of either needlessly stressing your pet or failing to contain your pet. If the technology that powers the dog fence uses an analog radio signal instead of a digital signal, the dog fence may be unreliable and confusing for your pet. If the system doesn't include lightning protection, you run the risk of electrical damage to your home in the event of a lightning strike.

ARE DOG FENCES SAFE?

Dog fences are safe, as long as they include high quality hardware and training support. Dog fences have been available to consumers for over 30 years, and are endorsed both by veterinarians and animal welfare groups like the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and the IACP (International Association of Canine Professionals).

ARE DOG FENCES EFFECTIVE FOR CATS?

Many cats have been effectively contained by a dog fence. To ensure your cat's success, make sure you do an extra good job of training, since cats generally aren't as easily trained as dogs.