First of all, please note that if we’re talking about invisible fence collars for dogs, we’re not talking about those fence systems that you need to bury underground or staple on the ground. We are actually talking about the wireless one! Traditional fence is so medieval. But, truth be told, this wireless one first came out in the 70s. Yes, we were shocked too!
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What are Invisible Fence Collars for Dogs?
An invisible fence collar for dogs is an electric dog collar that gives static stimulation when your dog enters the invisible boundary or the correction zone. Basically, it is a dog fence system composed of two basic components: a dog collar and a wireless fence. This system was designed mainly to keep your dog confined to your yard without a physical fence. This doesn’t hurt your dog; it just lets him know when it’s time to turn around.
Invisible Fence Collars – Quicklist
How does Invisible Fence Collars Work?
An invisible fence collar for dogs uses a transmitter device, a receiver collar, and an invisible boundary line. The transmitter device generates the radio signal which is received by the receiver collar. It is set up in a garage or in an indoor wall near a power outlet. The boundary line or the correction zone is the outer edge of your dog’s safe zone and is usually marked with boundary flags. This zone is set up through the boundary control dial and the receiver collar’s test lights.
As your dog approaches the boundary line, the receiver collar gives the warning beep. The warning beep only stops when your dog turns and retreats. If your dog enters the boundary line, the receiver collar will give the dog a static stimulation. Standard invisible fence collars for dogs have programmable levels of static stimulation which often includes a beep-only mode. This is a good starting point as you train your dog to the boundary.
More about Static Stimulation
Most dog owners find static stimulation inhumane and unsafe for dogs. However, from the perspective of veterinarians, trainers, and behaviorists, it is completely safe and is actually good for the emotional well-being of dogs. In fact, 95% of veterinarians recommend the use of invisible fence collars for containing pets safely at home.
According to Canine Journal, the electric stimulation is very mild that it sort of feels like a quick splash of water. It is just enough to get your dog’s attention and warn him if he is already at the boundary of his play area. In addition, the amount of static stimulation that the receiver collar generates can be manually adjusted. The instruction on set-up should be included in the manual. Read on that so you would also know the level of static stimulation recommended for your dog’s breed and weight.
How to Install Invisible Fence Collars?
Choose an area inside your house.
Choose an area where you can install the transmitter and where the temperature is above freezing. Ideally, the area must be just a bit higher than the ground, at the center of your dog’s play area to create a containment circle. In addition, it must be near an indoor power outlet and must have no large metal objects like furnaces and refrigerators that can interfere with the signal.
Set up the boundary line.
Use flags or anything that can visually mark the boundary line. Connect the transmitter to a power source and switch it on. Set the boundary switch to high and the boundary dial to 8. Make sure that the battery is installed in the receiver collar. Walk toward the point where you want the boundary line to be and have a friend adjust the boundary dial. Place the flag or any visual marker on the spot where the collar beeps. Repeat this over again until you mark the entire boundary line.
Put the receiver collar on your dog.
The receiver collar should be tight but loose enough to fit one finger in between the contact point and your dog’s neck. Do a test trail to check if everything is working. Training is crucial to your dog’s safety and the success of using a dog collar wireless fence. So, train your dog properly to stay within the boundaries of his play area. Adjust, accordingly.
Best Value for Money
- 1/2 ACRE OF CIRCULAR COVERAGE: The adjustable circular range can cover up to 1/2 acres from the placement of the portable indoor transmitter, and can be expanded further with purchase of an additional transmitter
Should you get your Dog an Invisible Fence Collar?
If you want to ensure that your dog stays within the safe zone without enclosing him in a physical barrier, then you should consider a dog collar wireless fence. Again, it’s not gonna harm your dog. The system was built with your pet’s safety in mind. Traditional fence was built for the same exact reason but if you haven’t make up your mind, here are the pros and cons of a dog collar wireless fence:
Invisible Fence Collars Pros:
Training tool.
Let’s be honest. Most dogs are very strong-willed. If they see something outside the yard that picks their interest, they chase it. Then there are those dogs that just love to play with other dogs in the neighborhood that escaping the house has become a habit. That is why effective positive dog behavior trainings are necessary. And, dog collar wireless fence is a great tool for that. Not only will it help you reinforce boundaries, but it will also help you improve communication with your dog.
It’s cheaper than the traditional ones.
Compared with a traditional fence, invisible fence collars for dogs is a much cheaper option. The costs of building materials for a traditional fence, if you are using a wood or iron, is more expensive. Also, installation takes more time than a dog collar wireless fence. There are traditional fences that are less expensive. However, you need to check first if your neighborhood has standards for fencing materials.
It’s adaptable.
Unlike traditional fences, good invisible fence collars for dogs is suitable for any terrain, whether it’s flat or hilly. It also works well on wooded areas and water. Also, a dog collar fence can cover a large area in any pattern for exercising, playing, and training.
It doesn’t block the scenic view.
It’s ideal to use in open spaces with scenic green views because it’s invisible. You can enjoy the view outdoors and move the yard freely without the stress of opening and closing the gates. The boundary flags are only temporary. You can remove it once your dog learns where the boundary is.
It’s quite convenient.
Installation is easy. You only need to set up the transmitter, lay the boundary flags and fit the collar on your dog. Conventional ones take a lot of work- placing fence posts, nailing boards, welding iron or rolling wire.
It’s quite reliable.
It’s something that grows with your dog and can contain even the strong-willed ones. But, success will ultimately depend on the training. And, once you have successfully reinforced the boundaries to your dog, he’s gonna respect it as long as boundaries are clear and communication is constant and consistent.
It’s less hassle.
It’s so much hassle to close and open a gate when you have a dog that loves to go out in the neighborhood. And, when you are the kind that always forgets to close a gate. If both of you and your dog have those tendencies, you better go for the invisible fence collars for dogs.
It keeps away intruders.
The presence of your dog outside your house may be your biggest deterrent against intruders. Your dogs aren’t likely to reach them but they can warn and prevent them from entering the yard.
Invisible Fence Collars Cons:
Training is required.
For this thing to work, your dog must know where the safe zone and where the boundary line is. You can do so by walking him along the perimeter of the boundary line. Do not stress on this as manufacturers usually provides a manual with training protocols. Some even sends their employees to help with the installation and dog training.
Lacks protection from outdoor hazards.
Invisible fence collars for dogs only protect your dog from the dangers of leaving the yard. It does not protect your dog from the hazards that might enter the yard such as stray dogs and wild animals.
Barriers may be frustrating for some dogs.
Just like us, dogs get FOMO when they see neighborhood dogs having fun and they’re missing it out. Remember when you were a kid and your parents told you that you can’t leave the house then suddenly your friends are out in the neighborhood, playing and making a lot of noises. That is frustrating, right?
It may be uncomfortable for some dogs.
First and foremost, the levels of static stimulation are programmable. And, it’s not painful even at high mode. You can find the best intensity level for your dog by training him and observing his reactions. Generally, most invisible fence collars for dogs include a beep-only mode. This serves as an audible warning to your dog to avoid shock. Do not fret. With training, dogs can learn to respect the beep easily.
Power supply is needed.
The collar will stop working when the power supply is cut off. This means that escape will be easy and possible. However, if you have trained your dog well, he would likely remember the boundaries even if it’s not electrified.
Escape is still possible.
Dogs have the same tendency as us humans. When they see something that interest them, they go after it. They chase it. They may even forget that they are not allowed to step out of the boundaries. Or, they may remember but will ignore it. When they re-enter the yard, they may not feel the shock anymore. However, there are some that still emits electrical impulse when a dog re-enters the yard. Some don’t, not even a “beep”.
Popular choices – Invisible Fence Collars for Dogs
Invisible Fence Collars: Conclusion
We may be a bit biased. But to be honest, your choice of fence system should be based on your dog’s needs. Invisible fence collars for dogs are a great option for a lot of reasons. One of which is its convenience. Another is it’s a good training tool for effective positive dog behavior training. Such a tool can help you foster trust and mutual respect between you and your dog. So now that you have weighed the pros and the cons, we hope that it will help you make the right choice.