Do You Have an Invisible Fence?

Updated on May 17, 2007
D.K. asks from Frankfort, IL
13 answers

I've priced out a wood fence for our backyard and it's just too $$ for us right now, so I was considering an invisible fence. I know they are also not cheap, but would definately be cheaper than the cedar fence. My dog (1yr old) is on a tie out right now and I hate it. He loves to run and I have the yard to let him run in, however, if he's not tied up, he takes off. I've had to chase him a few times throughout the neighborhood and he's not easy to catch. So, i'm wondering if you have an invisible fence, do you like it and does it work for your dog? I'm just worried, if I put the $$ into getting the fence, my dog will still run away even with the shock of the fence. If I have to keep chasing him, then the invisible fence would be a waste of time. Thanks.

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A.G.

answers from Chicago on

i was told by the vet that these dont work that once they run through the mild zap they wont want to come back through so they keep running.and some dogs dont respond to the zap like my romeo.

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J.A.

answers from Chicago on

We love invisible fence! When purchase our house in an unincorporated area with about 1 acre of land for our dogs to run. At the time we priced fences and the reality of it was that we really did not want to close things in with a fence, but we needed something for our dogs (2 beagles). As it turned out - the invisible fence was cheaper and it would cover more area! It is true that it takes training but it is well worth it! If I remember correctly it took us about 3 weeks of training and if we had any issues the fence company would come out to help us out. They were very friendly and helpful. We no longer use or need the colars, and yes it is true that it keeps our dogs in - as for keeping other animals out, we take the good with the bad, most times the strays are more scared of our dogs barking and they very seldom approach. I love the Invisible Fence and would highly recommend it!! Good luck!

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A.Z.

answers from Chicago on

I am not sure how much this costs, but a friend of mine moved and has a ton of acreage. Anyways, they have 2 dogs and that got an invisible fence, but the people who installed the fence also trained the dogs after he was done installing it. I would look at companies that offer that. It is so much easier than trying to do it yourself. Good luck!

L.H.

answers from Chicago on

What kind of dog do you have? We just moved into a new area about 6 months ago. One of our neighbors has one and both of their dogs have gotten out of the fence and roamed the neighborhood 3 times, which scares me. We were thinking about getting one too until we saw this happen the 3 times.

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R.

answers from Chicago on

I have an invisable fence and love it. I have had mine for 9 years. We started out with one dog (pitbull) she trained easly and was very responsive. I have small animals that she would love to chase but always stops. We then got a boxer and he also has never (after training)tried to cross it. Now we have our third dog a Bishion. He is coming along well he hears the warning beeps and jumps back. I agree with alot of what the other posters about the problems with them also. If you have an agressive dog it may not be a good ideal because it doesn't keep people/animals out. We often have visitors (dogs) and our dogs don't have a issue. I would also go through a fence installer that will help train your dog and you. You also can always call them with questions and they will fix breaks if needed. I also noticed that you mentioned that you have difficulties getting your dog to come to you if he does get lose. I would try to do some training with treats and possible classes if you can offord it. Just a few suggestions. Good luck and I hope this helps

R. C

Mom to wonderful almost 4 yr old girl and almost 2 yr old boy and 3 wonderful dogs

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T.S.

answers from Chicago on

Hi D.,

We've never had an invisible fence, but we have two large dogs (German Shepherds) that I've done some pretty extensive training with in the past. There are two problems with the invisible fences...

1. There is a lot of training involved to get your dog to respond to the fence. AND, if they ever bust through (even with the shock) - good luck getting them back in the yard without a struggle as they know the shock is coming.

2. Invisible fences do not keep other things out of your yard. Children, animals, other dogs. One of our dogs is animal aggressive and if a stray dog/cat were to enter our yard Sydney would attack it.

For the time being, maybe it would be better to invest in a kennel or something else. I have a hard time with dogs that are tied up as I feel it tends to lead to aggressive behavior. BUT, I have a harder time with people that choose to let their dogs run free! Lol.

When we first bought our dog, we had just purchased a new home and didn't have a fence, so we got a dog kennel and added extra panels to it to give Sydney some extra room to roam in there. As soon as we could, we fenced the yard and haven't had a home without a fence since.

Good luck.

T.

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L.C.

answers from Chicago on

D.,

I know what you are going through. We have a 8 month old black lab, and she is on a tie out as well. If she sees another dog or squirrel she takes off. She loves to be outside with the kids.
Everyone is our area has the invisible fence, and we are getting an estimate next week. It does take time to do the training, but we do not want to put up a fence as we like the openness of the yard.

M.H.

answers from Chicago on

Hello! I don't have an invisible fence, but my sister and brother-in-law do. They have a little maltese, and it works well for them. I don't know how well it works on big dogs or breeds that are more tolerant of pain (rottweilers, labs, etc). I also don't trust the invisible fence. I think if a dog really wants out of the yard, they'll figure a way to get out. For instance, if the dog sees another dog across the street and wants to run to it. It also won't keep other dogs out of your yard. Which is the problem with having NO fence (I know how that goes, because I also have a tie-out for my dog and absolutely HATE it!). I am also looking into a privacy fence because 1) I don't want strangers to just be able to see my daughter playing in the backyard (especially if I have to run in for a second to check on the laundry or dinner or something) and 2) I want a rottweiler (I don't want people to be able to put their hands in the chain links from the traditional fence, nor do I want the dog to jump it). I do worry about strange dogs coming into my yard because they see, hear, or smell my dog in the backyard. So not only do I want to keep what belongs in my backyard there, but I want to keep things that don't out. If you get the invisible fence, just be aware that it takes A LOT of training to get the dog used to it. My sister and brother-in-law had to go through all that. Good luck!!!

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T.P.

answers from Chicago on

Hi D.! We have had the Invisible Fence for 3 years now for our 2 dogs and love it. One is a large, hyper lab that doesn't listen at all especially if he is determined to do something. The other is a mutt. Both trained quickly and do not leave the yard even when there is something on the other side that they want. We live right by a school and have never had a problem with them leaving the yard when school lets out. Both my dogs know when they don't have their collars on though and will leave the yard so we have to make sure they always are wearing them. Good luck with your decision.

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C.G.

answers from Chicago on

It's important to remember that the electric fence doesn't keep anything OUT of your yard. So your dog may be minding his own business in the yard and another animal could come in the yard and your doc would be trapped there. It also wouldn't keep people/kids from coming in your yard and playing/agitating/being bitten by the dog. I don't have personal experience with the fence but I think it's a bad idea obviously :)

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B.M.

answers from Chicago on

Hi D.,
We don't have one now, but we did 2 houses ago (and 2 dogs ago). :-) It takes ALOT of training to get the dog used to the fence line. And if he is a runner, the shock won't even touch him. When dogs run fast over the shock line, they hardly even notice it. While it IS a good thing, its alot of work to train your dog.

Our dog would sometimes run fast out of the yard, but when he would come back (slowly) he wouldn't want to cross the threshold because he knew he'd get shocked on his way back in.

If you are up for training him, then I say do it. If not, either put him on a longer lead or save up for a cedar fence(we just got an estimate on a cedar fence and were told that the price of cedar is going up and up).

I hope this helps!
B.

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D.B.

answers from Chicago on

This doesn't answer your question but I thought I would tell you anyway. If you have a little dog and he/she is very fast the invisible fence won't stop him/her from getting out of the yard. But if you really want an invisible fense my husband put one in for his mother and other than the digging and figuring out where you want it they are pretty easy to put in.

Good luck

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C.Y.

answers from Grand Rapids on

I had invisible fence at my past house. I loved it. My dog was easy to train. So much so that we don't have it at our new house but the dog thinks it there and won't pass the boundaries. Actually, any person’s house I take my dog to she thinks its there. It’s great. I have had no issues with the fence. My neighbor had another brand and it didn’t work as well. I would stick with Invisible fence. At the time I had the premium package, so they came out to train me and the dog and help out when I needed. The setting on the collar was set at puppy level still and never needed to be changed. So all in all I loved it.

Good Luck

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