The term "Invisible Fence" is a trademarked name for the original underground fence, invented in the mid-1970's, but the term is generically used when referring to underground or hidden fences for retaining your pet in the yard.
How It Works
A good underground fence system has a boundary wire, receiver, transmitter, test light, flags for training and a yard sign. Attached to the dog's collar is the receiver. When the dog approaches, or attempts to cross the buried boundary wire, a radio antenna that is attached to the boundary wire sends out a signal that activates a mild shock which reaches the dog through prongs on the collar that are in contact with the skin on the dog's neck.
Advantages
In many cases, an underground fence is less expensive than installing a traditional type of fence around your property. Additionally, many communities do not permit above-ground fencing for your yard, thus, an underground fence system is a great alternative when you wish for your pet to have freedom to run in the yard. With most systems, you can adjust the "shock" in the dog collar (which is really no stronger than a static electricity shock), allowing it to fit your dog's personality and pain threshold.
Disadvantages
A big drawback to an underground fence system is that although it will keep your pet inside your yard, it does not keep other creatures out. Therefore, other dogs, cat, deer, rabbits, children and adults are free to enter the yard unharmed where your pet resides.
In addition, unless you have your property clearly posted that an underground fence is present, the sight of your dog advancing on a passerby or service person may be unnerving to them. Finally, if for some reason there is a break in the underground wire, which can happen when a rodent chews through the buried wire, it can be challenging to locate the break.
More Considerations
In order for the underground fence to successfully retain your pet in the yard, you should train your dog for 2 to 3 weeks. The training involves first introducing the fence concept to your pet, then gradually teaching it the consequences. In addition, it is important that your dog feels save in its yard, without fear of teasing from humans or threats from outside animals. Finally, an underground fence system is not appropriate for every dog. There are dogs that will bear the pain for freedom, or have an extremely high threshold for pain. If that is the case, no underground fence system will be able to retain your pet.
A Word to the Wise
Before beginning to install an underground fence system, be sure to contact all your utility companies to determine if and where any underground wires or pipes might be.
Tags: underground fence, fence system, underground fence system, your yard, boundary wire, Invisible Fence, retain your
