The Effectiveness of Wireless Pet Fences

Wireless pet fences can be very useful tools for keeping a pet inside specific boundary lines and away from danger that he might encounter out wandering the neighborhood. Further, wireless pet systems give pets exercise and effective protection, and are less expensive than traditional fences. However, it is important to remember that the success of a wireless fence depends on training from the owner. Also, unlike a conventional fence, it will not keep other pets out of your yard and away from your animal.

  1. Facts

    • A wireless pet fence can be a great alternative to a traditional physical fence, but it is important to realize that the system does not instantly work on a pet. Rather, the owner must teach the animal where the perimeter of the fence is and that it should not be crossed. Wireless fence systems can be very effective after the animal is well trained and will keep a dog, or other pet, in the yard with little reinforcement after the initial training.

    Types

    • There are two types of wireless fences. One type of fence only appears to be free of barriers, but actually has a wire that must be buried underground. The other type emits a circle from the transmitter that can extend up to 180 feet in diameter. With both types of fences, the pet wears a collar that emits either an electronic shock or a high-pitched sound when the pet crosses the boundary. With either type of wireless fence most owners will place flags in the yard showing where the wireless fence extends to. These flags can be used as a training aid as well as a reminder for the owner of how far the boundaries extend.

    Training

    • The effectiveness of a wireless pet fence system depends on the receptiveness of the pet to training and the effort put into the training by the owner. According to Drs. Foster and Smith, it generally takes about "three to four weeks of consistent, careful training before [the dog] is content, safe and secure at home." Drs. Foster and Smith go on to remind pet owners that the length of time that training takes varies greatly from pet to pet. Pet owners may begin training puppies not to cross perimeter flags at four months of age, but should wait until six months of age to use the shock collar.

    Warning

    • Wireless pet fences also need proper maintenance to be effective. This includes making sure that the battery in the pet's collar is checked regularly and that all parts of the transmitter unit are functioning properly. Further, a pet should not wear an additional collar or ID tags unless they are plastic because the additional materials could interfere with the wireless fence collar. It is important to carefully read the instructions regarding whether the collar is waterproof or water resistant. Collars can lose their ability to transmit a signal to the pet if they become exposed to water. Remember that even after a pet is trained he may still break the electronic barrier. Because the shock is only administered when the pet crosses over the line, pets outside the field will not feel anything and must receive a shock to get back in.

    Considerations

    • Wireless pet containment systems can be very effective for the right pet. As receptiveness to training is the biggest factor in the success of a wireless pet containment system, pet owners who are adept at animal training may prefer to simply flag train their pet not to leave the yard. However, for those animals that need additional reinforcement, a wireless containment system can work very well. Remember that a pet may become reluctant to leave the yard to go on walks or generally cross the line. Because of this, pet owners may have to think of clever ways to take their dogs on walks, such as taking them out the front door for walks and using the wireless fence in the backyard.