What are the negatives of an invisible fence?

Unfortunately, the reality of an invisible fencing system can be more of a nightmare. While some dogs roam happily within the boundaries of the yard, others can find themselves facing a variety of challenges, from physical pain to behavioral issues. Pet parents considering this type of containment system should be aware of the drawbacks of invisible fencing before making the decision.

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The premise of an invisible fence for dogs sounds like a dream for both ends of the leash: Dogs seemingly get the freedom to roam and explore outside as they wish, while pet parents can feel reassured that their best friend will be kept safely within the yard without needing to babysit them.

The intensity of the shock can be adjusted, but no matter the level, the sensation is supposed to be aversive (painful) enough to the dog that they back away from the boundary.

The dog wears a receiver collar with two small prongs that sit at the base of the throat and pick up the digital signal from the control panel. When the dog gets too close to the buried boundary, the receiver collar gives off a warning tone. If the dog keeps going toward the boundary, the collar delivers an electrical shock to the neck.

Most invisible fencing containment systems rely on radio frequencies emitted by a cable buried underground, which is paired with a control panel or transmitter stationed in the yard. The cable provides the boundary line for the system.

Do Invisible Fences for Dogs Work?

While there’s no denying that radio frequency containment systems do work for some households, there are many potential drawbacks associated with invisible fences. Unfortunately, the freedom these types of fences provide can come at a great cost, including:

1. Potential Injury to the Dog

Not only is the shock from approaching and crossing the boundary painful for dogs, but the invisible fence collar itself can cause injury. The metal prongs that deliver the shock can rub against the dog’s neck and wear away the fur, possibly leading to open wounds and infections.

In worst-case scenarios, the collar can malfunction, causing it to deliver shocks no matter where the dog is standing. The collar can also leave electrical burns at the prong site.

2. Generalized Fear Behaviors in the Yard

The aversive training required for an invisible fencing system can backfire, resulting in dogs that end up too frightened of getting shocked to enjoy the yard. Some dogs might avoid the yard altogether, opting to stay close to the house or on a deck or patio. Others might develop issues with exiting or entering the property.

3. Equipment Failure

Aside from the possible collar injuries, the batteries in the collar eventually die. And if pet parents don’t realize the fence is no longer functioning, the dog can walk right through the boundary. Dogs are smart, and some even grow wise to the way the collar works and patrol near the boundary, setting off the warning tone to tax the battery until it wears out.

4. A Dog’s Prey Drive Might Be Greater Than the Shock

For some dogs, the thrill of the chase is a stronger pull than the fear of the shock. When presented with the right sort of stimulus, like a cat or bike on the other side of the fence, high-drive dogs might push through the pain delivered by an invisible dog fence to pursue the trigger beyond the boundary.

5. Development of Inappropriate Behaviors

Being left alone in the yard for hours at a time can lead to dogs exhibiting behaviors such as territory reactivity.

Unlike with many traditional fences, a dog patrolling a yard with an invisible fence has an unobstructed view of the world on the other side of the boundary. If they perceive a threat getting too close, they might react by barking and lunging in an attempt to keep it away—even if it’s just a neighbor strolling by.

Couple this behavior with repeated exposures every day, and there’s a chance the dog will end up with entrenched reactivity responses no matter who or what is passing by.   

6. Dogs Aren’t Protected From Threats Coming In

You might think that keeping your dog safe outside means making sure your best friend remains inside your yard, but an invisible fence actually leaves your dog vulnerable to threats invading your dog’s space. Other dogs, strangers, and wildlife can still approach your dog in the yard, leading to potentially tragic outcomes.

7. The Warning Tone Can Trigger “Beep Anxiety”

Some sensitive dogs might begin associating the warning tone and resulting shock during the training phase of fence installation to mean that any electronic beep signifies pain will follow. That means similar sounds, such as the tone on your microwave, beeps on your phone, or the low-battery warning from your fire alarm, could trigger a fear or anxiety response in your dog.

Robert Frost is credited with saying, "Good fences make good neighbors." How does this sentiment relate to neighbors with dogs? For people who are afraid of dogs, don't like their lawns dotted with feces, and dislike muddy paw prints on the patio, the relationship is clear - if a dog owner keeps his dog in his own yard, he's a good neighbor. But being neighborly isn't the only reason for fencing in dogs.

Why would I confine a dog?

Fencing prevents a dog from becoming a neighborhood nuisance, but there are other issues at hand. Keeping a dog appropriately confined keeps him safe by preventing mishaps associated with free roaming. Fenced-in dogs are less likely to be hit by vehicles, have fewer aggressive interactions with other dogs, have decreased exposure to contagious diseases, and are less available to pet thieves.

Should I get an invisible fence?

With safety in mind, dog owners may consider traditional or electronic fences. Here are advantages and disadvantages to popular invisible fences.

Pros:

Reasonable cost. Although there are less expensive versions of traditional fences, neighborhood codes often specify the types of construction materials that are allowed. Some fencing materials are expensive (wood, iron) and labor is an added cost. Invisible electric fences are often less costly even when professionally installed.

Adaptability. While traditional fences work well on flat or gently sloping yards, invisible fencing works on almost any terrain. Invisible fences can span hilly spots, wooded areas and water. Also, electronic fences can cover acres of ground in any pattern to create large exercise areas for dogs.

Aesthetics. Invisible fences are, well, invisible. These barriers do not visually interfere with scenic views or green spaces and enhance the feeling of being outdoors. People can move around the yard freely without the hassle of opening and closing gates. The inconvenience of outlining flags is temporary. Once the dog learns the boundaries of the electric fence, the flags can be removed.

Convenience. Electric fences can be installed more quickly than conventional enclosures. Trenching and laying wire takes less time than laying fence posts, nailing boards, welding iron, or rolling wire.

Reliability. Dogs with a tendency to climb over, dig under, or chew through fences may be better contained with an electric fence.

Decreased Human Error. Pet owners often forget to close a gate, so electric fences reduce the chance of escape in busy households with lots of foot traffic.

Protection. Intruders may be deterred by the presence of a dog in the yard since they aren’t likely to realize that the dog may not actually be able to reach them.

Cons:

Training required. To ensure success, the dog must learn where the fence is. This requires a training period where the owner and dog walk the perimeter of the fence noting the flags. Fencing companies usually provide training protocols and spend time working with owners and their dogs.

Lack of protection. Although invisible fences protect dogs by preventing them from leaving the yard, they do not prevent hazards from entering the yard. Stray dogs and wild animals can still access the yard and interact aggressively with pet dogs.

Barrier frustration. Some dogs become agitated when they watch neighborhood dogs freely romp about and realize that they cannot join in. This is especially frustrating if neighboring dogs “tease” or play just out of range. Friendly, sociable dogs also become frustrated when they see another dog or human approach but cannot greet them.

Degree of discomfort. Most electric fences include an audible warning prior to the electric impulse and dogs learn quickly to respect the “beep” to avoid the shock. When a dog ignores the audible signal, an electric stimulus is discharged which startles the dog but is not painful if the apparatus is set appropriately.

Reliability. If the power supply is interrupted by a cut wire or dead battery in the collar, escape is still a possibility. Fortunately, most dogs remember their initial training and respect the perimeter even when the fence is not electrified.

Escape. If the dog sees something he really wants to chase or is frightened by thunder or something inside the yard, he may breach the electric fence ignoring the electric stimulus. But what happens when the dog wants to go back inside his yard? Some fences may “shock” a dog upon re-entry while others have the capability to only emit an electrical impulse upon exiting the yard and there is no “beep” or “shock” upon returning home.

Making a Fencing Choice

Like all decisions regarding pets, the choice of fencing is one that takes research and careful consideration. But with the safety and wellbeing of your dog at stake, the time you spend will be justified in the end. Good fences don’t just “make good neighbors,” they make happy dogs, too.