Published in partnership with www.dogfencediy.com.
Most people love their pets just like members of the family, and would do anything to keep them safe from harm. If you own a dog, you know that they’re the most loving, loyal creatures. However, they’re also blissfully ignorant of the dangers in the outside world. You want your dog to be free to run and explore, but you also need to keep them on your property. If you’re considering what type of fencing to get for your yard, you have two main choices: traditional or electric. While there are benefits to both types, here are some of the reasons you might install an electric dog fence.
Keep Even the Most Stubborn Dogs Safe
When your primary motivation for installing a fence is to keep your dog safe, an electronic dog fence is a reliable choice. Unless your dog is younger than six-months-old, pregnant, or very sick, they can be trained to use an electric dog fence. Despite what some people think, electric fences will not encourage aggression or bad behavior. For the most difficult dogs, electric fences are often the best way to contain them.
Dogs that love to dig, like terriers, and dogs that love to hunt, like hounds, are particularly inclined to do well on electric fences. These types of dogs can be stubborn, and their determination can lead them to jump over, break through, and burrow under a traditional fence. Wired fences, on the other hand, will stop them from getting close enough to the perimeter of your yard to escape.
Aggressive dogs may also require an electric dog fence. For the most aggressive dogs, it’s best to combine an electric fence with a traditional fence. The extra layer of protection will stop your dog from escaping your yard when their adrenaline is pumping. For dogs that simply do not want to be contained, electric fences can be the solution you need.
Enclose Large or Uniquely Shaped Yards
For farms and ranches with lots of acreage, an underground dog fence is a practical choice. Traditional fences take a lot of preparation, time, and money to install around large yards; the earth must be evened and cleared, and you don’t save money by purchasing more fence sections. An underground dog fence is comparatively easy to install and inexpensive, because any amount of wire can be added to any containment system at little extra cost.
If your yard has a unique shape, it’s also easier to bend your wire than it is to create custom fence sections. A wireless dog fence can also be used to enclose circular perimeters. If you want to fence an oddly shaped perimeter, a wired fence offers much more flexibility than a traditional fence. It’s also much easier to change the shape or dimensions of an electric fence.
Save Money on Installation and Maintenance
Traditional fences can cost thousands of dollars. In contrast, a DIY electric dog fence can cost less than $300 total. If your budget is modest, an electric dog fence is the best choice. Usually, for such important purchases, you don’t want to go “cheap,” but a self-installed electric fence is very effective. In fact, it can be more reliable than a traditional fence, which is prone to damage.
An invisible fence is protected from the elements, severe weather, and accidental damage. In the long run, you’ll save even more money by not having to repair or replace any sections of the fence due to unforeseen circumstances. The only long-term costs associated with an electric fence are replacing e-collar batteries every year at most, and they aren’t expensive either.
Maintain Your Yard’s View and Accessibility
Finally, an electric dog fence won’t alter the architecture or landscaping of your property. If you have a great view from your yard that you don’t want to obscure, a wired dog fence will do the trick while still keeping your dog safe and contained. The aesthetics of your property won’t change. Sometimes, housing authorities prohibit fences, in which case a wired fence is a must.
If you want to be able to easily access other parts of your property, an electric dog fence won’t interfere with your movements, either. For example, if you want to restrict your dog to a certain area of your yard, you can do so without having to open (and remember to close) a gate in order for you to cross the boundary. An electric fence gives you great accessibility.
If you’re considering installing an electric dog fence on your property, be sure to explore all your options before choosing a system. The PetSafe YardMax is a great choice, for example, but other system may be necessary for specific situations, such as if you have more acres. No matter what you choose, your dog will be happy to have an open space to roam.
We encourage you to share your experiences with a variety of dog containment systems in the comments section. Commenters and those who share the post in social media qualify for a drawing of a $50 Amazon gift card! Use Giveaway Tools form to enter the giveaway
I have a dog, and he runs off a lot. But I make sure to keep him on a leash when outside. I think having an electric fence would be a great idea. This would help me make sure that my dog does not run off!
I have 2 indoor dogs. I’ve never used an electric fence, but I think they’d be useful, especially for people that can’t put up a standard fence. Anything that helps keep pets safe is a good thing in my opinion!
A long time ago, yes, my roommates and I DID have an electric fence. We fostered and trained a total of 16 dogs (not all at once!) that had been abandoned and/or neglected, and all of those dogs were adopted into good homes! The electric fence was a good thing to have, as there was a highway not too far from the yard.
I do not have a dog right now, but when I did we did not have an electric fence.
Je n’ai pas de chien personnellement mais deux de mes amis en ont et souvent quand ils s’absentent, je m’occupe des chiens. Ils n’utilisent pas de collier électrique et les chiens sont des toutous d’intérieur.
Our dog is indoor and outdoor, no fence needed. She is a good dog who stays in our yard.
I have a dog who is an indoor dog. We have a fenced back yard that she goes in, so we have never used an electric fence.
We have 3 dogs and 6 acres. We use the electric fence to give them about 2 acres to run free on without having to worry about them getting out of the yard. I love it!
Yes, we have a dog. No electric fence.
We have a dog, and have considered an electric fence but don’t have one.
We have one dog but never used an electric fence. Before we moved into the city our dog never left the yard when we let him out. He’s an indoor dog and now we use a lead when he goes out.
I have two dogs right now. They are indoor/outdoor dogs, only because where we are renting there is a fence. We have had several hunting dogs and have always used an electric fence.
Yes we have one; Never used one ; indoor dog
Yes, we have one. Never had an electric one before ; She is indoor.
I have two granddogs who recently moved to a home without a fenced yard. Right now, they rely on a rope or leashes. I wonder if an electric fence system would work for them.
Yes we do have one dog.
We’ve never used an electric fence.
thank you
form name Barbara Montag
I don’t have any dogs at this time. My daughter has two huskies and also takes in foster dogs. She does have an electric fence system. It works very well on one of the huskies but not the other
I have an indoor dog, so I wouldn’t need an electric fence.
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I have never had need of one since all of my homes have physical fences. I have, however, known people who’ve had good success with them.
We have two dogs that are mostly indoor dogs. We let them out for a few minutes at a time or when we are in the yard. Our yard is totally fenced so we don’t have an electronic fence.
I’ve never tried an electric dog fence. We keep our pets inside most of the time.
We do have a dog, a beagle-lab mutt. Otis loves being outdoors, but he has to spend his time hooked up to a lead. We rent, so we’ve been reluctant to put in an electric fence, but it would be the ideal solution for Otis, who loves to run and jump and play.
Yes, and indoor dog. I have never had an electric fence.
I have 2 dogs and they are mostly indoor dogs. One prefers to stay out in the yard more than the other. I’ve never had an electric fence though. Our yard has a wood fence all around it.
I do have three dogs and two are indoor and one goes out and stays most of the day! I have used an electric fence in the past but do not have one right now!
We don’t have a dog right now, but when we get another dog, we will be getting an electric fence
I do have a dog,and I bought an underground electric fence,but never did use it,because my dog never really goes out without one of us,and is typically leashed!
We do have a dog. She is an outdoor dog and very active. We also live very close to the highway. We are talking about putting up an electric fence to get her safe.
We do have a dog, she is an outside dog and very active. We live close to a highway. We have talked about getting an electric fence to keep her safe.
I don’t have a dog anymore. We never used an electric fence but I sure could of used one. (She was a beagle) I would gladly check one out if I were ever to get a dog and live in a house again. I live in an apartment now so not really great for dogs.
I have a Scottish terrier who’s most definitely an indoor dog. I take him out for walks, but since we live in the city in a apartment building, we don’t have en electric fence.
I don’t have a dog or a fence at this time.
No dogs, just indoor cats. I’ve never had a dog, nor an electric fence but they sound like a good idea.
I have a dog but never used an electric fencing system.
Yes I have a dog, and he is a indoor dog, but does go outside. We have never tried something like this but it does look interesting.
We have two small dogs. We haven’t ever used an electric fencing system with them. They are indoors dogs, but we have a large fully fenced yard for them to play or do their business outdoors.
We have a dog that is indoors in the winter and outdoors ALOT in the summer.
We do have a dog. We have not tried an electrical fence because we live out in the country. Our dog is mostly indoors.
I have never used an electric fence. My dog is a inside dog.
We have a dog but live on a farm so she gets full reign
We have a mostly indoor dog, never used a fence
Yes, we have a dog. No electric fence.
I have two dogs outdoors and one indoors. We’ve never used an electronic fence.
I don’t have a dog, only an indoor cat.
I have a dot and no, i have never used an electric fence with her. She is mostly and indoor dog but when she is out i do have a small fence on our property line so that she can’t get to the neighbors yard. I just have to work on the front part of the yard so that she can’t escape into the road.
kelly tupick
I don’t have a dog right now. Since our dog passed away a few years ago, we have adopted several cats who are keeping us busy. Two of the cats belong to my daughter who is in an apartment that doesn’t allow cats. Once she takes her two, my husband and I will probably get another dog. We have a wooden fence, but our last dog managed to dig and get out anyway. I might consider an electric fence. Wish I had thought of that with our last dog.
We have an indoor dog. My brother has outdoor dogs and they have an electric type fence and love it.
We had a dog. We never had a dog fence visible or invisible.
I don’t have a dog, but have used electric fencing (hot wire above ground) on horse corrals.
I don’t have a dog fence but should get one
I have dog named Eevee. She’s mostly an indoor dog. We don’t have an electric fence, it seems pretty dangerous.
I have a small indoor dog. We’ve never tried or needed an electric fence though we’ve considered it if we get a puppy.
I have two dogs but never use an electric fence. We have a physical fence. They like to be outdoors.
Well, I had to respond. When we lived in NC which is one of the 2 lightening capitals of the USA…neighbors across the street put in one of those invisible underground fences. Well, sadly, when a major lightening storm blew through, it took out ALL their electronics. Yep, ALL. And when they sold the house a couple years later, the new owners told us at times they could smell something burning but were never able to figure out what it was…we hope that the house does not burn down completely at some point!!! So if you live where you get lightening storms, I would not put out that “beacon” if it was me. You would have to live in NC or Florida to know what a really bad lightening storm is…but I would not take the risk of having one of these, no matter where I lived. Just sayin…
i do have a dog, he goes out for a bit, but stays inside as a rule. I have never used an electronic fence
I have an Australian Shepherd. I’ve never used a fence before, but I’ve considered it.
Yes, I have a dog. We have a 7 year old Beagle. I have never used an electronic fence but am aware of them. Our Beagle is mainly an indoor dog, he just goes outside to use the bathroom and to run around. Our yard is 3/4 fenced and we have the other 1/4 blocked off with trash cans. Its good enough for him. A new dog would probably require something more though.
We don’t have a dog currently, but we need to get one and it will be an outdoor dog.
I have two indoor dogs. I will never used an electric fence.
I do not have a dog
My dog is an indoor and outdoor dog.
We don’t have a dog yet but are discussing getting one in the future at some point.
I have a dog. He stay inside most of the time, never tried a electric fence.
I do have a puppy but we don’t have an electric fence.
We have 3 dogs and 2 cats…BUT my worry is the foxes and raccoons that try to get into the pet food…this fence would be double duty for me.
We have an 11 month old puppy. Bella is an inside dog but has a runner for when she wants to stay outside longer. I would love an invisible fence but we live in an apartment and can’t really do one. Thank you!
I have a dog. I have never used a electric fencing system. My dog is an outdoor and indoor dog.
I have never used an electric fence, I have an outdoor dog.
I have 2 dogs,they are both very spoiled dogs and live indoors but as I have my own dog walking business they get lots of walks daily.
we have 4 dogs that are indoor dogs. They are only allowed out with us. They are runners and you have to watch them like a hawk. I have never used an electric fence but sure could use one
I do have a dog. She is an indoor dog and I’ve never used an electric fence before.
We have 3 labs that we adopted. They are inside dogs, but love to be outside! My neighbors have an electronic fence and it works so well for their dog! I would love to get one! I love how their dog can go in the front yard and all the way around the house!
I have a dog with a wood fence. We are moving to a new house and we are considering an electric fence.
I have 2 dogs both indoor dogs but we have had a elctronic fence before for a previous dog we had
I have an indoor dog and sometimes use a wireless radio fence. It works great for her but not for my stubborn old lab who walks through it. The little one is inside and the lab is outside most of the time.
I haven’t had a dog since I was a little girl. I live in a townhouse where a dog would not be good.
Thanks for the contest.
slehan at juno dot com
we have never tried an electric fence and our doggie is an outdoor dog
No dog right now, but I would like an invisible fence!
I’ve got 3 dogs and they are all indoor dogs. We haven’t tried electric fencing but we have a normal wood fence.
We have two Yorkies. We have thought about an electric fence, but have never had one. Our dogs are mostly indoors because they are way too small to be outside unattended. I think the best way to use one for us is in conjunction with a physical fence to keep big dogs out while the electric fence would keep our little ones from escaping through small holes in the other fence. Thanks for the chance!
I have 5 dogs. They are inside and outside dogs.
I live in a condo and do not have a dog
I have two dogs. They live indoors although i once had an electric fence. I think it got weed sacked and that was the end of that.
I have an indoor dog. When she’s out in the yard with us, she loves to dig so I’ve never left her alone for that reason. I’ve been curious about an electric fence and it seems like an option that would work for us. Didn’t realize they were that affordable.
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We do have a dog & a fenced in backyard but the front yard at the cottage is not fenced & it’s a shame to have her tied to a tree while we’re on the deck or lounging on the dock! She can get to us but she does not have the freedom to run around like the silly girl she is!
I have had many dogs in the past but not at the present time. My daughter has a dog who keeps running away so an electric fence would be perfect as her pup is an outdoor dog. . I have never tried the electric fence.
I have 4 dogs that are indoor/outdoor dogs. We have never used an electric fence.
I have two dogs which are indoor and outdoor dogs. We have both an electric fence and a wooden fence. The wooden face is the “main” boundary and the electric fence keeps them from digging at the fence line or trying to jump out of the fence.
I have 3 dogs, and they are indoors and outdoors. i’ve always wanted to get an invisible fence, but wasn’t too sure if they really were effective.
I have a indoor dog. He is a Maltipoo. I have never tried electronic fencing, but recently have been looking into it.
I have one dog but have never used an electric fence.
don’t have a dog, never used an electric system
I have a dog who would LOVE to spend more time outdoors, but I have no fence. I’d LOVE an electric fence. My Boo Boo would love to be outside burning off energy, running like an idiot.
Thanks for a great giveaway!
I do have a dog and he is an indoor dog but obviously goes outside to play and to go to the bathroom. We don’t have an electric fence but we do use a shock collar and it works great. He doesn’t even have to be on a leash anymore.
Our dog is an indoor dog but goes outside for play and bathroom and he have never used an electric fence but he does have a shock collar. He doesn’t have to be on a leash anymore since we got him the collar.
I don’t have a dog, but my daughter had one that was a runner. He escaped the fenced in back yard every chance he got so she used the electric fence and it was very beneficial.