Fences - Electric Pet Fences
Fences can provide privacy, security and even beauty to a property. But one type is used for one basic purpose: to keep pets where they should be. Electric pet fences are the most common and effective type.
There are two basic types of electric pet fence: visible and invisible.
Invisible or hidden types are usually a simple design made of an underground wire and associated hardware. The wire forms a complete loop, which is attached to a source of low voltage and current. The circuit senses when a pet approaches and can provide a mild electric shock via a collar the pet wears. The shock isn't painful, it merely startles. Sometimes the collar has an integrated sound emitter that adds to the effect.
Dogs and cats both quickly learn to associate the noise and discomfort with the line they approach. Often, that line is made even more obvious by a series of flags staked into the ground to give both animal and owner an indication of where the line is drawn.
Hidden electric pet fences have a balance of pros and cons and where the scales come to rest will vary with individual circumstances.
Some animals (especially if they see something they want to chase) will charge right through, ignoring the collar. Once they're on the outside of the perimeter, it can be even harder to encourage them to cross back inside. Some fences can take that into account and turn off the circuit once the animal has crossed. With other pets it's rarely a problem.
The other basic type of electric pet fence provides a physical and visible barrier above the ground. They're more often used for larger animals, such as horses and cattle.
A more or less standard-looking post and rail style is built, with the rails being made of one or more wires. Some have an electrified wire only at the top, others provide electrification through the whole fence.
Here again the voltage and current are low, so there's no risk of physical injury. The shock may be uncomfortable, but it's well below the threshold of pain. The chief effect is similar to that of the hidden-fence-and-collar style. It startles and encourages the animal to move away.
The effectiveness varies, just as it does with the hidden pet fence. But this style has a little more going for it, since it doesn't just rely on the shock alone to drive the animal back. The physical barrier provides a sturdy perimeter, usually by means of high tensile strength wire and sound posts.
The electrification adds an added benefit: discouraging the animal from pushing through the fence. That does more than just save on costly repairs, it adds an element of safety. A half-down fence is much more likely to injure them.
Hidden electric pet fences are typically less expensive than above-the-ground types, since they're nothing more than a single wire and some electronic gear. Above the ground fencing offers additional security. Which is appropriate depends on your animal and layout.
