FENCE, DOG RUN, OR INVISIBLE FENCE?
You wish you could have your dog staying safe in your backyard but have no fence? Not sure if you should be getting a dog run, a fence, or an invisible fence? We will be looking at all of them in this article; I hope it will help you make a decision.
DOG RUN ADVANTAGES
Installing a dog run sounds like a great solution for small to medium-size dogs
It is best to use a harness to avoid neck injuries and it is harder to slip off a harness than a collar
It allows your dog a lot of room for running and playing fetch without having to go to a park
It costs less than building a fence
DOG RUN DISADVANTAGES
It will not protect your dog from unwanted visitors such as roaming dogs or wildlife (if you live near the woods) that might attack or bring diseases
Your dog might injure its neck if he/she wears a collar instead of a harness
It will not protect accidents such as bites if someone goes near your dog without supervision
It will not prevent your dog from being stolen
If your dog is not spayed or neutered, your dog might get pregnant or get a roaming dog pregnant
You will have to keep an eye on your dog often if you leave it alone
Not ideal for dogs with a strong pull
Do NOT tie up two dogs on the same run; they might get entangled and strangle each other.
Pictured here is Diego wearing a harness while being on a dog run. The run in this video HERE says it's good for dogs up to 100 lbs but if you have a big dog that has a lot of pull, an adequate fenced-in yard sounds like a much better solution. I know of a couple strong dogs that just tore the run cable off the tree where the hook was; the owner tied the rope around the tree instead of using a hook. The pulley broke many times and is no longer in use on the line now. If you know of an equipment able to sustain a strong pull please let me know and I will pass the message along!
HOW DOES AN INVISIBLE FENCE WORK?
An invisible fence, also called an electric fence, is a wire placed underground that is connected wirelessly to a special collar that the dog wears around its neck and it gives a small shock to the dog when it leaves the boundary of the electrical fence. The boundary is marked with small flags on the ground.
INVISIBLE FENCE ADVANTAGES
It allows the dog to run
No physical fence upkeep
Doesn’t change your landscaping
Prevents your dog from roaming in the neighborhood and getting hit by a car
Some neighborhoods and cities have fencing laws or even prohibit fences altogether so this can be done instead
Protects your dog from traffic, strangers, and any other dangers outside the boundary
You don’t need to be an electrician to install it
Cheaper than a regular fence
INVISIBLE FENCE DISADVANTAGES
Must check batteries regularly
Installation may take some time
No protection from other animals getting inside the boundary
No protection from parasites brought over by other animals
No protection from your dog being stolen
An accident might happen if a young kid gets near your dog
You have to train the dogs 15 minutes at a time, many times a day, for two weeks at first
If your dog gets out of the boundary, the shock of the collar will prevent the dog from going back home
FENCE ADVANTAGES
Your dog will be protected from unwanted visitors and roaming animals
Your dog will be harder to steal
Your dog will not bite anyone unless they put their hand through the fence
Your dog will be able to run and play fetch - or do obstacle course games
Your kids and other pets can play safely in the yard
Pictured here is Baby Max, our escape artist, and the reason why we have the perfect fence today :)
FENCE DISADVANTAGES
The only disadvantage I see is the cost. We found affordable fence posts from an Amish neighbor and we installed a wire fence purchased at Tractor Supply. Our fence did not cost much and has been a blessing after we figured out how to contain our canine escape artists. See our "Fence Saga" previous blog (read it HERE). I would love to hear from you if you have anything to add.
I wish your dogs safe always.
