Sunday, December 16, 2018

Which Is Better? Traditional or Invisible Fencing?

You want to provide your dog with exercise and freedom to play outside, so you’re going to need a fence. You’ll need to decide what type of fence will work best for you. A traditional physical fence or an invisible fence. We think, the best way to help with this decision is to make a list of pros and cons. So, here are a few things to consider when deciding if an invisible fence or a traditional fence is best for your family.
TRADITIONAL DOG FENCES
Whether you choose an invisible or traditional dog fence, make sure it's the right choice for your family. Traditional fences are physical barriers made of wood, chain link, PVC, or composite that surrounds your yard. In addition to the material options, there are a variety of style options for traditional fences, including paneled privacy, semi-privacy, picket, and ornamental. It’s really important to make sure the style you choose does not allow your dog to escape, whether because your dog can jump over the fence, slip under it, or squeeze between posts. Let’s review the pros and cons of a traditional fence.
Traditional Fence PROS:
Property value: A traditional fence may increase the value of your home.
Endless choices: There are many styles and materials to choose from to match the style of your home.
Visually defines your yard: Traditional fencing creates a sense of space.
No training required. Your pets do not have to complete a training program.
Helps to keep other pets out: Other pets cannot get into your yard when it is fenced in. Unless they climb over or dig under it.
Keeps kids inside: You can safely protect your kids, too (as long as you have a good gate latch)!
Traditional Fence CONS:
Neighbors may not like it: A traditional fence may cause neighborly issues if you cannot agree on a style. To be a good neighbor, you should ask before starting fence installation.
Materials cost more: Traditional wood, vinyl, or aluminum fencing is much more costly than invisible fencing.
High maintenance: Physical fencing needs to be maintained regularly. Painting, staining and repairs to fence panels and gates to keep them functioning properly. Also, mother nature can damage above ground fencing.
Dogs might escape: Your dog may be able to climb or jump over the fence. If your dog begins to dig, you’ll need to look for other ways to block the digging. Such as brick or blocks, landscape timbers or chicken wire attached to the bottom. Another solution, is to have an invisible fence installed along the inside of the physical fence, to keep your pets away from the fence.
Limited to the backyard only: Most neighborhood and city restrictions limit physical fencing to only the backyard. This limits the amount of room your pet can enjoy and opens the possibility of your pet escaping out the front door or garage.
Local restrictions: There may also be neighborhood restrictions on the fence styles and heights you can install, so your options may be limited.
INVISIBLE DOG FENCES
Invisible fences keep your pets in your yard without a physical barrier. Instead, as the name suggests , they are invisible. Your pets will go through a training process that teaches them their new boundaries. Let's discuss the pros and cons of invisible fences.
Invisible Fence PROS:
No physical obstruction: One of the most obvious pros of an invisible fence is that it does not obstruct views on the property. This is clearly a good thing if you have beautiful views in your backyard or simply don’t like the idea of an unsightly physical barrier.
Won't violate building codes: Invisible fences don’t need to meet any neighborhood codes, which can win the battle of traditional fence vs invisible fence if your neighborhood or the area you live in has strict requirements.
360° Protection: Electronic fences can be installed all the way around your home and property. This provides a barrier on all sides, preventing your pets from escaping the front yard or out the side door or garage.
Customization: Electric dog fences can be easily customized to protect other areas of your yard. Such as gardens, flower beds or pools. Even inside your home. Special transmitters that work with your fence collar can be placed near the garbage can or certain furniture that you don’t want your pets on.
Won’t disturb neighbors: Your neighbors won’t mind if you have an invisible fence, because, well it's invisible!
There’s no escape: Your pet won't be able to dig under, climb over or push through gates.
Lower cost: Invisible fences are far less expensive than traditional fences.
Zero maintenance: Underground dog fencing is virtually maintenance free. Once installed, if left undisturbed, the buried cable will last a lifetime.
Invisible Fence CONS:
Requires training: Invisible fences are not a simple, set it and forget it type of fencing solution. Your pets will go through a training process that lasts about a week, before they are able to run freely in the yard. 
Keeps your dog in, but doesn’t keep other pets out: People and other animals can still get into your yard with an invisible fence. Unless you plan to buy additional collars for your neighbor's loose dogs! Or you can simply refer them to us, we'll help them out.
A power source is needed. Usually an outlet inside your garage or home is used to power the system transmitter.
CONCLUSION
No matter which fence you decide on, it’s ultimately all about the safety and happiness for your pet and both options can provide just that. If you decide that an invisible fence is best for you and your family, Outdoor Pet Solutions is here to help.
If you’re still unsure, consider this. If you have a physical fence installed and your pet begins to escape by digging out or climbing over, the company that installed your fence does not guarantee it will keep your pets in. Unfortunately, you will then have to invest in an invisible fence to prevent your pets from getting out by keeping them away from the physical fence, you have already invested in.
A better option might be, to first have the more affordable invisible fence installed. If, in the rare case the invisible fence does not keep your pets safely contained, Outdoor Pet Solutions will REFUND your money on the equipment, which you can then reinvest in the more expensive physical fence. This will ultimately save you a lot of money in the long run.
What kind of dog fence do you use, invisible or traditional? Are you happy with it? Still have questions? We’re happy to help! Comment below!