Invisible dog fences, sometimes called underground fences or hidden fences, are very popular with dog owners who want to give their dog the freedom to run and play in a safe and confined area.

An invisible fence for dogs consists of an electrical wire that is buried invisible along the perimeter of the desired area. The cable provides a weak radio signal that sends messages to a special collar that the dog will wear. As the dog approaches the limit, the collar will beep, followed by a slight electrical shock.

Choosing the right invisible dog fence can be confusing due to the wide variety of options available. Good quality fences are sold by PetSafe, Innotek, and Perimeter, among others.

There are a few important things to consider when purchasing, including a proper warranty (at least 1 year), making sure the receiver has a range of correction levels to customize the training program for each dog.

Also, buying a sturdy cable is important to carry the signal properly. 16 gauge wire is very durable and does this job well. For small dogs, the neck size should be checked to make sure the collar fits. Most regular necklaces fit 8 inches in diameter, although some fit 6 inches.

Once the invisible dog fence is installed, good dog training is a must. You can read our free guide to training your dog using an invisible dog fence on our website using the links at the end of this article.

As with everything, there are pros and cons of invisible dog fences. Dog owners interested in purchasing an invisible dog fence will be able to make a much more informed decision after a little research and advice from those who “have been there, have done that.”

Benefits of invisible fences for dogs

• Much less expensive than regular fences, even if you hire a professional to install the invisible dog fence.
• Some subdivisions do not allow traditional fences.
• Invisible dog fences make the yard more open and inviting, and they don’t spoil the view.
• Traditional fences are unreliable, dogs like to dig under them, jump or climb over them and escape through open gates.
• If a traditional fence already exists, an invisible dog fence can be added to control these problems.

Most invisible dog fence collars emit a beep first as a warning to the dog that it is getting too close to the limit. If you ignore the warning, a light shock is delivered through the collar. This shock is more surprising than painful and will teach the lesson often with just one or two times. After training is complete, the warning beep is usually enough to keep the dog off the edge.