If your pet is kept outside, then it is important to make sure it is kept safe and secure. The traditional way to ensure this is to build a physical fence around the garden to keep the pet in. However, there is a great alternative you can consider, a wireless pet fence.
In this guide, you can learn all you need to know about wireless pet fences and why you need a wireless pet fence.
The Benefits Of A Wireless Pet Fence
There are many great reasons to choose a wireless pet fence. Here are the top ones –
- Physical fences may not be permitted in your neighborhood
- You may not want to look at a fence that is made of metal or wood
- A physical fence could block other areas of the garden
- You can’t take a physical fence with you if you move
- A wireless fence is easier and cheaper to set up than physical fencing
In some situations, it may be worth considering having a wireless fence and a physical fence. This is because you can use the wireless fence to keep your pet restricted to a certain part of the garden. For example, perhaps you are a keen gardener and want to protect your crop. A wireless fence can keep your pet away, so they don’t dig everything up!
If you have children, you may have toys in the garden they play with. A wireless fence keeps your pet away from the children’s things. After all, you wouldn’t them using your children’s play area as their potty!
How Does A Wireless Pet Fence Work?
There are two parts that make up a wireless pet fence: the receiver and the transmitter.
The transmitter is plugged into any electrical outlet in your property whilst the receiver is located on the collar of the pet. To get set up the transmitter will initially send out some radio frequencies. You can use these frequencies to adjust the signal distance to define your required boundaries.
Should your pet cross the boundary you have set, they will receive an electric shock. Don’t worry, the shock will not be painful or in any way damaging to your pet. The shock your pet gets has been likened to getting splashed by cold water. There are some receivers that provide an additional option of making a noise when your pet crosses the boundary.
There is one word of caution to keep in mind. In some cases, a shock collar may cause very minor skin irritation. It is highly recommended that you clean your pet’s neck and any parts touched by the collar on a regular basis. Ideally, you should also avoid leaving your pet in the shock collar for prolonged amounts of time.
Here is a recap of how wireless pet fences work –
- Plug the transmitter into an electrical socket in the home
- Use the radio frequencies from the transmitter to set the desired boundary
- Attach the shock collar to your pet
- Your pet will now receive a small shock if they try to cross the boundary
The Pros And Cons Of A Wireless Pet Fence
According to PetLifeWorld, when deciding whether a wireless pet fence is suitable for you and your pet, here are some pros and cons to consider.
Pros –
- Can be adjustable. Many of the available systems allow you to set the shock level or offer the option of making a noise as well. This is great for you as it gives you more control over the system and greater peace of mind your pet will be comfortable.
- Quick results. In most cases, it only takes a few shocks for the animal to learn the boundaries. Most pets learn fast which means fewer shocks whilst still having the allowed freedom.
- Your pet can be left alone. Once set up you don’t have to oversee the wireless pet fence. You may wish to keep a close eye to start with to ensure it works and your pet is comfortable. When you know that everything is OK, then you are free to leave your pet alone knowing the wireless fence will keep them in. It is still recommended to avoid leaving your pet alone for long periods of time if at all possible, regardless of what type of fence you use.
- Saves money. Most people are quite happy to spend money on their pets. It is still great to save some money if you can though! Choosing a wireless fence will nearly always be cheaper than installing a physical fence.
Cons –
- Worrying about pain. Even though the shock is mild, and you can adjust the intensity, it is natural to be concerned you might be hurting your pet. After all, they are part of the family! You can rest assured the shock is completely safe for your pet.
- Fear. Sometimes an animal can associate a certain person, action, or other ideas with fear. If your pet becomes fearful of something this can cause problems. In some cases, a pet may associate the shock from the collar with fear thereby refusing to wear it or go outside. Therefore it is important to keep a close eye on how the wireless fence is working to make sure it is appropriate for your pet.
- Too many shocks. In some cases, your pet may receive shocks unintentionally. This can cause your pet to become confused by what is and isn’t allowed. Keeping an eye on the system to make sure it is working as intended is important to avoid this situation arising.
Final Thoughts
Making your pet feel safe, happy, and loved is the aim of all pet owners. Using a wireless pet fence isn’t the best option for every pet and their owner. However, many find having a wireless pet fence a great way to keep their pets safe in the garden without the expense of adding a physical fence.