Are Underground Fences for Dogs Effective?

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Are Underground Fences for Dogs Effective

Is an electric fence for dogs (underground) the best way to keep our furry friends safe and secure in our yards?

That’s a question many pet owners ask these days, as an increasing number of people are turning to this type of containment system.

But do they work? How effective can they really be? And are they worth the investment?

Let’s take a closer look at wired underground fences and find out if they’re the right choice for you and your pup.

Table of Contents

Are Underground Fences Effective at Keeping Dogs Contained in a Yard?

The effectiveness of underground fences can vary depending on many factors. For instance, the type of fence system used, if it’s installed properly, and how well your dog responds to it can all impact its effectiveness.

In general, though, an underground fence can be very effective at keeping dogs contained within the boundaries. And with proper training, it can provide a safe and convenient way to keep your fido out of harm’s way while still allowing them to enjoy the outdoors.

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Are Wired Underground Fences for Dogs Worth the Investment?

For some pet owners, physical fences are simply the best option for keeping their dogs safe.

However, for some, a wired underground fence may just be a perfect choice, especially for those living in an area where putting up a traditional fence is not allowed because of homeowners’ association rules.

Why?

Well. Ask yourself this: Would you rather not do anything and let your pup run free and potentially put themselves in harm’s way? Or would you rather spend a little bit of money and effort to set up a system that will help keep them safe?

If you’re like most pet owners, the answer is clear.

So investing in a wired underground fence for your dog is certainly well worth it from a safety standpoint.

Even if you do have the option of putting up a physical fence, an underground fence may still be worth considering. After all, it’s cheaper and easier to install than a traditional fence, and it can still be just as effective at keeping your dog contained. Plus, installing an underground fence is more aesthetically pleasing than, say, putting up an unsightly chain-link fence.

How Much Does It Cost to Install an In-Ground Dog Fence?

Calculate Underground Dog Fence Cost

The cost of installing an in-ground dog fence can vary depending on where you live, the condition of your yard, for instance, if you have a sloped or irregularly shaped yard, etc., the size of your property, and the type of system you choose.

But in general, you can expect to pay $2 to $3 per linear foot, and it can cost you around $1,500 to have a wired underground fence system professionally installed, on average.

How Easy Are Electric Dog Fences to Set Up?

Think it’s too expensive to have an electric fence professionally installed and wonder if you can do it yourself?

Well, the good news is that setting up an underground fence for your dog is actually pretty easy. In fact, it’s a fairly straightforward process, and most pet owners install it themselves.

There are plenty of resources online that can help walk you through the installation process, and here’s one that you may find useful:

Just make sure, though, that you read the instructions carefully. It’s also best to call underground utility locating services to help find the location of any in-ground pipes, wires, or cables before you start digging. That said, the trench you need to dig to bury the wire is so shallow that it’s unlikely you’d hit any buried utilities.

What Are Some of the Potential Problems With Underground Dog Fences?

It’s important to keep in mind that in-ground electric fences are not 100% foolproof, and here are some potential problems that pet owners should be aware of.

  • Power failures. One of the biggest challenges to using an underground fence is its reliance on electricity. So if the power goes out, your system will not work. So in areas where frequent power outages are common, an underground electric fence may not be the best option for you.
  • Other animals can still easily get inside the boundaries of your yard. Another drawback to using an underground fence is that it does not keep other animals out of your yard. This means neighboring dogs, cats, or wild animals may still be able to enter your property and potentially pose a danger to your canine.
  • May not be suitable for very young dogs. In-ground fences may also not be suitable for very young dogs, and it is best to avoid using one until your dog is at least six months old. This is because young pups might not be able to understand the different types of stimulations correctly.
  • You’ll need to train your dog. Finally, it’s crucial to remember that in-ground fences are not a magic solution and that you’ll need to take the time to train your dog, show them where the boundaries of the fence are, and teach them what the different types of signals mean and what is expected of them.

Wrapping Up

Like anything else, an underground fence is not perfect, and it does have its drawbacks.

However, I personally think the benefits of using a wired underground fence system far outweigh these potential problems because it can provide your dog with a safe place to run around in your yard without you having to worry about them getting lost or potentially getting into trouble.

And I would definitely recommend installing one if putting up a traditional, physical fence is simply not an option or just isn’t feasible for you. Just make sure, though, that you do your research and read up on all the different options available to find the right one for your needs and your budget.