During the school holidays last year, I spent time working at my family's manufacturing plant. They have a lot of industrial equipment, and I spent most of my time shadowing the maintenance manager. It was fascinating to see the amount of care and cleaning which goes into making sure all the machines run smoothly. I began this blog as a way to document the different types of maintenance I learned for two reasons. Firstly, because I aim to take over the family business one day, and also to share my knowledge with others who are interested in running their own manufacturing plant.
Keeping your dog in an enclosed space might seem cruel for your four-legged friend, but it provides a number of benefits. An enclosed dog is far less likely to be a victim of theft, to be hit by oncoming traffic, or to contract a contagious disease or illness. A popular alternative to wood or metal fencing for your pet is using an invisible fence, which uses an electric shock system to deter dogs from passing. An invisible fence can provide a number of advantages over traditional fencing, but can also come with a few handicaps. Below are outlined some advantages and disadvantages to getting invisible fencing installed on your property.
Advantages
Low Cost
One of the primary reasons for choosing invisible fencing over traditional fencing is that it is relatively cheaper to get installed, even if done by a professional. Additionally, many properties and neighbourhoods require specific materials for fencing; which can be pricier than standard fencing. An invisible fence is a good substitute, particularly if your property has strict building regulations, as the fence is, for the most part, invisible!
Adaptability
Another big advantage of a dog fence is that it can be installed easily anywhere on a property. Traditional fencing can prove to be very tricky to install if installing upon an uneven surface, while an electric fence can be set up on any surface, no matter how unbalanced. Furthermore, a fence cannot simply be moved, while an electric fence can.
Invisibility Benefits
An invisible fence will have no bearing or impact on the aesthetics of a property or neighbourhood, as it is invisible. This makes it a great option for people who don't like the look of a traditional fence or feel that one would make the property feel more gated and claustrophobic.
Disadvantages
Requires Training
While actually installing the invisible fence is a straightforward process, actually getting a dog to respect the fence's boundaries requires more involvement. After installing an invisible fence, make sure to commit yourself to properly training your dog and teaching them where the boundaries lay.
Possibility of Aggression
Even with training, there is a possibility that a dog might develop aggressive tendencies towards strangers or other dogs; this is because even with training, a dog might approach a stranger or animal walking by, forgetting that the invisible fence has been set up. If worried, be sure to monitor your dog's behaviour after setting up the invisible fence, and correcting behaviour accordingly.
Discomfort
Naturally, due to the nature of the fence, it has the potential to cause discomfort to your dog. If given correct training, a dog should be able to learn the audible cues that the fences give off before receiving an electric shock. Make sure that the fence and electrical system is set up properly and in accordance with safety regulations and precautions.
In summary, while an invisible fence can be a great alternative to traditional dog fencing, and it might even be the only option available, it comes with it a notable amount of dedication towards training. If training is neglected, a dog can develop behavioural problems which can be hard to correct if further ignored.