If you are a pet owner, one of your worst nightmares is likely to have your dog escape from your yard. But locking your furry friend in the house isn’t a good solution either, as dogs have to run around and burn energy. If your yard has a traditional fence that your dog can’t jump over, you can probably let your buddy run free without worrying. However, if you don’t have a standard fence and don’t want to invest in one, an electric fence might be a solution worth considering.
What does an electric fence cost?
The average cost of an electric fence is around $ 1,200, according to HomeAdvisor (NASDAQ: ANGI), which is much cheaper than a traditional fence. The average cost of an electric fence is $ 2.40 per linear foot. For a vinyl fence, it’s $ 20 to $ 40 per linear foot. And for a wooden fence, you’re looking at $ 17 to $ 45 per linear foot. Of course, the bigger your outside area, the more you pay. You need to take this into account when entering the numbers.
How does an electric fence work?
An electric fence uses a signal that is activated when your dog gets too close to your property line. Your dog wears a collar that is triggered when that signal is triggered by the delivery of a small shock. While this may sound scary, many pet owners and experts alike swear by the fact that these shocks aren’t actually painful for dogs.
Advantages of an electric fence
An electric fence is an inexpensive way to keep your dog at bay. Electric fences are also much easier to install than traditional fences, which means you may not need to use a contractor to put your fences in place. If you prefer the feeling of an open yard, electric fences are invisible, while it’s difficult to hide the presence of an actual fence.
Disadvantages of an electric fence
While an electric fence can help prevent your dog from escaping your property, it does not provide privacy like a traditional fence. Even if an electric fence keeps your dog well in your yard, it won’t help keep other animals out. So if your goal is to let your dog run free unattended, an electric fence may not solve this problem.
In addition, with an electric fence, you need to be very careful when changing the batteries on your dog’s associated collar. Otherwise, that fence will become unusable and you risk your dog escaping – and losing your pet for good.
Should you get an electric fence?
Some dog owners don’t like their pets being shocked, even if it is slightly. If you feel the same way, an electric fence is clearly not for you. While your primary goal in getting an electric fence is to keep your dog from running away, you may also find that you will be better off investing in a fence with a physical enclosure that offers the benefit of privacy.
If you are interested in an electric fence, you need to research your city’s zoning laws to make sure you are allowed to put one in. You may also need to obtain approval. Check this out before you get one started.
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