Tag Archive for: wifi dog fence

Man installing a physical dog fence

Physical Dog Fences or Electronic Dog Fences: Which is Right for Your Pet

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Comparing Physical and Electronic Dog Fences: Which is Right for Your Pet?

Ensuring your dog’s safety is a paramount responsibility for any pet owner. One critical decision revolves around containment: should you opt for traditional physical dog fences or embrace modern electronic dog fences? Whether you’ve just welcomed a lively pup into your family or are seeking a better way to keep an older dog secure, choosing the right fencing solution can be transformative.

Physical Dog Fences: The Tried and Tested Option

Advantages of Physical Fences

  • Visual Boundary: Clearly marks the edge of your property, serving as a visual cue for your dog and a deterrent for trespassers.
  • Multipurpose Use: Provides privacy, enhances security, and prevents wildlife from entering your garden.
  • Durability: High-quality materials like steel or composite wood can stand the test of time with proper maintenance.

Drawbacks of Physical Fences

  • High Costs: Installation can cost £25–£300 per metre, depending on materials and design.
  • Maintenance: Wooden fences require painting and sealing; metal fences may rust and need treatment.
  • Escape Risks: Determined dogs can dig beneath or jump over traditional fences.
  • Gate Weaknesses: Gates can be expensive, difficult to secure, and may be left open, creating weak points.

Who Benefits Most from Physical Fences?

  • Homeowners seeking privacy or additional security.
  • Urban or suburban properties where aesthetic appeal is a priority.
  • Dogs less inclined to escape or dig.

Cost Breakdown for Traditional Fencing Options

  • High Wooden Fencing: £40–£100 per metre, plus installation.
  • Chain-Link Fencing: £25–£50 per metre; cost-effective but less attractive.
  • Stone Walls: £100–£300 per metre; durable but costly.
  • Dig-Proof Fencing: £50–£80 per metre; includes buried mesh or concrete footer.

Electronic Dog Fences: The Innovative Alternative

Advantages of Electronic Dog Fences

  • Preserves Your View: Maintains the natural beauty of your surroundings without imposing physical barriers.
  • Adaptable Design: Can cover irregularly shaped areas, including ponds, gardens, or wooded areas.
  • Cost-Effective: Priced at £6–£10 per metre, including installation; budget-friendly for larger properties.
  • Customised Training: Modern systems like those offered by DogFence.co.uk come with tailored training programmes to ensure dogs understand boundaries without stress.
  • No Gates Required: Covers driveways, eliminating the need for expensive gates that can be left open.

Drawbacks of Electronic Dog Fences

  • No Physical Barrier: While effective at keeping your dog in, electronic fences won’t prevent other animals or intruders from entering your property.
  • Dependence on Technology: Requires ongoing maintenance, including checking the collar battery and ensuring the transmitter functions correctly.
  • Training Commitment: Success relies on proper training; pet owners must invest time in helping their dog adjust to the new system.

Who Benefits Most from Electronic Fences?

  • Rural properties with larger grounds (½ acre or more).
  • Dogs prone to jumping over or digging under traditional fences.
  • Owners prioritising unobstructed views or flexibility in boundary placement.
  • Owners living near livestock or main roads.
  • Owners who have physical fencing but need added dog-proof fencing.

Comparing Costs: Traditional vs. Electronic Fencing

Traditional Fencing: £25–£300 per metre, depending on material and design.

Electronic Fencing: £6–£10 per metre, covering large areas affordably and effectively.

For larger properties, electronic fences offer a practical and budget-friendly solution, saving thousands in upfront costs while ensuring your dog’s safety.

Installation Times: Traditional Fencing vs. Electronic Dog Fences

Traditional Physical Fencing: A 5-acre site typically requires substantial preparation, including leveling ground, digging post holes, and securely fixing materials like wood or chain link. This process can take 1–2 weeks or more, depending on terrain, weather conditions, and design complexity.

Electronic Dog Fences: Can cover up to 10 acres in a single day, including professional installation and boundary training setup. The process is streamlined and minimally invasive, making it a fast and efficient solution for pet owners.

Choosing an electronic dog fence not only saves time but also reduces the hassle and labour involved in securing your property.

Did You Know? The Facts About Dog Containment

  • Over 85% of pet owners report feeling more confident about their dog’s safety after installing an electronic containment system.
  • Studies show that dogs trained with modern electronic fences adapt to their boundaries within 2–4 weeks when training is implemented correctly.
  • Traditional fences can cost up to £200 per metre for premium materials, whereas electronic fences cover larger areas at a fraction of the cost.

How DogFence.co.uk Can Help

At DogFence.co.uk, we specialise in bespoke electronic containment systems designed to suit every property and pet. With over two decades of experience, we provide:

  • Customised consultations to determine the best solution for your needs.
  • Professional installation to ensure seamless operation.
  • Comprehensive training programmes to help your dog understand and adapt to their new boundaries.

With our systems, you’ll join thousands of pet owners across the UK who trust DogFence.co.uk to keep their dogs safe while preserving the beauty and integrity of their properties.

Supporting Responsible Dog Ownership

It’s important to note that some organisations, like the RSPCA, oppose the use of electronic dog fences. However, groups such as the Association of Responsible Dog Owners (ARDO) advocate for the responsible use of electronic training aids, including containment systems. ARDO’s mission is to educate and support dog owners in making informed decisions that ensure the safety and well-being of their pets.

Take the Next Step Towards Peace of Mind

Choosing the right fence isn’t just about practicality—it’s about safeguarding the bond between you and your pet. Let us help you find the perfect solution.

Ready to Protect Your Dog?

At DogFence Ltd, we’ve helped thousands of pet owners across the UK find safe, humane, and cost-effective containment solutions for their dogs and cats.Call us today to receive a quote:

Or request a quote online.

 

Wifi dog fence or geo dog fence

Why Geo Dog Fencing Isn’t Better Than In-Ground Wired Options

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Why Geo Dog Fencing Isn’t Better Than In-Ground Wired Options

Geo Dog Fencing, the new buzz word! When it comes to keeping our canine and feline friends safe within our property boundaries, dog owners have two popular options: geo (GPS-based) dog fencing and traditional in-ground wired dog fencing. While geo dog fencing seems like a high-tech, convenient solution, it still has several limitations that prevent it from being a better option compared to the reliable, tried-and-true in-ground wired systems. Below are some key reasons why geo dog fencing isn’t superior to in-ground wired options:

1. Accuracy and Reliability

One of the main drawbacks of geo dog fencing is its reliance on GPS signals to establish boundaries. While GPS technology is advanced, it isn’t foolproof. Geo fences can be less accurate due to signal interference caused by various factors, such as tall buildings, dense tree coverage, or adverse weather conditions. These signal disruptions can cause the virtual boundary to shift, potentially confusing your dog or failing to keep them within the intended area. In contrast, in-ground wired systems use a buried wire to establish a physical boundary that doesn’t shift or move, ensuring consistent and accurate containment.

2. Response Time of Geo Dog Fencing

Geo dog fencing often suffers from delayed response times due to its dependence on satellite signals. This will affect not just the response time as the pet enters the zone but also when the pet retreats.  There can be a lag between the moment your pet crosses the virtual boundary and when the collar receives the signal to activate. If the collar picks up too slowly the pet will run through and conversely if your dog or cat enters and immediately retreats from the zone, the collar should also shut down; this is not the case with satellite based systems.  This delay could allow your dog to wander too far beyond the safe zone before realising they’ve crossed the boundary, increasing the risk of escape. Our in-ground wired systems provide immediate feedback as the dog approaches the boundary, which effectively prevents dogs from crossing and reinforces their training.

3. Battery Life and Maintenance

GPS-based collars generally require more power than collars used with in-ground wired systems. This means geo fencing collars need frequent recharging or battery replacement. If a collar runs out of battery while your dog is outside, the containment system becomes ineffective, leaving your dog vulnerable. In-ground wired collars, on the other hand, typically have longer-lasting batteries and are more efficient since they only activate when the dog approaches the wire. This makes them more reliable for continuous use with less frequent maintenance.

4. Collar Size and Durability

Our DogWatch collars are not only the smallest and lightest worldwide among standard wired systems but also significantly lighter and less bulky than Geo collars. While our lightweight collar weighs less than 40g, including the battery, a typical Geo collar weighs around 227g. The average battery life on our mini collar = 6 months and on our standard collar = 2 years, whereas the run time on a Geo Collar = 36 hours (8 hours tracking). The extra weight of a Geo collar is due to the hardware required to connect with orbital satellites, making it inherently larger and heavier. In terms of warranty, Geo collars come with a one-year warranty that doesn’t cover accidental damage. In contrast, our DogWatch collars come with a lifetime warranty, even covering damage from dog chews

 

5. Boundary Customisation and Size

Our DogWatch wired systems offer unparalleled flexibility in defining boundaries. You can customise the layout to include specific areas like gardens, pools, or flower beds, keeping your dog away from dangerous or restricted zones within your property. You can also define the boundaries in irregular shapes that fit your properties exact layout. Geo fencing, while flexible to a point, often struggles with defining complex or irregular boundary shapes accurately. This limitation can be problematic for homeowners with unique property layouts.

6. Training and Learning

Dogs learn best with consistent and predictable cues. With geo dog fencing, the potential inaccuracies and delays can confuse a pet during training, making it harder for them to understand where they can and cannot go. In contrast, our wired fences provide clear, consistent feedback when a pet approaches the boundary, making training more straightforward. The defined physical boundaries of in-ground systems help pets learn and remember their limits more effectively, reducing the risk of boundary violations over time.

At the time of publishing this article the in ground dog fence option offers the best solution to pet safety, consistency and reliability. As technology progresses we may, in time, see other options built into all types of dog fencing and indeed the boundary wire maybe a thing of the past?

If you would to learn more about our system why not call us for a quick free consultation. We are able to estimate and draw your boundary without the need for a site visit using our land survey software. Call today on 01628 476475 or info@dogfence.co.uk. www.dogfence.co.uk.