Although garden fences typically, offer privacy, security and even a certain amount of curb appeal to your property, there is one type that is used for a specific purpose and that is to keep pets and animals inside your yard or garden where they should be. Electric pet fences are the most common and effective type and come in either visible or hidden forms.
Just as the name implies, invisible or hidden types typically consist of an underground wire that forms a complete loop, which is connected to a low voltage and current source. This type of set up detects when the pet approaches and can provide a mild electric shock via a collar that the pet wears. The shock is neither painful nor dangerous and is designed to startle the animal. To add to the effect, some of the collars also include a sound emitter, which activates at the same time.
Both cats and dogs quickly understand the association of the discomfort and noise with the invisible line. To make that boundary even more obvious to both pets and owners, it is often staked with flags or suchlike to make the invisible line visible.
There are one or two downsides associated with hidden electric pet fences that you might want to consider.
Some animals, particularly if they see something they want to chase, will charge right through the invisible boundary, forgetting about the collar in the process. Having got to the other side of the perimeter, you will likely find it next to impossible to coax them back across, simply because they then remember what happens when they do cross the line. Some electric fences can will turn themselves off once the animal has crossed but of course, your pet does not know that.
Another type of electric pet fence, which is often used for larger animals such as cattle and horses offers a physical and visible barrier above the ground.
In this instance, a comparatively standard looking post and rail style is constructed with the rails being made of one or more wires. Some have an electrified wire only at the top while others provide electrification through the whole fence.
Once again, the voltage and current are low, so there is no risk of physical injury. The shock may be uncomfortable, but it is well below the threshold of pain. The principal effect is comparable to that of the hidden fence and collar style in that startles and encourages the animal to move away.
The effectiveness varies, just as it does with the invisible pet fence. However, this style has a little more going for it, since it does not just rely on the shock alone to drive the animal back. The physical barrier provides a sturdy perimeter, usually by means of high tensile strength wire and sound posts.
The electrification provides the added advantage of discouraging the animal from pushing through the fence.
Hidden electric pet fences are typically less expensive than above-the-ground types, since they are nothing more than a single wire and some electronic gear. However, the latter offers additional security. Which type is more suited is dependant upon your animal and the layout of your property.