Which Pet Containment Solution Makes the Most Sense for Your Pup

There’s a reason the term “unleashed” is equated with freedom. For dogs, being off leash gives them a chance to roam and explore, maybe even get more closely in touch with their inner puppy.

If you are exploring ways to give your best bud a bit more independence, you’ve likely learned about two of the leading options - wired and wireless dog fences.

Wired Dog Fences

Wired dog fence systems involve burying a wire underground, typically encompassing the borders of your yard or property, and then fitting your dog with a special collar that gives her a light shock (sometimes generously referred to as a “mild electric stimulation”) if she comes too close to the invisible fence.

A few of the most common challenges with wired dog fence systems include:

• Digging trenches and burying wires all over your yard is a major chore, especially on properties that involve more challenging landscapes than well-manicured lawns.
• Purchasing and installing a dog fence system can be very cost prohibitive.
• The electric fence is stationary and therefore only protects your dog while at home.

Wireless Dog Fences

Wireless dog fence systems typically involve a collar and the creation of no-zones - using customizable geofence technology on an App. While both approaches can help create containment zones in which your dog is free to roam, only the wireless geofence capabilities can be created right on your phone no matter where you are.

But, when it comes to which technology is the best to keep your dog contained — wired vs. wireless — the most significant feature to consider involves corrections. Because let's face it, your pup is going to test her limits.

And when she does inevitably get too close to the boundaries you’ve set, both wired and wireless dog fence systems are known to trigger a variety of stimulus.

Shocking, which has long been associated with electric dog fences, has lost its luster over the years. In fact, critics of dog fences that use electrical stimulation suggest that using even a light shock to control canines is inhumane.

While not nearly as prevalent, there is proof that humane corrections work and that many prefer, or are switching to, it as a more effective solution that makes them feel better about how they train their pup.

Unlike shocking, humane corrections use vibration, audible cues, and ultrasonic sounds to get your dog’s attention, rather than punish him.

The advent of advanced technology in dog training, such as humane corrections, is just a small example of how much the technology has grown over the years. Today, dog lovers have access to all the latest technology for keeping close with their pets and keeping them safe.

An Evolutionary Leap in Dog Fence Technology

Since the early days of the wired dog fence in the 1970s and the subsequent development of traditional wireless fences, canine containment technology has advanced by Belgian Malinois-level leaps and bounds (and, man, those Belgian bowsers sure can jump!).

Today, those seeking increased safety and freedom for their furry friends are no longer confined to wired, or white picket fence options.

Have you got a cellphone? If so, you’ve also got the makings of a remote control device that enables you to seriously upgrade your dog’s quality of life, as well as your own.

The first thing to know about the Wagz Freedom Smart Dog Collar is that it does not rely on delivering a disciplinary jolt to keep the wearer from going astray. In fact, the only thing shocking about it is how much it can do.

Invented by an entrepreneur whose dog got frightened by some fireworks and disappeared for several days, the Wagz system uses GPS technology that enables you to easily create virtual geofences of nearly any shape or size — in just seconds, right on your phone.

And as mentioned earlier, this state-of-the-art smart collar uses the latest approach to humane corrections - vibration, audible cues, and ultrasonic sounds - to help your dog understand the boundaries you have set up for her.

Sure, your buddy will need you to team up on some training and positive reinforcement to make it all happen. But old canine cliches aside, with the intuitive Wagz system, it’s actually not that hard to teach your dog a few new tricks.