There are few things more joyful to watch than a dog exploring and playing outdoors. Dogs love a romp, and they love to have the freedom to play and give their world a good sniff. But while we like to provide dogs with space to play, we also have a duty to keep them safe.
Traditional wired (underground) electronic dog fences are a great way to keep dogs contained while allowing them to maintain some freedom without the need for above-ground physical fences. There is also the option of a GPS Electronic Pet Fence.
Unlike a buried, wired fence, a GPS wireless electric dog fence makes use of satellites to map a specific boundary, such as your yard, creating what’s known as a “geo-fence.” Essentially, the area the pet is allowed access to, or the fence boundary is mapped in advance using satellite technology. This safe area will take the form of a circular region. (There is no other configuration possible.)
The dog then wears a collar into which the center of the area (the radius) is programmed. The wireless shock collar then calculates using software built into the collar the dog’s current position and sends an alert to the receiver collar if the dog approaches the boundary and corrects the dog if it does not retreat from the pre-mapped boundary.
What Are the Drawbacks of a GPS Electronic Pet Fence?
Many dog owners are attracted to GPS-based fences because they’re perceived as easier: there are no wires to lay, the system can be up and running in minutes, which also means you can move the system to another residence or a vacation home.
There are, however, several drawbacks to a GPS-based invisible fence compared to a buried, wired system. These include:
A mismatch with the shape of your yard. The GPS option works based on a circular safe zone: it cannot be custom configured to the shape of your yard, unlike a wired fence. This circular safe zone may not cover every corner of your property.
Confusion for the dog. For a dog that is accustomed to being able to roam the whole yard, a GPS system that relies on a more limited, circular shape, may confuse the dog and require additional training.
Interruptions in satellite signals. GPS satellite signals can also be subject to interference from a variety of sources, including nearby tall buildings and poor weather conditions. So, GPS wireless dog containment fences are often not recommended for properties with potential obstructions.
Cost. GPS pet fences are often pricey to purchase and maintain, and they often have shorter battery life than wired systems. This might put your dog at risk if you skip or delay battery maintenance.
Are the Drawbacks of GPS Solutions Too Numerous?
We think so. At DogWatch, we are committed to providing the safest, most effective electronic pet fences on the market. At this time, we believe wireless GPS fences do not provide the same level of safety and reliability as traditional wired systems.
DogWatch of Western Mass has proudly served the Pioneer Valley and surrounding areas since 1990 and belongs to the international DogWatch Dealer Network. We are committed, trained professionals offering years of experience in installation, training, and customer service. Being locally owned, we have a vested interest to keep our customers – and their dogs — happy!