Choosing the Right Pet Fence

When you've added a four-legged member to your family, you'll have two priorities. The first of
these is to make sure that new family member is happy. The second is to make sure they are safe.

Whether you're a cat owner or a dog owner, how much freedom you give your pet is going to be a
significant decision. This is a key issue, and one that's affected by the two priorities mentioned
above. Dogs and cats both get a lot of enjoyment from spending time alone outside, and being able
to do this significantly increases their quality of life. However, giving cats and dogs complete
freedom to roam can be a safety issue, especially if there are other animals or busy roads nearby.
Responsible pet owners often decide to compromise; allowing their pets to roam free within their
garden, but not to go any further than that.

The only problem with this compromise is that keeping your pet in your garden can be a challenge!
Even if your pet is obedient and usually content to stay put, there can be occasions when
distractions outside the garden are just too appealing. Many pet owners put up high fences to stop
their pets escaping, but this doesn't always work. Cats and dogs are both very good at jumping over
fences or squeezing underneath them. In order to keep your pet in your garden using a traditional
fence, you'd have to spend a lot of money, block off much of your view, and perhaps even get
planning permission. In most cases, a fence just isn't a practical option.

This is where pet containment systems come in. They use technology to keep your four-legged
friend in your garden without the need of unattractive fences. In fact, you don't need to have a fence
at all if you don't want one!

Instead, a containment system works by setting a hidden barrier, using either a wired or a wireless
system, and putting an electronic perimeter collar on your pet. When your cat or dog approaches the
boundary, he'll be given a warning by the collar. This warning will either be an audible tone or a
vibration. If your pet ignores the warning and crosses the boundary, he'll then be given an electrical
static stimulation by the collar. Unpleasant, but safe and humane.

Whether you decide to go for a wired or a wireless situation depends on your garden. A wired
system works by creating your boundary manually using a specially designed in ground wire. This
is buried, meaning that you won't see any visual evidence of your boundary. A wired system is
particularly useful if you have an unusually shaped garden, or if you want to block off certain parts
of it (such as a pond or flower beds).

The second pet fencing system option is wireless. This type of system requires no installation at all,
and is completely portable. Simply put the base unit in your home, and choose the perimeter of your
boundary. This can be set up to 32m in diameter (dependent on chosen system) and will be
completely hidden.

Training your pet not to escape using a containment system is easy. Systems come with a full
training guide and an operating guide, along with flags as a visual aid to help your pet. In most
cases, it only takes two weeks for your pet to become used to the system, and completely safe to be
out in the garden on his own. No more escaping cats or dogs!