Many of our clients are looking for cost effective ways to safely allow their dogs to spend time in their yard, without the constriction of a leash.
A fence, whether traditional or invisible, can provide a safe way for dogs and their humans to play and enjoy each others’ company. You can provide fun, exercise, and interaction right in your own backyard. A win, win for everyone!
When it comes to the safety of your pets, no cost should be spared. For dogs in particular, one of the biggest safety concerns is making sure they don’t wander off your property. There are all types of dangers that lost dogs can run into. The best solution for a big yard is, of course, a fence, but what type? Traditional fences can be costly, and electronic fences can be, too, when they’re installed by professionals.
A DIY invisible fence is a less expensive alternative that still offers great protection for your beloved pets. But how much does a DIY invisible fence cost?
Purchasing an Invisible Fence System
A basic invisible fence system isn’t as expensive as you might think. There are several great systems that can be purchased for just $300 or less. Most systems include the main electronic fence unit, one standard e-collar, and 500 feet of boundary wire. Online invisible fence reviews are great resources for learning about the different types of systems and deciding which one is right for your yard. A wireless dog fence is another option, but it can be slightly more expensive. Wireless dog fences with ranges of up to 25 acres usually cost up to $800 total.
Before choosing a system, you’ll have to keep in mind what specifications and features you need or want. You’ll need to measure your yard and choose a system that has a comparable maximum capacity. The Innotek dog fence review, for example, lets you know it can contain up to 25 acres. The PetSafe YardMax review shows that its maximum capacity is 10 acres, but other electronic dog fences can contain up to 100 acres of land. You must also choose a system that can support as many e-collars as you need. For example, most wireless dog fences can only support up to two e-collars at a time, meaning they aren’t viable for people who own more than two dogs.
Additional Costs and Expenses
If you have a small yard and just one dog, you may not need to purchase any extras beyond what comes with the basic invisible fence system. However, you may need to spend a couple hundred dollars more if you need more than 500 feet of boundary wire or have more than one dog. Boundary wire can cost $22 or more per 500 feet. Depending on the size of your yard, boundary wire can get expensive, but it is still much less than sections of traditional fence, especially over multiple acres of land. If you need to burying your boundary wire, you may need to rent a trencher to do the digging for you, which can cost about $50 per day, although usually one day is enough.
If you have a very small or very large dog, you may need to purchase special e-collars. The standard e-collars are usually not recommended for use with dogs that are less than 15 pounds. Small dogs may require e-collars that are lighter and have lower levels of correction, although most e-collars do have adjustable levels. Very large or stubborn dogs may also require e-collars that have a stronger maximum correction level. E-collars usually cost about $60 to $100 each. If you purchase e-collars that are rechargeable, you will not need to purchase batteries throughout the year, which can run up to $40 per year.
Cost of Running Your Invisible Fence
Many people are concerned about the cost of running an electronic fence. You might be surprised to learn an electronic dog fence may only raise your electric bill about $1 to $2 per month. There are no more costs associated with running your invisible fence system on a daily basis. Electronic dog fences are great because they rarely break. If there is a break in the wire, your main unit will notify you so that your dog is never at risk of escaping. When you install your own invisible fence, you’ll gain the knowledge required to fix any breaks in the wire, too, so you will not have to pay to have a professional locate and repair the break.
Whether you purchase a wired or wireless dog fence, the most important variable is training.
It’s essential that you follow training instructions and spend the time necessary to teach your dogs their boundaries. About 15-30 minutes per day for two weeks should be sufficient. After that, most dogs will learn their boundaries and stay far enough from the perimeter that they never hear the warning tone or feel the corrective shock of their e-collars. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your dog is safe is worth any expense, but a DIY electric dog fence can help you stretch your budget – leaving lots of room for doggie treats, too.
For more information about dog fences please visit our educational partner www.dogfencediy.com.
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