I Can't Afford a Fence, What Can I Get to Keep My Dog Around the House?

Electronic Fences

• Electronic fences come in wireless and inground versions, and are available for different sizes of yards and dogs. The fence includes a battery-operated "receiver" collar that you place around the dog's neck. The collar synchronizes with the system's control panel, and emits a beep or a mild shock when the dog tries to cross the boundary while wearing it. Most systems claim to be veterinarian-approved, but independent reviews show that some systems deliver a stronger signal than others do. Ensure that the system you choose is suitable for the size and physical condition of your dog.

Standard Inground Fences

• The standard inground fence comes in a kit, and you can install it yourself by burying the boundary wire 6 inches below ground level around your yard. The price of an inground fence as of July 2011 ranges from $50 to around $300, with the more expensive systems offering battery backup to compensate for power outages.

Wireless Electronic Fences

• A wireless fence creates a perimeter around the location of the control unit with radio waves. Install the unit or base station indoors in a location close to a power supply, and the wireless perimeter can be set in a circle that corresponds to the size of your yard. The receiver collar synchronizes directly with the base station and emits the signal when your dog crosses the perimeter. The wireless fences are movable and you can take the control unit with wherever you go. Prices as of July 2011 range from $300 up to $800, but installation is fast and simple and requires no costs.

Pros and Cons

• Inground fences are reliable, but models without battery backup are ineffective during a power failure. Wireless fences are subject to interference from metal objects, high walls and trees, as well as from signal fluctuations. Varying signal strength can result in a slower response, which may cause the dog to receive the correction signal after it has crossed the perimeter, or to experience the correction after returning. Neither of these fences prevents other dogs from entering your property, but stops your dog from being able to escape.

Build a Dog Run

• An enclosed dog run provides your dog with space to move around and exercise, at a lower cost than fencing the whole property. Check local restrictions on building enclosures, and build a run with enough space for the dog to be able to run for short distances. Make sure part of the run has shelter from the weather, and if possible provide sleeping quarters inside it if the dog is to spend several hours at a time in the run.