As a dog owner or potential dog owner, you will appreciate the importance of being able to provide your dog with a safe area to exercise and spend time in. A lot of people achieve this with the use of a fence. You can get chain or wooden dog fences, invisible dog fences and electronic dog fences.

A fence will offer you peace of mind when your dog is outside. If you are thinking of getting a fence, you will need to know that you have got the right one if you are to have that peace of mind.

In the main, dog fences come in three types. There are wooden dog fences, chain link dog fences and the invisible or electric dog fence.

Wooden Fence

Wooden fences are usually hard wearing and look nice if looked after properly. They often fit in well with your surrounding area and are usually inoffensive. The down side to this type of fence is that they can be very costly both to buy and to maintain. Regular treatments are needed to prevent rot although more expensive ones will have a fungicidal treatment in to give a longer life.

It doesn't usually take long for a dog to work out that they can dig under a wooden fence. Relying on the fence alone will not be enough and for a persistent dog. An additional see through mesh can be used to prevent a dog from getting underneath.

Chain Link Fence

A chain link fence won't rot and will be harder wearing. They can also be pegged to the ground to discourage dogs from digging underneath. One of the main disadvantages though, is that they are more unsightly and often housing associations may object to the use of a chain fence. A chain fence can be put to good use, if it can be disguised by a hedge or similar. That way the containment is achieved without the eye sore.

Invisible dog fence or electronic dog fence

This system works by having an invisible wire which you extend around the perimeter of the area that you want to keep your dog contained in. The wire is difficult to see as a casual observer. The dog is fitted with a radio collar which is designed to warn the dog when it approaches the wire.

This system has distinct disadvantages. Firstly, what happens if the batteries fail in the collar? Your dog will be free to roam anywhere it likes. Secondly, although good at keeping your dog in, these invisible dog fences do nothing to keep any other animals from entering your land. This brings me onto the third and most important point. If your dog is chased over the wire by a more dominant dog that has entered your land or your dog is chasing a ball or stick and inadvertently strays over the wire, the dog will not be able to return as they will get warned away as they approach your property. This is far from ideal and may leave your dog isolated, away from the family.

Apart from tying your dog up which many dog owners don't want, a persistent dog will try and find any way possible to escape containment if that is what they want. The best method is to ensure your dog doesn't have the urge to run away. Some dogs naturally want to stay with the family whilst other dogs need more training. Use a dog fence as a cautionary measure, do not depend on it. Solve the root of the problem first.

Article By Andrew Strachan. Find lots more information about different dog breeds and types of dogs at http://www.types-of-dogs.com. Lots of help and advice too.