Would you allow a tenant to install a wireless pet fence?

Question

Our new tenants (a newlywed couple) moved in yesterday with their two dogs - a German Shepherd (10 y.o) and a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix (5 y.o.). The Animal Addendum they signed requires the dogs to be on a leash at all times when outside the house. Today the tenants asked whether we would permit them to install a wireless fence that they got as a gift, and promised to allow dogs out only under supervision. Would you recommend we allow them to install this fence? The new tenants used to live in apartments before, so their desire to let the dogs enjoy the yard is understandable. However, given one of the dogs is a German Shepherd, I do worry if the fence would give any protection should the dog get triggered and go after neighbor's kid?

Our property does look like a good place for dogs - it's a single family house on 0.6 ac wooded lot. However, there is no fence, and while the lot is deep, it is not that wide and the neighbors are fairly close on either side.

The lease requires our tenants to have a renter's policy with a $300k liability coverage, if that makes a difference.

Your advice is greatly appreciated!

Nathan Gesner · Answer

It depends. Does the tenant have insurance that will cover the German Shepherd getting loose and biting the neighbor kid? Do the tenants have strong landlord references that show they are responsible pet owners? Have they used a wireless fence before?A wireless fence can be just as effective as a regular fence...and just as ineffective. Nothing is fool-proof so just think it through and make sure you're protected.

James Wise · Answer

The boundary plus fencing actually eliminated both the limited signal field and the shock on the way into the yard.P.S.Dude who trained me on the fencing had two Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Both did well on the fencing even though they were some big ole' dogs.

Chris Szepessy · Answer

The use of wireless pet fences are usually mixed. I had looked into them since I have 4 dogs and they are considerably cheaper than a regular wood or chain link fence, and the big con to them seemed to be that dogs are less likely to come back if they do go outside the fence for fear being shocked again. As @Mark H. stated though, it can be pretty scary for a passerby who doesn't realize there's a "fence" there to stop them. I'm a mailman and come across situations like this all the time and even at houses that I know have the wireless fence, it still scares me. lolOff topic a little...the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a really cool dog.

James Wise · Answer

Yes you should let them install the wireless dog fence. Two reasons to do this. They work really well. When I got my start in Real Estate I was working several day jobs for those 1st few years. One was at Invisible Fence. If the proper type of fencing is installed it will be no problem keeping a German Shepard in the yard. I recommend the tenant's install the boundary plus fencing. That fence will keep a bear in your yard if need be.The clause in your lease requiring the tenant's keep their dog on a leash anytime they go out in the yard is ridiculous. There is no feasible way for you to enforce something like that. You'll need to pick your battles in this business. Something like this isn't one of um. Have them install their fence & at the very least if your are sued at least you have that clause written in your lease. That's all it's really good for.

Mark H. · Answer

Personally, I hate these fences. Many people in our neighborhood have them and as you walk by all you know is that a dog is charging toward you. Eventually, the unseen fence stops it, but the dog could very well charge through it. And the passers-by have no way of knowing there's a fence.

Ludmila M. · Answer

Well, the tenants are actually asking about a 'wireless' fence, so I believe this is not what you are talking about, @James Wise. With a wireless fence, you set up a base that uses radio signal to create a certain radius (adjustable). An overall concept is the same, however - the dog gets zapped when it hits the boundary of the radius. This is the model they have: https://www.gundogsupply.com/pif-300.htmlIn any case, I allowed the tenants to set it up under the condition that their dogs are not to be left out unsupervised, and as long as there are no complaints from neighbors. I also asked them to set the boundaries in a way that most of the radius is in the backyard rather then in the front of the house. This should minimize the impact on by-passers that @Mark H. mentioned (i.e. dogs charging at people walking by). The tenants seem appreciative that we gave them this permission.

Chris Szepessy · Answer

Thank you! Good to know. I'm starting to do a little more reading on invisible fences now that this post has me considering it again.

Jesse B. · Answer

I would allow it, but would want to help install it to make sure it is done right and to know where it is located. I also think it makes a feature in the future for potential tenants. These fences do require the owner to work with the dogs to train them though, you can't just slap a collar on the dog and turn them loose in the yard.

Brock Bowen · Answer

I appologise if I sound like a a+×hole on this. I mean that sincerely. However how people react is not something you can control. I don't believe in worrying about the fears of others. If that is a concern then have them put a sign in the front yard saying that there is a invisible fence. But to use that as a reason to not use one is not really a reason imho. I agree with the idea of using one and believe the 1 strike is another great idea.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

@Ludmila M. I think that's a solid plan.