a solar fence works fine actually, but if you have a outlet right there, thats the way to go really, and a lot cheaper. you have the added expense of batteries/etc, if the kit you get doesn't come with one. you 'can' have the fence turn on at dusk until dawn, with any plug in device set on a simple timer, or light senor but really there isn't much need. it doesn't cost hardly anything to run it while it is in stand-by mode. if your dogs are out, they will learn fairly quickly not to go to the fence if they decide to at all....and then there is always having bear steak for dinner option. make sure you do not get a small electric fence setup for only squirrels/etc or such. yu want one for horses and cattle, if not rated specifically for bears.