How do electric dog fences work?
Why can’t I just put my dog on a chain?
Some owners fix the issue by tethering their dogs. It is a quick but not reliable solution that will bring more problems later. We will not even talk about the ethical side of keeping the dog on a chain 24/7 so that it doesn’t run away. It will bring the quality of the pet’s life to the lowest line possible.be
But this solution has more significant negative consequences. A constantly tethered dog becomes anxious and aggressive because these animals are not meant to be kept on the leash all the time. Dogs are highly social and curious creatures. They need to interact with the environment, humans, other dogs, and animals.
Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating | Price |
---|
So when you force the dog to stay at one small spot day after day, you slowly ruin their nervous system. They become anxious because of the lack of interaction and frustrated because they can’t go away. Thus, they start barking and howling all the time. Eventually, anxiety and frustration turn into uncontrollable aggression.
But the isolation is not the only reason for mental disorders tethered dogs suffer from. There is a physical reason for it, too. A chained dog always tries to pull forward hoping that this time the chain will break and they can be free.
It creates a constant pressure on the animal’s neck, and there is a major nerve center in this area. When nerves on dog’s neck are stimulated continuously, the animal becomes reactive, easily irritated, and aggressive. So tethering impacts dogs in two ways: psychological and physiological.
But won’t the electric collar do the same? Well, it really depends on the pet. That’s why it’s advised to consult with a dog trainer first. Some overly reactive dogs will become even more responsive to that mild shock the animal receives approaching the fence. Then you should switch the collar to the tone mode and add some positive reinforcement training.
However, with the majority of dogs, it works just fine. The animal quickly realizes that approaching the border brings nothing good and starts avoiding coming to the fence. Then you can switch the collar to the tone mode so that it will remind the dog about borders.
Best Overall: SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence System
Key Features:
- Comes with a 1000ft wire and 100 flags;
- Can be upgraded with add-ons from the manufacturer (surge protectors, additional collars, etc.);
- Equipped with an alarm that will warn about a broken wire;
- A reliable transmitter protected from external conditions.
- Can cover up to 100 acres. Comes with a 1000 feet long wire.
- The collar is waterproof.
- Built–in alarm. It will warn you about a broken wire.
- Protection from lightning.
- Low battery indicator.
- Cumbersome to install. It is hard to dig up around the whole yard to install the system.
- Battery. It is heavy and dies in less than one year.
- The collar is not reliable. It can be false shock the dog.
This is a great equipment set that helps owners to contain their dogs training them if necessary. The full package includes a wall-mountable transmitter, a receiver, 1000ft wire, and flags. The installation process is very simple. No digging or constructing on the perimeter is required. This set is a movable portable solution that helps to create an invisible dog fence very easily.
A great feature of this system from SportDOG is its flexibility. The transmitter allows you to carefully adjust settings ensuring that your four-legged buddy is not punished too hard for overstepping its boundaries. The portability means that you can easily take this system to a training locale.
Why Is It Best?
This is an affordable budget solution has all necessary features high-end wireless dog fences should have meaning that you will spend less to receive the maximum.
Our conclusion:
This dog fence is high for big yards with its incredibly long wire. And if you have several dogs – no problem. Just buy more collars separately. However, you’ll have to remember about the battery – the collar can start working inefficiently before the battery runs out.
Runner Up: PetSafe Wireless Fence Pet Containment Systems
Key Features:
- Covers up to ½ acres — more than most dog fences do;
- An invisible boundary with 90 feet radius;
- Adjustable receivers built in waterproof collars;
- Great for camping and using outdoors in general.
- Wireless. It means that you don’t have to dig around your yard to install it.
- Easy to install
- Wide coverage
- Waterproof collar. You shouldn’t worry that water will spoil the device.
- Battery indicator. You will always know when the battery is low.
- Only for big pets. The product description says that the pet should weigh at least 8 pounds.
- Confusing marking. It can be cumbersome to mark the territory properly.
- Sharp shock. The difference between level 2 and 3 is huge. So it is hard to control the intensity.
- The collar might not work correctly. Sometimes collar keeps beeping and shocking the animal even when ran away from the border.
PetSafe offers a high-end solution for a sizeable chunk of cash so that some owners won’t be able to afford this equipment set. This is an extreme dog fence that allows you to establish a spacious containment covering up to half of an acre. The installation process is surprisingly simple while the whole system is fully portable. You may take it with you to a camping site or when visiting your friends or family.
Our runner-up choice showcases 5 correction levels. You may adjust settings in order to improve the training efficiency. Manufacturers claim that you will be able to train your furry companion in 2 weeks. A receiver can be adjusted to make it less uncomfortable for your pet. Collars are optimized for large and medium dogs.
Why Is It Good? PetSafe manufactures market best solutions and make sure that customers enjoy a premium quality product. Their wireless dog fences are highly appraised as they are easy-to-use, effective, and give owners means to protect their pets. The price is quite high.
Our conclusion:
This fence is obviously will be a right fit for medium to large dogs. So if you don’t want to bother yourself with digging, this model will be a great choice.
Best Budget Choice: PetSafe Basic In-Ground Fence
Key Features:
- Can be customized and significantly improved with additional flags or wires;
- A comfortable lightweight collar allows pets to feel free;
- Separate keep-out zones set up near pools, playgrounds, gardens, fragile items, etc.;
- Surge/spike protection.
- Different designs. You can choose the setting for a dog or a cat, for multiple pets and various sizes of yards.
- Adjustable collars. The collar can be adjusted to the size of the animal. Also, all the collars are waterproof.
- Customizable fencing. You can create the boundaries you like adding or removing the wiring.
- Splices. Since the pieces of the wire get connected, the whole system becomes quite vulnerable to water and manual impact.
- Loss of signal. Sometimes the collar doesn’t receive the signal from the fence letting the pet run freely.
- Breakage indicator doesn’t work correctly. It sometimes doesn’t beep when the breakage appears, and the beeping is too quiet.
The price tag on this set is quite appealing for most pet owners. You receive a solid solution that will work for both dogs and cats. A standard gear set allows you to set up a circumference that spans across a third of an acre. Very light collars won’t create any discomfort for your pet.
This product from PetSafe is certainly not amongst exquisite solutions, but it does the job perfectly despite its democratic price. Most parameters may be adjusted if needed. Collars are made of an ergonomic waterproof material protecting all electric elements from surges and spikes. This affordable invisible dog fence has so many great features that you may not see a distinct difference between PetSafe’s Basic Fence and premium wireless dog fences.
Is It Good?
Without compromising the quality as well as number of features, this product comes at a very low price and will satisfy the vast majority of pet owners. While some product features may seem lackluster compared to top products, the reality is that this simplistic invisible dog fence is a great deal considering its price.
Our conclusion:
This model will fit animals of any sizes and species. Also, if you need to keep animals away from certain areas of your property, this fence is excellent for your requirements. However, quality is not the best. So while it is a good choice for a limited budget, if you can spend more money – choose something else.
Best Perimeter Fence: PetSafe Stay + Play Wireless Fence
Key Features:
- Use up to 5 rechargeable collars within a single system;
- The setup takes roughly an hour;
- 5 correction levels as well a special sound-only mode;
- The optimal transmitters’ radius is about 105 feet.
- Wireless Fence. You won’t have to struggle with a wire. The installation process is quick and effortless – you can set the fence up in minutes.
- Adjustable collar. You can adjust the size of the collar to make it fit your pet.
- Take only up to three hours to get fully charged.
- Mobility. It’s extremely simple to move the fence.
- Boundaries are not reliable. Sometimes they can change for some reason.
- Vulnerable to electric devices. When there are any electronic gadgets around, the signal becomes very weak.
- Not compatible with metal. Any metal objects will block the signal.
If you need to quickly establish a circumference and create a boundary on a camping site or in the backyard belonging to your relatives when you come to visit, buying a portable solution is a good idea. A great example is Stay + Play wireless dog fence that covers nearly 4 thousand square meters and can be set up in less than several minutes.
A standard wireless dog fence has a transmitter that is commonly mounted on walls. This is a great thing for a stationary invisible dog fence. If you travel often, purchasing a fully mobile system is obviously preferable. PetSafe designed a compact convenient product with a transmitter that can be established anywhere without any problems. All individual devices are rechargeable while most parts are absolutely waterproof allowing you to take it on a camping trip even if weather forecast promises precipitations.
Excellence all around? A truly mobile electric fence for dogs is an incredibly flexible and convenient solution for people who travel a lot and do not like to leave pets home alone. This is a pricy solution, but it has some undeniable advantages.
Our conclusion:
This model is best for pets that weigh over 5 pounds. It will be a perfect choice for a countryside house with a minimum number of electronic devices.
Best Hybrid Dog Fence: Sit Boo-Boo Advanced Hidden Fence
Key Features:
- Unlimited number of collars controlled with a single powerful transmitter;
- Waterproof collars with robust receivers never break after being submerged in water puddles;
- All parts are constructed using industrial grade materials;
- Numerous correction levels including tone-only, vibration, and static.
- Turns off after 10 seconds.
- Upgraded wire and transmitter. So, the cable is more reliable, and the fence gives more coverage.
- Rechargeable battery. You can charge the collar if the battery is dead.
- False alarm. Sometimes the collar goes off when a pet is far from the borderline.
- You might need to consider buying a thicker wire. The original one is reliable, but to avoid accidents – get a thicker wire
This advanced set is a perfect solution for training due to a variety of correction options that help in creating a balanced dog containment system on any terrain. The set is waterproof and comes with 150 meters of copper wire and a powerful transmitter capable of covering a perimeter equal to 20 acres.
This dog containment system has all important functions such as multiple correction options (beeping, vibration, static) and protection from environmental conditions. Sadly, a hybrid dog containment system is not easily portable. It usually takes some time to install, but results won’t disappoint you. The collar can be submerged in water or mud while not losing its functionality.
Is It Really Good? This product comes at a reasonable price and features multiple correction levels. The Sit Hidden Fence works wonderfully as an immobile dog containment system and can be used during rain, snow, freezing cold, etc.
Our conclusion:
This fence is pretty much the winner among others. It works reliably, and the manufacturer took care of animals. Therefore, this model will not hurt your pet unless it completely ignores beeping and vibrations. So it is a perfect choice for sensitive dogs.
Underground fencing for small dogs: AngelaKerry Wireless Dog Fence System
Key features:
- Reliable GPS technology
- Covers around 800 meters around the transmitter
- The battery is rechargeable. Fully charges in 2 hours, runs for 8 hours.
- Waterproof collar
- 7 levels of intensity
- GPS instead of radio frequencies. This technology is more reliable.
- Affordable price.
- 1–year warranty.
- If the signal is lost, the collar doesn’t shock the dog. Therefore, the pet can come in the house without the collar goes off.
- Heavy collar. It will be too heavy for small dogs (under 20 pounds)
- Reprogramming required. You’ll have to renew the settings of the collar after each charge.
- Some clients have issues with the signal. Reviews suggest that in some cases, the collar doesn’t work correctly.
That is an entirely new and genuinely innovative model of dog fences. It uses GPS technology to enhance the signal and expand the coverage area to an impressive 800 meters! Including a rather affordable price, Angela Kerry Wireless Dog Fence System quickly became a top choice among dog owners.
The collar offers 7 different levels of intensity, including sound only mode. However, it might seem quite bulky, especially for smaller dogs. So if your dog weighs less than 20 pounds, the collar will be too heavy to wear. The battery is rechargeable, and it will take only 2 hours to get charged fully. A charged battery will work for 8 hours.
Our conclusion:
Why is it good? GPS is more reliable than radio frequencies. Therefore, there are fewer chances that the collar will go off when the pet is far from the border. Also, you can choose the collar to the only beep to warn the dog which is perfect for reactive pets.
Best for large dogs: Extreme Dog Fence
Key features:
- perfect for large dogs
- great fence for big area
- Comes in different setups
- The wire is very long and durable
- The collar is solid
- Seven levels of shock and a beep mode
- The service team is very supportive
- The price is very high
- Some customers had issues with settings
- No vibration mode
Extreme dog fence is one of the most trustworthy options. As customer reviews suggest, it doesn’t make any mistakes – dog’s don’t receive the signal when they’re away from the boundary, but it always works as they approach the line. It is very important because many fences have false alarms or lose the signal altogether.
This model comes in several different configurations. You can choose the setup for the number of dogs you have. Also, there are several fence sizes from 500′ to 2500′. Thus, you can get what you exactly need not overpaying for the unnecessary stuff.
There are two main reasons why is Extreme Dog Fence suitable for large dogs precisely. First of all, the wire that creates the boundary is exceptionally durable. Also, it is long enough to run it twice along the borderline. Thus, the wire has two advantages.
Extreme fence can be placed above the ground, which is convenient if you want to change borders. Or if your dog is high enough for the signal to not reach the collar. And the length allows creating two lines where the second one will be another layer of security if your pet ignores the first one.
Many big dog owners chose PetSafe Stubborn Ground Fence thinking that the higher level of shock will keep their pets in the yard. But it doesn’t work with all the dogs. Most large breeds are pure or mixed hunters like labradors. And they sometimes need an additional warning. That’s why Extreme Dog Fence works better than PetSafe Stubborn.
The second reason why is this model excellent for large dogs is the collar. It is very durable and can handle games of big pooches. Moreover, it is suitable for pets with both long and short fur. And seven different levels of the shock intensity allows adapting the collar to the dog. Additionally, there is a beep mode.
Our conclusion:
This fence is of very high quality. It didn’t take the first place only because it is quite expensive. And not every dog owner needs such a serious setup for their pet. But it is perfect for large breeds up to 200 lbs.
How was an electric fence invented?
Richard Peck is the brains behind electric dog fences. He had immense love for animals and owned five dogs at home in Salisbury Township. He used to work as a sales manager and traveled a lot because of this job.
Once he was driving and the highway and saw many dead pets along the road. Most likely they’ve wandered from their homes and got hit by a car. The view shocked and upset Peck as he was thinking about his dogs. So he decided to create a system that will keep pets within the yard even if they can jump over the fence.
He had a brilliant idea to put a wire in the ground around the yard and put a special collar on the pet’s neck. The collar would receive the signal from the wire as the pet approaches the borderline. Peck sold the idea and collected royalties until the very last day of his life. And now, even though he’s gone, his invention saves the lives of thousands of pets.
How do electric dog fences work?
Electric dog fences keep the dogs on a leash by using a pet-collar which beeps when the dog tries to flee, also, a mild electric shock is applied. Keeping a stubborn dog inside the yard can be troublesome sometimes. Traditional leashes and high fences are used to keep it inside a certain perimeter, but most of the times dogs learn to jump over the barriers and when held on a leash drive the owner mad by barking. There is a more effective method of preventing your dog from fleeing your yard and you running after it. That is an electric dog fence.
Electric dog fence mainly comes in two parts:
- A radio signal emitting cable
- A computerized pet-collar
For the electric dog fence to work, a wire is laid around the perimeter through which digital radio signals travel. A radio signal field is created around your property that represents your pet’s protective boundary. A control panel regulates this field. Now after the cable around your yard is installed, there is a digital pet-collar for your dog to wear. It picks up the radio signal whenever the dog tries to cross the electric fence, and a mild shock is applied to the pet which restrains him from staying outside side the perimeter.
Let’s take a look at the details.
Electric shock power
The intensity of the electrical shock the pet will receive approaching the fence varies. And usually, you can control its level. Most electric fence manufacturers will provide a broad spectrum of how the collar reacts to the signal from the wire.
Therefore, based on your pet’s particular features, you can choose the intensity of the impact – starting with the sound warning and vibration and to the rather significant electric shock. However, even the most powerful impulse is only mildly painful and short, so you shouldn’t worry about your furry friend.
Moreover, most owners rarely face the need to use strong shocks. Often pets are very receptive even to the slightest impact and learn the invisible borders quickly.
It is important to remember that your dog must receive training for the fence. You should teach the pet new borders for at least two weeks every day to be sure that it doesn’t run away. Also, always study the instructions, especially the part dedicated to the shock power, You want your dog to feel it, but you should be careful because it can harm the animal if the intensity is too high.
Frequency and signal strength
Some dog fences use AM frequency, and some prefer implementing FM frequency. And some models offer both rates, which is the best option.
FM frequency is better because it transfers the signal faster and more reliably than AM. That’s why you should prefer dog fences that use FM frequency to make sure the collar always gets the signal.
Users might experience connection issues, especially if the house is surrounded by other electronic gadgets that receive signal all the time. And today we all use such devices all the time.
But usually, you can control the strength of the signal of your electric fence. You can lower it down if the collar receives the information in time. Or you can raise it if many other gadgets interfere with the connection.
What can go wrong?
If you get a quality electric fence, pretty much nothing can go wrong. Any issues with signal should be easily fixed by setting up the system. Also, most modern fences have a function that prevents a false activation of the collar. Thus, your pet won’t receive an impact on anything, which is vital for fruitful training.
However, you should remember that the electric dog fence will keep your pet within the yard but won’t prevent others from getting on your territory and harming your beloved furry friend. That’s why you should never leave your pet outside unattended, even though it won’t run away. Keep an eye on it to protect the animal from anyone with malicious intentions. If you have a huge territory better to know where exactly your dog. Choose GPS dog tracker based on experience of our professionals.
How does dog fence help in training?
Dogs are very diverse. Some learn the desired behavior easily and quickly, and some need more time and efforts from both the dog and the handler to reach the goal. However, it doesn’t mean that they’re less smart; they have different qualities than those dogs who pick up new skills in a blink of an eye.
Modern technology allows us to teach our pets the desired behavior with minimal effort, yet keeping the training as humane as possible. Teaching the dog to stay within the yard is one of the most cumbersome tasks, and wireless fences come to the rescue. The signal helps the dog to understand where does the borderline start rather quickly. And the best thing is that the owner doesn’t have to spend much time and effort into the training.
The research shows that in the future electronic technologies will be used more often. Today electric fences are just one of the supporting tools we’re using in animal training, and its efficiency is proven on practice.
A caring owner wants to keep pets away from dangers presented by urban environments not only by dog fence. People also using dog monitor cameras inside their houses and best gps dog trackers outside. A wandering animal may get hurt or scare neighbors creating a whole lot of problems for its caretakers. Traditional wired or wooden fences have their limits when it comes to preventing a pet from escaping. A pet can easily jump over a fence or dig under it. Sounds reasonable? Luckily, there is a way out – electric dog fences. If you have absolutely no idea or a pretty vague idea of what a wireless fence is, jump right to the FAQ section to find the answers. If you just feel overwhelmed by great variety of wireless dog fences available in the market, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve reviewed dozens of electric dog fences to help you make the right choice. So, go ahead and consider our top picks.
Who Should Buy a Wireless Dog Fence
An electric dog fence is an affordable and resultative solution. A typical dog containment system relies on physical obstacles that can be easily broken or dealt with. Pet owners usually know their dogs’ talents when it comes to escaping. A big enough dog can simply jump over a very high fence.
An electric dog fence generally has a reasonable price. Simultaneously, an effective electric dog containment system is portable and can be installed within hours and even minutes depending on the environment and your experience with a specific system.
Another significant aspect to consider is flexibility. A contemporary electric dog fence will not interfere with the exterior of your backyard while providing an unmatched level of control over your pet and preventing it from running chaotically around the neighborhood. In most cases, you will be able to set up a perimeter of any given shape.
Dogs freely roam inside an electric dog fence boundary. They will be trained to never leave the perimeter, but their movement inside the defined territory will not be hindered. Pets also quickly learn their new habitat and avoid correction signals. Moreover, less excavation in your garden!
Important Features to Consider
Here are several aspects that a responsible pet owner has to take into consideration when selecting an invisible dog fence:
Fence Size matters
Choosing the fence always check the coverage it will provide. It is essential both for large and small yards. If you need to create the borderline for a rather vast territory, make sure that the length of the provided wire or the coverage of the wireless fence will satisfy your need. Choose models that can cover the larger territory than you have just in case. It’s better to have too much wire or extra wireless coverage than to struggle to try to cover the whole area.
And if you have a small yard, it’s wise to choose models that can cover less territory so that you don’t overpay for extra wire or stronger transmitter. But still, choose the option with a bit wider coverage than you need.
Mobility:
This is a criterion you should consider, especially if you move around a lot. But the opportunity to move the borderline will be useful even if you prefer to stay in one place. Say, you create a garden full of flowers, and you don’t want your animals to walk there and trample all the plants. Then if the fence is portable enough, you can create a new border.
Robustness:
The construction of collars and transmitters must be robust. Collars are generally made of waterproof materials, but some cheaper models can be damaged by liquid or mud. A damaged shocker is dangerous for your pet. Our beloved four-legged creatures love running around and roll in puddles meaning that you need a sturdy accessory.
Usually, manufacturers offer collars made of neoprene or nylon. The first option is best for a dog that loves bathing. This material handles water perfectly and is very durable. Nylon is a bit less durable, and it dries slowly. So stick to neoprene. And if there is a BioThane option – it will be the best choice.
The receiver is usually made of plastic. Here the durability of the material matters the most. The broken shocker will be huge trouble. So study the reviews and see if the receiver is made of quality plastic.
It doesn’t really matter how durable the transmitter is unless you’re going to keep it outdoors. In this case, search for waterproof and reliable setups.
Safety:
There is a lot of stigma around electric collars. Many owners are afraid that they will harm their beloved furry friends. Yes, the irresponsible use of shock collars is harmful. But if they’re used properly, the dog will not go insane or get damaged. Especially considering that most collars offer beeping and vibration.
So if you are against electric shocks, you can add some positive reinforcement training to the tone signal or vibration of the collar to teach the pet to stay within the yard. This approach is recommended for sensitive and reactive dogs. But if your pup has a stable psyche and doesn’t overreact to things, the mild shock will not harm it. Electric collars are used for quite a while, and with a responsible approach can be effective.
You must teach your pet respect the borderline regardless of what mode do you use – beeping, vibration, or shock. If you don’t want to hurt the animal and you stick to sound and vibration, the untrained dog will just run away.
Also, you should understand that you can’t just shock the dog with the collar and expect it to stay within the boundaries. If you don’t teach it the rules properly, you will have either of two results – your dog will become emotionally crushed and anxious, or it will become extremely aggressive. So take your time and train the dog for at least two weeks. Electric fences are easy to use if you use them wisely.
Price:
Quality is something you should pay the price for. And when it comes to our pets, we want only the highest quality for them. But while such products are more expensive, you should know what you need so that you don’t pay for the features you won’t use anyways. That’s why you should know what criteria impact the price.
Wireless fences are usually more expensive than in–ground ones. However, they’re easier to install since you don’t need to dig around the yard to bury the wire. Also, wireless fences are great for those who move a lot. But if you’re going to stay at one place for a long time, and you’re not afraid to put some effort into the installation process, there is no need to pay more.
Another feature that impacts the price is area coverage. The larger territory can the fence cover and the further can the signal reach, the more expensive the device will be. Again, choose the model considering the size of your yard so that you don’t overpay. However, you should prefer the broader coverage than you need just in case.
Reliability and the strength of the signal also matters. Cheap fences tend to have too many false alarms disturbing the animal when it’s far away from the borderline. It breaks the whole training process and doesn’t let the pet learn the borders. Also, reliability comes with more advanced technologies that cost more.
If you need a fence to be resistant to some extreme environment like high heat, you’ll have to opt for more expensive models. Cheap fences are usually somewhat prone to damage and can’t be used in places where the weather changes drastically. So learn the features of the model you choose to make sure it will not get spoiled by the specific factors.
The features of the receiver collar impact the price a lot. Cheaper collars can be not water resistant, they might be equipped with a replaceable battery, or they might receive the signal poorly. While more expensive ones will have a rechargeable battery, it will be resistant to water and will not have false alarms.
One more feature of collars that will make the price change is the ability to change the level of impact. The best option is when you can choose between beeping, vibration, and different levels of electric shock. Not every dog will respond to the vibration or sound. But also some dogs are too sensitive for shocks. So it is essential to have a choice.
Coverage:
Coverage depends on the length of the wire or the number of markers in the case with wireless fences. So the more cable you have, the more significant the area you can cover. However, there is one more detail you have to know about the coverage. You can set up the receiver collar to go off on a certain distance from the borderline.
Usually, you can set the distance to be from one foot up to 30 feet. It should depend on the area you live in – if there is a road right next to your lawn, the more significant distance is better. Then the collar will start alerting the pet way before it will have a chance to face the car. And if you live in a quiet area without any dangers around you, one feet distance might be just enough.
However, we don’t advise buying collars with the coverage of less than 90 feet. While they’re much cheaper, you will most likely have issues with them. Then you will be forced to spend more money on the more efficient model. It’s about the safety of your dog. So stick to the better, not the cheaper.
Correction levels:
Best wireless dog fence products come with collars that use different levels of electric shocks to provide dog containment. A low-end wireless fence has only one correction level. In some cases, you will be able to gradually reduce the shock intensity and substitute it for sound-only warning that will be sufficient for a trained dog.
In-ground dog fence vs. wireless dog fence:
In-ground fences come with the wire that you need to bury in the ground along the borderline. There are simple setups that can cover the square or rectangular area. But if you need to create additional complex borders – say, you don’t want the dog to run around the garden – look for options with additional transmitters. In-ground fences can cover up to 100 acres depending on the length of the wire.
Wireless fences come with the transmitter and markers that are placed along the border. This option is better if you move a lot and you need to take the fence with you. Since it is wireless, you don’t have to dig the wire out and bury it again at the new place. But such fences are much more expensive than in-ground. Also, they cover a maximum of 25 acres and require open space without any obstacles to pass the signal. Therefore, even though you technically can adapt this wire to your yard, it will lose connection with the collar if there are many trees, for example. Moreover, these fences are very sensitive to pretty much everything and frequently lose connection.
Hybrid control panel
If your yard has an unusual shape, you should consider getting a hybrid system. It is a customized fence you can shape however you need. Of course, such models are more expensive and require more time and effort to install than non–adjustable ones. But the result will be excellent – you can create a tailored borderline that will satisfy your needs.
These fences will be as well useful if you want to keep the animals away from certain areas of your property. For example, you don’t want them to run near the pool or break flowers in your garden. With a hybrid system, you can create additional borders to protect your plants or prevent the pet from falling in the pool.
While the installation of such models might seem cumbersome, there is not much difference between setting up non–customizable and customizable fences. The connection between the transmitter and the receiver collar works the same. The only thing you will have to work on is to make sure that all borders are looped back to transmitters.
Underground fencing for small dogs
Not every underground fence is suited for smaller breeds. If your pet is more on the tiny side, you always have to check the size of the collar and receiver. Fences that are suited for medium and large dogs will come with the bigger collar. Also, most manufacturers don’t worry much about the size and weight of the receiver – often it is quite bulky and heavy.
Another thing that can make the fence a bad choice for a small dog is the strength of the shock. While it is totally fine for a large pup, it can be too strong for the tinier animal. So study this detail before choosing the model.
Usually, if the fence is suited for small breeds, the manufacturer will tell about it. Still, check for what weight will this model work, and how strong is the impact. Also, you might not need to cover a large area. So to not overpay, study the features of the fence, if you have a Jack Russell terrier, dachshund, or another small breed.
The pet should weigh at least 5 pounds for you to be able to install an invisible fence for it. But consider that not all models are suitable for smaller dogs. When they are, the manufacturer will tell about it in the product description. One of the good examples of such fences is PetSafe Elite Little Dog In–Ground Fence. It is suitable for small dogs.
What if I have a stubborn dog?
First of all, you should remember that there is no such thing as a stubborn dog. Every breed was created for specific purposes that determine the character of the animal. For example, a golden retriever learns quickly because this breed was designed to work with humans.
So if your dog seems to learn slowly, it doesn’t mean it’s stubborn or stupid. It just needs a bit more patience and efforts from you. Add positive reinforcement to teach the dog how to avoid invisible borders. Also, make sure the flags that mark the borderline are significantly visible for the dog. Maybe opt for a small physical fence. And if you still experience difficulties trying to teach your dog to stay on the yard, invite a qualified dog trainer to help you.
In conclusion
To draw a bottom line, each dog is unique, and ultimately, no solution fits all. Choosing the model of the invisible fence you should consider the size of your yard, the pattern of the borderline you want to create, and, of course, the size of your pet. If your dog is smaller than 5 pounds, consider installing a fence making sure the animal can’t jump over it.
For bigger dogs, there are plenty of options. You can choose in–ground or wireless fencing, different kinds of signal frequencies and other details. Before buying the model, you find to be the right fit for you to check if it is suitable for the environment you live in. Not every fence is resistant to extreme temperatures and other factors.
Also, pay attention to the receiver collar. Some collars are high, and they offer many levels of intensity and rechargeable battery. But they might be too bulky and heavy for your small dog. Moreover, the electric shock can be too strong as well. So read the reviews carefully to understand if it is the right choice.
And finally, think of your dog’s personality. If it is too sensitive to triggers and reacts to them very actively, stick to the collars that beep or vibrate. Don’t use electric shock on such dogs because it will make them even more nervous.
Frequently Asked Questions
My wife and I don’t have a physical fence built for our yard so we have been considering getting a wireless dog fence soon. I like your point about how, with this system, you can practically go anywhere. We’ll definitely look into doing this so we can keep him close at all times without having to worry about him running away.
I don’t have a dog; however, my neighbor does. I’m very grateful for those who invented these things, cause his dog is huge!
Can I use these fences for a puppy?
A wireless dog fence is a real thing, especially, if you have a very active dog. I purchased a GPS dog fence almost a year ago, and our life became much more comfortable for sure.
Nice review! I have a Stay + Play. I live in an area where families with kids mostly live so, and it was a must for me. However, my dog got used to the novelty quickly.
How does a wireless dog fence work?))
Dear User,
With the help of wire, you define the perimeter – protective boundary, and the digital radio signals go through this wire. There is a control panel to regulate this area. A pet-collar is put on a dog so that the control panel can receive the signal and react when the dog approaches the fence. If the dog tries to cross the boundary, a low-level shock is being applied to a pet.
We have two dogs at home. Those who created a wireless fence are genius. We don’t have to keep an eye on the dogs all the time, and they are always safe.
My wife and I travel a lot. Our dog accompanies us all the time.
I purchased SportDOG as I know how our buddy loves to run and have fun.
Besides, it is a very flexible product.
I’m not sure if I want to give an electric shock to my dog. Maybe, I should read more feedbacks.
At first, I thought that it sounded as something sadistic. However, the regulating panel seems to be a good idea.
Considering buying a wireless fence but I cannot find out anywhere how long the batteries last
Dear User,
From 3 to 7 months. It is important to check the batteries regularly.
How long do batteries last on one charge
In general, it is a very convenient item. However, as for the hybrid setups, these are not for the picnics.
Does it work when it rains?
Dear User,
A high-quality product is always waterproof. Be attentive while choosing an item: a cheap product is likely to be of bad quality. It is better to pick a specific product and find all the information regarding the material, etc.
The idea of wireless fences is clear. However, are these fences safe for a dog?
Dear User,
Of course, the developers take into account the safety issue.
At first, the dogs will experience some low level of electric shock which is not that painful. Nonetheless, your pet would learn to react to tone later on, when you remove the electric shock from the equation.
There are different correction levels as well if you feel the need to decrease the voltage.
Read carefully different wireless dog fences reviews to pick the right one for your pet.
My sister uses one at her house, it is apparently effective but her dogs are tiny and one of em at least is not very bright. The other one is too old to have much wanderlust.
Oh, it’s a fantastic product! I bought a wireless fence several months ago, despite hesitations regarding safety, etc. However, I have no regrets – it is a good thing.