Every parent of a fur baby knows how hard it can be sometimes to keep pets from running off from the yard. While dogs deserve to play freely, it’s necessary at times to guide them so they would not overstep their bounds, especially when your property boundaries are not quite defined.
This is how the idea of an invisible dog fence came to life. It’s a humane way to teach your dog’s limits without having to leash them in a conventional manner. This invisible enclosure system allows your dog to roam freely within your boundaries without being restrained by a leash. Let’s take a look at some of the best invisible dog fences and see which one is best for your pup and your yard.
1. PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence
Do you have a stubborn dog that does not want to be trained? If this is the case, not all invisible dog fences are effective. Consider this model from the PetSafe, which was created especially for dogs like yours.
You’ll be able to choose from a variety of sizes and styles. A cumulative coverage of 1/3 acre is provided by 500 feet of wire. Step up to the 1000-foot kit and you’ll be good to go in areas up to 1 acre. The wire is available in two gauges: 16 and 20. So, whether you want to secure your backyard, front yard, or both, this fence gives you plenty of choices.
You have the same amount of freedom regardless of the age of the puppies. The collar is meant for dogs weighing up to 8 pounds and neck sizes up to 28 inches. The configuration is simple, and the instructions are adequate.
When you’ve installed the fence, use the training guide that came with it. After two weeks of training, you can drop the training flags and let the fencing do its job while you chill indoors while your dog runs around the yard.
Pros
- A wide variety of configurations are available
- Fits most dogs weighing up to 8 pounds and neck heights ranging from 6 to 28 inches. Install in almost every yard with relative ease.
- Protection against over-correction is built in.
Cons
- Mild issue about build quality.
2. SportDOG In-Ground Fence
This system is well priced considering the peace of mind and protection it provides. This model is suitable for one dog and has an overall coverage area of one-third of an acre. Pick up some more collars, because there’s no limit on how many dogs you can keep safe and sound at home.
If your dog crosses the border, you will get an initial signal in the form of a tone accompanied by vibration. If this isn’t enough, static correction should keep your pet from roaming.
The SportDOG, unlike other invisible dog fences, is simple to install. Everything you need is included, including step-by-step instructions. The collar is powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that have a 2-month lifetime. In just 2 hours, you can get a quick burst of charge. The collar is submersible to a depth of 25 feet.
Pros
- Can accommodate a single dog in areas up to 1/3 acre
- Increase the number of collars to hold more dogs using the same device
- Lightning protection and a wire-break warning are built-in
- It alerts the dog with a tone and vibration before progressing to seven levels of static correction.
Cons
- It can be difficult to change settings.
3. Extreme Dog-Fence Second-Generation Kit Package
This kit is modular and flexible. You may also contain an unlimited number of dogs in a single set-up. The collar receiver is fully durable and submersible, in contrast to most of the competition, which is mostly water-resistant.
This entry-level package includes 500 feet of cable, 50 training flags, a collar receiver, a digital transmitter, and a few sets of probes. Static correction at seven levels should be adequate to keep most dogs in check. However, for most usual purposes, you can keep your pets safely contained.
The coverage is a whopping 6 acres. This should be sufficient for much wider gardens.
Pros
- Generous coverage to 6 acres ideal for larger gardens
- Receiver fully waterproofed
- Submersible to 10 feet
- 500 feet of boundary wire
- Training flags bundled
- Comprehensive kit that won’t break the bank
Cons
- The battery life is low
4. PetSafe YardMax Rechargeable In-Ground Fence
YardMax technology is integrated into this fence. You can make the best of the space you have available by implementing corrections near the fence.
Static-free re-entry is another useful function. If your dog has already gotten into the system, a shock on the way back home is likely to deter him from returning. Instead, he’ll be able to re-enter without causing a static shock. This fence is suitable for all dogs weighing 5 pounds or more. The collar suits neck measurements ranging from 6 to 28 inches. This kit, like all of the best kits, is completely waterproof and submersible.
The basic setup is sufficient for gardens up to 1/3 acre, but you can pick up more wire and stretch things to 10 acres if you invest in more wire.
Pros
- Suitable for areas of up to 1/3 acre
- Add additional wire for areas as wide as 10 acres
- Static correction can be adjusted across five levels to accommodate the dog’s temperament
- The use of static-free re-entry is a nice touch.
Cons
- Collars are not meant to be worn for long periods of time.
5. PetSafe Elite Little Dog In-Ground Fence
PetSafe has a containment mechanism for any situation. This set-up is specially built for small dogs. The collar can fit furballs weighing 5 pounds and up. Correction is also proportionate to smaller dogs.
This kit contains enough wire to protect an area of up to 1/3 acre. This should suffice for most practical purposes. If you buy additional wire, you will be able to demarcate areas on grounds ranging up to 25 acres.
Depending on the layout of your home and yard, installation can be challenging and time-consuming. Like with all fences, if you’re not happy doing this type of job, call in for help. The waterproof collar has a reflective strip to keep your dog secure in the dark.
Pros
- It comes from an industry expert
- Flexible fencing that can hold as many dogs as collars are provided
- For the sake of safety, a reflective strip is included
- Ideal with dogs weighing as little as 5 pounds
- Customer service in the United States is extremely helpful
- Low-battery alarm
Cons
- It will take some time to install. Collars can be difficult to secure enough.
6. Extreme Dog Fence Ultimate Performance Electric Dog Fence System
The Extreme Dog Fence Store can accommodate two dogs and has a coverage area of about one-third acre. This should be adequate for most average yards. Whereas much of the market offers splash-proof equipment, this model’s collar is fully waterproof. It is also possible to submerge in water up to 10 feet deep.
You’ll need to dedicate some time to training your dog when you first start using a wired dog fence, much as you would for any other kind of wired dog fence. Using lots of positive reinforcement, and the dog should be obeying his new boundaries in no time.
All of the cable, flags, and accessories you’ll need to get started are included, so you can get straight to work instead of running to the pet shop.
Pros
- Flexible kit capable of containing multiple dogs
- Generous coverage
- Completely waterproof and also submersible to 10 feet
Cons
- Prongs securing collar are quite brittle
Considerations When Choosing the Best Invisible Dog Fence
Over the years, the fundamental principle of the electric dog fencing system has remained surprisingly unchanged. However, if you are considering purchasing this system to keep your dog safe within those limits, there are a few things to search for.
In this buying guide, we will go through some of the most relevant factors to remember before deciding on the wireless dog fence you want to buy.
A. To Enforce the Electric Dog Fence, You Will Need the Proper Kind of Collar
To make the idea of an electric dog fence work in the first place, you’ll need a collar that’s secure, reliable, and simple to apply and remove. Everything depends on the ability to choose the appropriate collar size for the task. The collar you purchase with the device must also be adaptable in terms of the amount of voltage it sends out with each breach of the limits you set.
A smaller, more temperamental dog, for example, may need a collar with a different size and voltage level than a bigger, more cooperative dog. A dog that is both big and stubborn should wear a collar that is greater in size and has more electrical capacity to have the required degree of a deterrent.
B. Be Certain That the Collar You Choose Is Simple to Program
Your next big decision should be to choose one of the wireless dog fences that is the most simple to manage. This starts with the collar you pick, as mentioned above. You would want to go for a battery-powered rechargeable collar. This is the collar that is the simplest to remove and replace.
You may also choose a slightly different form of wireless collar that is operated by the electrical current produced by your house. This style of collar would not need to be replaced as often, but it does provide its own range of technical challenges.
C. A Failure Notification System Should Be Used in the Invisible Fence You Want
There are numerous reasons why wireless dog fences will unexpectedly malfunction. A burst of power may have a number of unexpected implications. If you have opted to use a battery-powered collar, the batteries will eventually wear out and need to be replaced.
For these and other purposes, the unit you buy should have a failure warning system that will warn you if the boundaries you’ve selected fail. Whatever the cause of the breach, you must be aware of it as soon as possible so that you can take appropriate action to keep your dogs in line and safely out of harm’s way.
D. You Will Need to Use a Device That Is Designed to Withstand Power Surges
Power surges are one of the most dangerous threats to any electrical or online-based device. As previously mentioned, the majority of modern wireless dog fences are operated by your home’s electrical current. This can also result in problems, such as a power surge that causes the wireless dog fence to malfunction.
Much like you don’t want your home’s lighting or internet to go out unexpectedly due to a surge, you don’t want your dog to get an unwelcome electric shock. This is why you can choose a wireless fence that has been specially engineered to withstand an energy overload caused by a sudden burst in electrical power. GPS dog fencing is one alternative design that can perform well in this situation.
E. The System You Purchase Should Be Simple to Install and Maintain
When shopping for wireless dog fencing, the final question should be how simple the device is to set up and operate. This is particularly important to consider if you have never used wireless fences before.
The advantage of using wireless dog fences is that no physical fences need to be dug out, installed, or maintained. However, as illustrated above, there are several other maintenance concerns that come with purchasing a solely wireless device.
As a result, it pays to start easy with a wireless fence that includes a moderately sized collar with plenty of usable voltage latitude. You don’t want a high-preset collar that might not only harm your dog but also trigger a significant power surge in your house. If you are new to the world of wireless fences, keeping it simple will prove valuable.