Best Invisible Dog Fences Reviewed

What is an invisible dog fence? If this is something new to you, then you are not alone. A majority of dog owners will surely prefer traditional fences or confinement options to an invisible dog fence. For one, most dog owners’ advantages of an invisible dog fence remain obscured. Likewise, it remains a moot point whether it features more pros than cons among those who have already tried it. So what exactly is an invisible dog fence, and how does it work?

As technology progressed, the pet industry also came up with innovations such as this one. An invisible fence uses digital radio frequencies similar to tuning in to your favorite radio station. Digital signals, however, are more consistent than AM and FM analog signals. Moreover, an invisible dog fence requires a control panel installed in a specific location and cables that should be buried around a designated location, thus, creating a signal field that represents your pet’s frontier. So, how advantageous is it?

Invisible Dog Fences

The Top 3 Best Wireless Invisible Dog Fences

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PetSafe Wireless Fence Pet Containment System

 
PetSafe PIF00-12917 Stay & Play Wireless Fence

PetSafe PIF00-12917 Stay & Play Wireless Fence

 
Petsafe PIF-300 Wireless 2-Dog Fence Containment System

Petsafe PIF-300 Wireless 2-Dog Fence Containment System

 

Benefits of Using An Invisible Dog Fence

An Invisible Dog Fence Allows Your Dog to Run Free

Dogs are active animals, which is especially true for most large breeds such as Labradors and German Shepherds, who need ample exercise and some fun activities. Otherwise, these dogs become destructive when bored. A Siberian husky, for instance, requires a lot more mental and physical exercise. They were bred to run; if you’ve got a harness for your husky, that’s the best option when you go running with them. It would be a shame to always restrict your dog from doing what they love and what they live for.

An invisible dog fence can provide your dog with up to 25 acres of playground. Imagine how expensive that would be for traditional fences.

An Invisible Dog Fence Doesn’t Have to Ruin Your Landscape

An invisible dog fence does not consume a lot of space in your yard, unlike traditional fences. What is more, an invisible dog fence doesn’t have to interfere with your surroundings, especially when you already have a beautifully designed landscape. Due to its use of digital signals rather than a physical barrier, an invisible dog fence that does not limit you from one area only. You can create fencing around your flowerbed or vegetable garden to prevent mischievous paws from digging up your plants.

Installing an Invisible Dog Fence is Convenient

An invisible dog fence is easy to install, even for difficult terrains. This is also ideal if your landlord does not allow you to erect a fence.

An Invisible Dog Fence is Low Maintenance

An invisible dog fence does not require re-painted, re-stained, or re-finished. As long as it stays buried underneath the ground, it won’t require any upkeep at all.

1. PetSafe Wireless Fence Pet Containment System

The PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System (PIF-300) includes a battery-operated collar that guides your dog away from restricted areas. It releases a decent shock whenever your dog goes off-limits. The shock is not painful at all, as it only gives off a tingly sensation that will last for just a few minutes. However, you have the option to adjust its intensity in case it is too subtle for your dog. The PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System (PIF-300) is completely harmless and does not shock your dog without a sound warning first.

The wireless collar feature five correction levels and a no-correction-beep-only level. It also exhibits an indicator light so you will always know if it is working properly.

PetSafe Wireless Fence Pet Containment System Review

In addition, the wireless collar comes with both long and short collar probes. Moreover, the whole unit requires a power outlet to run and takes about two hours or less to assemble. As its name suggests, you don’t need to bury wires at all. You only need to establish a boundary using flags to provide a guide for your pet and activate his collar later on.

Moving on, the PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System (PIF-300) allows a radius of 90 ft. of the playground for your dog. You also have the option to minimize the boundary to a 45 ft. radius using the boundary switch and boundary control dial. The PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System (PIF-300) has earned high ratings among customers. It is a low-cost alternative to traditional fencing.

Pros

  • Wireless and allows easy setup
  • Portable for easy relocation
  • Can handle several dogs (with collars)
  • You can adjust boundaries and use flags for markings
  • Features low battery warning
  • Collar features five correction levels
  • Low maintenance

Cons

  • Replacement parts are expensive
  • Circular boundaries only
  • Collar is of disposable quality

2. PetSafe PIF00-12917 Stay & Play Wireless Fence

The PetSafe Stay and Place Wireless Fence is the newest update of the PetSafe Wireless PIF-F300. It features more significant improvements such as a capacity upgrade, more accurate boundary integrity, and a rechargeable collar.

Like its predecessor, it has no cables to bury, making installation an easy feat. You will surely have your fence up and running in no time. Most wireless dog fences can only accommodate two dogs, but the PetSafe Stay and Place Wireless Fence can handle an unlimited number of dogs, providing each has his own collar. 

PetSafe PIF00-12917 Stay & Play Wireless Fence Review

This is such a handy feature whether you have your own doggie daycare or simply just being a proud owner of a happy bunch.

Among the best features of the PetSafe Stay and Play is its collar, which is by far the smallest, lightest, and most comfortable collar there is for wireless dog fences. In fact, it only weighs 2 ounces. The PetSafe Stay and Play’s wireless collar contains a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can last up to 2-3 weeks (depending on how many times your pooch tries to test his limits) from a two-hour charge. This collar also features five correction levels that you can easily set using a button. Such a feature allows you a sufficient range of corrections.

Moving on, the PetSafe Stay and Play includes an array of accessories such as boundary flags, a collar prong tool, etc. Although the PetSafe Stay and Play does not provide the biggest containment for your pet, its reliability and stability are incomparable.

Pros

  • Rechargeable collar
  • Improved boundary integrity
  • Features the smallest collar

Cons

  • Circular boundaries only
  • Limited boundary radius

3. Petsafe PIF-300 Wireless 2-Dog Fence Containment System

Tracking your two rambunctious dogs is now made easy with the Petsafe PIF-300 Wireless 2-Dog Fence Containment System. This product exhibits similar features to the PIF-300 mentioned earlier but has an additional PIF-275 wireless dog fence receiver collar and an extra set of RFA-67D batteries. This is actually an exclusive bundle you must get your hands on.

The unit is wireless, as its name suggests. It provides a 100% reliable, dog-proof fence that even the most dedicated escape artist will yield.

Petsafe PIF-300 Wireless 2-Dog Fence Containment System Review

You can now keep two escapees from running to your neighbor’s house with one more collar on hand. The collar can fit neck sizes between 6-28 inches.

Its small transmitter sends signals to your dogs’ collars every time they attempt to cross the border you have set for them. First, it’s just a simple beep, but the collar will give them a static correction if they insist. Dogs are smart and will get the message.

The Petsafe PIF-300 Wireless 2-Dog Fence Containment System covers a circular area of up to half an acre.

Pros

  • Easy setup; takes 1-2 hours only
  • Fits neck sizes between 6-8 inches
  • Warns your dog with a beep
  • Gives your pet static correction only if he ignores beep
  • Collar features 5 adjustable levels of correction
  •  Waterproof collar

Cons

  • Circular boundaries only
  • Covers an area up to ½ acre only

The Top 4 Best In Ground Wired Invisible Dog Fences

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Name

Price on Amazon

SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence System 
eXtreme Dog Fence In-Ground Electric Dog Fence

eXtreme Dog Fence In-Ground Electric Dog Fence

PetSafe YardMax Rechargeable In-ground Fence

PetSafe YardMax Rechargeable In-ground Fence

 
PetSafe Basic In-Ground Fence

PetSafe Basic In-Ground Fence

1. SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence System

If you want to provide your dog with a humongous space where he can run freely like the wind without getting home injured, the SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence System would be ideal. This invisible fence has the prowess to cover 1 1/3 acres of land, which also expandable up to 100 ft. upon further installation of more cables and flags. Likewise, it can accommodate an infinite number of dogs, providing each dog wears a compatible receiving collar.

 You don’t have to be an expert to install the SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence System. It can be easily installed underground and includes 1,000 feet of 2-gauge boundary wire and a hundred flags. This unit includes a waterproof receiver collar that will guide your dog.SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence System Review

The receiver collar uses tone and vibration signals to alert your dog when he comes near the boundary. You may choose among different correction levels to suit your dog’s temperament.

There are a handful of complaints regarding its time-consuming installation, but this is expected especially when you want a larger area. If you want your dogs safe and sound within a much bigger boundary, this has to be done.

Moving on, the SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence System includes a wall-mountable transmitter that exhibits lightning and surge protection to prevent damage during lightning strikes and power surges. Among the SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence System’s other features include battery indicators, a detailed operating guide, anti-linger features, and even a DVD for dog training.

Pros

  • Expandable boundary
  • Can accommodate an unlimited number of dogs
  • Expandable up to 100 ft
  • Containment system is easy to install
  • Comes with 1000 ft. of 2-gauge boundary wire and 100 flags
  • Can create 1 1/3 acres of confinement
  • Includes a waterproof receiver collar
  • Collar uses tone and vibration
  • Features a wall-mountable transmitter
  • Features lightning and power surge protection
  • Collar receiver fits small to extra-large sized dogs
  • Has a low battery indicator and an anti-linger feature
  • Standard 9-volt battery that will last for a year 12
  • Comes with an operating guide and training DVD

Cons

  • Time-consuming installation

2. eXtreme Dog Fence In-Ground Electric Dog Fence

Installing the eXtreme Dog Fence is a piece of cake. Think of it as a DIY pack that includes yard staples, contact points, contact covers, splice kits, training caps, 100 training flags, 1000 feet of 14-gauge copper core wires, and 50 feet of 16-gauge dog fence twisted wire. In addition, this unit comes with 3 antennas, 12x battery checks, and a water-proof receiver collar so your dog is free to play water games with you. In fact, the receiver collar is submersible up to 100 feet, but there’s no point in doing that anyway.

With dog lovers in mind, the eXtreme Dog Fence is designed to accommodate a legion of your canine buddies! This product is the second generation of the original eXtreme Dog Fence with updated electronics, antennas, and more.

eXtreme Dog Fence In-Ground Electric Dog Fence Review

Most importantly, the eXtreme Dog Fence and can cover a whopping 25 acres! Such extreme feature can only be found in the eXtreme Dog Fence.

Moving on, the eXtreme Dog Fence can be set up in any shape or design that is convenient for you. It is guaranteed 100% customizable and can be set up with more than 10 layout styles. It could be a triangle, a square, single loop, double loop, etc.

Apart from dogs, the eXtreme Dog Fence can also contain cats, provided that your feline family members have receiver collars of their own as well. The eXtreme Dog Fence comes with an easy to control receiver that can train both cats and dogs using static, sound, and vibration stimulation. Just one beep reminds cats and dogs to keep their distance.

Pros

  • Covers a generous 25 acres
  • Receiver collar is 100% waterproof
  • Allows you flexibility in design
  • Electrical devices comes with a 10-year warranty
  • For cats and dogs

Cons

  • Has no manual
  • Static and vibration stimulation may have no effect in other dogs

3. PetSafe YardMax Rechargeable In-ground Fence

The PetSafe YardMax is an in-ground fence that provides a more secure and pleasant environment for your pets to roam around and play. This system erects an invisible fence that won’t interfere with your landscape and allows your pet to run freely within the dimension you create. Unlike other PetSafe fencing systems, this one allows you to create unique shapes depending on the space available to you. The PetSafe YardMax Pet Fencing System can provide up to one-third of an acre worth of space, but you have the option to expand it up to 10 acres more when you purchase additional wires and flags.

PetSafe YardMax Rechargeable In-ground Fence  Review

The PetSafe YardMax can be used in two ways: the YardMax Mode and the Boundary Zone. On one hand, the YardMax Mode includes a warning zone that begins from the opposite side of the boundary. Using the YardMax Mode allows you to make most of the full capacity of your yard; hence, a much wider playground for your dog. On the other hand, the Boundary Zone , also known as the traditional model, allows your boundary to start from the in-ground wire. For the system to work efficiently, your pet must wear his receiver collar at all times. The collar will play a warning beep whenever he gets near the boundary.

Moving on, the receiver collar is waterproof and rechargeable. You only need two to three hours to charge the battery. It also features five adjustable static correction levels and a ‘tone only’ mode that can be used for training. Since it is waterproof, your dog can always play in the water whenever he likes.

Setting up the PetSafe YardMax is an easy task and does not need professional help at all. It comes with a user-friendly manual as well. As for dogs, it only takes a few days for them to get familiar with the Boundary Zone. Dogs are smart animals after all.

Pros

  • Allows you to expand the boundary up to 10 acres more
  • Includes waterproof receiver collar
  • Uses ‘tone only’ correction for training
  • Five levels of static correction
  • Receiver collar is rechargeable
  • Takes only 2-3 hours charging time that can last up to 3 weeks

Cons

  • You need to buy more wires and flags for expansion

4. PetSafe Basic In-Ground Fence

The PetSafe Basic In-Ground Fence is an entry-level fence and costs a lot less than the new models. Regardless, the PetSafe Basic In-Ground Fence is still a great product highlighting various features. It is fully customizable and can provide your pets with a 1/3 acre playground. If 1/3 acres is not enough for your playful and curious dogs, you can always expand the area up to 5 acres with the purchase of additional cables and flags. Unfortunately, you need to invest some time and effort in putting up this fence.

Moving on, the PetSafe Basic In-Ground Fence includes a comfortable receiver collar that fits neck sizes between 6-26 inches. The collar is completely adjustable to make sure it fits your dog perfectly.

PetSafe Basic In-Ground Fence Review

Likewise, the collar features four modes of static correction plus a beep-only mode for dogs in training. In addition, it features anti-linger prevention, which gives your dog a decent and harmless shock if he lingers in the warning zone for more than two seconds; an over-stimulation protection, that stops the static correction after 30 seconds; and a low battery warning.

Unfortunately, the collar may not be strong enough for large, rowdy dogs. But if you have multiple well-behaved dogs, then this fence would be a good pet containment solution. It has all the basic features that you want at a bargain price.

Pros

  • Flexible design; can create any shape
  • Accurate boundary
  • Run through prevention
  • Overprotection feature
  • Anti-linger feature
  • Low battery warning
  • Can confine several dogs
  •  Compatible

Cons

  • Installation is a hassle
  • Collar is not sturdy enough for strong, large breeds

In-ground Vs. Wireless Dog Fence

Dogs will always be frisky, curious, and full of energy. So it would be best to give your dog the freedom to play on your property even without constant supervision, and an invisible fence will provide you with that luxury. However, there’s one question you need to ask yourself: Do you need an in-ground or a wireless fence?

In-ground and wireless dog fences are effective when providing your dogs a safe threshold where they can freely run and play, although each type of fence differs in a few ways. Both types of electric fences offer great value for your hard-earned money, especially when compared to traditional chain-linked and wood fences. You can be confident that your investment won’t rot, tarnish, or need frequent and expensive maintenance on some future day.

Knowing the differences between an in-ground and wireless dog fence can help determine which one is well-suited for you and your furry buddy. So here are a few factors to consider so you can make a wise, informed decision.

Both types of fences have their share of advantages and disadvantages. By considering how each fence differs from the other, you’ll be able to choose what is best for you and your dog. If you live in a subdivision, you probably wouldn’t need the power to cover fifty acres. So if you don’t like the hassle of burying wires in your small lawn, you can opt for the wireless dog fence. But if you need to customize the layout of your yard to protect and keep your flower beds and ornamental plants away from mischievous paws, an in-ground fence is definitely the way to go.

1. Installation

Installing an in-ground fence requires time and effort, digging a trench, laying wires, and burying them on the ground. Otherwise, external factors will damage it so it’s best to undergo such an intensive and time-consuming task just once. This is very inconvenient, particularly around large properties. Likewise, an in-ground fence can be a hindrance if you plan on making a few changes to your property in the future such as making a vegetable garden, building a swimming pool, etc. Regardless, it is a small price to pay for having a huge area where your dog can roam free. This project can be a breeze with a few handy tools and help from friends.

On the other hand, a wireless dog fence is easy and quick to install. You only need to find a central location for your transmitter. This is inarguably one of the main reasons many dog owners are compelled to having a wireless dog fence instead of an in-ground fence. You can have a wireless dog fence up and running in just a few minutes. Also, a wireless dog fence is portable, which is a feature so helpful just in case your family needs to move out to another area. You can always set your wireless dog fence anytime, anywhere.

2. Size

How powerful your transmitter is will be determined by the size of its perimeter. The more powerful it is, the more containment area you can have. A wireless dog fence has a maximum coverage of 25 acres, while an in-ground fence, can cover up a hundred acres or more; the perimeter is only limited by your own imagination. Unless you have a huge property waiting to be explored by your dog, a wireless dog fence will suffice.

3. Shape and Landscape

Your property’s landscape can have an impact on the function of your fences. Using a wireless dog fence, your dog will automatically receive a static correction every time his receiver collar loses the signal from the transmitter. Hence, your transmitter needs a direct line of sight to your dog. As a result, a wireless dog fence won’t be well-suited if your yard has trees, shrubs, metal structures, and outdoor décor as it interferes with the signal. Likewise, slopes and elevations such as small hills, snowbanks, etc. can cause problems as well. Hence, opt for a wireless dog fence only if you have a wide open space that is even and without obstructions.

On the contrary, an in-ground fence has no problem with signal obstruction no matter what type of terrain and obstructions you have on your property. Using an in-ground fence, your dog’s receiver collar will activate only when he tries to test his limitations.

In addition, you can create any shape you want with the in-ground fence. You can run the wire around a swimming pool, a pond, etc. On the other hand, a wireless dog fence won’t allow you to designate ‘out of bounds’ areas, which means your beautiful flower bed is at risk.

4. Reliability

When it comes to reliability, an in-ground fence is exemplary. A wireless dog fence can easily lose its signal, especially during signal interferences caused by obstructions and power outages. Many in-ground models now have extra features to protect the transmitter from damage due to low voltage, power outages, etc. If the system does fail for some reason, your dog is free from harm’s reach. Unfortunately, for a wireless dog fence, your dog will continue to receive a static correction from the collar even if he has not attempted to cross the perimeter.

​How Do Electric Dog Fences Work?

Wireless: This type of fencing system operates by giving static shocks every time the receiver collar loses the signal from the transmitter. That’s why the transmitter has to be in the middle of the zone. It forms a perfect circle around the center, and you can adjust the radius however you want. When the dog leaves the perimeter, he gets the correction.

In-ground: With this system, the receiver collar is activated every time it picks up the signal from the boundary wire. When your dog gets close to the buried wire, a sound emits from the collar, warning him. If he gets too close he will get a correction. That means with the in-ground fences the collar is activated inside the zone, and with the wireless fences, the collar is activated outside the zone.

Property Layout

The landscape of a property can greatly affect the function of invisible dog fences. An in-ground fence contains the pet in a different way than a wireless one does. The determining factor of how much area the system can cover is the transmitter. The more powerful the transmitter, the more area it can cover.

Wireless: Usually, a wireless fence can spread its signal over a maximum of 25 acres. That might be the main difference between the two systems because an in-ground fence can cover more than 100 acres. The wireless transmitter needs to have a direct line of sight to prevent signal loss. This is the reason why wireless fences shine in wide-open spaces without obstructions.

Another thing to keep in mind is that metal can interfere with the wireless signal. If you have any metal sheds in your yard or some kind of metal structure, the wireless system might have some consistency problems. Basically, anything that interrupts the signal will cause the receiver collar to activate, be it a metal siding or a hill. That means your dog gets the correction even though they didn’t cross the line.

Invisible Dog Fence Installation Difficulty

In-ground: The in-ground fence system is usually used when you want to have a stationary area and don’t plan to move it in the future. It can cover more than 100 acres, but you will have to buy additional wire for that purpose. This type of fence doesn’t have a problem with signal interference since its entire boundary wire is buried and independent of the environment. As you can see, the shape of your yard and obstructions on your property plays an important role in determining which type of fencing system suits you.

Wireless: Without a doubt, the main reason wireless fences are so popular is that they can be set up and installed rather quickly. You can have it up and running in an hour, and you can even take it on road trips or pretty much anywhere. The only condition is to have a power source for the transmitter. Check out our guide on how to install a wireless dog fence.

In-ground: It’s a bit different with in-ground fences. You have to plan the layout in advance and then bury the boundary wire. Installing an in-ground fence system will definitely be more time-consuming. Even though it requires a lot of effort, almost everyone agrees that it’s worth the small sacrifice. You will end up with a perfect containment area for your yard. You can make it a weekend project to set up an in-ground fence. The amount of work will depend on the size of the property and the equipment you have access to.

See how the  PetSafe PIF00-12917 Stay & Play Wireless Fence is installed in the video below:

What About the Maintenance of an Electric Dog Fencing?

Wireless: With only the transmitter and the receiver collar needing occasional maintenance, wireless fences are practically maintenance-free. Most of the time you’ll only have to worry about the collar. Replacing or recharging the battery will vary depending on the manufacturer. Sometimes you will have to replace the metal contact points and washers. Other than that, wireless fences do not require much attention.

In-ground: In addition to the routine collar maintenance we mentioned above, with this type of fence you will also have to deal with an important issue – repairing a boundary wire when it breaks. It’s a frustrating and time-consuming maintenance problem you will eventually have to face. You might be thinking “How can I find a break in such a long wire? It will take me days…” Luckily, there is a wire break locator, specially designed to help you find the break, but we advise you to be careful when buying one. People have mixed feelings about them – some said it was great, others think it was a waste of money.

Conclusion

Dogs love to explore the great outdoors, and it would be a shame to forbid them from doing what they love. Hence, erecting an invisible dog fence would be an excellent way of letting your dogs explore and run free on your property without the need for constant supervision. Dogs who have good outside coverage are healthier and happier as well.

Then again, you must ask yourself: Do you want a wireless or wired system? Both systems have their share of advantages and disadvantages. Wireless systems are simple, portable, and offer more special features. On the other hand, wired systems are more dependable and accurate. Whichever system is better remains a moot point among professional trainers and installation specialists.

The main difference between wireless and in-ground fences is the wire. If you don’t like the idea of having to bury those wires and/or have a smaller property, then the wireless one is definitely a better choice. On the other hand, if you want to make plans and set your containment borders precisely or have a huge property, then the in-ground fence is the way to go. Each system has its strengths and weaknesses and both will provide a great and affordable way to contain your dog. Since you just found out how they differ from one another, you will have an easier time choosing what’s best for you and your dog.

Whether it’s wired or wireless, the system should meet the requirements you need from an invisible fence. For instance, you wouldn’t need 20-25 acres of coverage if you live in a subdivision. Also, wired systems won’t be wise if you plan on moving. Therefore, list all your needs so you can find the best match.

It doesn’t matter if it is wired or wireless. As long as your dog is bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, then you’ve made the right choice!

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