Electric Dog Fences: If you have large breed dogs at home, the security and joy they bring with them come with a bundle of pain
If your dog does not seem to be barking, you can use a variety of training collars combined with positive reinforcement to help them see the error in their ways. Choose from a variety of bark collars depending on the nature of your dog.
This is not the end.
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What is it like when your dogs are in the yard? If they are like us, they will look to escape any chance.
So, unless you want to constantly monitor your dogs, what can you do about it?
Fortunately, if you want to have your dog in the garden you have a wide variety of options and we are here to bring you today.
We bring you the best fences on the ground and above, so you can use the appropriate containment system for your budget and your garden size.
We are going to go with a brief buying guide to help you find the best dog fence easy way. Before that, let’s take a quick look at the main advantages of the models we are reviewing.
Our Top 5 Picks for Electric Dog Fences
1. Underground Electric PRO-Grade Dog Fence Kit
Underground Electric PRO-Grade Dog Fence Kit
Stubborn Dog Training Collar with 1000′ Boundary Wire | 9 Levels of Correction for Large, Hard-Headed Dogs
- Reliable Containment: Users have consistently reported that the fence does its job well.
- High-Quality Wire: The upgraded wire quality has been a significant improvement for users who have experienced issues with thinner wires in the past.
- User-Friendly Installation: The process is streamlined, especially when laying out the wire ahead of the trencher to prevent kinks.
- Collar Issues: There are concerns about the longevity and reliability of the collars, especially the additional ones purchased separately.
- Battery Indicator Light: Some users have had issues with the battery indicator light ceasing to function.
- Locking Mechanism: The closing tabs can be challenging to lock, which may be a minor inconvenience.
The Underground Electric PRO-Grade Dog Fence Kit is a containment system designed for large and stubborn dogs, featuring a training collar with 1000’ of boundary wire and 9 levels of correction. This review aims to provide a comprehensive look at the product’s features, benefits, and real-world usage experiences.
Features:
- 1000’ Boundary Wire: Offers ample length to cover significant ground.
- 9 Levels of Correction: Allows customization based on the dog’s size and temperament.
- Training Collar: Specifically designed for stubborn, hard-headed dogs.
Benefits:
- Effective Containment: The system has proven to be effective in keeping dogs within designated areas.
- Durability: The heavy-duty wire is designed to withstand the elements and resist breakage.
- Ease of Installation: The wire can be laid out and installed relatively easily, especially with the use of a trencher.
2. Pet Safe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence (In-Ground)
PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Pet Fence for Dogs and Cats
Product Dimensions : 12 x 12 x 3 inches; 2.2 Pounds Item model number : PIG00-10777 Department : Pet Supplies Batteries : 1 9V batteries required. (included)
- Effective: Ensures dogs remain within the yard.
- Battery Efficiency: Long battery life with easily replaceable 9-volt batteries.
- Strong Correction: Suitable for large or aggressive dogs.
- Bulky Design: The collar is heavier and bulkier than standard models.
- Flimsy Collar Strap: The quality of the strap may not match the
The PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Pet Fence is a containment system designed to keep pets secure in your yard without the need for traditional fencing. It’s particularly aimed at dogs with higher pain thresholds or those that are difficult to train. Here’s a detailed review based on real-world usage experiences:
Features:
- In-Ground Invisible Fence: Ideal for properties that already have this system installed.
- Adjustable Correction Levels: Includes a setting as high as 5 (max) for stubborn dogs.
- 9-Volt Battery Operated Collar: Avoids the need for proprietary batteries, offering convenience and cost savings.
Benefits:
- Effective Containment: Proven to keep even strong, willful dogs within the boundaries of your yard.
- Freedom for Pets: Allows dogs to roam freely within the set boundaries, which is especially appreciated during colder months.
- Peace of Mind: Owners can feel more secure knowing their pet won’t escape and potentially get into dangerous situations.
Real-World Usage Experiences:
- Initial Concerns: One user had reservations about the system’s effectiveness for a strong, stray Pit Bull with unknown behavior.
- Training Required: It’s recommended to use a behavioralist to help the dog understand the boundaries.
- Intense Reaction: The dog had a significant reaction at the highest correction level, suggesting starting at the lowest setting is best.
- Adjustment Period: The dog became skittish outdoors after testing the boundaries but eventually enjoyed the newfound freedom.
- Battery Life: The collar’s battery life is commendable, with no replacement needed for over six months.
Conclusion: The PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Pet Fence is a robust solution for pet owners with challenging dogs. While it requires careful training and an adjustment period, the system provides a reliable way to keep pets safe. The use of a common 9-volt battery is a significant advantage, though the bulkiness of the collar and the quality of the strap are areas that could be improved. Overall, it offers a valuable trade-off between pet freedom and owner peace of mind, making it a recommended purchase for those with suitable needs. Remember to follow the instructions carefully and start with the lowest correction settings to ensure a positive experience for your pet.
3. SportDOG In-Ground Fence
SportDOG Brand Rechargeable In-Ground Fence Systems
Product Dimensions : 17.5 x 11.5 x 6 inches; 10 Pounds Item model number : SDF-100C Batteries : 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) Date First Available : April 24, 2019 Manufacturer : Radio Systems Corporation
- Effective Training Tool: Quickly teaches pets to stay within designated areas.
- Flexible Installation: Can be installed on various property sizes and shapes.
- Adjustable Stimulation Levels: Allows for customization based on the pet’s size and temperament.
- Installation Effort: Requires effort to install the underground wire properly.
- Maintenance: The wire may need to be checked and maintained regularly, especially in areas with ground movement.
- Weather Sensitivity: The transmitter box needs to be protected from the elements.
The SportDOG Brand Rechargeable In-Ground Fence System is a versatile and reliable solution for pet owners looking to keep their pets safe within their property. This system is designed to cover up to 100 acres, making it suitable for both small and large properties.
Features:
- Rechargeable Collar: The system comes with a rechargeable collar that has tone, vibration, and static stimulation modes to alert your pet of their boundaries.
- Underground Wire: The in-ground wire can be installed to customize the shape and size of the boundary area.
- Expandability: The system can be expanded to contain an unlimited number of dogs with additional collars.
Benefits:
- Customizable Boundary: Owners can create a boundary that suits their property’s layout.
- Training Aid: It serves as a training tool to help pets understand property limits.
- Durability: The system is designed to withstand outdoor elements.
Real-World Usage Experiences:
- User: A user with a livestock guardian dog who could climb fences found that after installing the system, their dog quickly learned its boundaries and stayed within the property. This has been a life-changing experience for them.
- User: Another user recommends using a heavier gauge wire due to ground movement and ensuring the transmitter box is mounted in a dry location to avoid damage not covered by warranty. They also advise careful installation to avoid signal cancellation. Their Rottweiler and lab-mastiff mix have responded well to the system, respecting the boundaries set by the collar.
The SportDOG Brand Rechargeable In-Ground Fence System is a robust and effective containment solution for pet owners. Its ability to cover a large area and the flexibility of boundary settings are significant advantages. However, potential buyers should be prepared for the initial installation effort and ongoing maintenance to ensure the system’s effectiveness and longevity. Overall, it’s a worthy investment for the safety and training of your pets.
4. Best Wireless Dog Fence: Pet Safe Invisible Fence
PetSafe America’s Safest Pet Fence – The Original Wireless Containment System
Product Dimensions : 11 x 12 x 9 inches; 12.8 ounces Item model number : PIF-300 Department : Wireless Containment Batteries : 1 Lithium Metal batteries required. (included)
- Ease of Setup: Can be installed without professional help.
- Training Efficiency: Comes with a comprehensive training guide. Durability:
- The system and collar are durable over time.
- Pet’s Positive Reaction: Pets, like Holly, may even show a preference for wearing the collar.
- Collar Size: May not be suitable for small dogs due to the bulkiness of the collar.
- Central Unit: Not weatherproof, which may limit placement options.
- Size of Unit: The central unit is relatively large and not weatherproof.
PetSafe America’s Safest Pet Fence – The Original Wireless Containment System is designed to offer pet owners a secure and flexible solution to pet containment. Here’s a detailed review based on real-world user experiences:
Features:
- Wireless Boundary: Creates an adjustable circular perimeter.
- Tone/Static Correction: Offers warning beeps and static correction to deter pets from crossing boundaries.
- Adjustable Correction Levels: Features multiple levels of static correction to suit different sensitivities.
- Portable: Ideal for use at home or while camping.
- Expandable: Ability to add extra collars for multiple pets.
Benefits:
- Quick Training: Pets can learn boundaries quickly, often within days.
- Freedom for Pets: Allows pets to roam freely within set boundaries.
- Peace of Mind: Prevents pets from wandering off and getting lost or into dangerous areas.
- Cost-Effective: Cheaper than traditional fencing and does not require physical barriers.
Real-World Usage:
- A user with a 6-month-old golden retriever found the system effective in preventing the dog from digging under the house.
- The training process was straightforward, and the pet adapted to the system rapidly.
- The adjustable radius proved useful for different scenarios, like keeping the pet away from certain areas during events.
- The system has been reliable over time, with the collar’s battery lasting approximately two months before needing replacement.
The PetSafe Wireless Containment System appears to be a robust and effective solution for pet owners looking to keep their pets safe without the constraints of physical fences. It’s particularly beneficial for those who require a flexible containment solution that can be used in various environments. While the system is not without its drawbacks, such as the size and non-weatherproof nature of the central unit, the overall user experience has been positive, with pets quickly adapting to the boundaries set by the system.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
The system has proven to be a valuable tool for pet owners, offering both freedom for the pet and peace of mind for the owner. It’s a testament to the system’s effectiveness that pets like Holly have learned to respect the boundaries with minimal correction and that the system remains operational over an extended period. The user’s experience suggests that with proper training and consistent use, the PetSafe Wireless Containment System can be an excellent investment for pet safety and owner convenience.
5. Pet Safe Above-Ground Electric Fence (Wireless)
Pet Safe Above-Ground Electric Fence (Wireless)
Product Dimensions : 8.6 x 7.8 x 10.6 inches; 0.04 ounces Item model number : PIF00-12917 Batteries : 1 CR123A batteries required. (included)
- Wire-free design for easy setup without landscape disruption.
- Circular coverage adjustable up to 3/4-acre from the indoor transmitter.
- Portable system ideal for home, vacation, or camping.
- Rechargeable and waterproof collar, ensuring durability and comfort.
- Multi-pet customization with adjustable correction levels.
- Limited to a circular boundary, which may not suit all yard shapes.
- Requires an outlet for the indoor transmitter, which may limit placement options.
- Single collar included; additional purchases required for multiple pets.
The PetSafe Stay & Play Compact Wireless electric dog fences are a standout solution for pet owners who prioritize the safety and freedom of their furry companions. This innovative system offers a no-dig, wire-free boundary that sets up in mere hours, providing a secure area of up to 3/4 acre.
Its most accurate wireless fence technology ensures that pets are gently guided back to their play area, while the LCD display offers clear information on the extent of the play area and system status. The portability of the system is a boon for those who travel, allowing pets to have a consistent safe space wherever they go.
The static-free reentry feature is particularly noteworthy, as it allows pets to return home without correction, unlike traditional in-ground fences.
The rechargeable, waterproof receiver collar is designed for comfort and durability, fitting dogs from 5 lbs and adjustable for neck sizes 6-28 inches. With multi-pet customization, the system can accommodate the whole fur-family, offering five adjustable correction levels and a tone-only training mode.
Real-world users have lauded the system’s ease of installation and reliability. The flexibility to set up a safe boundary anywhere provides unparalleled convenience, and the comfortable collar does not impede pets’ play or exploration. The training process is facilitated by comprehensive guides, ensuring pets understand their boundaries quickly.
In summary, the PetSafe Stay & Play Compact Wireless Pet Fence is an excellent investment for pet owners seeking a blend of safety, convenience, and adaptability. It’s a testament to the brand’s commitment to creating a pet-friendly environment that doesn’t compromise on pet freedom or owner peace of mind.
Things you should consider when buying an electric dog fence system
Simple wooden fences are the best way to keep your dog, but electronic fences are close when that is not possible.
Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping:
- The shape of your Backyard
- Your dog
- Other dogs
- Installation of your electronic fence
- Location of electronic dog fence
- Price of the Electric Dog Fences
The shape of your Backyard
Electronic dog fences are ideal for irregular-shaped backyards. If you have a large, misshapen garden with features such as a rock garden or vegetable patch, an underground dog fence will give you flexibility.
Also, if you live in an apartment block or condo that does not allow fences, electronic fences are a great solution to keep your dog from running away after pigeons or squirrels.
Your dog nature
If your dog is a high jump champ and an escape artist, you may be tired of jumping on him and running down the road to the neighbors. The electronic dog fence works no matter how high he jumps.
Other dogs
It is important to remember that other animals and dogs can cross the fence and enter your property. Your dog may be safe in the yard, but it will not prevent another animal from entering.
With electronic fence systems, you still need to keep an eye on your dog. You can never forget about him. You just have to be more discriminating with the help you render toward other people.
Installation of your electric dog fences
If you are installing a ground dog fence yourself be prepared to put some elbow grease on it. Digging the earth to bury the wires is very time consuming and tiring.
Also Read: 5 Best Outdoor Dog Kennels for German Shepherds
You can always hire a professional to do this for you. You can also run the wire on the ground instead and secure them with staples that you can buy separately.
If you hire a professional electronic dog fence company to install your fence, they can make sure there are no gaps to shoot through your dog.
Location of electric dog fences
It is very important to remember that you should not install your fence up to the edge of the garden by pavement or road: this is a recipe for disaster!
Dogs become very spatial and start barking and lunging at passersby. Cyclists, pedestrians and cars can develop bad behaviors while passing by dogs. This is not a good look for you in your neighborhood!
So remember to install your fence at least 10 feet away from the perimeter of your garden. The buffer zone between the fence and the road is crucial to prevent unwanted behaviors.
Price of the Electric Dog Fences
The electronic dog fence you choose will determine your budget. In general, wireless dog fences are cheaper than underground dog fences. Installing wireless dog fences does not require much time or expense, you just plug it in.
Invisible dog fences require accessories such as staples, wiring, voltage meter, charger and batteries. You may also want to hire a professional to install your invisible dog fence, which can significantly increase the cost.
Also
Because of those basics, it’s time for the main event and our collection of the best electric dog fence system
The controversy on the usage of electric dog fences
Animal activists have concerns about electric fences, thinking they might hurt dogs with electric shocks. However, these fences are designed to be safe. They give a very mild shock that doesn’t harm the dog at all. The shock is just enough to teach them to stay away from the fence.
The electric fences work within a safe range of resistance, from 100,000 ohms (100kΩ) to 1,000,000 ohms (1 megΩ). This means the shock is really weak. Usually, a dog will feel this tiny zap a couple of times and then learn to avoid the fence, understanding where the boundary is.
Once your dog knows where it can and can’t go, it’s a good idea to take the fence down. By then, your dog has learned the rules and you won’t need the fence anymore.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Do Wireless Dog Fences Work?
Yes, they work as long as they are set up correctly. Avoid interruptions or large metal objects with any large metal objects in the house. Also, having an electronic fence does not mean that you can leave your guarantees to rotate. Your dog can ignore the electric shock if anything is of enough interest to him and if he runs away. When he returns, his collar turns off the electric shock so he may not be able to go back inside. Dogs still need mental and physical stimulation. Electronic fences are great but dogs need daily walking and bonding sessions with you and your family so they can burn energy and have a great life.
2) How long do electric dog fences work?
The wireless dog fence operates on a radius of half an acre and three-quarters of an acre, approximately 2000 to 3000 square meters. The transmitter is plugged into the power supply in your home. The boundary should be within the radius of transmission when turning on your puppy. If you are going with an underground electronic fence system, you can go as far as you like even if you have a large living estate.
But the larger the area, the more expensive it becomes. Installing an underground fence means digging a lot of dirt means you can bury the wires, so you have to factor it out. If you feel a little overwhelmed, it is a good idea to hire a professional.
3) Can I use electronic dog fences with a puppy?
It is not advisable to use an electronic fence with a dog under 6 months. It is best to wait at least 6 months or longer if possible. Your puppy must be mature enough to understand and obey orders. If he does not, it will be very difficult for you to learn from the constant shocks on his collar. The last thing you want is for him to be on the run to play on the road. You do not want to install an electronic dog fence until your dog is fully trained to recover, sit, heel, lower, stay and depart.