The Best Invisible Fences for Dogs
We all want to provide our pooches with a high quality of life, and that means making sure that they get outside and moving every day. Dog owners with the privilege of a yard will be keen to take full advantage of their strip of nature. Unfortunately, physical fences can sometimes be financially unfeasible or even prohibited by your city's ordinances. In cases such as these, invisible fences may be the only solution for keeping your canine contained. These different systems have a wide range of features and prices, so we've whittled down the list to a few of the best ones out there.
PetSafe Stay & Play
No wires? No problem
If you want an invisible dog fence but cannot dig a trench or lay a wire around your yard, you may want to consider the PetSafe Stay & Play. Instead of having a customizable wired perimeter, this containment system has an adjustable circular range. You get to decide how far from the portable transmitter your dog can wander, as long as it’s anywhere within a 20–105-foot radius. It’s even advertised as portable, meaning you can bring it with you wherever you go, as long as there’s a power outlet available. However, we don’t recommend changing its location or diameter once your dog has become accustomed to it.
Pros:
- The interface is pretty simple to use once you get the hang of it.
- As long as the system is functioning properly, the collar’s battery can last a week or more.
Cons:
- The range isn’t too big, and its boundaries are automatically configured in a circular arc. They can’t be customized to your property’s dimensions, either.
PetSafe Basic In-Ground Invisible Fence
Having a dog is an expensive endeavor. After all the vaccines, vet check-ups, dog food, chew toys, and licensing costs, you may find that your budget has all but run out. Fortunately, the PetSafe Basic is a tenable option for people that want a safe containment system for a reasonable price. Although not as reliable as the more premium options, it has all the features that we look for in an invisible fence. The collar is waterproof and its correction settings can be adjusted for dogs of different sizes and sensitivities. It also features surge protection so you can feel secure that Lola won’t get over-zapped.
Pros:
- Though the installation process is quite tedious, the included manual makes the instructions crystal clear.
- There are many possible configurations for this system, whether it’s above or beneath the ground or around obstacles. Thanks to that, you’ll be able to tailor it to fit your property’s layout.
Cons:
- This pick is not as reliable as more premium systems. If your dog might be in harm if she escapes, it may be worth spending the money on a more trustworthy pick.
- The collar isn’t of the highest quality. With that said, with some DIY know-how, you could remove the shock unit and attach it to your collar of choice.
PetSafe Boundary Wire
Count on me
So you’ve already got an electrical fence system in place — what comes next? Well, if you’re looking to expand the boundaries in which Chomp is allowed to roam, you’ll need to buy more wire. If your system is compatible with this PetSafe’s boundary wire, then we highly recommend this above others. Offered in 20-gauge and heavy-duty 16-gauge options, this durable wire can go the distance. We’d certainly recommend going with the heavy-duty 16-gauge wire, as the 20-gauge isn’t nearly as strong. The 16-gauge option, which spans up to 500 feet, is made of solid copper wire with a polyester jacket, and by all accounts, it’s of the highest quality.
Pros:
- The 16-gauge wire is thicker and therefore more reliable than many other competitors’ wires.
- Though the wire is costly, it’s with good reason. For example, the polyester jacket that it is coated in enhances its durability.
Cons:
- Some parts of the manual are contradictory, so throughout the installation process, you’ll occasionally need to rely on your own common sense.
SportDOG Underground Wire Electric Fence
Take it to the max
If you live on a fenceless property, you know how important a good containment system can be. The worst-case scenario when it comes to invisible dog fences is a system malfunction. A malfunction can result in an unwarranted shock for Buster, or, at the opposite end of the spectrum, it can allow him to escape easily. With this fence from SportDOG, you can rest assured that the extra cost comes with extra security. Reliable, expandable, and well-respected among dog owners, this system is a favorite for a reason. Aside from being able to trust it, you can also fully customize your perimeter with it. In fact, you can even cordon off a small section within the established perimeter to block Buster’s access to things like a garden or fragile landscaping.
Pros:
- Those with large properties will love that this expandable system can cover up to 100 acres. You just have to buy and install the wire.
- It works well for large or aggressive dogs, too.
- There are tons of customization options. Once you’ve become familiar with the system’s nuances, you’ll be able to adjust it to your liking.
Cons:
- The collar gives a “warning” shock when your dog approaches the perimeter. This feature is often too sensitive, shocking the dog before it has gotten too close to the perimeter.
Extreme Dog Premium Underground Fence
Extreme sets the standard
Few of us are willing to cut corners when it comes to our furry friends, and that’s why we recommend this system from Extreme. A US-based company that manufactures its products domestically, Extreme has become the trusted name in the invisible fence game. Their Premium system sports heavy-duty durability, and it’s a shockingly reliable containment system. It has a maximum range of six acres and is offered in various configurations ranging up to 2,000 feet of 20-gauge copper wire. The best part? It comes equipped for more than one dog. The included collars are light and comfortable, and they even have rubber covers for the contacts to avoid irritating your dog’s neck.
Pros:
- We appreciate that each collar’s power setting can be set independently. That means your small or sensitive dog’s collar setting can be lower than your large pooch’s setting.
- It’s manufactured in the USA, so if you’re looking to shop more locally, this is a great option.
Cons:
- The installation process can be a bit challenging with this one, so be prepared to exercise some patience.
Our Tips and Tricks
If you’re on the fence (pun intended) about using an invisible fence to contain your dog, we completely understand. It’s not a decision that should be taken lightly, and in fact, it’s often an inferior containment method. Modern dog trainers prefer positive reinforcement strategies instead of punishment. The last thing you want to teach your dog is that “might makes right,” as they may apply this lesson to strangers — or even to the hand that feeds them.
That being said, there are some scenarios where an invisible fence is an appropriate measure. For example, some properties are simply too large for a traditional fence to be financially feasible. Other people are prohibited from building fences by their neighborhood’s regulations. Responsible dog owners will consider all their options and should be diligent in ensuring that their training tactics are not centered on pain and fear.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I reconsider getting an invisible fence?
An invisible fence is not an appropriate containment system for a dog that suffers from barrier frustration. Barrier frustration emerges when an otherwise tame and mild-mannered dog becomes highly aggressive in the presence of another dog or person and cannot approach them. These dogs will bark and lunge at strangers when restricted by a fence or leash. In such cases, an invisible fence can make the problem worse by teaching your dog to fear what lies beyond the barrier.
What are some alternative methods for containing my dog in the yard?
Physical fences can be expensive, but they’re usually safer and more effective than invisible ones. We do not recommend tethering your dog, as it can cause behavioral problems and distress. At the end of the day, dogs are highly social animals just like people. Your dog will appreciate time outside more when it is spent with you, so we recommend accompanying and supervising your dog when it’s time for fresh air and exercise.
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