The Best GPS Dog Fence of 2023 [Pet Containment & Tracking System]

Written by Dave Miller

Spending time outdoors is a huge part of a dog’s life, but the world is full of dangers both hidden and obvious. For most pet owners a physical fence is a no-brainer. If your dog is locked behind a fence whenever they go outside then there certainly isn’t anything to fear by letting your beloved pet out unsupervised right? What if someone needs to come into the backyard to work and you are unable to make sure your dog isn’t jumping up on them? Unfortunately, the reality is that dogs get themselves into all sorts of trouble when left unsupervised, even behind the most well-built fence. 

There are plenty of situations where you might not want to install a permanent fence. Maybe you’re renting and unable to convince your landlord to put up a dog fence. What if you just bought some property and your fence is weeks or months away from being installed? Perhaps you planned to walk your dog whenever you’re outside and just can’t seem to get Fido to behave on the leash long enough to get business done. All of these situations can be fixed with GPS dog fences. What is a GPS dog fence? How does it work? Which one should I buy? We’ll help you out by introducing some of the best GPS dog fences on the market today.

The technology may be new, but learning to use a GPS dog fence can open the gate to allow your four-legged best friend to experience life to the fullest as well as enhancing your peace of mind when letting your dog out unsupervised. 

Best GPS Dog Fences 

We’ve reviewed the top-rated GPS dog fences and made notes about what we liked and didn’t like. In our opinion, the best GPS dog fence is the Halo Collar, a collar born from the mind of Cesar Millan, a world-renowned dog trainer, and advocate. Our reviews are based on collar capabilities as well as cost, limitations, and expandability. That’s why we’ve put together this article on the best GPS dog fence reviews for you to check out.

Our Favorite: The Halo Collar 

The Halo Collar is a smart GPS collar designed by The Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan. It comes in either black or white and is a sleek, everyday collar designed for constant use. Advanced GPS tracking means you’ll always know where your dog is. The companion app allows your smartphone to act as the GPS tracker for added convenience.

Halo’s Smart Wireless Fence ability also allows the pet owner to set up to 20 different fences at a time so their dog can have access to a wide range of locations. Set up a fence around your backyard, your local dog park, or even on the go while camping, and rest easy knowing your dog won’t stray. 

Halo was designed to be used as a training aid by allowing the owner to establish boundaries and increase the level of trust between the dog and its owner. The collar offers different sounds for warnings and praise which is designed to help keep a positive mindset towards training. After setting custom preferences, Halo provides automated feedback to the owner as well as using a unique whistle that reminds your dog to return back to you. Along with opening up the entire world of freedom to your dog, Halo also tracks your dog’s activity levels so you can see exactly how much time they spend sleeping, running around and where they’ve been. 

>> Check out our in-depth Halo Collar Review <<

Most Luxurious Option: SpotOn Virtual Fence 

The SpotOn Fence system is one of the easiest GPS Fencing options on the market when it comes to GPS trackers. All you need to do is walk a perimeter with the collar in your hands in order to set up an invisible dog fence and you’re good to go. You can also use the GPS tracker app on your smartphone for easy set up.

Their collar is designed to be lightweight and comfortable, even with the additional hardware on board to keep your dog safely within their boundaries. SpotOn boasts that their GPS tracking system is the most accurate on the market as it can pinpoint your dog’s location within 10 feet. 

All fences are programmed using GPS, so your cell phone coverage doesn’t matter unless you need to actively track your dog. The collar is waterproof too, so don’t worry if your dog indulges in a dip here or there. With the highest pricepoint of any collar on our list, the SpotOn Fence system is designed for the most pampered pup. If you simply need the absolute best for your dog, this system is likely for you.

>> Check out our in-depth SpotOn Virtual Fence Review <<

Best Budget-Friendly GPS Dog Fence: AngelaKerry Wireless Dog Fence System 

The AngelaKerry GPS dog fence is a great option for someone who is new to the idea of using a GPS dog fence and not willing to buy into the more expensive options. This dog containment system is designed to be set up quickly and users should expect their dog to get the hang of their new boundaries within 3 weeks. The AngelaKerry GPS dog fence is most suited to a wide-open area like acreage, campgrounds, or on the trail. It has an adjustable radius from 20-800 meters focused around a central point and going out in a circle, which effectively removes the need for a bulky transmitter. All of the GPS functions are integrated into the collar, making it extremely portable and easy to use. There are five levels of static correction to allow users to adjust the strength of the shock for their dog. It is important to know that this collar can experience limitations whenever there are clouds, snow, or rain nearby that can affect the signal stability.

Although it’s true that you get what you pay for, this very inexpensive GPS collar is worth every penny. It boasts a minimal margin or error, a refund guarantee, and an adjustable correction level for such a small price. The collar can be plugged into power banks to charge on the go as well.

>> Check out our in-depth AngelaKerry Wireless Dog Fence System with GPS Review <<

Best Middle of the Road Option: SportDOG brand SportHunter Family Remote Trainer 

SportDOG Brand SportHunter Family Remote Trainers also referred to as the “X series” is a group of waterproof, rechargeable E-collars designed specifically for use with hunting dogs. This option isn’t exactly a GPS Dog Fence but a system designed to let your dog roam freely using a long-range collar and a remote to communicate. With range options between half a mile to a full mile, you are able to decide how far is allowed when it comes to free-roaming. The collar is equipped to last 50-160 hours per charge depending on the model and takes only 2 hours to charge across the board. 

The SportDOG brand SportHunter Family Remote Trainer is a great pet GPS tracker for your dog. The SportDOG Brand Remote Trainer is unique in that it allows the owner to communicate with several dogs on one remote. They offer a full range of supplies to aid in training, from cords to locator beacons to help teach your dog to come when called, although proper training before setting them loose in the field is recommended. Although the GPS tracker is part of a separate remote, the fact that you can communicate directly with your dog is a nice touch.

Most Lightweight, Multipurpose Option: Garmin Sport PRO Training Collar

Garmin’s Sport PRO Training Collar is a collar/remote combo designed for portability. It does not have the function of previous collars that allow for specific GPS fencing options to be set, but this GPS tracker does allow you to control your dog remotely using their choice of vibration, stimulation, and tone in both continuous or momentary options. There are 10 stimulation levels to choose from to allow you to choose the strength just right for your dog. 

One feature that sets this collar out from the competition is the built-in Bark Limiter that helps remind your dog to keep barking to a minimum. The remote also floats, so don’t worry about losing it in a body of water as it was designed to be durable. Every collar comes with a built-in beacon light as well to let you visually track your buddy even in the dark or early morning. 

Best Tech on a Budget Option: Dog Expedition TC1 

The Dog Expedition TC1 Border Patrol GPS System and Remote Trainer combine the remote training capabilities of the last two options and the highly desirable GPS fencing system that many pet owners are turning to today. The unit establishes a wireless fence up to 400 acres without signal loss or interruptions due to its GPS technology. The boundary zone is fully adjustable with the minimum radius being 15 yards, but keep in mind that the shape is always a circle. 

With 50 levels of static stimulation, tone, and vibration options the collar can be fully adjusted to warn, correct, and track your dog as he figures out the boundaries of his territory. The remote has a 2.4 inch LCD color display that is user-friendly, although the resolution is a bit blurry. This doesn’t seem to interfere with the tracking abilities of the collar so you can rest assured that if your best friend takes off without you, you’ll be able to reunite with him easily. 

Biggest Range and Expandability: SportDOG TEK 2.0 

SportDOG Tek 2.0 is the second of the SportDOG family collars on this list but is considerably more advanced for its increased price. With a communication range of 10 miles and expandability of up to 21 dogs, your remote could easily become the pack master after appropriate training time. Using a combination of GPS and GLONASS satellite tracking technology, the TEK 2.0 is able to produce colored, topographical maps on its remote— it’s truly one of the best GPS dog fences. These maps are free and have unlimited lifetime updates so you can rest easy that you’ll always have the most up-to-date map to track your dog with. 

Both the remote and the collar are waterproof, with batteries that can last up to 24 hours on a single charge although the duration of any battery is highly subject to length of use. The SportDOG Tek 2.0 also allows itself to be connected to a laptop or computer to make software and firmware updates easier. 

Best Hunting Option: Garmin Alpha 100TT 15 Dog GPS 

Combining the advanced technology of GPS with easy-to-learn, reactive controls, this Garmin dog tracker uses GPS and GLONASS technology in its pet GPS tracker to help you track and train your dog, or dogs, as you work together in the field.

The Garmin Alpha 100TT comes preloaded with topographic maps, allowing you to track your dog and guide him towards areas where he’ll be able to do his job easier. The remote allows you to set up virtual boundaries and be alerted immediately to your dog’s location if it strays out of them so you can correct them as soon as possible, even from up to 9 miles away.

Track and train your dogs at the same time as your handheld gives you location updates every 2.5 seconds. Even with a pack of dogs, you can zero in to correct or guide each and every one with minimal effort, making this GPS collar a real powerhouse. An extra-special feature of this collar is Rescue Mode, which allows you to extend the battery life of your dog’s collar for put to 12 more hours, enabling you more time to locate your dog. This is especially useful for a dog that is scared or injured and might have hidden away. 

What is a GPS Dog Fence? 

GPS wireless dog fences are a system using GPS technology to create an invisible fence (also sometimes called wireless fences) to keep your dog within a designated area. A traditional dog fence is made of a physical material like a chainlink or wood. In some rural areas, fencing can include barbed wire, hog wire, cattle fencing, or even chicken wire. A physical fence means maintenance, however. Downed trees, poachers, or even wildlife can damage a fence, meaning your dog can slip out without you noticing. 

Invisible dog fences are different, although they do have a physical aspect. Typically a wire is buried in the ground along the outskirts of a predetermined boundary zone. This zone is programmed into a receiver that the dog wears around its neck. If the dog gets too close to the edge of the perimeter they can receive a small correctional shock, beep, or tone that encourages them to turn away. 

GPS wireless dog fence uses satellites to map a boundary, typically from a phone app or handheld remote. The collar still acts as a receiver and corrector just like the Invisible fence, but the GPS technology allows for greater control and adjustability. Most collars usually allows you to track your dog’s location in addition to creating wireless fences.

GPS fences are becoming more popular, with just about every E-Collar brand offering some form of long-range tracking, training, or boundary-setting. 

Do Wireless fences for dogs with GPS work? 

The short answer is yes, but it is extremely important to keep in mind that proper training is the key to success with any type of fencing system. Dogs work with us the best when learning new boundaries and expectations. Teach your dog how to listen and react to the cues offered to them through the collar so that they don’t panic and charge through the invisible boundary. This will make it a lot easier to set up perimeters on the go or in new areas. GPS fencing allows you to take your dog with you to places that weren’t an option before, so don’t ruin it with poor training. 

Why Should I use a GPS dog fence? 

There are several situations where using a GPS dog fence is encouraged. A traditional fence often sparks even the quietest dog to turn into an escape artist. Dogs regularly get snatched out of their backyards, from cars, or anywhere they’re tied up. Many people think that if their dog is microchipped they can track their dog wherever they go, but this sadly isn’t the case. Using a GPS collar is a great way to track your dog and ensure that you get your precious furbaby back. 

In the event that your dog escapes [1] while you’re at work or inside the house, having a GPS collar is a great way to find them before they get into trouble. Most GPS fencing systems have automatic alerts that get sent directly to your phone or computer whenever your dog exits a predetermined boundary. Some collars even alert you if your dog hasn’t moved in a while or their heart rate is too high, which could be a sign of stress.  

Frequently Asked Questions For Dog Owners

What is the best GPS dog fence system? 

Our favorite GPS dog fencing system is the Halo collar, which offers comfort, reliability, and style in the face of other GPS collars that are typically more bulky or unsightly. The Halo collar comes with an app that allows you to track their activity levels and adjust safe zones in order to keep track of your dog’s exact location at any given point. 

What is the best wireless fence for dogs? 

If you’re looking for a gps fence system for your dog, there are a lot of different wireless dog fences on the market. We strongly believe that the Halo collar is the best wireless dog fence system on the market today. It offer all of the features of a traditional wireless dog fence, and takes it even further with GPS tracking. Designed by Cesar Millan, the Halo collar offers unbeatable comfort and programmability for its’ price point as well as an easy-to-use app that allows the pet owner to track everything about their dog even while at work. If you’re looking for a system for multiple dogs, then you might want to consider a more affordable brand like AngelaKerry or SportDOG.

Are GPS dog fences good? 

GPS dog fences rely heavily on the level of training [2] your dog has. If you want the system to be effective you have to be honest with yourself about your dog. Highly reactive dogs, aggressive dogs, or untrained dogs should not be left alone with a GPS collar and expected to figure it out. You should expect to take about 3-4 weeks of training before trusting your dog enough to wander around alone, and even then they should always be somewhat supervised until you are confident that no accidents will occur. Keep in mind that even the most well-behaved dogs can have accidents and run out of bounds, so take appropriate precautions to insure that your dog is safe whenever they are outside. 

How much does a GPS invisible fence cost? 

There is no one-price-fits-all when it comes to picking the right GPS dog fence for your fur baby. Factors such as location, breed, size, and temperament should always be considered long before the budget is even brought into question. Some collars work better in smaller areas, and some work better in wide-open spaces. Expect to spend more money on collars with more features, but it can be extremely worth it to have a dog able to be ‘fenced in’ anywhere you bring them. Pricing for the collars/fence systems on this list range from $100 to $1500. GPS collars are an investment, and with proper care they will outlive your pet, surviving to be used on the next member of your family. What every GPS collar has in common is the desire to set up boundaries and allow the owner to track their pup wherever they may go, allowing us to give our dogs the world, literally.

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