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Part of being a pet parent means providing protection for our fur babies, which can include installing an in-ground or wireless dog fence, also called an electric dog fence, to keep your dog on your property. Let’s face it, not all homes have a privacy fence, and invisible dog fences are an affordable way to provide this type of protection for our canine companions. An in-ground fence works by correlating with a dog’s collar. Typically, this collar will put off sound deterrents if your dog gets too close to the fence, but some collars will provide vibration or a brief shock if the dog continues to come closer to the buried wire. For many pet parents, dogs will stay inside the invisible fenced-in area with a modicum of training. Therefore, pet parents have a way to allow their dogs to go outdoors without having to have constant supervision.
The Best Invisible Dog Fence of 2022
Choosing an invisible fence for your dog can be a difficult choice, but there are some great choices out there. We love the Halo Collar as it offers pet parents the ability to choose the deterrent method (many dogs respond to the sound deterrent; pet parents don’t have to use the shock deterrent if they’re not comfortable doing so). It is one of the best wireless dog fence systems today. The Halo Collar also provides location information so, should your dog leave your property. Plus, the Halo Collar comes with training flags so working with your dog to teach her the perimeters of the fence is easy.
Our Favorite: Halo Collar
Pros:
- Because there is no need to bury wires, this collar is suitable for virtually any type of location, and it’s portable from one location to the next.
- Collar provides a number of different feedback mechanisms that can help to keep your dog safe while also working as an excellent training tool.
- The built-in app is very easy to use and has a host of features that will change the way that you care for your dog, including being able to share information with your vet!
- The collar is easy to adjust and fits on most dogs, making it a great choice no matter your dog’s breed or age.
Cons:
- The collar only fully reaches its potential when you use the corresponding app, which requires a subscription.
- One of the pricier collars on the market without the monthly subscription rate.
Key Features:
Easy to install
The installation process is one of the best things about this unit. It doesn’t require anything more than the ability to swipe your finger over a map, giving you the chance to draw a variety of different fencing regions without having to put in any physical labor.
No wires
One of the hardest parts of using a traditional invisible fence was always having to bury the wires to ensure that the fence could be activated. Since this model relies on GPS to work, you won’t have to bury a single wire. This helps to make the fence a great choice for those who don’t have the option of digging up their yards as well as for those who might need to install multiple fencing areas.
The ability to train remotely
Sometimes it’s helpful to have a little bit of extra emphasis when you’re training your dog. This collar doubles as a training collar, complete with a warning and praise sound for your dog that is all integrated via the Halo app. This can be a great version of clicker training for some dogs, while the ability to use the warning sounds is a good way to help your dog associate problematic actions with a stimulus that it does not enjoy [1].
Not only is the Halo an invisible fence, but it also offers activity monitoring
One of the more unique features of this device is the activity tracker. The Halo app for your smartphone will allow you to keep track of plenty of vital stats related to activity tracking, ranging from how long you’ve spent walking your dog this week (or double-checking the data in your dog walker smartphone app) to how much time your dog has spent outside. This is a great tool for those who are looking to keep track of their dog’s daily routines.
Track your dog’s location using GPS
Given the mission of the Halo Collar to help make sure that dogs won’t get lost, it makes sense that the unit also includes GPS tracking. You can track your dog’s location within a few feet whenever he or she is wearing the dog GPS tracker collar, even if the dog isn’t inside the wireless fence zone. This is a fantastic tool for those who worry about their dogs running even when inside an invisible fence.
Invisible Fence Feature
The Halo Collar is a tool that’s primarily used to keep your dog safe. The included Halo app allows users to set up to twenty different virtual fence zones, giving your dog plenty of room to run and play without ever encountering boundaries. When the wireless dog fence is activated, the collar will alert your dog when he or she is leaving an approved zone and gently redirect him or her back to safety.
>> Check out our in-depth Halo Collar Review <<
Great for Large Plots of Property: Wagz Freedom Smart Dog Collar
Pros:
- Allows for multiple geofences and Keep Out Areas for greater control over your dog’s movements and greater peace of mind for you
- Vibration and sounds guide your dog, instead of shocks that might cause distress
- GPS tracking helps you know your dog’s location at all times, using reliable networks
Cons:
- Up to 24-hour battery may require frequent recharging for active dogs, although the system comes with a removable and rechargeable backup battery.
- GPS signals can be inaccurate depending on your dog’s location and any surrounding structures or trees
Allowing your dog to roam safely on your property while keeping them safe at the same time can be a daunting task without constant supervision. However, there is one invisible fence and collar system that not only allows Fido to roam, but also allows you to set up “keep out” zones such as pools or ponds so that he is safe while outdoors at play.
Key Features:
The ability to set up Geofences and keep-out zones
Wagz Freedom Smart Dog Collar is the only containment system that is shock-free and also has wellness features. Being able to set up numerous zones gives your dog plenty of room for play and exploration.
Keep Out Zones prevent your dog from wandering into specific areas where you prefer he has no access, such as pools, ponds, or gardens. If your property has places where you can’t supervise your dog that easily, these zones are ideal for keeping him within bounds.
Health Monitoring
This invisible dog fence containment system offers the tools that you need to keep track of your dog’s overall health. You can easily find out how much energy your dog is burning and how far it’s walking. You can also track your dog’s sleep time, which is essential for evaluating your dog’s overall health. This and rest of its features also make Wagz one of the best smart dog collars around.
The Wagz Freedom Collar offers distance information when you take Fido on a walk
When you go on a walk, there are a lot of things you need to keep track of, and your traveling distance is one of the trickier things to keep up with on walks. Fortunately, the Freedom Collar makes this task easy. You can have a log of where and how far you went very easily.
With many owners trying to get their dogs, as well as themselves, into better shape, tracking your distance on walks is a helpful feature.
Correction that doesn’t require a shock
Sounds and vibration help direct your dog where he needs to go, rather than shocks. Collars that rely on shocks often needlessly frighten dogs and may negatively impact training efforts. Correction without shocks is a humane, effective way to keep a dog contained.
Real-time GPS tracking
GPS tracking is available in real-time, so you always know your dog’s location. This collar’s GPS tracking works best in outdoor settings with an unhindered view of the sky. Like the best GPS dog fence devices, the tracking system works with Galileo, GPS, and GLONASS satellites.
Some dogs are great at disappearing acts and poor at coming when you call them. When you can track the dog with GPS, you’ll locate your pet much more quickly. Your dog’s outdoor playtime never has to be frustrating.
The Wagz Freedom Collar offers the ability to integrate with multiple devices
The Freedom Collar can integrate with other devices, such as Alexa. Being able to connect to IoT devices opens up a broader range of activities for you and your dog. When software updates are available, they will be sent automatically while your battery charges.
Rechargeable batteries
The collar comes with two removable and rechargeable batteries.
Works really well on larger plots of land
The Wagz Freedom Smart Dog Collar works best on properties at least a quarter of an acre in size. Although you can use this collar for your dog on a smaller piece of land, you’ll need a 15-foot buffer to account for inaccuracies that buildings may cause. If your property has sufficient buffer room, the collar should work easily.
Wagz Freedom Smart Collar works with an app that can be downloaded on an iOS phone or an Android phone
This collar works with iOS 11 and Android 6 or later smartphones. As long as you have access to your phone, you can use the collar’s features without any problems. Accessibility with either type of smartphone helps make this collar as versatile as possible.
>> Check out our in-depth Wagz Smart Dog Collar Review <<
Adjustable Fencing on Property of any Size: SpotOn GPS Dog Fence
Pros:
- The most accurate GPS fence connects with three satellite navigation systems and pinpoints your dog to within 10 feet of his location.
- Fences work on GPS alone. Poor cell coverage will not affect your dog’s fences.
- Provides great flexibility, allowing for multiple fences in the same location – so you can fence just the front, just the back, or the entire yard.
- Incredibly well-engineered, even when you compare the unit to some of the best invisible fences on the market
- Works very well with dogs of different sizes and temperaments, so you don’t have to worry about its efficacy
- No need to dig up your yard to put in underground wires or to check on physical boundaries
- Incredibly easy to adjust, allowing you to really set up great play and exercises for your dogs no matter where you are.
Cons:
- If you plan to track your dog you must have cell coverage, which makes it very difficult to use if you live off the beaten path or in an area with spotty coverage.
- The price point is pretty high compared to other invisible fences, though you do get your money’s worth here.
Figuring out how to keep your dog safe outside while she exercises isn’t always easy, and pet parents don’t always have time to constantly supervise their pups. Fencing in a small yard for your dog is a simple solution, but this can be costly as well. For those with bigger yard areas, though, things get a little more complicated. You can keep your dogs confined to a small area with a small fence, but that decreases your usable land. If you’re like many, though, invisible fences seem like an obvious choice—but even those tend to be clunkier and less effective than pet parents expect. However, the SpotOn GPS Dog fence is effective and lightweight, making it the perfect choice for pet parents.
Key Features:
Works well for even the most active dogs
This collar was made with real dogs in mind. Not only does it fit well, but it’s even water-proof. You can feel comfortable letting your furry friend run around, splash in the water and even go for a swim without having to worry about taking off the collar.
Perimeters are customizable
Perhaps the most impressive feature of this unit is the fact that you can customize multiple perimeters. You set up where your dog can and cannot go—there’s no need for any extra steps. You can even choose to set up varying perimeters for different situations or for different dogs, with nothing stopping you from making changes as you see fit.
One of the best warranties in the market
Finally, the collar also includes a warranty. You’ve got 45 days to figure out if you like the collar, and another year to send the collar back if there are problems. Simply knowing that the creators stand behind the products is a great way to feel more comfortable using it with your dog.
Totally wireless
The lack of wires makes this GPS dog fence an ideal fit for those who either do not want to dig up their yards or for those who are not able to do so. The lack of wires isn’t just a set-up feature – it’s also a feature that can help you feel secure letting your dog wander after a storm or even in situations that would cause a more traditional invisible fence to fail.
Accurate Tracking
The collar also includes an optional plan that will allow you to track your dog to within ten feet. This is ideal for those who keep the collar on their dogs even when the fencing function isn’t attached, as it makes it incredibly easy to figure out where your dog has gone. This is a great feature for those who want to know exactly where their dogs are at all times.
Long-lasting battery life
This is an ideal set-up for those dogs that spend a lot of time outside. The battery charge on the unit lasts for up to thirty-six hours, so it’s perfectly safe to let your dog wander in his or her pre-determined perimeter all day and then charge up the collar at night. A longer battery life also means less collar failure and less of a chance of your dog getting out of its boundaries.
Flexible Level of Correction: PetSafe Stay & Play
The PetSafe Stay and Play offers users with even small dogs—six pounds or more – the ability to utilize a wireless containment system. Plus, the PetSafe Stay and Play requires no wires whatsoever, so you can use the system anywhere. That’s right – you can even take this pet containment system on vacation! Plus, if you live in a home that you rent, you won’t have to get permission to bury a wire on the property. We really like that the PetSafe Stay and Play allows for users to set the level of correction; there are five shock levels as well as two sound deterrents. Once your dog is trained, you’ll likely never have to use anything but the sound deterrents.
Key features:
Covers a fairly sizable piece of land
The PetSafe Stay & Play can cover up to three-quarters of an acre of land in its circular boundary that is drawn from the transmitter. Perfect if you have a larger piece of property for Fido to roam!
Completely portable
Because there are not any wires to be buried, the system is indeed portable. You do not have to deal with burying any wires on your own, and if you are someone who likes to camp or travel, you can bring it with you wherever you are going. That also means that set-up is very easy and should not take you more than a few hours.
Waterproof collar, but the transmitter must be kept indoors
The computerized collar is waterproof, so you are safe to let your furry friend play in the rain. However, the transmitter must be kept inside at all times as it is NOT waterproof.
Fits dogs of most any size
It can fit on any dog that weighs at least five pounds. The neck size of your pup may be anywhere from six inches to twenty-eight inches.
Once your dog is trained, you may never need to use the shock correction
The PetSafe Play * Stay offers five levels of shock correction, so you can select whichever level is best for your furry friend. Plus, there is a sound-only mode that is perfect for training your dog and a second sound-only option for an obedient canine that will behave without a shock.
System can be used with multiple dogs
This system allows for as many furry friends as you have. All you have to do is purchase more collars and sync them to the system. Each computerized collar can be set to a different level of correction, so pups of varying sizes and obedience levels can be corrected as necessary.
Great for Small Yards: PetSafe Wireless Pet Fence
Pros:
- Unlimited Dogs can utilize the containment system, simply purchase extra collars
- Very stable containment boundaries / signal
- 210 ft. (diameter) containment area
- Comfortable, responsive and rechargeable collar
- Very detailed installation and dog training manual, which provides great advice for novice dog owners
- Cons:
- Signal coverage can be an issue, especially around tall buildings, those with a metal roof, or lots of trees
Installing a PetSafe wireless pet containment system can be the perfect way to give your dog the freedom to roam about the yard, without any worry of them running away or approaching neighbors who would prefer to be left alone. As long as you make sure your dog is wearing the accompanying wireless collar they’ll know not to wander past the boundaries set by the wireless dog fence.
Key Features:
The small size transmitter conveniently fits inside your home
Keep in mind that because it’s not waterproof, the transmitter needs to be kept indoors.
Reliable wireless fence will keep your pet secure inside the proscribed area
The signal between the transmitter and the collar is reliably strong, provided there are no large structures or trees around the home that could block the signal.
No need to bury wires
This is a bonus if you rent your home or can’t access to a trencher to dig a hole for a wired in-ground fence.
Circular boundary adjusts to cover a 3/4-acre yard (22-105 ft in all directions)
Great for those with larger properties, but you want to make sure that Fido doesn’t roam too far.
Sets up in less than hours
The installation manual gives easy instructions on how to set up the wireless PetSafe Stay and Play, and there’s a great section on training your dog so that they can use the system safely.
Warning indicators on LCD display alert you if there is an error
Keeping your dog safe includes knowing that he is inside the boundary you’ve set up. Some smart collars and wireless fences fail, but they fail to alert pet parents that something is amiss. Knowing the system has encountered an error immediately can make the difference between keeping your dog safe and his becoming lost from the property.
Portable
If you take Fido on vacation or to the dog park, then you’ll love the portable feature of the PetSafe Stay & Play system. This allows you to keep your furry pal safe no matter where you take him.
Tone-only mode and 5 levels of adjustable static correction
This is great for pet parents who don’t want to utilize shock correction. Once your dog is trained, he will understand what those tones mean. Many times, you can simply use the tonal correction in order to protect your dog.
For dogs weighing at least five pounds and who are at least six months old
Adjustable collar fits neck sizes 6-28 inches in diameter
Receiver collar charges in 2-3 hours and each charge lasts 3 weeks
Best Made in America In-Ground Fence: Extreme Dog Fence
Pros:
- Reliable and consistent
- Wire is heavy duty and coated in a durable plastic, not prone to surges
- Transmitter offers a temperature and diagnostic tool so you’ll be alerted if something goes amiss
- Offers a ten year warranty
Cons:
- Not portable
- Doesn’t include a rechargeable battery
Key Features:
Waterproof up to ten feet
Most waterproof receivers that work with a containment system will allow for your dog to submerge the waterproof receiver device up to five or six feet. Plus, you’ll see in the instructions that you shouldn’t allow your dog to submerge the receiver for over thirty minutes. However, the Extreme Dog Fence is waterproof for up to ten feet, and it doesn’t matter if Fido swims for a few minutes or for more than an hour. This is one of the toughest waterproof receivers on the market.
Can cover up to six acres of land
The Extreme Dog Fence has one definite leg-up on the competition! It is able to cover up to six acres of land (most in-ground fences cover less than one acre). You’ll likely need a professional to assist with installation unless you’re handy with a trencher, but otherwise, this is the perfect in-ground fence for those with larger properties.
Safe correction on multiple levels
You can use tonal correction as well as shock correction if needed, but if your dog is trained successfully to obey the tonal correction, then you never need to use the shock deterrent.
Contact probes won’t cause your dog discomfort
Most shock collars can’t be worn over a few hours per day because they’ll cause irritation to the dog’s skin, but the contact probes of the Extreme Dog Fence are designed not to irritate your dog’s gentle skin.
Comes with fifty flags for training purposes
Using the flags provided will allow you to train your dog as to his boundaries. You may leave them up as long as necessary, or you may take them down if your dogs respond to the tonal correction.
Battery life of up to four months
The Extreme Dog Fence has one of the longest lasting battery life spans on the market. You WILL have to replace the battery as it’s not rechargeable, but this is quite a long time for the battery to last.
Best Expandable System: SportDOG In-Ground Dog Fence System
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Four levels of stimulation, including stimulation and tonal correction
- Included boundary flags are a helpful training tool
- Works with multiple dogs
Cons:
- Large, cumbersome receiver
- Collar isn’t the greatest quality
Key Features:
The fence is easily expandable
Perhaps you want your dog to be able to run around in an area greater than acre or you have a larger property? The SportDOG offers an option for exactly this situation. Expand the coverage area of the system simply by purchasing additional wire.
Low battery warning
The SportDOG system incorporates a low battery alert as a feature. When the time comes to replace the battery, all you’ll have to do is swap it out with a new 9-volt. The batteries are expected to last between six months and a year.
Waterproof collar
The collar is waterproof, making it resistant to the elements. You won’t have to worry about it malfunctioning in periods of inclimate weather either.
What is an Invisible Dog Fence?
An invisible dog fence is utilized to keep your dog inside a perimeter on your property without having to install a privacy fence. Now, it’s important to understand that there are actually two different types of invisible dog fence systems.
One type of invisible fence is an in-ground wire that you’ll bury on your property. Then, you’ll place the corresponding collar on your dog. Some invisible fences will work with a transmitter that communicates with the collar. When your dog gets too close to the transmitter, your dog will get a deterrent. This can come in the form of an audible deterrent (such as a high pitched sound that you might not be able to hear, but your dog can), or it may be a vibration deterrent. Most people tend to think that all in-ground fences work with a shock collar, but that’s not always true. Some collars only offer the shock as a last-resort type of deterrent and chiefly utilize the sound or the vibration to prevent your dog from going outside the boundary.
Another type of invisible fence is the wireless dog fence which is not buried in the ground, but instead is simply the collar. You’ll program the “fence” into the collar (sometimes using a corresponding app on your smartphone), and your dog will then be deterred with the same type of warnings. Again, pet parents can use the collar without having to utilize shocks to deter your dog from leaving your yard.
Types of Electric Dog Fence: Wireless vs In-Ground
A wireless dog fence is easy to install; in fact, there is no installation other than putting the collar on your dog! The wireless fence may or may not utilize a transmitter that you’ll put in a central location (inside your garage, for instance). Some wireless dog fences are “created” using a smartphone app, where you put in the perimeters of the fence.
An in-ground dog fence, however, requires you to dig into your yard and place the wire into the ground. You can use a trencher to do this and minimize damage to your yard, but some pet parents aren’t comfortable doing this. However, the in-ground fence is totally customizable. The in-ground fence is reliable, and very few things can cause the fence to stop working. You must also be careful to have a complete circuit when installing the wire. You’ll also have to make sure to join the transmitter to the spliced boundary wire
Installation takes longer with an in-ground fence; users report that it typically takes a day to install the fence, while a wireless fence can be up and running within an hour or two.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Invisible Dog Fence?
First, consider your home. If you rent or you may decide to sell your home within the next few years, then you’re better choosing the wireless dog fence. If you move or your landlord won’t permit placing the in-ground fence, then you won’t have to worry. You can simply take the wireless fence wherever you go.
Next, look at your home. If you have a tin roof or stucco siding, the transmitter for an in-ground fence may not work properly. This is also an issue if you have many trees in the yard or really any metal object in your containment area.
Third, if you like to take your dog on vacation, a wireless fence might be a better choice. You can take the wireless fence anywhere, and you’ll likely use a smartphone app to program the containment area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best brand of Invisible Fence for dogs?
The best brand of Invisible Fence for dogs really depends upon your personal needs and that of your dog. However, the Halo Collar offers dogs and pet parents many perks without having to create an in-ground fence or build a privacy fence.
2. Is an Invisible Fence worth it?
Yes! An invisible fence is great for pet parents who travel with their dogs, plus you won’t have to dig a trench in your yard.
3. What is the best wireless fence for a dog?
The Halo Collar is a great wireless fence for dogs.
4. What do I do if my dog runs through an Invisible Fence?
If the collar doesn’t deter her, you may need to check her location on the corresponding app and bring her back home. You may want to turn up the level of deterrents your dog will get so this doesn’t happen in the future.
