Is there a “best invisible dog fence?” In terms of just the products themselves, sure. In terms of what you need? Well, that’s entirely different. After all, it can be the best and fail to have the exact functionality you need. How does that work?
If all you need is containment, then the fact that some invisible dog fences have a whole lot more is irrelevant.
That said, choosing the best of the best is a matter of knowledge, which I am very happy to convey here. If you prefer a visual format, I own several of the devices I reference in this article and have posted multiple reviews, unboxings, comparisons, and more on YouTube. Have at it, and have fun!
Product
Details
Use Code “WAF” to Get $75 Off
SpotOn GPS Dog Fence
- STYLE: GPS TRACKER
- SPECIAL FEATURE: RELIABLE GPS FENCES
- COVERAGE AREA: 1,000 ACRES
Runner-Up
Halo 4 Collar
- STYLE: WIRELESS DOG FENCE
- SPECIAL FEATURE: ALL-IN-ONE SAFETY SOLUTION
- COVERAGE AREA: 1,200 ACRES
Best Invisible Dog Fences
I’m going to cover six of the popular invisible dog fences on the market today, including the top three (by a long shot) by every metric.
Like every product, these wireless fence systems and in-ground fence systems have strengths and weaknesses. But I’ve carefully crafted each example so that you know exactly what you’re getting into before you make the leap.
1. SpotOn GPS Dog Fence (Gen 2+ Omni Edition)
It’s difficult to ignore the fact that this is the single most premium smart collar product on the market today. When it comes to invisible dog fences, SpotOn consistently leads the pack. If there’s anything that damages the brand in a major way, it’s the overall price since SpotOn is also the most expensive of the bunch.
Design of SpotOn GPS Dog Fence
A big part of being the top invisible dog fence is in the design. After all, aesthetic appeal is the first thing to draw the eye. How aesthetic appeal relates to functionality significantly separates the SpotOn from the rest of the pack. The reason for that is how the collar works with gravity.
SpotOn already contains a lot of high-end hardware and software, but the signal is everything, like all communication devices. Without it, the SpotOn is little more than a paperweight. The SpotOn collar’s design is such that the heaviest part slides to the bottom, resting comfortably against the dog’s throat.
The lightest part, the antenna, is on the opposite side of the collar from the heaviest section. Naturally, this means the antenna is always on the back of the dog’s neck, giving it a clear line of sight with the satellite constellations it communicates with. Simple, right? Well, SpotOn is the only smart collar of the top three that does this.
Otherwise, it’s a bulky collar that is not compatible with really small dogs. However, it is sleek and highly durable. It’s manufactured using a synthetic, rubber-like material that withstands impacts and abrasions. It also has a simple, pop-in fit collar design that makes tightening and loosening it a breeze.
Highly Accurate GPS Boundary
The SpotOn utilizes TrueLocation technology, with communication compatibility with 128 satellite connectivity from multiple constellations. It doesn’t update the fastest, but its accuracy is as close as possible to a physical boundary.
It’s one of the rare invisible dog fences that maintain a consistent and dependable barrier.
Flexible Fence Creation
First and foremost, if you want to design an invisible fence, the SpotOn provides you with the most flexibility and creativity. You can walk out your boundaries with extreme accuracy, which is best for those with many obstacles on their property.
You can also plot invisible dog fence posts directly on the phone app, create almost any shape you can imagine, and overlap your fence line as necessary. The only constraint is the requirement for a minimum of 1/2 acre.
If your property is smaller than that, the SpotOn will not work without some additional creativity and circumstance.
Quick and Easy Setup
Setting up the SpotOn is fairly straightforward and simple. It’s a smart fence collar device, and you’ll have to download the companion app on Android or iOS for the collar to function.
Practically all invisible fences are like that nowadays, so you’re probably used to it. Besides, all of the fence design, tutorials, guides, infographics, etc., are buried within the app.
- Download the app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store
- Create an account (basic profile info for yourself and your pup)
- Scan the QR code on the inside band of the collar
- Pair the collar to your smartphone
- Customize your virtual fence by walking it out or creating a wireless dog fence via a touchscreen
- Test the collar out (there are guides within the app for this)
- Set up your notifications
- You’re all set!
SpotOn does not require a subscription unless you want to track your dog (in case it escapes or is otherwise lost), so you can stick with the dog fences you create if you prefer.
Works Without Cellular Service
SpotOn, specifically the newest Gen 2 (Omni), features universal cellular, which means that it will always default to a cell connection based on the strongest signal at your current location.
However, SpotOn also features an off-grid mode, which allows you to make an invisible fence without any cell signal.
Its Forest Mode is always active, reducing interference from heavy tree cover and providing the best signal strength in environments with heavy tree cover, tall buildings, or other natural or synthetic structures.
Durable and Waterproof
In one of my several videos covering the SpotOn collar, I dipped the SpotOn in a sink full of water to prove the efficacy of its waterproof claims.
The SpotOn is water—and dustproof with an IP67 rating, so your dogs are more than welcome to jump into pools, ponds, rivers, etc., without worrying about the integrity of the collar.
Optional Real-Time Tracking
As I stated above, real-time tracking is a subscription-only feature that you don’t need unless you expect your dog to escape, get lost, or roam freely. It’s entirely optional.
If all you need is containment, the SpotOn becomes not only the ideal invisible dog fence but also the cheapest in the long run.
Long Battery Life
In a recent software update, SpotOn introduced a new Extended Battery Life Mode that pushes the boundary of the battery life up to 35+ hours. Prior to the update release, you could get about 25 hours out of it before it needed a recharge.
Still, you’ll probably find yourself charging it nightly, and it only takes 1-2 hours—less if you hit it with a 20w charging block.
If you have a working dog, the new 35+ extension is highly beneficial, allowing you to keep your dog outside for an additional 10 hours before recharging.
Made and Supported in the USA
This is a highly important factor for many dog owners, and SpotOn collars are manufactured here in New Hampshire. Customer service is excellent and also located in the United States. The collar also comes with a 1-year warranty.
Price
As mentioned above, the SpotOn is the priciest upfront option, with a regular retail price of $999. However, you don’t have to subscribe if you don’t want the tracking option.
The optional subscriptions include $9.95/mo, $101.88/yr, and $179.76/2-year plans.
SpotOn Pros and Cons
As with everything in life, there are a few drawbacks to owning a SpotOn. The first and most glaring example is the upfront cost.
However, in most cases, those in need of a highly accurate, dependable collar build quality that provides you with the perfect invisible dog fence options will accept the cons, thanks to everything the SpotOn offers.
Pros
- Superior Accuracy
- Versatile Fence Creation
- Portable and Travel-Friendly
- Operates Without Cellular Service
- Optional Advanced Features
- Durable and Weatherproof
- Flexible Financing Options
- 90-day Satisfaction Guarantee
- Works in containment mode without a subscription
Cons
- High Initial Cost
- Subscription Required for Advanced Features
- Dog’s Size Limitations: Not Ideal for Small Yards
SpotOn GPS Dog Fence
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2. Halo Collar 4
The second on our invisible dog fence list is the Halo Collar 4, which is probably the most recognizable and popular collar option on the market. Much of that is owed to the co-designer, Cesar Millan, who earned his name and reputation as a “dog whisperer” and all-around expert in all things canine.
Design of the Halo Collar 4
The Halo Dog Collar 4 is an innovative design leap over its predecessors. I own a Halo 2+, Halo 3, and a Halo 4, and the difference couldn’t be more obvious in terms of aesthetics and design-functionality.
Like the SpotOn, the new Halo 4 now has a split in its bulky center, allowing the collar to function a little more like the SpotOn, with the heavy portion sliding down and leaving the antenna to the side.
It’s more slick, with a thinner body and more color contrasts and variations. I have the yellow one, which has 33% less mass than the Halo 3.
It’s also 18% lighter, so it’s more comfortable for smaller dogs that struggled with the weight of the previous iterations. It can now fit neck sizes between 8″ and 30.5″.
In case you need more information, I’ve also presented an in-depth comparison of Halo 3 vs. SpotOn, breaking down their features to help you decide better!
The Halo collar 4 also features a Perfect Fit System, which allows you to get the exact size right, cut off the excess length of the collar, and replace the endcap with a new one.
Dual-Frequency GPS Technology
Part of what makes the Halo Collar 4 one of the most popular invisible dog fence options on the market is the ever-improving technology.
While the SpotOn’s Forest Mode and Off-Grid connection placed it well ahead of the Halo in terms of accuracy, the Halo Collar 4 is closing the gap with its Dual-Frequency GPS capability.
Dual-frequency GPS utilizes L1 and L5 GPS bands, improving the overall accuracy as it switches back and forth.
It also eliminates bouncing signals (reflected signals are weaker) and otherwise weaker signals in favor of the strongest, reducing interference and strengthening the collar’s communication capabilities.
It’s not quite in the same league as the SpotOn yet, but the improvements definitely place Halo 4 on the same playing field as one of the greatest invisible dog fence collars on the market. For a closer look, check out my Halo 4 review video to see how it stacks up!
Real-Time Tracking
The Halo 4 features 4 GPS updates per second, maintaining a rapid dog location aptitude that’s hard to beat with other invisible fences. It can get a little quirky inside heavy tree cover, but it’s generally effective, even in these situations.
Instant Fence Creation Via Mobile App
A collar doesn’t join the top invisible dog fence ranks based on the collar alone. As with all the best smart collars, the Halo 4 collar comes with a companion app. The app allows you to build a fence line, joining it with others until you have your entire perimeter laid out.
It’s highly convenient, especially if you just want to drop an immediate box in the area.
Unlimited Fence Sizes
The Halo 4 allows for a smaller minimum area than the SpotOn’s 1/2 acre. With the Halo, it’s 900 sq. ft., with a maximum boundary of 1,200 sq. mi. Yes, square miles. That’s huge, and if you ever need something that massive, it’s hard to find another smart collar that makes that kind of size allowance.
Customizable Feedback Options
There are three warning feedback modes on the Halo 4: static, vibration, and tone. The tone stimulation is difficult to hear, even at its highest setting, because the decibels are calculated to the range of a canine’s hearing rather than our own.
However, it’s highly effective, and I use it more than I do the vibration feedback option.
I typically don’t embrace the static correction settings, but they are there if you need them. The collar is designed to give encouragement feedback to your dog to move back in the right direction, ceasing to emit corrections when your dog moves in the right direction.
It will even emit encouragement, like Cesar Milan’s voice, when your dog is heading back.
Durable and Waterproof Design
Like the SpotOn, the Halo 4 is IP67 rated, meaning it can withstand a lot of dust and full water submersion. If you live on a property that has an accessible pool, pond, creek, river, or other bodies of water, your dog can freely go for a swim without worrying about the integrity of the collar.
30+ Hour Battery Life
The biggest drawback to invisible dog fence devices available today is all the technology packed into them. This tech requires a lot of power, draining the power rapidly. The Halo 4 comes in at roughly 30+ hours of rechargeable battery life, just shy of the SpotOn’s capability.
Works Everywhere
With the Halo 4, you can build invisible GPS fences anywhere you go, regardless of whether or not you have a cellular or Wi-Fi signal.
However, if you’re heading to an area without cell coverage, build the fence before you leave, and it will work without issue when you arrive. Unlike the SpotOn, the Halo gets really finicky if you’re trying to build dog fences while standing in an area with no coverage options.
User-Friendly Mobile App for Fence Management
Halo offers one of the best app experiences available, thanks to a massive and robust built-in guide and tutorial system. If you’re a visual learner, you’ll love the Halo app.
I found the video content to be very specific and very helpful as I learned the ins and outs of building invisible fences, managing them, and training my dogs.
Most wireless dog fence options simply don’t come with all of the built-in knowledge the Halo offers. Despite my preference for the SpotOn, I love the Halo app much more.
Halo Beacon
Only a handful of invisible fences come with additional hardware for pet containment purposes. However, the Halo dog collar comes with one Halo beacon, a circular device roughly the size of a quarter.
The beacon allows you to create fences in a spherical keep-out zone or deactivate your dog’s collar for walks.
For instance, if you keep the beacon on your key chain and activate it, whenever your dog steps within 10 feet of you, the collar deactivates.
Now, you can throw the leash on and go for a walk without worrying about corrections. It’s basically its own invisible fence, with a spherical shape and two purposes.
Halo offers four different beacon types, with a weatherproof option for integrating with your dog fences as a keep-out zone, such as a garden, swimming pool, shed, chicken coop, or other sensitive areas you want your dogs to stay out of.
Customer Support and Price
Currently, the Halo collar is priced at $569.99, a roughly 43% drop from the SpotOn.
On the flip side, the Halo dog collar requires a subscription plan. The Bronze Plan is $9.99/mo. The Silver Plan carries a $14.99.mo price tag, while the Gold Plan is $19.99/mo. The price is discounted for each if you opt for one or two-year payments.
Additional collars on the same plan will run you $3.99/mo (Bronze) and $4.99/mo (Silver and Gold) more. Customer Service for Halo 4 is exemplary, which is one reason it’s one of the top invisible dog fence collars available.
- Halo Dog Park: Virtual support environment (video calls on the app)
- Phone Support: 8 am to 6 pm EST on weekdays and 10 am to 4 pm EST on Saturday and Sunday
- AI Support: The app features an AI support bot for simple questions and concerns
- Live Text Chat 24/7
- Help Center: a massive and comprehensive resource with articles, FAQs, guides, and videos available online or on the app.
Pros
- High GPS Accuracy (Within 1.4 feet)
- Easy and Quick Fence Setup
- Real-Time Location Updates
- Versatile for Various Environments
- Customizable Training Mode Options
- Lightweight and Comfortable Design
- Comprehensive Support and Resources
- 60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
- 1-Year Warranty
Cons
- Monthly Subscription Required (Starting at $9.99/month)
- Higher Initial Cost Compared to Some Alternatives
- Static Correction May Not Suit All Owners
3. Invisible Fence® GPS Collar
The Invisible Fence company is not as well known as SpotOn and Halo, but it is still one of the best invisible dog fence options available, although it falls short of SpotOn and Halo in a number of ways.
Like the Halo and SpotOn, I own an Invisible Fence GPS Collar and have created some extensive video content covering its capabilities and comparisons.
Design and Durability
This is where it shows the most as a more budget-friendly option. The collar is durable and flexible but made of thinner, lightweight plastic and a rubber-like synthetic material.
The collar material is slick, and it’s a struggle to keep it in place and tight enough to fit your dog’s neck with the two-finger spacing rule.
It fits neck sizes between 15″ and 28″, which shrinks the number of dogs that can effectively wear it, excluding very large dogs and small to very small dogs.
The collar is lightweight and comfortable on my dogs, but it loosens on its own, as stated above, even when it’s strictly used as intended.
It’s certainly not an ugly collar, but it doesn’t do anything aesthetic-wise that stands out from the pack. Like the SpotOn and Halo, it has an IP67 weather rating, so dust and water are easily withstood, even if your dog(s) loves to hit the water.
Accurate GPS Boundary Technology
As a slightly watered-down version of the SpotOn and Halo, this GPS fence utilizes the L1 and L5 bands that the Halo dog collar embraced. It allows for real-time tracking with instant alert notifications and Location Assist Technology.
Unlike the Halo and SpotOn, this dog fence loses accuracy in heavy tree canopies, and the boundary alerts become fairly finicky, sometimes going off when you’re walking back to the fence line despite the fact that it’s already been crossed.
Exceptional Battery Life
Invisible fence accuracy aside, this collar seriously outperforms the others with a 72-hour battery life. There’s no other wireless invisible fence that operates at this level with a more extensive battery life.
There are other devices that offer invisible fences, but not to the degree of the SpotOn, Halo, and Invisible Fence GPS.
Customizable Fences
Only the best wireless invisible dog fence options allow for any degree of customization, and that’s a major reason why the Invisible Fence GPS is so high on the list.
The app, available for iOS and Android devices, offers up to 20 customizable GPS fences.
You can adjust the boundaries as needed. However, one of the biggest issues I have with changing the wireless dog fence in the app is the fact that you have to turn the collar off and back on again to get the alteration to save. Oftentimes, you have to dock it as well.
Regardless of the shape of your dog fence, it has to be 3/4 acre or larger, which eliminates most consumers in suburban areas, cities, or towns.
It certainly raises the appeal for rural homeowners, but 3/4 of an acre minimum eliminates a lot of customers.
Detailed Training and App Integration
Like the Halo and SpotOn, app integration is a must. You can’t put together an invisible fence system without it. Fortunately, this invisible fence sits somewhere between Halo and SpotOn, with the available training modules, guides, and training tools within the app.
You’ll find everything you need to put together the invisible dog fence within the app.
Customer Support and Price
The app also provides most of your professional support. It offers email, online chat, in-home service, and phone support. Customer support is also entirely US-based.
Currently, the price for this fence is $499.99, with a mandatory subscription. The good news is that the subscription is entirely free for the first year. The bad news is that it’s $99.00/yr afterward.
Pros and Con
There’s no such thing as the best wireless dog fence without pros and cons, and this GPS fence is third on the list. In other words, there are enough cons here to keep it from being in the number one spot as the best wireless dog fence.
With budget-friendly alternatives, there are always shortcuts.
Pros
- Longest Battery Life on the Market
- Real-Time Location Tracking System Enhances Pet Security
- Ability to Customize Multiple Fences
- Comprehensive Training Resources Available
- Dedicated US-Based Customer Support
Cons
- Annual Subscription Required After First Year ($99/year)
- Not Suitable for Small Dogs (Neck sizes under 15″)
- Minimum Yard Size Requirement (¾ Acre or Larger)
- Some Features Depend on Cellular Service
- Limited to 20 Fences
4. SportDOG Rechargeable In-Ground Fence System
An invisible fence is not necessarily the same thing as a wireless dog fence. The fence is simply invisible dog fence because the wires are buried.
Wired fences are usually cheaper and are highly effective. However, the trade-off is in the labor and the fact that you can’t easily change it if you need to.
Wireless dog fences work via cellular, GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth communication. An in-ground fence works with a collar receiver. There are still levels of wireless communication, but not to the same degree.
Installation
The SportDOG in-ground dog fence comes with 1,000 feet of wire, enough to cover roughly 1 and 1/3 acres on its own. Of course, you can purchase the same gauge wire or additional wire directly from the SportDOG brand if you need something a little larger.
In fact, you can expand to 100 acres with more wire. The system is robust enough to support it without much loss in all of that extra wire.
Your layout must be carefully planned because there are no do-overs here unless you want to involve yourself in a lot of extra digging.
Roll out the boundary wire along the planned perimeter and bury it up to 3″ down. As mentioned above, the system comes with a boundary transmitter, and your dog fence wire will connect wherever you decide to hang it.
Just make sure the transmitter is not exposed to adverse weather conditions.
Rechargeable and Waterproof Collar
Like the wireless dog fence systems above, the SpotDOG system includes a rechargeable collar that takes about 2 hours to charge from zero.
The best part is that once it’s charged, you’ll get anywhere from a month to two months with it. That’s a long time to not have to worry about your dog fence failing because the collar is dead.
Collar Material and Durability
The SpotDOG collar is made of hardened plastic and metal and features DryTek Waterproof Technology. It is submersible up to 25 feet, so your dog will be perfectly fine in the pool or pond.
The collar is all black or yellow and black, with a heavy front end. It won’t elicit any praise for its aesthetic value, but it’s durable and long-lasting.
Multiple Dog Accommodation
What’s better than an invisible fence system that contains your dog? One that contains unlimited dogs for no extra cost, outside of additional collars, of course.
As long as you have the collars, you don’t have to spend any extra money on containing more dogs, which is always a plus.
Customizable Correction Options
There are numerous customizable correction settings on the SportDOG.
- Tone Only: Audible warning tone with no static shock
- Vibration: Delivers a vibration only as a gentle reminder
- Momentary (Nick): Short, 1/10-second static shock
- Continuous: Longer static correction that lasts up to 10 seconds
- 7 Levels of Static Correction: The correction intensity levels adjust from Level 1 (lowest) to Level 7 (highest)
This dog training collar will also provide an alert tone and vibration warning prior to the shock, giving the dog enough time to change directions and head back through the invisible fence boundary line.
Safety Features
Wireless dog fences work without the need for additional safety features, with the exception of the collars, which are carefully tailored to avoid useless and harmful repetition. Unfortunately, in-ground invisible fences require a little more than that.
The SportDOG features a wire break alarm, in case the wire is ever severed or there is something wrong along the length of it. It also features a built-in surge protector in the event of a nasty lightning storm and lightning strikes close by.
Customer Service and Pricing
Despite being a completely different kind of dog fence system, the SportDOG still features robust customer service options.
They offer phone support for troubleshooting, warranty claims, and other inquiries, along with Live Chat from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
They also offer email support and warranty/return options if you’re not satisfied with the product. Though it’s not a wireless dog fence, the pricing is similar to the Invisible Fence GPS and much cheaper than the Halo 4 collar at $319.95.
There are no subscription offers, but there is a 1-year service plan at $59.99 and a 2-year service plan at $89.99.
Pros and Cons
Though it’s not a wireless invisible dog fence, the SportDOG still has a lot to offer, especially if you expect to be more stationary than others. It’s the perfect option for those who only go on the occasional vacation and don’t expect to move or make changes to the yard anytime soon.
But, like anything else, there are a few reasons some may decide on a different product altogether.
Pros
- Affordable Compared to GPS Systems
- Reliable and Consistent performance with physical boundary wire
- Expandable Coverage of large properties up to 100 acres
- Long Battery Life Collar lasts 1 to 2 months per charge
- Supports Multiple Dogs, i.e., Add unlimited collars for additional pets
- Waterproof and Durable Collar
Cons
- Labor-intensive installation that requires burying boundary wire underground
- Fixed installation; not suitable for travel or temporary setups
- Changing boundary requires modifying or re-laying wire
- Lacks GPS tracking and mobile app integration
- May not be feasible in rocky or heavily wooded terrain
- Does not offer features like customizable safe zones or activity monitoring
5. PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Dog Fence
The PetSafe Stay and Play sounds like an underground dog fence, but it’s actually a circular, wireless fence with a transmitter and training flags system. The flags simply tell you where the wireless dog fence lines are, but there is no electric fence or physical fence to deal with.
Unfortunately, wherever the adaptor sits within your house serves as the center of the circular boundary.
Installation
First and foremost, you have to jump online and check out PetSafe’s fence boundary and planner. There, you can plot out your smart fence system according to your dog’s needs, with a spherical layout no smaller than a 22′ radius and no larger than a 105′ radius.
PetSafe comes with a large adaptor, which serves as the system’s smart hub. To set it up, simply choose a place in your home and plug it in.
On the back of the adaptor, there is a digital display with controls for increasing and decreasing the spherical boundary.
Once you’ve set the boundary, walk outside with all the flags that come with the system and lay them out according to the circle boundary you created. The setup is quick and takes about an hour, tops.
Collar Material and Durability
The collar that comes with the PetSafe is a traditional one, with the receiver being the only difference. It sits on the collar and is kind of bulky, with the center of gravity maintaining it in a downward-facing position. It’s suitable for dogs that weigh 5 lbs or more and fits necks from 6″ to 28″.
Multiple dogs can have a PetSafe collar, and it all works within the singular system. There’s no need to buy extra equipment.
The collars only take about 2 hours to charge—faster if you’re on a 20w charger and will last up to 3 weeks under normal use.
Correction Options
The PetSafe’s correction options are not as extensive as the wireless fence options above, but there is a Tone-Only mode and 5 levels of static correction. Still, it’s one of the simplest wireless fence alternatives on the market, and a little bit of proper training will teach your dog to heed the tone.
Customer Service and Pricing
The customer service is not as extensive and robust as options like the Halo and SpotOn, but you do get phone support, live chat, and email support, along with a standard warranty in case of any defects or issues with quality workmanship.
The current price for a PetSafe Stay and Play wireless fence kit is $288.95, but it can change depending on the retailer.
Pros and Cons
These types of dog fences work with a transmitter hub, and that alone has its own pros and cons. In this case, it’s a matter of interference, depending on where the station is set up. Concrete, thick walls and metal are disruptive.
Pros
- Easy and quick installation without digging or wiring
- Portable for use at home, camping, or traveling to keep your dog safe
- Adjustable boundary size to fit various yard sizes
- Rechargeable collar with long battery runtime
- Suitable for small dogs and cats (5 lbs and up)
- Supports multiple pets with additional collars
- No physical barriers to obstruct views or landscaping unlike traditional fencing
Cons
- Circular boundary shape cannot be changed to a square or rectangle
- Maximum coverage limited to ¾-acre; not ideal for larger properties
- The transmitter must be placed indoors, away from metal objects
- Not suitable for dogs under 6 months old
- Metal roofs and large metal objects can interfere with the signal
- The collar must be removed when taking the dog outside the boundary
- Some users report occasional collar beeping or signal issue
6. PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Pet Fence
Last but not least, on our wireless fence (and not quite so wireless fence) coverage is the PetSafe Stubborn Dog. As the name implies, the Stubborn Dog is a response to, well, stubborn dogs and is not a wireless fence system like its cousin, the PetSafe Stay and Play.
Installation
Like the SportDOG, the Stubborn Dog is a wired, underground dog fence that covers 1/3 of an acre. However, you can expand it to 25 acres if need be, which is quite a large yard size.
As such, it’s effective for pet owners in suburban and rural areas. Installation is a manageable DIY project and similar to the SportDOG.
It requires layout planning, dragging your wire out and across your predetermined layout, and burying it up to 3″ down. Like every underground fence, it comes with a transmitter, and the ends of your in-ground wire plug directly into it.
Keep the transmitter in a dry place, away from adverse weather conditions.
From there, it’s a matter of testing the system and properly training your dog to adhere to it. It also comes with its own set of flags (50) so you can mark the boundaries. The collar comes with 500′ of wire.
Run-Through Prevention
What makes the PetSafe Stubborn Dog a “stubborn dog” is the collar’s design, which increases the intensity as the dog approaches the boundary and continues. The intensity goes away as the dog returns to the boundary line area.
Outside of Run-Through Prevention, the collar and the system are similar to other wired, in-ground systems, and there’s not much separating one from the other.
Collar Material and Durability
Like the other PetSafe Option, the Stubborn Dog collar is a traditional collar with the device attached to the center. It’s bulky and heavy in the middle only. The collar is also waterproof, and the system supports multiple dogs (unlimited, according to the literature).
Customer Service and Pricing
The collar’s price is $209.95, slightly cheaper than the PetSafe Stay and Play, but it comes with the same customer service and warranty options.
Pros and Cons
While not a wireless fence, there are still some things to like about the PetSafe Stubborn Dog, especially if you’re dealing with a dog that constantly has a mind for adventure mode and likes to chase the horizon every chance it gets.
Pros
- Effective for Stubborn Dogs
- Customizable Boundary Containment Shapes
- Expandable Coverage Area
- Multiple Correction Options
- Supports Multiple Dogs
- Durable and Waterproof Collar
Cons
- Labor-Intensive Installation (Wire Burial Required)
- Not Portable or Suitable for Travel
- Collar Uses Replaceable 9-Volt Batteries
- No Real-Time Tracking or GPS Features
- Not Ideal for Very Small Dogs (<8 lbs)
- Requires Consistent Training Effort
How Invisible Dog Fences Work
The in-ground wires work via the transmitter, with the collar’s approach to and passing the in-ground wire relayed to the transmitter, which creates a response in the collar and on your phone.
Wireless technology works in much the same way, but only with cell technology and GPS out of the way.
Instead, radio signal technology is used for transmitting distance and location, when a dog wears the collar. These types are often impeded by physical barriers that weaken and degrade the wireless signal but are quite effective otherwise.
A GPS wireless fence works with cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS, with satellites pinpointing location and Bluetooth, Cell, and Wi-Fi transmitting on the ground.
Benefits of Using Invisible Dog Fences
The benefits are numerous, but it generally comes at the caveat of expense.
- No digging or physical fence placement
- Far more customizable than permanent, in-ground wire
- No dependability on a transmitter
- No location restrictions
- Often saves money over a large, physical fence
- Wireless fence systems often feature live tracking and dog fence activity tracking
- A wireless dog fence works for various topography and property sizes
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Invisible or Wireless Fence
Choosing a wireless dog fence doesn’t have to be a heavy-duty chore, but it does require some considerations, depending on many factors.
- What is your coverage area, and is a physical fence viable?
- What are your budgets and cost constraints?
- Are you into DIY projects, or do you prefer simplicity?
- How important are waterproof and durable materials?
- What are your needs in terms of battery power and performance?
- How often will you travel, and how important is portability?
- What kind of correction levels and reinforcement training technique tools are you looking for?
- Will it work if there’s a power outage or no cell signal?
- How important is customer service?
You can probably sit down and think of some more. Considering the price tags on some of these, it’s worth taking the time to mull it over before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do invisible dog fences really work?
Yes, though some are better at it than others. The SpotOn is probably the most accurate and dependable collar out there, with the Halo close behind. However, other collars are more hit-and-miss, with some diamonds in the rough if you’re conspicuous in your pursuit.
Can a dog run through an invisible fence?
Yes, but most collars are designed with corrective measures, and some, like the Halo, use positive reinforcement to encourage the dog to head back.
What’s the average price of an electric fence for dogs?
The prices for electric dog fences can vary wildly, however, if you had to lock it down, between $54 and $700 for a DIY system, $240 for mid-range dog containment systems, and over $1,000 for the best of the best.
Can I install the invisible dog fence myself?
In most cases, they are designed for DIY installation. However, some collars offer professional installation. If you need professional help, be sure to check thoroughly before purchasing.
How long does training take?
That all depends on the dog and your level of commitment and patience. Most dogs are pretty smart, but some are smarter than others and don’t take too long until they’re trained properly. It took a day or two for my male Doberman and half a week for my female Doberman.
Are wireless fences safe for my dog?
For the most part, yes. My personal hangup is the electric shock correction system. I don’t use a shock collar, and it can damage a dog psychologically. Any dog will take to training if the training is done properly. All it takes is time and effort.
Conclusion
If your dog is an escape artist then based on this article alone, there are many choices out there to keep them secure! Personally, I love the SpotOn and Halo systems, especially the one collar I admire the most is SpotOn, which is the primary collar for both of my Dobermans. Other systems with almost the same features are also available, including Fi Series 3 and Tractive.
If you are interested in how these wireless dog fence systems work and which ones are worth your time, check out the WAF (World Animal Foundation) channel on YouTube, where I primarily cover these invisible dog fence collars and how effective (or not-so-effective) they are.
As always, do your homework on these wireless invisible dog fence products and devices, and keep your pets safe!
