What Are the Best Invisible Dog Fences? | iPetCompanion

What Are the Best Invisible Dog Fences?

For any dog owner that has a pooch who is prone to not staying close to your home or in the yard, they should think about what is the best invisible dog fence in order to keep them within a defined area. These types of products are also beneficial to any owners who reside near a busy highway and want to keep their dog safe or on a farm and need to deter their pooch from running onto a neighbour’s field.

As you may or may not already be aware, there are lots of different dog fence systems that are currently available on the market. Many of these boast different functions and features to effectively keep your dog contained within a specific area. Because it can be difficult to choose a product that suits both your needs and those of your dog, we have taken it upon ourselves to review some of the best wireless invisible dog fence out there. So carry on reading to see our list of Top Picks and discover what is the best fencing for dogs.

The Best Invisible Dog Fences:  Our Top Picks

humane contain invisible fence

  • Customizable system
  • Does not harm your dog
  • Collars are waterproof

Rated by: Amber

sportdog brand invisible fence

  • Set deterrent level
  • Covers a large area
  • Collars fit any dog breed

Rated by: Amber

pure solid copper invisible fence

  • Has a long warranty
  • Made in the USA
  • Robust wireless collars

Rated by: Amber

1. Humane Contain Model HC – 8000 Super Electronic Invisible Fence

Quick Summary

Rated by: Amber

This system is super customizable and can be changed to suit the layout of any yard or field that you want to keep your dog / dogs in. Simply bury the highly flexible wire into the Earth and attach the wireless dog collars and you are all done. Now you can begin using the system to train your dog.

As they approach the fence boundary (approx. 500 feet), they will start to receive stimuli via the collar, which acts as a warning not to come any closer, and thus stay within the fence boundary that has been set. The stimuli does not harm your dog, it is simply an unpleasant feeling. Both the unit used for transmitting the signal and the wireless collars are powered by rechargeable batteries, so there is no need to ever buy new or replacement batteries.

So that your dog can still enjoy normal activities such as splashing in puddles or even swimming in a lake, the collars are waterproof and have a slim design so that they never know that it is even there. Additionally, the transmitter unit is also waterproof so there is no need to worry if it needs to be placed outdoors where it may get wet. If you own more than one dog, then you are able to purchase extra ones that are fully compatible with this system.

PROS

  • Customizable system
  • Does not harm your dog
  • Collars and transmitter are waterproof

CONS

  • Comes without instructions or a training manual

2. PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment Fence System PIF - 300

Quick Summary

Rated by: Amber

The PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System PIF – 300 is really easy to set up and dismantle, which means you can take it with you when visiting friends / family or when going on vacation. To get it working all you need to do is hook up the transmitter to the mains power and it is ready to use. Because it is wireless, there is no need for poles or wires that are buried into the ground.

Thanks to this, any dog owner is able to instantly set up a fence that will keep their pet pooch safe from danger or causing mischief. As a result of the strong radio frequency that is put out by the transmitter unit, the area of containment can be up to 90 feet from the transmitter, thus creating a large area (approx. 0.5 acres) for your dog to run around and play in.

Because of how the transmitter works, this system is best suited to work in an area that is flat. If you wish to mark out the perimeter of the fence, then the system come with a number of flags that you can stick in to the ground to provide both yourself and your dog with a visual representation of where the fence boundary is. Upon nearing the fence boundary, the dog collar emits and loud tone, which acts as a warning to your dog to not go an closer.

They are waterproof, which allow your pooch to wear them whilst out in the rain or even when swimming. Easy to adjust, they are able to fit all breeds of dogs, including 8 pound Brussels Griffons through to 115 pound Bloodhounds. Should you need them, then additional ones can be purchased to go with this system. The batteries in these have a span of approx. 2 months and there is an indicator that lets you know when they are running low.

By spending just 15 minutes each day training your pet dog, you can have them fully used to the fence system in a matter of a few weeks. To help with this, a handy training manual has been included to provide you with tips and advice on how to effectively train your dog.

PROS

  • Quick to set up
  • Wireless and portable system
  • Collars fit all dog breeds

CONS

  • Collars are poor quality

3. Sitbooboo Flextrainer Hidden Fence System 20

Quick Summary

Rated by: Amber

With the option to change the type and levels of correction that your pooch receives, you are able to customize this system in order to suit the personality and temperament of your dog. The options available to you range from a static shock with seven intensity levels, down to a vibration, or a loud audible tone. These work effectively on a range of different sized dogs and breeds, including small Toy fox Terriers, through to large Tibetan Mastiffs.

Should your dog pass through the barrier, the deterrent goes off after a period of 10 seconds in order to enable your pet dog to safely return back into the designated area, rather than being continually shocked whilst it remains outside, causing severe stress to the animal. 

Thanks to the collar’s waterproof and weather proof capabilities, they can be submerged up to 3 feet in water and still function completely normally. So whether it is below zero outside or your dog enjoys swimming in lakes, the collar will live up to these conditions.

Should you need any extra collars, then these can be purchased at an additional cost. They are powered by lithium polymer batteries that are fully rechargeable, meaning that you never have to buy new or replacement batteries. The process of charging them is quick and easy, and once fully charged the batteries have a long life. If they ever need replacing or totally break on you, then you can return them to the manufacturer under the one year warranty that comes with these products.

With 500 feet of 20 gauge copper wire at your disposal, you are able to make a containment area that is as big as 20 acres. To create this, you can either attach it to an already existing fence, or bury it into the ground to create a new one. To provide both yourself and your pooch with a visual representation of the fence perimeter of the area, a bunch of small white flags are provided that allow you to mark it out. The transmitter unit has the capability to be mounted to a wall, either outside or inside of your home.

PROS

  • Covers a large area
  • Waterproof and weather proof collar
  • Customizable deterrents

CONS

  • Difficult to set up

4. PetSafe Stay + Play Wireless Dog Fence

Quick Summary

Rated by: Amber

This is a completely wireless systems that works best in yards that are small to medium in size. Where the product is most effective is within an area that is relatively flat, as the wireless signal can be obstructed by any hills or slopes that are present. With the PetSafe Stay + Play Wireless Fence you are able to create a containment area that is up to three quarters of an acre in size.

The process of setting up the dog fence is relatively straight forward and should take no loner than 1 hour. So that you can mark out the perimeter of the fence, the system comes with flags (approx. 50) that you can use to stick into the ground. The transmitter unit that comes with the fence emits a wireless signal up to 105 feet far, and so the fence does not need any cables burying into the Earth in order for it to work. 

Because of this, the system is portable and can be taken with you and used in any location required.

Once you begin using the fence, your pet dog should get used to how it works within just a few weeks. The collar can be set to a training mode so that if and when your dog breaks through the fence it is given a warning tone rather than a physical shock. The static shock option on the collar has five different intensity settings, so you can pick the one that suits the size and strength of your dog. It goes without saying that small dog such as a Japanese Chins or Yorkshire Terrier require lower intensity levels of correction than large or unruly dog such as Australian Shepherds or Basset Hounds. To help you with the training process a training manual is included.

Because they are adjustable, they will comfortably fit most dogs, regardless of their size. The system comes with one wireless collar as standard, but should you need them, extra ones can be purchased at an additional cost. This makes it the perfect product for use in a kennel or even for a dog sitter. They are 100 percent waterproof and so you do not need to worry if your pet dog decides to go for a swim or if it is raining outside. The good thing a bout these is that they are totally compatible with any other PetSafe dog fence, so can be used on your friends or family’s fence too.

Each dog collar is powered using an RFA-67 battery that is fully rechargeable and can be charged from completely empty to completely full in anywhere from 2 hours to 3 hours. On a full charge, the battery typically should last for as long as three weeks before it needs charging again. When it comes to this, the low battery indicator is triggered so that you are aware of this fact.

The fence system is covered by a warranty and should you ever require any help or assistance, the company has a team of experts that are available to talk to between Mondays and Saturdays and based within the United States of America.

PROS

  • Covered by a warranty
  • Works on larger and unruly dogs
  • Waterproof collars

CONS

  • Works bet for smaller areas

5. SportDog Brand Invisible Dog Fence

Quick Summary

Rated by: Amber

This dog fence system comes with a comprehensive two year warranty, highlighting the good quality product that this is. This is because the company has tested it in various different environments and it still performs perfectly, whether it is used out in the rain, heat, cold, wind, dust, mud, or snow.

Couple this with the fact that it comes with enough wire to make a containment area in any shape that is as large as 100 acres, what you have is a system that will keep your pet dog safe and secure at all times and in all places. To help mark out this area and to provide both you and your dog with a visual aid of where the fence boundary is, the system comes with 100 flags that can be stuck into the ground.

The dog collar that is included is fully waterproof and can be submerged to a depth of around 25 feet. This means that your pet dog can go for a swim or be out in the rain and there is no need to worry about the collar getting damaged. It can be adjusted so that it comfortably fits a dog as large as an Airedale Terrier or one as small as a Bichon Frise. The collar works via a couple of lithium ion batteries, which boast a life span of as long as two months. They are also fully rechargeable, within about 2 hours, and so saves you the need to buy new ones once they go flat. If you need more than the one dog collar that comes with the system, then they can be purchased individually at an extra cost.

If you wish to train your pet dog, then you are able to buy a remote at an additional cost. With this handheld device you are able to set both the type and the level (between 1 – 7) of deterrent that your pooch receives. This ranges from a middle warning tone and vibration, to a full on shock. However, one thing to bear in mind with the handheld remote is that it is not waterproof, so be careful when using it around water or when it is raining outside. 

PROS

  • Able to choose the type and level of deterrent
  • Covers a large area (up to 100 acres)
  • Collars fit any and all dog breeds

CONS

  • Handheld remote not waterproof

6. Pure Solid Copper Extreme 14 Gauge Invisible Dog Fence

Quick Summary

Rated by: Amber

Providing you with the piece of mind that your dog is safe and secure, this dog fence uses a transmitter unit, robust wireless collars, and a strong pure solid copper wire (14 gauge) buried into the Earth to create a containment area that works in all types of weather conditions.

If and when you require them, additional dog collars can be bought to use with this system. At any one time, a maximum of five pooches can be held within the containment area set out by the Pure Solid Copper Extreme 14 Gauge Invisible Dog Fence. To extend the length of the fence, simply add more wire to the system to create an area the size of 25 acres. 

However, it is important to remember that in order for this to work, it must be constructed into a circle rather than a straight line.

Buying all these additionalextras can be pricey and turn what is a relatively cheap dog fence into a highly expensive system. To get the most out of the product, it is advisable to use the training manual that comes with this United States of America made system.

PROS

  • Has a long warranty (5 years)
  • Made in the USA
  • Robust wireless collars

CONS

  • Short battery life of dog collar

FAQ  – A Buyer’s Guide

Now that you have read through our list of Top Picks, you may be left with several questions regarding an invisible dog fence. This is where our frequently asked questions section can help. Here we will attempt to answer those nagging queries you may have or answers to those questions you may have been to embarrassed to ask your friends and family. With this information you should be armed to make a sound purchasing decision based on facts and true statements, rather than having to guess. So continue reading to get informed.

Do electric dog fences really work?

Purchasing an electronic dog fencing system is often the last option after trying most other conventionally methods of keeping their pet dog contained within a specific area. In most instances, a dog will soon learn that they must stay within the designated area and if they do not hey will be reprimanded in the form of a shock or a warning via their collar.

If you speak to dog owners who have used such a system, it is likely that you will find varied responses. Some will state that they do not work in keeping their dog contained, whereas others will swear by their effectiveness. The best and only way to find out if an electric dog fence really works is to try it out on your own pet dog and see how they get on.

How much does invisible fencing cost?

An invisible dog fence can cost anywhere between $950 - $1,500. Those at the top end of this price range will effectively keep your dog well contained within large areas regardless of the breed or size. So these are recommended if you own a Bernese Mountain Dog, a Boerboel, or a similar sized dog.

Those on the cheaper end of the price scale are likely to have some limitations and are recommended for use on smaller, less powerful dogs, such as English Toy spaniels or Miniature Pinschers. What is important to remember is that prices can change and the ones quoted are often for the basic system and do not include all the additional extras, such as more collars, which all come at a further cost.

Are Invisible Fences safe for dogs?

These types of dog fences are effective in not only allowing your dog the freedom to roam but also in keeping them safe and secure from any dangers that may be lurking outside of the fence perimeter, such as highways or other animals. As is clear from the above reviews, many are able to keep even the largest and most unruly of dogs well contained within a specified area so that they cannot harm either themselves or others.

Are Invisible Fences cruel?

Some dog owners would argue that such systems for keeping their pet contained are not the best and may in fact be cruel. They may also go on to state that these fence systems may cause their pooch to become aggressive, frustrated, afraid, and / or even injured by the system. However, these are only true if the dog fence is not used correctly and without the necessary training administered. 

 The Best Invisible Dog Fences Of All

After reviewing each of these products in depth and considering their respective pros and cons, we came to the conclusion that the SportDog Brand Invisible Dog Electric Fence is the best invisible fence for dog. This is because it is athe best quality product out of all those in our list of Top Picks and will work to keep your dog safely and securely contained no matter what environment it is used in.

About the Author Amber