Every loving pet owner wants his or her pet to be happy and healthy. For pet owners with active dogs, this means giving the pet plenty of exercise outdoors. However, many pet owners are not able to walk their dogs as often as the dog needs. Letting your dog run around the yard is a great option, but if your yard is not fenced in, you run the risk of your dog running away, or running into a dangerous street and possibly getting hit by a car. Using a Wireless Dog Fence is a great solution. Here are the Best Invisible Dog Fences to suit you and your Pup.
Best Wireless Dog Fences : Best Invisible Dog Fences Picks For 2021
| Fence Name | Our Rating | Check Price on Amazon | Wireless Dog Fence | Good for | Coverage Area | Number of Dogs | Neck Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PetSafe Wireless Fence Pet Containment System Editor's Top Choice for Best Invisible Dog Fence |  (4.9 / 5) | Check Price on Amazon |   | The Best Wireless dog Fence in the market! Easy setup, 5 Levels of correction, for Medium to Large sized pups. | Up to 1/2 acre | Unlimited | 6 - 28 inches |
PetSafe Wireless Fence (PIF-300) with 2 Extra Battery Packs Editor's Choice | (4.9 / 5) | Check Price on Amazon |   | Perfect for moderately sized yard | Up to 1/2 acre | Unlimited | 6 - 28 inches |
PetSafe Stay + Play Wireless Fence Editor's Choice | (4.9 / 5) | Check Price on Amazon |   | Cover up to 3/4 Acre, for Dogs and Cats over 5 lb., Waterproof and Rechargeable, with Tone and Static Correction | up to ¾ an acre | Unlimited | 6 - 28 inches |
| Perimeter Technologies Wireless Wi-Fi Dog Fence PWF-100 |  (4.2 / 5) | Check Price on Amazon |   | Solid Product, Advanced Technology, But Pricey! | Up to 2.5 acres | 2 | 6 - 28 inches |
| FunAce Wire-Free Rechargeable Dog Fence Anti Over Shock Design |  (3.7 / 5) | Check Price on Amazon |   | This is a large area wireless dog fence + Cheap & Versatile | Up to 17 acres (Up to 2 Dogs) | 2 | 6 - 28 inches |
| Funace Wire-Free Dog Fence |  (3.5 / 5) | Check Price on Amazon |   | Great Price! | Up to 2 acres | 2 | 6 - 28 inches |
Wireless dog fence reviews
1 PetSafe Wireless Fence Pet Containment System The Best Wireless dog Fence in the market!
PetSafe Products
The PetSafe Wireless Fence is a great way to train your dog to stay in your yard. It is easy to set up and use, safe for your pet, and far more affordable than fencing.
This wireless fence works well for most dogs, so long as you follow the set-up and training instructions from the videos available on the website. It allows you to set up a circular perimeter around your property and to teach your dog to not leave that perimeter. You can set the radius for your perimeter from 5 to 90 feet. The kit includes the wireless transmitter, a collar, and boundary flags to be used during training.
The MUST Know, True Facts about PetSafe Wireless Fence Pet Containment System
The invisible fence system works by transmitting an electromagnetic frequency. When your dog approaches the boundary, the collar will sound a warning tone (just like in a GPS dog collar: Explained here). If your dog actually crosses the boundary, they will receive a slight shock called a static correction. This shock is not harmful but it gets the pet’s attention. It is similar to when you shock yourself on a doorknob after walking on carpet. The shock will last for thirty seconds. If your dog does not return to the boundary area after thirty seconds, the collar will turn off for the next five minutes. Then it will repeat the thirty-second shock every five minutes until your pet returns. You can adjust the intensity of the shock. You can turn the shock off completely by using the tone-only option, that simply repeats the warning tone instead of the static correction, but this option is only recommended for training.
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You must train your dog appropriately. If not properly trained, pets will leave the boundary. Your dog’s personality will determine how quickly he learns the boundary area and how effective it will be long-term.
Some dogs become so well accustomed to the boundary that they will refuse to leave the boundary when you actually want them to. During training, you need to teach them a signal that helps them to know that it is safe to cross the boundary, like when they are on a leash. You should also train them to only go out of the boundary using one area, like a driveway.
The receiver collar is not meant for continuous use. When you bring your dog inside, take the collar off to give your dog a break. If you take the batteries out of the collar when it is not being used, the batteries will last longer.
Crucial Tips
- When you are setting up your transmitter, be sure to test the boundary area before training your dog or mounting the transmitter. You can change the boundary area using the dial on the transmitter, but you will want to make sure it is the right size by walking with the receiver collar around the full perimeter.
- The transmitter needs to be kept inside and about 2-4 feet off the ground. Do not place the transmitter on the second floor of your home. The transmitter is emitting an electromagnetic frequency, so it should not be stored near large metal objects. It can be mounted on the wall, but be sure not to mount it until you have set it to your desired perimeter.
- The best thing about this invisible fence is the easy installation. You don’t have to bury any wires or build an entire fence. You simply plug in the transmitter, adjust the radius of the perimeter, put the collar on, and train your dog.
- The collar is waterproof and weatherproof so your dog can wear it in any climate. However, the transmitter should be kept inside.
- It is completely portable which makes it great for taking on camping trips. And if you move, you can take it with you easily.
- One transmitter can be used for as many pets as you want as long as they are wearing a receiver collar.
- Multiple transmitters can be connected to create a larger boundary area. Simply set up each of the transmitters so that their boundaries overlap five to ten feet. You can use two to create a figure eight shape, or you can use four transmitters to create a large rounded square.
- The kit includes interchangeable contact points. Use the longer contact points for dogs with thicker fur.
- According to several customer reviews, the customer service department at the PetSafe Company is extremely friendly and easy to work with. They have also created many helpful videos that show you how to set up the transmitter and give you helpful tips on training.
- The batteries in the collar do need to be changed every few months. They should last for at least 3 months, but it depends on how often your dog approaches the warning zone and how often it is used. The collar has a warning light to tell you when the battery is low.
- This particular fence is only for dogs that are eight pounds or more. However, the company does make a different model for smaller dogs.
- The boundary area is circular. It cannot be changed to rectangular or square, so it will not line up exactly with the edges of your property. Things like the slope of your yard may affect the range of the electromagnetic field.
- There are certain factors, like terrain, topography, and metal objects that can impact the effectiveness of the transmitter. Some customers have complained that the signal works for a while and then stops suddenly or that it comes in and out. If the signal is not consistent, your dog will not avoid the boundary. If it doesn’t seem to be working consistently within the first few days, call customer service or return it before the return window ends.
- You can change the external battery of the shock collar that controls the warning sound. But there is another battery that controls the actual shock mechanism, and this battery cannot be changed. So you might need to buy another collar after a couple of years.
Conclusion
For most dog owners, the PetSafe Wireless Fence is a great way to train your dog to not leave your yard. It may seem expensive, but when compared with the price of fencing or buried wire fences, it is a smaller investment. And if it saves your dog from running into the road and being hit by a car, it is priceless! So this takes the Top spot in our list of best invisible dog fences.
2 PetSafe Wireless Fence (PIF-300) with 2 Extra Battery Packs Perfect invisible for moderately sized yard
Ranger is the sweetest, cutest, most loving mutt you ever saw. He is also the fastest, wildest, difficult to catch escape artist you ever saw. This was not a major problem for us before because Ranger could roam and run around our fenced backyard as often as he wanted. But we recently moved to a new house with no fence. Let’s just say that I have spent more time chasing Ranger through the neighborhood that I should have spent unpacking. Fortunately, I was quick enough to realize that we needed a new solution to keep Ranger from running away on our first day in the new house so I ordered a wireless fence system.
I chose the PetSafe Wireless Fence PIF-300 because it had great reviews and seemed to be the most reliable. It was very easy to set up once it arrived, and I was able to train Ranger in just a couple of weeks. He has not run away from our yard since then!
Performance
The PIF-300 is a magnificent training tool to teach your dog not to run away. Installation and set up was effortless. The price for this system was moderate when compared to similar systems, and it was way cheaper than traditional or wired fences. Most importantly, it is safe! The collar uses a specific cycle of shocks so that Ranger is never shocked for more than a few seconds at a time. I don’t have to worry about him accidentally getting electrocuted!
The transmitter creates a circular perimeter around the yard and the static corrections are a simple way to teach your dog to not leave that perimeter. The size of the perimeter can be adjusted to your specific needs up to half of an acre. The package comes with the transmitter, a receiver collar with two sets of contact points, two extra battery packs, a tool for testing and adjusting the collar, and boundary flags for training. Ranger has pretty thick hair so we had to use the longer contact points on his collar but the handy tool that comes with the system made switching the contact points very simple.
True Facts
Most invisible fence systems work by conducting an electromagnetic or radio frequency to the edges of your yard. When the collar gets close to the edge, it beeps to warn your dog that it is getting too close. Once the collar leaves the area it will begin shocking the dog with a cycle of static corrections. It is not harmful or even painful. It just surprises your dog enough to get him to pay attention. I was worried about the shocks hurting Ranger, so I tried it on my hand before I put the collar on him. The shock felt the same as when I shock myself while unplugging my hair dryer but it lasts longer. The collar will shock continuously for about fifteen to thirty seconds before it shuts off for the next five minutes. Then the shock and pause cycle will repeat until your dog comes back home. There are five different settings you can use to change the shock intensity. Ranger responded very well once we started using the second lowest level so we have never tried anything higher than that. For the first couple of days of training, we just turned the shock off and used the beep to teach Ranger that he was straying too far.
- Check Carefully Because…
- It took a few tries to get the transmitter in the right spot. The first time I tried it, part of the pet area was overlapping onto my neighbor’s yard so I had to move the transmitter to the other side of my house. The second try was too close to a refrigerator and the signal became spotty. Don’t be surprised if you have to try several locations before finding the one that works.
- Some other appliances, like garage door openers, also work on electromagnetic frequencies. If your garage door openers and PetSafe system are on the same frequency, it will likely cause the system to malfunction.
- Benefits and Features
- If you need a larger area, you can connect multiple systems as long as you make sure that the boundaries overlap a few feet. This is also a good way to adjust the shape because two systems will make a long figure eight, but four transmitters can make a rounded square.
- One transmitter can be used for an unlimited number of pets if you purchase multiple collars. Just make sure you are using the right size of contact points for each dog. The longer contact points will irritate dogs with short fur, but the shorter contact points won’t work for dogs with thicker fur.
The MUST Know, True Facts about PetSafe Wireless Fence (PIF-300) with 2 Extra Battery Packs
Training is essential! I told one of my new neighbors about our success with the PetSafe Wireless Fence and he told me that he had tried using one once but it hadn’t worked. He had just tried to train his dog in one day by just walking the dog around the perimeter and letting the dog get shocked a bunch of times. The next day he had been so frustrated when the dog escaped again that he had returned the system without trying any more training. I watched a few of the training videos on the PetSafe website and trained Ranger a few times a day, always keeping our training sessions to a short 15 minutes. As the videos suggested, the first day I just focused on letting Ranger hear the collar beep and associating that beep with the boundary flags I had placed in my yard. Then I let him experience the shock a few times each day for the next few days. Once he had learned to recognize the pet area, I started including distractions, like throwing toys and treats outside of the boundary. Ranger had a hard time resisting the temptation to go after those treats, but a couple days of shocks made him realize that it wasn’t worth it. I didn’t let Ranger off the leash until after a full week of training and even then I was still in the yard playing with him. I incorporated lots of treats, praise, and playtime. Clearly, training is the key to making this system work for you!
It is also important to remember to take the collar off at least once a day. It is heavier than most regular collars and the contact points are always brushing your dog’s neck, so they need a break from it so their skin doesn’t get irritated. I read a lot of reviews that said that the batteries die really quickly, so I started always taking the batteries out of the collar whenever Ranger isn’t wearing it. My batteries have lasted for almost three months now and we haven’t had to replace them once.
The receiver collar has two batteries. One of the batteries is inside the shock mechanism and it is not replaceable. If this battery dies, you might need a new collar, but because that battery is only used when your dog actually leaves the boundary area it should last at least a few years.
This package contains two extra sets of replacement batteries. However, some people have complained that they didn’t receive the extra batteries. Other customers have said that the replacement batteries do not last as long as the original batteries or don’t even work at all. We have not yet had to replace the batteries in Ranger’s collar so I don’t know if the extra batteries are functional yet. However, if you experience problems with the replacement batteries or if they didn’t come with your package, call the PetSafe customer service department. They have a great reputation for being easy to work with and friendly.
Crucial Tips
- The transmitter needs to be kept inside. If you have a screened in porch that will protect the transmitter from the elements, you can keep it there instead of inside. It won’t work in the basement and it can’t transmit through the ground, so it is best to keep it about 2-4 feet off the ground. Large metal objects can interfere with the signal so it is best to keep the transmitter away from refrigerators, cars or other large appliances.
- Some yards have terrain or other factors that might weaken the signal of the PIF-300. If your yard has dramatic slopes or densely populated trees, an invisible fence will probably not work for you. Some building materials, like metal siding, or a tin roof might also interfere with the transmitter.
- If there is something interfering with the transmitter, the boundary may change or move several feet. This can be a real problem for a lot of owners because it makes it hard for the dog to know what area is or is not safe. Sometimes the dog will be shocked too soon, or interference could leave holes in the boundary so your dog could wander off without being shocked or warned.
- The collar has a low-battery warning light.
- The transmitter can be mounted on the wall, but be sure to test the boundary area before mounting in case you need to adjust the placement of the transmitter.
- One transmitter can be used for an unlimited number of pets but you will need to purchase extra receiver collars separately.
- Multiple transmitters can be used to adjust to different sizes and shapes as long as the boundary areas overlap by a few feet.
- The PetSafe Company has responsive and friendly customer service and their website contains many helpful videos.
- Manufactured in the U.S.
- The collar is weatherproof. We live in Florida. During the summer months, crazy rainstorms pop up instantaneously and then disappear just as fast. I have left Ranger outside while I ran to the grocery store. It started raining all of a sudden. I rushed home to make sure that the collar was still working and that it wasn’t over shocking him. The collar was working perfectly when I got home. However, I don’t know what would happen if there was a lake or pool in the yard. The company says that it is waterproof, but I am not sure if I would trust it if my dog decided to go for a swim!
- One of the best things about the PIF-300 is the easy installation. All that I had to do was plug in the transmitter, set the dial so that the pet area was smaller than my yard, and walk around the yard while holding the collar. Then I just placed the boundary flags in the ground until Ranger was done training. The whole set up took about an hour and a half.
- It is a moveable system! My family loves to camp with our friends in their RV.
- Now we can take Ranger with us and we don’t have to chain him up or leave him inside the RV all the time. As long as I can plug in the transmitter, the wireless fence comes with us! And because it does not use a wi-fi signal I don’t have to worry about it losing service.
- The boundary area is always circular and it is not customizable. You will have to set the area so that it is slightly smaller than your yard. I have a vegetable garden that I don’t want Ranger digging in. So I actually set the area to be even smaller to teach Ranger to not go to that corner of the yard. If you really need a specific shape or if you want the edges to line up with your yard, an in-ground wire fence is a better option for you.
- Some customers complain that the batteries in the collar die often. This is not a rechargeable system, but PetSafe does make a different model that is rechargeable. However, the extra batteries included in this package should be enough to last for almost a year. The batteries will last longer if you take them out of the collar when it is not being used.
- Your dog must weigh at least eight pounds in order to safely use this collar.
-
The transmitter needs to be kept inside. If you have a screened in porch that will protect the transmitter from the elements, you can keep it there instead of inside. It won’t work in the basement and it can’t transmit through the ground, so it is best to keep it about 2-4 feet off the ground. Large metal objects can interfere with the signal so it is best to keep the transmitter away from refrigerators, cars or other large appliances.
Conclusion
No containment system is ever perfect. Even traditional fences can let you down if your dog digs underneath the fence to escape. But the PetSafe invisible Fence is an excellent option as long as you train your dog and set it up correctly. It has definitely worked for Ranger and I believe it will work for you!
3 PetSafe Stay + Play Wireless Fence Cover up to 3/4 Acre, for Dogs and Cats over 5 lb., Waterproof and Rechargeable, with Tone and Static Correction
Rorie is a schnauzer mix that was born to run after any animal that is smaller than her and she digs underneath my backyard fence faster than I can keep up with. The Stay and Play System from PetSafe is the only way that I have been able to teach her to stay in the yard. We first got the Stay and Play to train her to stop digging. We set up the boundary area so that if she even went near the fence she would get shocked. But once she learned how the system works, we were able to take the system with us when we went camping. Now Rorie can come camping with us. She still barks like crazy if she sees a squirrel or any other animal but at least she isn’t running after them all the time. We have been so happy with our Stay and Play system and we wish we had bought it sooner!
The Stay and Play is the newer upgraded version of the PIF-300. This version costs $50-$100 more than the PIF-300, costing around $300+ total, depending on the vendor. There are several new or improved features, but there is one that stands out as the most beneficial. The rechargeable battery makes it worth it to pay the extra money for the upgraded version. This version also has the smallest collar available, for dogs 5 pounds and more, and the boundary area has been extended to cover up to three-quarters of an acre (or a radius of 105 feet). The transmitter for the Stay and Play is smaller than the PIF-300 transmitter, which might make storing it and moving it more convenient for some owners.
There are certain factors that will interfere with the Stay and Play. If you have a lot of densely forested areas, the trees will weaken the signal. Metal siding or metal roofs can also interfere with the signal. However, we have used it in an RV with metal siding and have not had problems. This is most likely because we were using it for a smaller boundary area, but many other customer reviews have said that they have had similar success even when camping.
Yards with a dramatic slope may also experience an inconsistent signal because the frequency cannot travel through the ground. Similarly, people with yards on the basement level can also find it difficult to get a solid boundary. In some cases, this can be fixed by storing the transmitter at an elevation higher than the yard, but it will depend on your yard specifically.
The Stay and Play Collar is safe for dogs as small as five pounds. The collar may seem too big for such small dogs, but it only weighs about three ounces, which is about the same weight as three paper clips. So it shouldn’t be too heavy for your little dog. However, the static correction could be too strong for dogs under five pounds.
The MUST Know, True Facts about PetSafe Stay + Play Wireless invisible Fence
When we first got the Stay and Play we noticed that the transmitter made a low humming sound that was quite noisy and irritating, especially as we increased the boundary area. After talking to the customer service and trying a few different locations we were able to fix this problem by mounting the transmitter on the wall. The transmitter has vents along the bottom to keep the system from overheating, but if the vents are blocked, they will create a loud noise. However, this is just like any other electronic appliance, and at least some noise is considered normal.
If your neighbor also has a PetSafe or similar product, it is possible that their signals will overlap depending on the frequencies of both transmitters. If they are on the same frequency, the signals will create a figure eight shaped boundary that will allow the dogs to roam freely in both yards but not leave the outer edge of the figure eight boundary. If you and your neighbor do not want to share the boundary space, you will both need to adjust your boundary areas so that they are a few feet away from each other.
Crucial Tips
- The Stay and Play collar has rechargeable batteries. This is one of its greatest selling points! But even rechargeable batteries die after extended use, and there is no way to change the batteries in this collar. So if the batteries die, you will have to buy another collar separately. The life of the batteries will depend on how often you use the collar, and how often your dog approaches the boundary line. If your dog doesn’t approach the boundary line, the collar doesn’t have to sound the warning tone or issue the shock, so the batteries will last a lot longer. But you have no control over how often your dog challenges the boundary and it will largely depend on your dog’s personality. The best way to ensure that the batteries last as long as possible is to turn the collar off when you are not using it. In general, you should only have to charge the collar about once every 10-14 days. If you are having to charge the collar more often than that, double check your boundary area and troubleshoot to see if there is something causing the collar to go off more frequently than normal. If you can’t find a reason that the charge isn’t lasting, contact the manufacturer.
- Training is the key to using the Stay and Play wireless fence. Be prepared to spend a lot of time training in the first couple of weeks but once you have done that it will be well worth your time. You should carefully follow the video instructions on how to train, gradually going from letting your dog hear the warning beep, to letting your dog experience the shock, then train with distractions, before you let your dog experience the fence without you holding him on the leash. The third step of the training is especially important. Once your dog has learned to recognize the warning beep and associated it with the static correction, he or she should avoid going near the boundary area. But even humans like to push the boundaries when there is something tempting on the other side. So during this part of the training, you actually tempt your dog with treats and toys outside the boundary area so that they learn the temptation isn’t worth the shock. It is also important that you keep the boundary flags up until you are confident that your dog has learned the boundary and that you take the boundary flags down gradually instead of all at once. At first, I was annoyed at how much time the training was taking, but now that Rorie has learned the system, she is sufficiently trained and I can let her outside without worrying.
- Waterproof and weatherproof collar for dogs that weigh at least five pounds.
- A smaller transmitter that is portable and easier to store or move.
- Rechargeable batteries in the collar!
- One transmitter can be still used for an unlimited number of pets with extra collars.
- Multiple transmitters can be combined for greater distance or different shapes.
- Same great customer service and video tutorials from the PetSafe Company.
- Manufactured in the U.S.
- Some owners have complained that the shock on this model is too strong, even on the lower settings.
- Other owners have complained that something interrupted the signal between the transmitter and the receiver, causing the receiver to shock randomly (when the boundary had not been crossed) or not at all (when the boundary had been crossed). Previous models could be reset when this happened by replacing the batteries, but there is no way to reset this model because it has a rechargeable battery that you cannot replace.
Conclusion
The Stay and Play system is a magnificent way to train your dog to not leave your yard. One of the best parts is that once your dog is trained enough to heed the warning sound, the Stay and Play can be used anywhere. You can travel with it or even take it to friends’ or family members’ houses because it is quick to set up and easily portable.
4 Funace Wire-Free Dog Fence Great Price!
Funace is a smaller brand that is less trusted than PetSafe. The company started in 2006, fifteen years after the PetSafe Company. Funace is a completely online company, so they only sell products online and all of their customer service relations are handled online as well. Funace and its manufacturers are located in China. However, these factors also positively influence the price.
The Funace Wire-free Dog Fence has the lowest price of the wireless fences on this list. But you have to do your homework.
The MUST Know, True Facts about Funace Wire-Free Dog Fence
The original Funace fence has a much larger range of boundary sizes with a radius as small as 40 feet or as large as 500 feet. However, instead of choosing your specific boundary size in feet, you must choose a level between 1-100, with each level describing a pre-defined boundary area.
This system cannot handle more than two dogs!
Crucial Tips
- Purchasing and Customer Service are only available online.
- Competitive pricing
- Larger Boundary Area
- Rechargeable Batteries- no replacement batteries needed!
- Safe for dogs who weigh eight pounds or more.
- Manufactured in China.
- Limited to 2 dogs per transmitter.
- Pre-defined boundary areas—you choose one of 100 options that are closest to your needs.
- Many owners complained that the collar was inconsistent, or shocked when it was within the boundary area, especially after a few months of use.
- The signal is easily affected by even small hills on the property.
- Some owners have reported that the collar continued shocking their dog even after the transmitter had been unplugged.
Conclusion
Good product at a Great price, but check carefully the pros and cons above to make sure you know what to expect.
5 FunAce Wire-Free Rechargeable Dog Fence Anti Over Shock Design Cheap & Versatile
Continuing the products by the Funace company is their rechargeable anti-over shock system. There are three different models to choose from. The Anti-over shock system, the rechargeable collar system, and the rechargeable transmitter system.
All three of these models are almost exactly the same as the original wire-free dog fence, but they all include an over-shock protection feature that was made in response to customer complaints that the original version was shocking dogs too often or for too long. As with all new and improved models, you will pay a little bit more for these newer models. The basic anti-over shock model and the rechargeable collar models will cost around $100 more than the original system, so around $170 – 200 for the newer models. The rechargeable transmitter system will cost around $200++.
The prices will vary depending on which vendor you are using. They also offer bundled two-dog systems for added savings. All of the Funace models have a range of boundary sizes with a radius from 40-500 feet. But again, the boundary areas must conform to one of the pre-set levels on the transmitter.
The MUST Know, True Facts about FunAce Wire-Free Rechargeable Dog Fence Anti Over Shock Design
These models have an over shock protection built into the design. The unit will not continuously shock your dog, even if the power goes out. Many dog owners complained that the original model would continuously shock your dog even if you unplugged the transmitter. The fact that the company listened to these complaints and created new systems to fix the problem, speaks to the integrity of the company. You can choose one of two settings, regular or stubborn. The regular setting will shock and beep your dog for only 18 seconds before it switches to a beep only for 54 seconds. After the 54 seconds is over, the collar will repeat the cycle again, up to three times. After the third cycle, the collar will turn off. The stubborn setting will alternate between a shock and a beep for the first three minutes. Then it will switch to the beep only for the next minute, before repeating the cycle up to two times. After the second cycle, it will again shut off. Therefore, your pet should never be shocked for more than 6 minutes intermittently during an 8-minute period.
There is some confusion about using the Funace systems for multiple dogs. Their website states that one transmitter can be used for an unlimited number of dogs, but other sources indicate that it is only safe for one or two dogs. The company website sells two-dog bundles but doesn’t sell any bundles for a higher number of dogs. The two-dog bundles might be responsible for this misleading interpretation.
Crucial Tips
- The rechargeable collar system comes with a rechargeable collar so that you don’t have to continuously purchase batteries. The collar takes approximately two hours to fully charge and the charge will last for two to three days. But the model that really stands out is the rechargeable transmitter model. This is one of the only wireless pet fences with a rechargeable transmitter on the market. Almost every other model has a transmitter that must be constantly plugged-in to work. The rechargeable transmitter will last for up to twenty hours continuously without being plugged in. Many other models advertise that they are portable enough for camping, but their plug-in transmitters will only work for RV campers or campers with access to electrical outlets. Another possible issue with the plug-in transmitters is that they will immediately stop working if there is a power outage. The Funace rechargeable transmitter system will continue to keep your dog safe and within your yard, even if the power goes out.
- Over shock protection features
- Competitive pricing
- Larger Boundary Area
- Rechargeable Collars- no replacement batteries needed!
- Rechargeable Transmitters- one of only a few models that will work without continuous power!
- Two shock settings for regular and stubborn dogs.
- Safe for dogs who weigh ten pounds or more.
- Manufactured in China.
- Pre-defined boundary areas—you choose one of 100 options that are closest to your needs.
- Purchasing and Customer Service are only available online.
- The signal is easily affected by even small hills on the property.
Conclusion
A good selection of models at affordable prices, but is it worth it? saving a few pennies? Check the section about “What to watch out for with this product”
6 Perimeter Technologies Wireless Wi-Fi Dog Fence PWF-100 Solid Product, Advanced Technology, But Pricey!
Perimeter Technologies is the oldest company on this list, launching in 1976. However, the first two and a half decades of their company focused solely on invisible fences with in-ground wires. It wasn’t until 2003 that the company launched do-it-yourself fences, focusing on using wi-fi signals. All Perimeter Technologies products are manufactured in the United States of America.
Perimeter Technologies was the first company to create wireless fences using a wi-fi signal. They are a very innovative company. They were also the first to create a wireless pet fence with two-way communication. This means that the transmitter sends signals to the receiver to enforce the boundary (like all systems) but the receiver also sends signals back to the transmitter. This two-way communication allows the owner to use the transmitter to see exactly where the dog is on the property and can alert the owner when necessary.
The Perimeter Technologies PWF-100 is a wireless dog fence that uses a wi-fi signal instead of the electromagnetic or radio waves that are used by most other brands. It has a range of 10-200 feet radius for the boundary area, so it can cover up to two and a half acres of land. Even though it is using a wi-fi signal, the unit operates pretty much the same as the other wireless fences, but it has a few advantages.
A unique feature of the PWF-100 is the Wi-fi SmartStation base. The SmartStation base acts as the transmitter for this model, and it is the smallest transmitter available. It is only 5 inches by 5 inches! The SmartStation will allow you to view how close your dog is to the boundary area at any time. It will also notify you when your dog gets close to the boundary area and it will sound an alert inside your home if your dog leaves the boundary area.
While the wi-fi system and included SmartStation sound great, this system has some disadvantages that you will need to consider. First, the PWF-100 tends to have a much higher boundary wobble than other models. Most models have a boundary wobble range from around 3-5 feet, but the Perimeter PWF-100 has a boundary wobble of up to 8 feet.
The MUST Know, True Facts about Perimeter Technologies Wireless Wi-Fi Dog Fence PWF-100
The entire PWF-100 system, including the transmitter and the collar, are both rechargeables. The system includes a 12-volt power adapter so that you can take it virtually anywhere. The system will last for a complete 8 hours without being plugged in. The PWF-100 collar has rubber contact points instead of metal ones, so it will be more comfortable for your dog to wear. The collar has eight different levels of the static corrections, so you can find the perfect level for your dog. The system also has a limited lifetime warranty.
This model also has the highest retreat response distance. The average retreat response is somewhere between 8-15 feet, but the PWF-100 has a retreat response distance of 24 feet. This means that your dog will have to come at least 20 feet back into the perimeter before the collar stops shocking him. These factors combined will make it difficult to train your dog and may make your dog unsure of where the boundary area begins and ends.
Crucial Tips
- The PWF-100 is one of the most expensive wireless fence systems costing around $300 – $350. You will have to decide whether the advantages of the wireless system outweigh the disadvantages enough to justify the higher cost based on your yard and your dog.
- Large range of up to 2.5 acres.
- Rechargeable collar, rechargeable transmitter, and included back up batteries.
- SmartStation Base that allows you to see where your dog is at by simply looking at the transmitter.
- Alerts for when your dog is near the boundary and alarms sound when your dog crosses the boundary.
- Smallest transmitter with the most portability.
- Higher price
- Large boundary wobble and retreat response ranges make it a confusing system for some dogs.
- Limited to two dogs per system.
- Inconsistent signal- think about any of the factors that might disrupt your home wi-fi signal and interrupt cell phone or other internet services. These same factors will interrupt the signal for the PWF-10.
- Transmitters cannot be combined to create larger areas or to accommodate multiple dogs.
- Some owners have complained that the collar has a slow response time. This is a problem because by the time the collar sounds the warning tone your dog may have already crossed the boundary. Similarly, if your dog crosses the boundary, the collar may not begin static corrections for a few minutes.
- Multiple walls or other obstacles easily block wi-fi signals. For this reason, you may be restricted in where you can use the transmitter in large houses.
Conclusion
Great pedigree, advanced technology but pricy – Check the full review and other options before buying!
Best Wireless Dog Fences for Large Yards
Best Wireless Dog Fence for 1 Acre Yards
1 The Motorola Travelfence50 Wireless Fence with Remote Trainer Many features for dual-purposes!
If you are looking for an affordable wireless fence that doubles as a remote trainer, this is the product for you! You can set the circular range of your boundary up to an acre. The handheld remote doubles as a trainer so you can train your dogs to stop other bad habits like barking, jumping, or chewing by simply clicking on the remote.The remote will either beep, vibrate, or shock depending on which button you use on the remote. It even includes a walkie-talkie feature so that you can train your dog to your voice instead of the beeping of the collar.
Some customers have complained that the transmitter stops working after ten months to a year of use. If you are planning on using this product daily and for an extended amount of time, you might want to invest in a product that lasts longer.
The MUST Know, True Facts about The Motorola Travelfence50 Wireless Fence with Remote Trainer
Some models have an automatic shutoff feature after 30 minutes of inactivity. This is supposed to protect the battery life and should be used for the training mode, but some customers have reported that the collar shuts off after 30 minutes even when it is not in training mode. If you keep the main fence unit on but turn off the perimeter setting, the collar should stay on constantly. But that might affect the purpose of the fence portion of the unit.
The range of the transmitter and the training remote will be affected by objects that could interfere with its signal. The base unit transmitter should be able to work through at least one wall, but the training remote requires a clear line of sight in order to respond. As with all wireless fences, you can expect the boundary to bounce around a few feet at a time. This can cause your dog to be confused about where the actual boundary is. Try out a few different places to keep the transmitter so you know where you get the most consistent signal.
The batteries for the collar and the base unit are rechargeable, but you will need to replace the batteries in the training remote. They are not rechargeable and many customers complained that these batteries died faster than expected.
Crucial Tips
- This product has two main purposes and the settings for each purpose will impact the effectiveness of the other purpose. The remote trainer is not really intended for extended use. It is intended for more of a training device. It is not recommended for use while the owner is away from the house for extended time frames. If you are using the containment fence feature, make sure that you have the settings correct and that it is working before you leave your dog unattended.
- If you are using this product while on the go, like on a hike or camping trip, make sure that you keep your dog within your line of sight. Unlike other wireless fences, this one does not rely on cellular networks, so it should work if you are out of normal cellular service, but only if the remote has a path to the collar. During hikes, it is better to use the remote trainer instead of the containment fence because the signal of the fence will be interrupted as you move.
- The Motorola Travelfence50 has a range of up to 1 acre.
- Does not need to be near a cell tower or cellular networks, so should work if you are out of normal cellular coverage areas.
- A remote trainer is included and has a voice-training setting.
- It includes rechargeable batteries on the collar and transmitter (but not the remote).
- It is easy to set up and use.
- It is easy to train your dog and includes several different options for correction level, including tone-only training. It is one of the only wireless fences that also has a voice-training remote included.
- It can be connected to one other collar for use with two dogs but it is not possible to use it for more than two.
- You can set and alter your boundary lines as many times as you want.
- The battery life is inconsistent. Some customers have said the charge only lasts a few hours, while others have said that it lasts all day. This probably depends on how often your dog is challenging the boundary and how much interference your transmitter experiences.
- The boundary can be inconsistent, especially if there are objects that interfere with the transmitter. For example, if you are wanting your boundary to extend from the front yard to the backyard, some customers were only able to get a half-circle radius, because the house interfered with the signal. Other radio devices can also interfere with the signal.
- Many customers have complained that Motorola doesn’t offer good customer service or even troubleshooting support for this product.
- Both the collar and the transmitter are waterproof so you can keep the transmitter outside. However, neither of them should be submerged in water for long amounts of time. This is one of the only wireless containment fences that has a waterproof transmitter.
- There are 4 training modes: tone-only, push-to-talk voice training, vibration, and static correction. It also has 15 levels of static correction intensity.
- This is one of the only combination products on the market that include both a wireless fence and a remote trainer in one.
- The Travelfence50 is portable and great for taking camping, hiking, or for other outdoor activities.
- It is recommended for dogs who weigh 20 pounds or more.
Conclusion
The Motorola Travelfence50 Wireless Fence with Remote Trainer is a decent product but it is not the best product on the market. Any obstructions that get in the way of the transmitter will diminish its effectiveness. It is great that it has so many features for dual-purposes, but the settings can get confusing and make it unreliable.
The Best Wireless Dog Fences 2-Acre Yards
2 Maxtronic Portable Wireless Fence The best wireless dog fence for multiple dogs & Great for large yards!
The Maxtronic Portable Wireless Fence has the largest range of boundary on the market, boasting that it can cover up to 190 acres. However, that doesn’t consider factors like metal objects, trees, or even humidity that can affect the signal. Overall, it seems to be a reliable fence for large yards of about 2 acres as long as you can put the transmitter off the ground and away from metal roofs or metal siding.
If your dog does cross the boundary area, the collar will continue with a cycle of static correction until it comes back home. But the static corrections are not continuous so they will not hurt your dog. They use a cycle of three minutes on and one minute off. So your dog will receive shocks every few seconds for the first three minutes and then it will stop for a minute before starting the next three-minute cycle.
The MUST Know, True Facts about Maxtronic Portable Wireless Fence
The Maxtronic Portable Wireless Fence creates a circular boundary that should be able to cover several acres. However, it is important to know that the boundaries come in pre-set levels. So the Level 100 boundary has a radius of 800 feet. The Level 1 boundary has a radius of 3 feet. Level 50 boundary is approximately 400 feet. If you need a very specific boundary size this will not work well for you. For example, if you have a street that runs 10 feet in front of your house, but a backyard of 50 feet, you will have to place the transmitter in the middle of the backyard in order to make sure that the boundary doesn’t cross into the street. Because of the requirements of the transmitter it is unlikely that you will be able to find a good spot to put the transmitter in the middle of your backyard.
The transmitter is not waterproof so it must be stored inside. It works best if you mount it on a wall so that it is a meter or so above ground. It also has to be plugged in, which means if you lose power it will stop working. Even if the power just flickers off and back on again, your dog will receive a momentary shock when the collar loses contact with the transmitter and the transmitter will need to be manually restarted before it starts working again.
Crucial Tips
- When you are setting up the boundary, make sure that you test the boundary with the included test light. It is also important to test the entire boundary, not just certain parts of it. Walk about the boundary with the collar and test light a few times to be sure that it is working and nothing is causing the signal to be inconsistent.
- The receiver collar should not be worn for more than 12 hours at a time.
- Training is the key to all wireless pet fences. Make sure that you train your dog, including distraction training, where you throw a toy outside of the boundary and praise and reward your dog for not going after it. If you include distraction training, your dog will be less likely to run after cars, animals, or other distractions that might make him or her temporarily forget about your boundary.
- Make sure that the collar fits well and that the contact points are the correct size. If your dog has a lot of thick furs, the longer contact points will be necessary. If your dog has thin fur, use the shorter contact points to avoid injury.
- The Maxtronic Portable Wireless Fence has adjustable boundaries of up to 800 feet in radius or almost 200 acres.
- The collar is waterproof and weatherproof.
- The collar is rechargeable and it should last 2-3 days without being charged.
- It comes with plastic covers for the contact points which can be used to make sure your dog doesn’t get shocked and only hears the sound. This is a good feature for getting your dog used to the collar before beginning training.
- It can be connected with an unlimited number of collars that are purchased separately.
- The collar is adjustable so it should fit most dog’s necks.
- Pre-set boundary levels mean that you may need to adjust your boundary area because the transmitter only works at these specific levels. If your desired boundary is between one of these levels you will have to either change your boundary or move the transmitter.
- The signal is easily disrupted by any objects that might get in between the transmitter and the collar.
- The setup may be time-consuming, especially if you have to try a few different levels to find the right boundary area.
- The transmitter must be plugged in, so power outages will issue a shock and turn the system off.
- The Maxtronic Portable Wireless Fence has four levels of static correction intensity.
- If your dog gets close to the boundary it will give multiple warning sounds before issuing the static correction.
- It comes in multiple colors.
- It is easy to add an unlimited number of collars.
- It includes plastic probes so that the collar can be worn without the shock feature.
- There is a 30-day warranty included.
Conclusion
The Maxtronic Portable Wireless Fence is great for large yards because it has a much larger coverage area than most wireless fences. It is safe, reliable, and consistent, as long as the boundary is set up correctly. Some interference might be caused by things like metal objects, dense trees, or sloped yards. It is the best wireless pet fence for dog owners with multiple pets and large yards.
Another Alternative:
Pet owners who have large, multiple acre yards may find it difficult to find a wireless containment fence that works for them. However, there are other alternatives that might work for you. For example, many wireless fences that have smaller radiuses, like the PetSafe products, can be combined to create a larger boundary area if you by multiple transmitters.
Our Final Word
There are many options available for wireless fence systems. But only a handful are worth the money! No matter which system you choose, they will train your dog to stay within the boundary area that you set. Keep in mind that your dog’s personality and your level of training will ultimately affect the effectiveness of these systems, but your pet’s safety should never be compromised by one of the systems.
Wireless Dog Fence Buyer’s Guide
The American Humane Association claims that a third of pets will get lost at some point in their life and that approximately 10 million dogs and cats get lost or are stolen yearly. If we were to convert that number to the human population of a major American city, all of New York City (and then some more) would be lost or stolen every year.
Dog owners across the United States are installing wireless dog fences. One reason why this is occurring is so owners do not need to install a physical fence that may or may not keep the dog confined to the yard.
For fenceless pet owners, a wireless dog fence may be the best solution for your dog’s happiness and safety. But there are countless options for Wireless Dog Fences and it can be overwhelming. Here is some basic information about what to consider, as well as a thorough review of many of the top wireless fences available.
How Does It Work?
Also for a comparison with GPS dog fences read out guide to the best GPS dog fences
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Wireless System
For most pet owners, a wireless pet system is a great option because of three main reasons. They allow your dog to roam freely without much supervision. They are far cheaper than paying for traditional fencing. And they don’t require digging to bury wires in the ground. They are easy to install without external help.
What is Boundary Wobble?
Boundary wobble is how much a boundary line can change from moment to moment. Many factors affect boundary wobble and it can range from one to eight feet. Boundary Wobble makes it difficult for pets to learn where the boundary is, and if the boundary happens to wobble into a dangerous area, like a street, your pet is at risk. Wireless systems also tend to require a higher retreat response, which means your dog must go further into the boundary area in order to turn off the static correction.
All wireless pet fences require you to properly train your dog. Without training, the static correction will alarm your dog but they will not understand why it is happening so they will not respect the boundary. Train your dog to understand the boundary area by using flags to help your dog visualize the boundary and then walking your dog around the boundary, allowing them to cross the boundary to experience the static correction, and then leading back inside the boundary until the correction stops. Repeat this process several times. Certain breeds may learn faster or respond more quickly to the static correction. If your dog is not responding to the shock, make sure that you are using the correct size of the collar and that the contact points on the collar are long enough to reach the skin through your dog’s fur. Some owners have complained that their dogs became so well aware of the boundary that they refused to leave the boundary when the owners wanted them to. For this reason, during training, you need to teach them a signal that helps them to know that it is safe to cross the boundary, like when they are on a leash.
What to consider BEFORE buying a Long range Wireless Dog Fence?
Age of the dog – [The Life stage of your pup] When purchasing a wireless fence, first you must determine whether a wireless fence is suitable for your pet. Puppies that are younger than two-to-three months of age should not use a wireless fence until they are older.
Weight
A dog’s weight and neck size impacts the type of fence that an owner can install for their pet. Most wireless fences are suitable for dogs that weigh eight pounds or more, but if your dog weighs less, be sure to check the manufacturer’s weight recommendation before purchasing.
All major products have weight recommendations. For example The Wireless Pet Containment System by Petsafe can be used with dogs who weigh eight pounds or more. If the dog weighs at least five pounds, dog owners should purchase the Stay + Play Wireless Fence.
Neck Size
Both systems are able to accommodate the necks of almost all dogs. The dog’s neck needs to be a minimum of six inches to fit into the collar, and the dog’s neck can be a maximum of 28 inches.
Safety features
Additionally, each system strives for safe collars. Both systems are waterproof and it is safe for your pet to sweat or be in the rain. The collars are also chargeable and the owner does not need to purchase batteries to ensure its functionality.
Portability & Set-up
Both the Wireless Pet Containment System and the Stay + Play Wireless Fence are portable wireless systems that can be set up in 1-2 hours. Therefore, time to install the system should not be a factor when purchasing a wireless fence for your pet. These systems do not need to be buried in the ground; they both have a small portable hub that you place in your home. The hub can be placed in different locations and does not always need to be plugged in.
Batteries and Power Outlets
The transmitter hub is chargeable and can be fully charged within 2-3 hours. This is very convenient because the hub can move to different locations not only within your home, but also outside of your home as well, such as for a vacation.
Space and Area
Both the Wireless and the Stay + Play systems create large circular areas that are able to change in size. The Wireless Pet Containment System is able to cover an 180-foot diameter (1/2 acre). The Stay + Play Wireless Fence can cover a slightly larger area that is 210 feet in diameter (3/4 acre). If the owner needs to cover a larger area, both systems have the capability to add additional hubs so the diameter increases.
Correction Features
A significant concern for all dog owners is how the dog is going to learn to manage the system. Both the Wireless and the Stay+Play have five adjustable levels of correction. They also both have a tone-only setting that can be used to train the pet before the collar provides a static shock.
The static shock time in the collars is different with the two systems. The Wireless Pet Containment System has a correction time of 30 seconds, and the Stay + Play correction stops after 15 seconds. If the owner does not want their dog to experience a long static shock, the 15-second option with the Stay+Play may be a better choice.
If you have multiple pets, you will also need to factor in the possibilities of having multiple pets on the same system. In most cases, at least two dogs can be trained on the same system, but you will need a separate collar for each dog.
In fact, some of the systems even come with two collars to start with, but most of them require you to purchase another collar separately at an added cost. Some systems will work for an unlimited number of dogs, but check manufacturer information before purchasing to make sure.
You also need to consider whether or not a wireless fence is feasible for your yard and home. Most wireless fences have a transmitter that is kept inside your home. Homes with metal siding or metal roofs will not work with most wireless fences because the metal in your house will block the electromagnetic waves that transmit the boundary. For this same reason, you should never place the transmitter near large metal objects like your car or refrigerator. Similarly, if your house is a log cabin, or if your yard is covered with dense trees, the signal will be weakened or unable to transmit.
Once you have narrowed down your options based on your dog’s needs and your yard size/shape, you can begin considering other features that might make one brand more or less appealing to you. If you travel or camp with your dog regularly, a portable fence might be more appealing to you. Most wireless fences use a receiver collar that needs batteries. Therefore, you should consider how often the batteries need to be replaced, how easy or difficult battery replacement is, or if a rechargeable option is better for you. And of course, you will need to consider the prices of various models.
Good-to-Know Tips and Tricks
Wireless Receiver collars should not be worn for more than twelve consecutive hours!
Transmitters need to be kept a few feet off the ground, away from large metal objects and away from water or precipitation. During set-up, test the boundaries by walking around with the receiver collar in your hand. Change the boundary area using the dial on the transmitter. Make sure the area is where you want it before training and before fixing the transmitter to a permanent location.
The rest of this article contains a thorough review and comparison of a variety of wireless fence systems to help you choose. For your convenience, the reviews of wireless fence systems are organized according to the company.
Is Static Correction Safe To Use On My Small Dog? Are these the same as shock collars?
The use of static correction through both wireless and in-ground invisible fencing systems is a controversial topic, which has supporters and critics on both sides.
Radio Systems Corporation claims the electric jolt produced by wireless dog fence containment systems is designed to get your dog’s attention, but not harm your dog and that pets experience a tingling sensation on the skin that startles them and causes them to change behavior.
There are many models of wireless collar receivers that include beeping options as warnings or vibrations only and adjustable levels of static correction to allow owners the ability to use the level of correction they feel is safe and effective for their pet.
The Radio Systems Corporation equates static correction to a tap on the shoulder for a person and that it’s used as a learning tool to help pets learn boundaries and commands.
Alternatives to Wireless dog fences – If you are worried about static correction
While it may take more time, alternatives to static correction could result in more healthy relationships both physically and mentally between dog and owner, while allowing you peace of mind at the same time. Some of the alternatives include:
1. Behavioral and Clicker Training
Used to identify good and bad behavior for your dog so your pet knows what behaviors its owner wants. Dog food and treats can be used to reinforce this knowledge. By linking the elimination of a specific action with getting a reward, most animals quick resolve the behavior and a wireless dog fence for small dogs is not needed.
2. Citronella Collars or Spray Bark Collars
Citronella is an oil used in soaps, perfumes, and candles. It’s also regularly used in insect repellants. Dogs of any size do not like the smell of citronella and thus it can be used to show your pup where not to go instead of using a wireless dog fence. Citronella collars release a strong odor when they go somewhere they are not supposed to. Instead of a wireless invisible fence for small dogs, the citronella smell acts as the deterrent for your pet.
3. Dog Whistles
Dog whistles are also used as alternatives to wireless dog fences for small dogs to train them on commands and contain wandering. Dog whistles emit high-frequency sounds too high for people to hear, but at the highest range a dog can hear. Dog whistles are regularly used in distance training and with hunting dogs. If the dog learns to associate a command with a sound from the whistle, you can teach your pet to follow commands even when there are other distractions around. Dog whistles are commonly used by professional dog trainers because they are humane and effective.
4. Outdoor Fencing and Play Pens
While outdoor fencing may not look great, it can be safe alternative to a wireless pet fence for small dogs. Fences can be made of wire or wood and stand up to the weather for longer periods of time than wireless invisible fences for small dogs. Also, some owners use dog gates and playpens instead of invisible dog fences for small dogs. Most small dogs don’t have a problem spending time in a playpen especially if they have access to some of their preferred dog toys.
