Why would someone want to buy an electric dog fence? The reasons may collars may be too heavy or not heavy enough for a dog, depending on their size or the batteries have to be recharged several times a day.
However there are also some drawbacks to electric dog fences. If they stop working, your dog can get loose, run away, never come back or get hurt. Sometimes the settings on the receiver collars are set far too high to be defined as a “gentle” shock to Fido. Also the dog fence, why do some people swear by certain brands and dispel others? Well, let’s explore the pros and cons of several different brands so you can make the most educated choice for yourself, your family and your pet. Just know that not all electric dog fences work well with all properties and situations so it is in your best interest to do your homework.
Here are the wireless dog fences for large yards
PetSafe Stay & Play Dog and Cat Wireless Fence
Check Carefully Because…
If you have aluminum siding or very large trees on your property, particularly those that are close to your home, the wireless system may not work optimally for your needs. Also, if you are not able to maintain a circular boundary because your property has a more unique shape and layout that may not work well for some wireless options. The PetSafe Say & Play Dog and Cat Wireless Fence offers coverage for up to ½ acre of land, so if your land mass is larger than ½ acre, this may not work well for you. Be sure you know the exact dimensions of your land before deciding to purchase.
The MUST Know, True Facts About PetSafe Stay & Play Dog and Cat Wireless Fence
For this particular system, there is no wire to bury. The system comes with a master base that transmits a signal to the receiver collar. Should the collar move too far from the base, the “correction” setting of the collar will be activated. The collar is waterproof so if your dog likes to frolic in the rain, you needn’t worry if he will receive needless shocks. There is a long battery life as well. The collar battery will stay charged up to a whopping 2 months before the low-battery indicator signals its need to be plugged in!
The fence works best with flat yards, so if you have hills, you may need to be aware of where you are placing the base. This system is easily adjustable if you move or travel a lot as well. You can find this system priced at around $350.
What to watch out for with this product:
It is very important to train your dog properly with this product first. The system comes with a professional training guide and claims that your dog should be fully trained within 2 weeks or less. Also, although the manufacturer claims that the fece can be quickly set up in only a few hours, if you are new to setting up wireless, or wired, fences, you may want to allot yourself some extra time to fully understand the setup process.
Also, if you have another collar that you would rather use, because your dog or cat is used to it and you and your pet are happy with the collar, the system is compatible with other collars, but not all. You may need to contact the manufacturer to ensure that your collar is compatible with the fence before purchasing.
Crucial Tips:
If you are not sure if the siding on your house is aluminum or fiberglass, you may want to have a siding professional come out to see what kind you have. If you have any kind of metal siding, it’s best not to go with a wireless system. A wired system is probably best for you.
Benefits and Features:
- The set up is easy because there is no cable to be laid on your property.
- Long battery charge and life
- The systems helps you train your dog by giving your dog a 3-second beep before a correction
- Adjustable in all directions up to 105 feet from the indoor transmitter
- Can add an unlimited number of pets/collars
- 100% waterproof and portable!
- The price is quite reasonable compared to other, similar units.
Things to Watch Out For:
- May work inconsistently in intermittent weather
- The transmitter only works in a circular pattern. Uniquely shaped properties may not be covered well.
- The transmitter works best on flat terrain only. Should you have steep slopes on your property, the system may not work optimally.
- Does not cover as much acreage as a wired system.
Conclusion:
PetSafe PIFOO-12917 2-Dog Stay and Play Wireless Dog Fence System
Check Carefully Because…
This system reaches a circular perimeter of up to ¾ of an acre and it is portable. If your property is larger than this, and you wish for your dog to roam the entirety of your property, you may need to consider another system. However, the manufacturer claims that you can combine transmitters to extend the reach of containment. If you have sloped property or aluminum siding on your home or near where the transmitter will be, you may want to contact the manufacturer to ensure this product will work well.
As with any electric dog fence system, be sure your dog is fully trained first before relaxing supervision. The collar comes with 5 levels of correction and a tone-only mode for training. However, tone-only should only be used once your dog has become fully familiar with the correction settings.
The MUST Know, True Facts:
There are no wires to bury because the entire system is 100% wireless. The collars provided are completely waterproof and durable. The collars offer 5 different levels of corrections along with a tone-only setting. The rechargeable collars charge in 2-3 hours and are specially made for optimal comfort for your dog. A product warranty is offered through the manufacturer directly. You can find this product priced at around $450.
What to watch out for with this product:
If you have uniquely-shaped property, you may wish to contact the manufacturer to ensure there will not be any transmission problems. Do this, also, if you have aluminum siding on your home. While training your dog, be sure that the collar settings are not too intense for your dog, even on the lowest setting. Make sure that you take the collar off while in secure areas like your home, garage, barn, etc. This will ensure that if there are any false-corrections, they will not hurt your dog. To extend the life and charge of your battery, turn off the collars when not in use.
Crucial Tips:
Benefits and Features:
- No wires to bury or set up. It’s 100% wireless!
- The receiver collar has 5 correction settings and a tone-only setting for when your pooch is fully trained. The collars are also completely waterproof if Fido gets caught in a squall.
- Is portable so you can move the transmitter to different parts of your house or property and even take it with you camping or RVing!
Things to watch out for:
Some claim there are malfunctions with the collar. It has been known to shock dogs within close proximity to the transmitter. This is why you should always take the collar off of the dog when the dog is inside and turn the collar off when not in use.
Also, although the manufacturer does not stress this point, some customers complained that this system does not work well on inclines or property that has hills or slopes. In newer models of this system, the company does stress that the product works best on flat land only. So if you live in Colorado or Alaska, you may want to take this into consideration. A wired system may work much better for you in this case.
Conclusion:
Extreme Dog Fence – Second Generation -2020-Standard Grade (Essential) Kit Packages
Second Generation is a very reputable dog fence company and highly recommended by many users. At around $400+, their in-ground system is reasonably priced and considered reliable by repeat customers. Being based in the USA, and made in the USA, this product is a favorite of those wishing to support USA-based businesses.
Check Carefully Because:
Because this is an in-ground system, be sure you are in decent physical shape to either dig the trenches necessary to bury the wire, hire some professionals to do it for you, or “staple” the wire to the ground around the perimeter of land you wish to contain. If you wish to do this job yourself, depending on how much land you have to cover, be prepared to block off a day or two to finish the job correctly. Also, you’ll want to be sure that the wire isn’t frayed or damaged in any way so that you don’t do all of that work, only to discover that you have a defective wire.
The MUST Know, True Facts:
Coming standard with 500ft of wire, The Extreme Dog Fence can cover up to 1/3 of an acre, and if you have more land than that, you can add wire up to 25 acres of land–much more than a wireless system. The system includes a lightweight collar (1.1 ounces!) that will ensure comfort to your dog. Dogs as small as 8 pounds will find the collar manageable. The entire system is also 100% waterproof and customizable, handling up to 5 dog collars at one time.
What to watch out for with this product:
To be honest, only a small percentage of customers vehemently disliked this product. Those concerns included dogs that were able to walk directly through the fence or were not physically phased by the correction settings and collar prongs that didn’t retract. To be fair, there are many correction collars that don’t allow the prongs to retract. Other concerns were that the system failed without warning and that customer service was less than helpful.
Crucial Tips:
Benefits and Features:
As we’ve stated earlier, the great majority of customers hailed this system as being the best they’ve ever bought. If you are willing to take the time needed to properly install and properly train your dog, there is a good possibility that this system will work well for you, too.
- 100% Waterproof
- Lightweight receiver collar
- With additional wire, can cover up to 25 acres of land
- Easy to install and program
Things to Watch Out For:
As with any electric dog fence, you want to be sure that the correction setting on the receiver collar is not set too high for your dog. Also, if Fido is a “tough dog”, you may need to monitor her to be sure she doesn’t find the highest correction setting to mild and push through the fence’s perimeter. Know, too, that some customers did not find their customer service experience to be optimal, so be prepared for the possibility that you may have to ask for a supervisor’s help.
Conclusion:
FunAce Underground Wired Pet Containment System – 3 Adjustable Modes (Beep Only, Low Shock, High Shock) – Rechargeable & Waterproof Collar Burial Grade Wire – in-Ground Electric Dog Fence
FunAce is a dog fence company based out of Shenzen, China. Because the company is not based in the USA, contacting customer service may be quite daunting. More people have left negative reviews regarding this product, but we will get into the specifics of those issues later.
Check Carefully Because:
As with other in-ground fences, you must be prepared to either do the work yourself, which may take a lot of time and physical energy, or be prepared to hire professional installers at an additional cost. This system retails for about $100, but when it comes to this kind of item in general, it seems as though you get what you pay for. If you want it to work well the first time it is installed, you may need to pay more for more durable wire and a larger quantity of wire. Also, there seem to be issues regarding the recharging of the batteries of the receiver collars. They don’t seem to charge all the way or stay charged once the system says that they’re fully charged.
The MUST Know Facts:
The company claims that the system is 100% safe and waterproof. The shipping weight for the entire system is 3.9lbs, so the collar should be quite light. Always be sure to train your dog before allowing them to roam unsupervised. Read all the instruction and training manuals that the system includes. Many random issues may be solved by rereading the instructions and going over all steps very carefully to ensure proper installation of product and proper training of the dog or dogs.
What to watch out for with this product:
Many customers claim that the collar kept shocking their dogs, even in the house far away from the wires. Others’ concerns are that the wire is far too thin and breaks easily and that the collar did not charge fully after 2 hours of charging, although the collar had become very hot to the touch. Some tried using old collars from other, previous dog fences and those old collars worked better than the one that is included with this system.
There have also been concerns about the intensity of the lowest correction shock. It seems to be far too intense, even for larger dogs such as German Shepards and Pit Bulls. Another concern is that the collar actually “burns out” indicating that the wiring of the product may be faulty and actually quite dangerous to use.
Crucial Tips:
If you experience any problems, be sure to reread all of the instructions and watch any videos related to the use of this system. Also know that you can always call their customer care line, but be prepared to wait on hold, as some customers have claimed.
Benefits and Features:
This is a low-cost in-ground system, so if you don’t have too much land to cover, this might work alright. It’s easy to train your dog and install the system. You can even install the system above ground. Also, some claim they had very positive experiences with their customer service. Know that the company offers a warranty, but this warranty is only through the company directly.
Things to watch out for:
Basically everything. There are far more customers reporting a myriad of problems with this system than not. The wire is far too thin and fragile. The collars either work for a short time or not at all and those that do work “correct” far too harshly, even on the lowest setting. If you do need assistance from customer service, be prepared to be on hold a very long time. Again, the old adage “You get what you pay for” seems to ring true when it comes to electric dog fences.
Conclusion:
Extreme Dog Fence. Second Generation – 2020- Standard Grade Kit Packages
Second Generation has one of the best reputations in dog fences and we wouldn’t expect any less from their newest model. It retails for about $300 and is worth every penny! This company really goes the distance in making sure that it’s products are the best they can be! Second Generation has been producing dog fences for 25 years and all of the systems are manufactured in the USA.
Check Carefully Because:
With any electronic fence system, you want to be sure to read all of the instructions first and be sure that you properly train your dog. Also, you will need to measure the perimeter of your property so you will know exactly how much wire you will require to contain your dog. If you plan to install the system yourself, plan to spend at least one to two days digging a small trench first and this may also be very physically taxing so you should be in relatively good shape. If not, you may want to hire a professional installer. Some have also rented trench diggers for a day or two.
The MUST know facts:
When using the maximum amount of wire, the fence can cover up to 6 acres of land. The newly designed electronics are compatible with several kinds of receiver collars. This system also boasts 12x the battery life power than earlier models. As always, the fence and collar are 100% waterproof and can be completely immersed in water. Your dog can swim or frolic in the rain without any affect to the functionality of the product.
The newly-designed wire comes with Heavy Protective Jacket which will help to protect the wire from breakage. There is also a splice kit included to add additional wire more easily. The entire system comes with a 1 year warranty on the electronics and a 2 year warranty on the wire. The warranties are available through the manufacturer only.
What to watch out for with this product:
The collars may not work for more than a few months in some cases and dogs may stray outside of the perimeter as a result. Other problems include the beeping mode was very faint and not audible, and the quality of the correction prongs may not be optimal. There is some speculation that this company may be “bribing” customers to give positive reviews, thereby compromising the company’s integrity in this field.
Benefits and Features:
On the other hand, if most of the positive reviews are true, then this is actually a good product. Many state that the installation is quite easy and the collars worked very well. Several state that even their most stubborn dogs were trained in one day including family cats. This is an improved system from previous systems in that the entire system is completely waterproof and submersible. It sets up very quickly, in about 4 hours. There is 24/7 customer support and most have said the entire product is very well-made.
Things to Watch Out For:
Some claimed that the prongs hurt their dog’s neck, but it was because the customers had left the collars on indefinitely!! The caution section of the manual states that the collars should be taken off every twelve hours, but we still recommend keeping the collars on only for as long as your dog is using the fence! It seems the only thing to truly watch out for in this system is if you are using basic common sense.
Conclusion:
PetSafe PIF00-12917 Stay & Play Wireless Fence
PetSafe is another dog fence manufacturer with a great reputation. They are the largest manufacturer of electric pet training products in the USA and they have customers in 52 countries around the world. That being said, the company is clearly devoting a lot of their time recently to innovation and their Stay & Play Wireless Fence System is an attestation to innovation.
Check Carefully Because:
Wireless dog fences currently are only able to cover in a circular pattern and one that exists on flat terrain. If you have land that slopes or is hilly, and you wish those areas to be contained, this system may not be for you. Keep in mind, too, that if you have aluminum siding, the transmitter may not work from inside of your house or garage, if you garage also has aluminum siding. The transmitter doesn’t like to work though metal or very thick trees.
Also, the circular containment center exists wherever the transmitter is and extends outward from that center up to .75 of an acre. If you wish a larger amount of land to be covered, you may need to purchase more transmitters, but one must be mindful of how far apart to space the transmitters. You don’t want gaps between the connections or your dog might find them and dash for the neighbor’s yard or the interstate!
The MUST Know, True Facts:
The product includes one transmitter, a receiver collar and perimeter flags. This system is appropriate for dogs 5lbs and up. The receiver collar is very lightweight and should be comfortable for a cat as well. If the collar is too large, the receiver can be refitted on to a smaller collar.
If you don’t want the hassle of having to set up an in-ground system, wireless setups are usually the best and most convenient. The transmitter is fully chargeable as is the receiver collar.
What to watch out for with this product:
If you decide to take the transmitter outside, it should be plugged in and not left in the cold. It doesn’t seem to work as well in cold weather if it is outside. Remember, with all wireless dog fences, if you have hilly or sloped land, this may not work well! Also, if you are trying to train your dog while there is snow on the ground, know that the perimeter flags are white so you may want to spray paint them orange before placing them where you need them to be.
Crucial Tips:
Also, remember that wireless systems don’t work well in mountainous areas or in houses with metal in or around the mainframe. The transmitter will not work on higher levels of a house. It must always be on the ground floor to work effectively.
Benefits and Features:
- No wires to bury
- Receiver collar lightweight enough for even the smallest dog
- Comes with instruction manual and 24/7 customer service
- Money-back guarantee and warrantee available through the company directly only
- Easy and quick setup
Things to Watch out for:
- Not for people who have slopes or hilly terrain
- Not for use inside structures with aluminum siding or metal roofs
- Be sure to read all manuals and instructions available
- Make sure you follow the training instructions before leaving your dog unsupervised.
Conclusion:
PetSafe Wireless Dog and Cat Containment System-Above Ground Electric Pet Fence-From the Parent Company of INVISIBLE FENCE Brand
PetSafe is extremely reputable and boasts being the largest manufacturer of electronic dog training devices in the USA. They have customers in at least 2 countries and many of them are repeat customers. This company tries its best to be innovative, having listened very closely to customer concerns, to provide the best and most dependable dog fence systems available.
Check Carefully Because:
The adjustable circular range only covers up to ½ acre, so if you have a lot of land to cover, you many need to buy more transmitters. Also, be sure to carefully read all of the caution portions of the training manuals and videos. You should never, ever leave the collar on your dog indefinitely! Also, keep in mind that if you have hills or slopes on your land, wireless electric fences won’t work well. They only send out signals on flat terrain so be mindful of this when choosing which system is best for you.
The MUST Know, True Facts:
There’s no wire to bury which allows you to secure your area without the time and energy of having to secure wire on your land. This system also boasts a static-free reentry, so your pet won’t get corrected on its way into the house.
The setup takes just a few hours and it’s great if you travel a lot in an RV to various camping grounds. Also, the receiver collar is 100% waterproof and also fits comfortably on an 8lb dog or cat. It also comes with a battery that has a life up to 2 months! You can also personalize the settings and add more pets if you like.
What to watch out for with this product:
Some concerns raised are that if you have more than one dog, and they play together outside, the collars might get stuck together, thereby trapping your dogs and forcing them to fight to get loose. Also, others seem disappointed that the rechargeable batteries do not come included in the price of the system. You must buy them directly from the manufacturer for an additional charge.
In addition, know that wireless security systems don’t work well if you have aluminum siding or a metal roof, even if that roof is 3 stories up!
Crucial Tips:
Benefits and Features:
- Easy to install
- No wires to bury
- Is easy to transport
- Easily train unlimited numbers of dogs
Things to watch out for:
- Can’t be used on sloping or hilly terrain
- Won’t work well if you have aluminum siding or a metal roof
- Collars might get stuck together if dogs play closely with one another
- Batteries come sold separately for an extra charge
Conclusion:
Wireless Combo Electric Dog Fence System with Remote Dog Training Collar by PetControlHQ, Containment System
Pet Control HQ seems to be one of those obscure off-brands, but is not without merit. It’s reputation seems to rival those of its larger competitors. It’s also more cost effective than other systems and offers free shipping! This particular model offers both remote and wired options. The wire can be installed if you want to let your pets roam on larger portions of your land and the remote version will keep them closer to home.
Check Carefully Because:
Most of the concerns seem to involve the collars. Some claim the collar only worked for a little over a month, another said it didn’t work at all. Also, there seems to be some issues with the transmitter working erratically, thereby shocking their pets needlessly. Also remember, wireless systems don’t work well if you have hills or slopes, so you would need to switch over to the wired setting if they’re going to run down a hill or up a little mountain.
The MUST Know, True Facts:
This product comes with a rechargeable dog collar, 492ft of 20 gauge wire, a wall mounted transmitter, a remote control, training flags and other electronics included. The wire and and the collar are 100% waterproof. The collar has 3 levels of correction and the remote control collar has 10 levels of vibration and correction.
The collar works best for dogs weighing 11-154lbs with neck sizes ranging from 8-27 inches. The collar is safe from swimming or bathing up to 30 minutes. Furthermore, the remote setting is best used if you have more than one dog.
What to watch out for with this product:
The battery not remaining charged seems to be the biggest issue with this product. Another issue is that the collar is not picking up the signal properly. One reported having to move the prongs perfectly downward for the collar to receive the signal from the transmitter and the collar lost the signal if the dog looked up.
Crucial Tips:
Again, be sure you fully train your dog per the manufacturers instructions and/or videos before leaving them unsupervised and never leave the collar on your dog indefinitely!
Benefits and Features:
- Easy to set up
- Less expensive than other systems of comparable quality
- Offers you the option to use wired or wireless
- Waterproof collar and easy instructions to train dog
Things to watch out for:
- Batteries don’t stay charged
- Collars of low quality
- Intermittent signal
Conclusion:
That being said, considering the fact that the price is very reasonable and there are numerous customer ratings stating that it’s a quality product, it may be worth a try.
Sit Boo-Boo Advanced Electric Fence – Latest Invisible All Weather Dog Fence – In Ground or Above Ground Installation
This is not a wireless system, but a wired system, but nonetheless, there are some positive reviews about this product so it’s worth a look. It’s one of the lowest priced systems available.
Check Carefully Because:
If you have hilly or sloped terrain, this would be perfect for you! Wireless systems don’t work well with hills and valleys, but wired systems will allow your dog to run as far as the perimeter allows. But before installing, know that it’s either going to take you up to two days depending on how much land you have an how much energy you’ve got. You may even have to hire an installer if you don’t want to fuss with installing in-ground yourself, or you could opt to install above-ground and use lawn staples. Either way, just know that wired systems always take longer to install.
Also, as always, be sure you read all the manuals and training instructions before allowing your dog to roam unsupervised.
The MUST Know, True Facts:
The collar works with dogs 10lbs and up. If you have a tiny pooch, you could try to use a smaller collar, but contact the manufacturer to be sure it’s compatible with the transmitter/wire. This system comes with 500ft of copper-core wire and can be expanded up to 20 acres of land. There are 7 different levels of correction that include tone, vibration and static. The collar and wire work in freezing temperatures and are 100% waterproof.
What to watch out for with this product:
Some concerns voiced are that the product is very cheaply made and the collar is defective and there was no help from customer support. Most of the negative reviews seem to have been posted within the past few months so the company has not had a chance to improve this product. One customer claimed that he/she went over the installation process several times and the product would still false-correct the dog randomly or not work when the dog neared the perimeter.
Crucial Tips:
Benefits and Features:
- Low price
- 100% Waterproof
- Easy to install
- Money-Back Guarantee
Things to watch out for:
- Cheaply made
- May false correct
- Batteries may not charge
- Power adapters may not work properly
Conclusion:
Sit Boo-Boo Advanced Hidden Fence – Additional Collar
Last, but not least, let’s see how an additional collar fares among customers of Sit Boo-Boo.
Check Carefully Because:
It is very important that receiver collars not be left on a dog or cat indefinitely! They’re not meant to be used in that way and can cause your pet great pain without you realizing it until it’s too late and you must take your pet to the emergency vet. Also, if your dog is under 10lbs, this collar will be too heavy for Killer.
The MUST Know, True Facts:
The collar is 100% waterproof, adjustable and comes with several settings including tone, vibration and progressively increasing static. The collar comes with training instructions that should be followed implicitly! Also, the collar is easily rechargeable. It also comes with a 1-year money-back guarantee offered through the manufacturer only.
What to Watch Out For With This Product:
With all electric receiver collars, it is important to monitor your pet’s neck to ensure that the collar isn’t too tight or too loose. Also, look for any burn marks! You don’t want your pet to suffer needlessly from a collar that is over-correcting and/or false-correcting.
Crucial Tips:
Benefits and Features:
- 100% Waterproof
- Money-Back Guarantee
- Includes instructions and enhanced safety features
- Rechargeable
Things to Watch Out For:
- Collar may false-correct
- May not fully charge