Shih Tzu Expert

Here You can find everything about Shih Tzu dogs. Best dog Food, Grooming tips and advice, Training and Health issues of Shih Tzu and other small breed dogs

  • Food
  • Health
  • Dog Grooming
    • Dog Clippers
    • Other Grooming Tools
    • Grooming Products
    • Grooming Tips
  • Dog Safety
    • GPS Dog Collars
    • GPS Dog Fences
    • In ground dog fences
    • Wireless Dog Fences
  • Dog Training
  • About

3 Best in ground fences for dogs : [Your Ultimate Guide to underground dog fences]

By Elma | Last Updated June 27, 2020

We may earn commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Your want to keep your pets safe!. But is it really necessary to spend money on an underground fence for dogs? Are they better than wireless dog fences or GPS dog collars? are some of the questions that flood your mind when looking for ways to protect your pup. Here is our comprehensive guide to Best in ground fence for dogs …

Fence NameOur RatingCheck Price on AmazonGood for In ground Dog Fence
PetSafe Little Dog In-Ground Fence

Editor's Choice - Best for for Small Dogs

4.9 out of 5 stars (4.9 / 5) Check Price on AmazonThe Best In-ground Electric Fence for Small Dogs
Sportdog 100-Acre In-Ground Fencing System

Best In-ground Electric Fence for Medium Dogs

4.9 out of 5 stars (4.9 / 5) Check Price on AmazonBest In-ground Electric Fence for Medium Dogs

The PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence 4.9 out of 5 stars (4.9 / 5) Check Price on AmazonThe Best In-ground Electric Fence for Large Dogs

The Best In-ground Electric Fence for Small Dogs

1 PetSafe Little Dog In-Ground Fence Editor’s Choice – Best for for Small Dogs

PetSafe is one of the most well-known pet product companies and they specialize in containment fences. When you buy PetSafe, you can be sure that you are getting a quality product that is both effective and safe.

Check Carefully because…
The PetSafe Little Dog In-Ground Fence is a fantastic product, but don’t take my word for it. Trust the incredible reviews about the product instead. It has an incredible 75+% of 4 or 5- star reviews. Almost all of the people who reviewed the product said that it was worth the money and that it worked as well as or better than they expected. It is a truly reliable product that is tailor-made to fit your dog.

The MUST Know, True Facts about PetSafe Little Dog In-Ground Fence

The PetSafe Little Dog In-Ground Fence is a safe, reliable fence that is perfect for petite pups. The collar will fit dogs with a neck from 6-16 inches around. It is safe for dogs that weigh at least 5 pounds. It can be installed without professional help, but the installation will take some manual labor on your part. It comes with 500 feet of 20-gauge wire that should be enough to cover about a third of an acre, but more wire can be purchased separately to cover any size of the yard. You can also purchase extra collars to use the system with multiple dogs. All of the PetSafe In-Ground Fence systems will work together, so if you have one small dog, and two large dogs, you can purchase one little dog system and two of the collars from the large system, or vice versa.

What to watch out for with this product?

If your dog is more than 20 pounds, you will probably want to go with the Larger dog system.
If you live in colder climates that receive a lot of snow, it is important to know how the snow will impact the effectiveness of your In-Ground Fence. If a lot of snow compiles so that your dog will be walking on top of an extra few feet of snow, you will probably need to turn up the strength of the boundary wire. You can easily adjust the strength of the boundary by turning the dial on the transmitter box. You can also adjust how far away from the wire, your dog receives the warning/correction using the same dial. While the boundary wire is weather-resistant, it is a good idea to use PVC pipe to protect the wire, specifically if the wire is exposed to a lot of water.

Crucial Tips

  1. It is important to know how close to the boundary the collar will begin responding. You can adjust this with a dial on the transmitter, and it ranges from 3-12 feet. Several factors will impact how wide you want to boundary width to be. If you bury the wire too deep, you may need a stronger boundary width to compensate for the extra ground that the signal has to go through. You probably don’t want to set the boundary wire up with the exact perimeter of your yard, especially if you live near a street, because then your dog may not receive the correction until he or she has actually left the yard.
  2. You should regularly test the receiver collar using the included test light, at least once a month or so. If the batteries in the collar die, your dog will be able to leave the yard without any corrections or warnings. If you don’t test the collar on a regular basis, the batteries could die without your knowledge and your pup could be dangerously wandering before you know it.
  3. The transmitter needs to be plugged into a standard 110-volt wall outlet. The transmitter is not weather-proof so it should be kept indoors or at least inside your garage.

Benefits and Features
  • It is safe for small dogs.
  • It can be customized to the shape of your yard.
  • You can add multiple dogs by purchasing extra collars.
Things to watch out for
  • It is not a portable system, especially if you bury the wires instead of laying them on top of the ground.
  • The batteries in the collar will need to be replaced every one to three months depending on how often your dog challenges the boundary.
  • The installation will take one to two days of manual labor.
Benefits and Features
  • The collar fits neck sizes 6-16 inches.
  • It is safe for dogs weighing 5-20 pounds.
  • The included boundary wire will cover approximately ⅓ of an acre, and more wire is available for purchase.
  • The collar is lightweight (only two ounces) so it won’t irritate your dog’s neck.
  • It has four levels of adjustable intensity for the static correction. It also has a sound-only option.

Conclusion

All of the PetSafe In-Ground Fences are great products that put your dog’s safety first. They are reliable and accurate. However, this is one of the only products available that is specifically made for smaller dogs. The size and weight of the collar will fit your dog nicely without being too heavy and the static corrections can be adjusted to be sure that they are not too intense for your little dog. These features make the PetSafe Little Dog In-Ground Fence the best underground fence for small dogs.

The Best In-ground Electric Fence for Medium Dogs

1 Sportdog 100-Acre In-Ground Fencing System Best In-ground Electric Fence for Medium Dogs

Check Carefully because…

This is another product that gets great reviews from its customers. Plain and simple, the system works. The installation is about the same as other in-ground systems, but many owners say that the training took less time than expected. Once the dogs experience the static correction a couple of times, they quickly learn to respect the boundary, even when there are distractions on the other side of the boundary. And because the boundary is consistent, it is easy for dogs to learn.

The MUST Know, True Facts about Sportdog 100-Acre In-Ground Fencing System

The SportDog 100-Acre In-Ground Fencing System comes with 1,000 feet of wire. This is more wire than most underground fences come with and it should cover at least half of an acre. You can purchase extra wire to create a fence with up to 100 acres of coverage, but beware that you will need to purchase extra wire for that. However, the wire is 14 gauge, so it is thicker than the wires included with other systems. Some owners felt like it was better to purchase a thinner wire.
You can also purchase an add-on training remote. This training remote will connect to the same receiver collar, but you can control when to give warning tones, vibrations, and static corrections. This is a great tool for training away bad habits like barking, chewing or jumping.

What to watch out for with this product?

It is important that you understand how to lay the wire properly. Read the instructional manual, or check out the manufacturer’s website for some important information on how to splice and twist the wires. You can also check out some videos on YouTube for some helpful information. Specifically, if you twist wires the wrong way, you can unintentionally create a neutral zone, where your dog will not get the static correction. You should also make sure that you test the collar after laying the wire so that you can be sure that it is working the way you want it to.
Some customers have complained that their system broke unexpectedly or stopped working shortly after it arrived. Specifically, some of them have complained that the receiver collar has cheap screws holding the shock mechanism in place and if the screw gets loose, the collar breaks easily.

There is no backup power supply for this system. So if there is a power outage, your dog could leave the perimeter without receiving any correction. However, if you have trained your dog properly, it will most likely respect the perimeter even if the power goes out.

Crucial Tips

  1. The installation of the SportDog In-Ground Fence system will be a lot easier if you have the right tools. If you have or can rent a trencher or an edger, your installation time will be dramatically decreased.

Benefits and Features
  • This system includes twice as much wire as the other systems.
  • The SportDog system also includes lightning and surge protection built into the transmitter.
  • It has four levels of static stimulation to match the intensity with your dog’s needs.
  • The collar is waterproof and includes an anti-linger feature. The anti-linger feature ensures that your dog will not continuously receive the warning tone if he or she stays in the warning area that you set up. They will receive one warning tone and then they will not receive anything else unless they actually challenge the boundary. This anti-linger feature will save the battery life of the collar.
  • The SportDog In-Ground system comes with a 14-gauge wire but other gauges are available so you can choose which one works best for you.
Things to watch out for
  • It is only suitable for dogs that weigh ten pounds or more.
  • The collar is bulky and weighs six ounces.
Benefits and Features
  • The transmitter is wall-mountable and has a built-in surge protector to avoid damage from lightning or power surges.
  • The transmitter also has a wire-break alarm that will alert you if something happens to break or cut your wire.
  • The receiver collar has a low-battery light to alert you when it is time to change the battery.
  • The waterproof collar weighs about 6 ounces.
  • You can purchase a remote trainer that will also work with the same collar.

Conclusion

The SportDog 100-Acre In-Ground Fence is the best underground fence system for medium dogs because it is safe and reliable, but the bulky collar makes it too big for smaller dogs. It is full of wonderful safety features that make it a great value.

The Best In-ground Electric Fence for Large Dogs

1 The PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence The Best In-ground Electric Fence for Large Dogs

This is another great product from the PetSafe company that specifically works great for large and stubborn dogs. This also happens to be the best underground shock fence for hearing-impaired dogs because the warning tone also has a vibration before the static correction is issued.

Check Carefully because…
While the collar will fit dogs who weigh eight pounds or more, we recommend only using the Stubborn Dog system with dogs who weigh at least thirty pounds. The intensity of the static correction makes this a better option for larger dogs.

The MUST Know, True Facts about The PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence

The PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence has five shock intensities and claims to have the highest intensity available. It also has a training mode that only uses a sound and vibration instead of the shock. It also includes a Run Through Prevention feature that will train even the most stubborn dogs to not leave the yard.
The PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence comes with 500 feet of wire. You may need to purchase extra wire if your yard is bigger than about a third of an acre. Remember that some places will need multiple layers of wire twisted or run together, so if your perimeter area is exactly 500 feet, you will need 25-50 extra feet of wire. You can use the PetSafe website to find out exactly how much wire you will need for your specific yard.

What to watch out for with this product?

If the wire is not laid correctly, the boundary will be inconsistent. Be sure to follow the instructions and watch the instructional videos before you begin the installation. It might be necessary to purchase extra accessories like splicing lines that don’t come with the standard system.
The receiver collar is waterproof but it is not meant to be submerged underwater for long periods of time.
Make sure that you are ordering the entire system when you first begin. You can always buy extra collars, extra wire, and other accessories later, and there are several bundled buying options. But all of those options might confuse you into thinking you are buying the whole system when you are actually just buying an extra collar.

Crucial Tips

  1. The transmitter uses a 110-volt outlet. For this reason, this system is only recommended for use within the United States. International outlets use 220 volts and are not compatible with this system.
  2. You should lay the wire out on the ground and test it before actually digging the trenches. In some areas, you will need to lay multiple layers of wire, like the wire that goes to and from the transmitter, and the second layer could make that area a passing zone. You may need to splice the wire in some cases. It is best to figure out all of those details before begin digging.
  3. If you already have a traditional fence but your dog tends to jump over it or dig under it, you can use the PetSafe Stubborn Dog system without burying the wires. Simply attach the wire to your existing fence using staples or PVC pipe. Just make sure that the wires are protected from things like your lawn mower that could cut the wires and be sure that your dog does not chew through the wires.
  4. Make sure that you keep the collar snug, especially if you have a dog with a lot of fur or skin on their neck. If the collar moves around, it can interrupt the signal to the transmitter, and it will not work properly.

Benefits and Features
  • The waterproof receiver collar has a low-battery light. It will fit dogs with necks up to 28 inches wide.
  • It includes a tone plus vibration mode that warns your dog when it is nearing the boundary zone. The vibration makes this the best option for training a dog that is hearing-impaired.
  • The Stubborn Dog system has the highest intensity of shock available.
  • An unlimited number of dogs can be added to the same system with the purchase of extra collars.
  • All of the PetSafe collars will work with any of the PetSafe in-ground transmitters. If you have multiple dogs, you can purchase the Stubborn Dog collar for your largest dog, and get the basic or Small Dog collars for your smaller dogs.
Things to watch out for
  • This system cannot be used with smaller dogs who weigh less than 30 pounds.
  • The collar is bulky and weighs six and a half ounces.
  • The collar is made of a cheap material so some customers have reported that their dog easily broke the collar. However, if you prefer, you can connect the shock mechanism to another collar pretty easily.
  • The high-intensity shocks might be too much for smaller, more sensitive dogs to handle.
  • As with all in-ground fences, the receiver collar will issue the static correction once your dog enters the boundary zone, no matter which side of the boundary your dog is on. This means that your dog will get a correction for coming back into the property line. It is important that you train your dog to enter through the passing zones that you created when you set up the wire so that your dog will not get shocked for returning home.
Benefits and Features
  • The PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence covers up to ten acres with the purchase of additional wire.
  • It has 5 intensity levels of static correction with the highest possible intensities.
  • It has a training mode that uses only a sound and vibration to warn your dog that they are approaching the boundary. This feature is useful for dogs that are hearing-impaired.
  • The receiver collar takes a 9-volt battery. The battery should last 2-3 months depending on how often your dog challenges the boundary.
  • It has a Run Through Prevention feature. The intensity of the static correction will increase if your dog tries to run through the boundary zone.
  • The Stubborn Dog system includes waterproof gel-filled capsules that can be used to repair damaged boundary wire or for splicing wires together.
  • There is a built-in surge protector in the transmitter.
  • There is also a Lightning Protection kit that is available for purchase but it will change the installation process. So if you live in an area that gets a lot of lightning, be sure to purchase the protection kit at the same time as you purchase your in-ground fence system and install them both simultaneously.

Conclusion

The PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence is the best fence for large dogs because it is strong enough to get their attention. The lower intensity on some of the other products might not be strong enough for large dogs. It is reliable, consistent, and safe, even though it has higher intensity shocks. The Run-Through Prevention feature ensures that the most stubborn dogs will respond to the training because the intensity of the shock will increase as they continue testing the boundary.


#

Contents

  • 1 Editor's Choice - Best for for Small Dogs
  • 2 Best In-ground Electric Fence for Medium Dogs
  • 3 The Best In-ground Electric Fence for Small Dogs
  • 4 1 PetSafe Little Dog In-Ground Fence Editor’s Choice – Best for for Small Dogs
  • 5 The Best In-ground Electric Fence for Medium Dogs
  • 6 1 Sportdog 100-Acre In-Ground Fencing System Best In-ground Electric Fence for Medium Dogs
  • 7 The Best In-ground Electric Fence for Large Dogs
  • 8 1 The PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence The Best In-ground Electric Fence for Large Dogs
  • 9 Guide to finding the Best In-ground Fence for Dogs
  • 10 What to Consider Before Buying an Underground Dog Fence
  • 11 Good-to-Know Tips and Tricks

Guide to finding the Best In-ground Fence for Dogs

As a dog-owner, your pet’s safety and happiness is your responsibility. This means allowing your dog some time to play or run around outside, but it also means keeping your dog safe when he is running around outside. Even though they are domesticated, dogs are still animals with instincts that make them run after other animals or anything else they find interesting. If you want to allow your dog to roam freely or almost freely around your yard, without allowing him to wander into possibly dangerous situations, an in-ground fence might be the best solution for you.

What Is an In-ground or Underground Dog Fence?

In-ground Fences, also called Underground Fences or Hidden Fences, are fences that use wires or cables buried just below the surface of the ground to set up the perimeter. You can use the buried wire to set up your fence in whatever shape or size that you want. You can even set up internal fences to keep your dog away from gardens, flower beds or pools.

Best in ground fence for dogs

How Does an Underground Shock Fence Work?

Underground Fences work by creating a signal field on either side of the buried wire which sends a signal to the receiver collar that is worn by your dog. When the collar receives the signal it either produces a warning sound to tell your dog that he or she is approaching the boundary, or it produces a slight electric shock. The electric shock is not harmful and feels about the same as if you were to touch the screen on your T.V., but it is enough of a sensation to get your dog’s attention. You can usually adjust the levels of intensity of the shock according to your dog’s needs. So an in-ground fence will not physically keep your dog within your yard, but instead, it will train your dog to not leave. Keep in mind that underground dog fences will not keep any other animals out of your yard.

Why Should You Choose an Underground Dog Fence?

Many people consider traditional fencing to be the best option, but that is not always a feasible option. Traditional fences can be cost-prohibitive and are even forbidden by certain housing associations. Underground Dog Fences are great for you if traditional fencing is not an option for you, especially if your dog has a tendency to jump over or dig under traditional fences.

Underground fences can offer you more flexibility than wireless fence systems.If you have metal siding or a metal rooftop, most wireless fences will not work in your yard, so a wired fence will be a better alternative. Wireless fences also force you to create a circular boundary, so if you need a rectangular boundary or a boundary of different sizes and shapes, a customizable in-ground fence is the best option.

How Does an Underground Shock Fence Work?

Advantages and Disadvantages of In-ground Fences

In-ground Fences offer a more customizable solution for many pet owners. They can be arranged in any shape so you can match it exactly to the shape of your yard. And they can be used for any size yard so long as you can buy enough wire. They are far more cost-effective than traditional fencing. Because they do not rely on radio frequencies they are far more reliable and accurate than wireless fences. In-ground fences can also be used with an unlimited number of dogs with the purchase of a separate receiver collar.

However, in-ground fences are not without their disadvantages. The most prominent disadvantage is that they will only issue the static correction when your dog is near the in-ground wires. This is a disadvantage for two major reasons. If your dog does leave the boundary, he or she will only receive the static correction as soon as they leave. If they keep moving away from the boundary, the static correction will stop. The second reason that this is an issue is that your dog will receive a second static correction when they come back to your yard. This can be very confusing for some dogs. So underground fences do little to convince your dog to come back to the boundary once he has escaped. Another disadvantage of wired fences is that they are not portable. If you are not planning to stay at your current home for a long time, this is not the best option for you.

What to Consider Before Buying an Underground Dog Fence

Before you begin the process of deciding which in-ground containment fence is the best option for you, there are a few things you should consider.

The first thing to consider is the size and shape of your yard. You will want to measure the boundary area to make sure that you have enough wire for your boundary. Consider whether or not you want to include exclusion zones to keep your dog out of certain parts of your yard, like your garden. Also be aware that in order to create a passing zone or an area where your dog can safely leave the boundary without static correction, you will need to lay two layers of wire and twist them together. Be sure to include those measurements in your estimate of how much wire you need, and enough wire to run to where you will locate the transmitter. Most systems come with 500 feet of wire, but check the particulars for each product before you buy. You also need to consider how to will handle difficult areas like driveways and patios. Think about whether it is possible to bury the wire under the cement, or whether it is easier to re-route the wire so that it goes around the driveway.

How Does an Underground Shock Fence Work?

The second thing to consider is your dog’s size, weight, and personality. Most in-ground fences are suitable for dogs who weigh 8 pounds or more, but some are made for even smaller dogs. Even if the collar is safe for smaller dogs, it might be too heavy for smaller dogs. The receiver collars tend to weigh around 3-6 ounces. Consider whether or not this added weight will be an irritant to your dog’s neck. Make sure that the receiver collar will fit your dog too. Most collars will fit dogs with necks that are 14-28 inches, but smaller and larger collars are available. If your dog has a lot of thick fur around their neck, you will need longer contact points for the static correction, but most systems come with interchangeable contact points. If your dog is less than 6 months old, you should wait before training him with a static correction system. You also need to consider your dog’s personality. If your dog is extremely stubborn and determined, no amount of static correction is going to stop him or her. On the other hand, if your dog is extremely anxious or scared, a static correction may convince him or her to never leave the house again.
The last thing that you need to consider before you purchase an in-ground electric fence, is whether or not you are willing to complete the installation. It will take you at least a day to dig the trenches and lay all the wire. Another alternative is to run the boundary wire along your property but not actually bury the wire. You can use PVC pipe to protect the wire or you can use sod staples to make sure that it doesn’t move. Either way, it will take some time to secure the wire.

Good-to-Know Tips and Tricks

Before you even consider purchasing an in-ground fence, make sure that it is safe to dig in your yard. Check the location of utility lines before purchasing. If you live in the United States, call 811 a few days before you begin digging to lay the wires for your underground fence. The 811 representative for your state will schedule a time for utility personnel to mark the utility lines in your yard so you know where you can and can’t dig. Underground fences only need to be put a few inches below ground, so make sure that you discuss the depth with your representative, as well as the location of the utility lines.

Good-to-Know Tips and Tricks

The effectiveness of your underground fence is directly correlated with how you train your dog. You need to allow yourself a few weeks to train your dog to recognize and respond to the boundary before you leave your dog alone in the yard. Start by allowing your dog to hear the warning sound for a couple of days. Once your dog responds to the warning sound by moving away from the boundary, praise that behavior. Then begin letting your dog feel the static correction when they move beyond the boundary. After your dog learns to avoid leaving the boundary, practice distraction training, by throwing toys or treats beyond the boundary and praising your dog for not going after them. This is the most important step of the training because if you don’t train your dog not to leave the boundary because of distractions, your dog will still run away anytime there is a small animal or a delivery person on the other side of the boundary.

More Shih Tzu Related Awesomeness

Filed Under: Dog Safety, In ground dog fences Tagged With: Best in ground fence for dogs

Comments

  1. Joy Butler says

    August 28, 2018 at 11:35 pm

    Hi Elma, honestly speaking, this is the best article I’ve ever found! As pet owners, we are always after the welfare and safety of our pets. I am interested with the dog fencing type you’ve discussed here. I will surely install one for my sweet puppies! Cheers!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • About The Shih Tzu Expert and the Team!
  • Contact us
  • Terms of Services
  • Privacy Policy
  • How We Review
  • Dog Clippers
  • Wireless Dog Fences

This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to
Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Privacy Policy

You can contact me at adam@shihtzuexpert.com

Disclaimer

We  shihtzuexpert.com do not intend to provide veterinary advice!.Even in our veterinary approved articles! Our comprehensive and well researched articles are for information purposes only.  Please always seek advice from your own veterinarian for any medical, health issues etc

 

Copyright © 2022 · ShihTzuExpert.com, All Rights Reserved. DMCA.com Protection Status