Wireless dog fences—also known as invisible dog fences—are an alternative pet containment system that uses a transmitter that sends a signal to a receiving collar that emits a beep or a shock of static when your dog crosses the boundary of the “fence.” With training, dogs learn to respect the perimeter and stay within the safety of your yard.

Here, we have reviewed some of the top wireless dog fences designed for large dogs. We have also reviewed one underground electric dog fence system. For more on the difference between wireless and underground dog fences, see the Buyer’s Guide below.

Best Electric Dog Fence Reviews

PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001ZWZ8O

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The portable transmitter included with this system is designed for indoor installation, so the coverage is up to half an acre from the placement of the transmitter. Location is crucial with installation to maximize your pet’s mobility on your property.

Also included with your purchase of this system is a power adapter for the transmitter, one adjustable collar, one battery for the collar, 50 flags to use when training, the test light tool, contact points designed for short- or long-haired pets, the product manual, and a one-year warranty.

The MUST Know, True Facts About PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System

This system comes with a waterproof collar that can fit comfortably on dogs who weigh 8 pounds and up. It can adjust to fit necks between 6 and 28 inches, and it is compatible with any PetSafe Wireless Fence transmitter.

This transmitter is also compatible with the following collars: Stay & Play Wireless Fence Collar (PIF00 12488), Stubborn Dog Stay & Play Wireless Fence Collar (PIF00 13672), Free to Roam Wireless Fence Collar (PIF00 15002), and Wireless Pet Containment System Collar (PIF 275 19).

If you need to replace the transmitter, the collar system is also compatible with: Stay & Play Wireless Fence Kit (PIF00 12917) and Transmitter (PIF00 13210), Stay & Play Wireless Fence for Stubborn Dogs Kit (PIF00 13663), Free to Roam Wireless Fence Kit (PIF00 15001) and Transmitter (PIF00 15348), and Wireless Pet Containment System Transmitter (IF 100).

What to watch out for with this product?

The life of the collar battery is about 2 months, which is advertised as a “long battery life” but some users feel it is not long enough. The collar is also only compatible with PetSafe’s RFA-67D-11 battery instead of standard dog collar batteries. This can make replacing the batteries a bit inconvenient, since you must order them from PetSafe every couple of months.

The boundary shape cannot be customized with this product, although this is the case with all wireless dog fences. The nature of the transmitter is that it emits a circular boundary only.

Crucial Tips

The PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System can be programmed to work with an unlimited number of collars, each customizable to the containment needs of the specific pet wearing it.

Wireless fences do not work on uneven ground, so check to make sure your desired “play area” is level. The coverage of this product is between 5 and 90 feet from the base unit, which can be adjusted using the dial on the transmitter. If you want to give your dog more room to roam freely, you can set up additional transmitters to create a larger perimeter.

Benefits and Features

1. This system does not shock your dog upon reentry of the wireless fence boundary
2. Setup is easy and can be done in about one to two hours
3. The system is portable, making it easy to bring it on vacation or to your camp site as long as you have a power source available for use
4. The professional training guide included with this system helps you train your dog in 2 weeks or less
5. Some dogs can be trained to respect the fence boundary even while not wearing the collar

Things to watch out for

1. If you get your internet through a cable company, it may be possible for this system to interfere with the cable signal coming through the modem that gives you internet. This is due to the two systems having similar upstream frequencies, but it is not a common problem
2. If you connect multiple transmitter units to create a larger boundary, be mindful of the signal interference caused by buildings and other obstructions
3. Depending on the shape of your property and the placement of your base unit, you may need to remove the receiver collar while your dog is inside to prevent her from being shocked in the house

Conclusion

PetSafe PIF00-12917 Stay and Play Wireless Dog Fence System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MWL8DFE

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This product is designed for any pooch 5 lbs and heavier, so your large dog may need the maximum static setting in order to stay within the confines of the fence. The strap of the cloth collar has been ergonomically designed for your dog’s comfort. It is adjustable to fit necks between 6 and 23 inches to fit extra-large dogs, but if you need a bigger strap, the collar is designed so you can replace the strap with your own.

The system includes a wireless fence transmitter and power adapter. Is also includes receiver collars (1 to 5, depending on which kit you buy) with rechargeable batteries, a test light tool, a guide for operating the system and training your pet, 50 flags for training, long contact points, and a contact point wrench.

The MUST Know, True Facts About PetSafe PIF00-12917 Stay and Play Wireless Dog Fence System

This system comes with a water-resistant battery-operated collar receiver to help keep your dog from running across the boundary. The static shocks are built in with a timeout of 15 seconds between them for the safety of your pet. You can also adjust the static intensity between 5 settings to find the level that works for your dog’s temperament.

The tone-only mode alerts your pet that she has crossed the boundary with a beep instead of a correction. This setting is a great option for training or for keeping your pet within the fence without the need for a shock.

What to watch out for with this product?

The shock from the collar will still work if your dog is swimming. Be mindful that the shock may be much more intense in the water, so you may want to remove the collar before allowing your dog to swim near the perimeter of the fence.

You may also find the transmitter can get very hot. If placed in a warm room or near another object that gives off heat, it may overheat and malfunction.

Crucial Tips

The rechargeable collar has a low battery indicator, which flashes red when the battery needs to be charged. The transmitter unit will also alert you if it is unplugged by beeping, which can be stopped by plugging the unit back in.

The transmitter is not intended for outdoor installation and should be located in your home or a weatherproof spot. If you need coverage larger than ¾ of an acre, you can connect multiple base unit transmitters to create a bigger perimeter.

If you find your dog is charging right through the fence boundary without a quiver, there is a stubborn dog collar available for purchase. This collar delivers a stronger static correction to deter your large pup from testing the boundary.

Benefits and Features

1. This system comes with a rechargeable battery, saving you the cost of replacement batteries, and advertises that 2 hours of charge can provide up to 2 weeks of battery life
2. The setup is easy and quick; it can be done in about 15 minutes, making this system a good option for travel and camping use
3. Users report no interference with the performance of the system by backyard obstructions such as above-ground pools
4. The boundary markers included with this system are durable and are likely to survive the winter

Things to watch out for

1. An energetic or aggressive dog may be able to chew or rip the collar fairly easily
2. The boundary line can sometimes be inconsistent and imprecise, resulting in a shock being delivered within the perimeter of the fence or even at what seems to be random times
3. The beep delivered by the collar may be a bit quiet
4. The collar can fall off during play if not properly secured

Conclusion

eXtreme Dog Fence EAF100 Active Pet Fencing System – 500’ Standard Grade Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ETAIE0A

This redesigned underground dog fence kit is available with up to 2500 feet of fencing wire in 1- to 5-dog systems. This review is for the 500-foot Standard Grade Kit 1-dog system, which gives you up to 1/3 acre of coverage. The electronics have been updated and improved from earlier generations of this system to be compatible with new collar options, so you can find the right fit for you and your pet.

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This system automatically comes with a warranty of 1 year. However, if you register your fence online, your warranty will extend to 5 years. Registering your fencing system can save you from headaches later on; in case anything should go awry, you can be assured it is covered.

The transmitter included with this system is designed to be installed indoors, where it will be protected from moisture that can damage the electronics. It should be mounted at least 3 feet away from large, metal objects to ensure it works properly.

The MUST Know, True Facts About eXtreme Dog Fence EAF100 Active Pet Fencing System

The collar receiver included with this system is completely submersible and can withstand a deep dive underwater up to 10 feet. This means you will not have to worry about your dog’s swimming habits causing her collar to dysfunction.

The Standard Grade Fence Kit includes 500 feet of 20-gauge high-tensile boundary wire with a heavy protective jacket, a digital transmitter and its power supply, a collar receiver with its battery, 50 flags for training, a set of short and long contact probes, a set of conductive rubber comfort covers for the probe (to keep it from irritating your dog’s neck), and 2 waterproof splice kits.

What to watch out for with this product?

Crucial Tips

Although this standard kit only provides enough wire for 1/3 acre of coverage for your pet, the transmitter can accommodate up to 18x that area. That means you can expand your coverage to up to 6 acres with the purchase of an additional 20-gauge dog fence wire.

You can program an unlimited number of collars with this system, each with its own customized level of static correction. There is a beep-only option for training or non-shock correction, as well as 7 levels of static, so you can find the correction method that works best for your large dog.

If you are looking to secure only one side of your property, you will still need to make a complete loop with the fencing wire for it to be effective. You can do this by making a double loop with the wires about 4 feet apart to prevent the signals from cancelling each other out.

Benefits and Features

1. Manufactured in the USA
2. Boundary signals are more reliable than a wireless dog fence
3. The transmitter has the option to change AM radio frequencies in case there is a neighboring fence system interfering with your system
4. The collar strap can fit necks from 10 to 30 inches, meaning this system is meant for large and extra-large dogs
5. The receiver collar’s 6v battery lasts about 4 months (not accounting for higher battery usage during the training period)
6. The typical lifespan of a properly installed wire is 2-5 years, which means your system could always be covered under warranty if you register it
7. The system is sturdy enough to survive a typical winter
8. eXtreme Dog Fence customer service is available 7 days a week

Things to watch out for

1. More complicated to install than a wireless dog fence
2. Though the collar is waterproof and designed to survive being submerged, it is still recommended to protect the receiver with a conduit such as PVC or a garden hose
3. You may find that your large, determined dog might not be deterred by this system. In that case, a stronger correction collar designed for stubborn pups could provide more of a deterrent
4. The 6v battery made by the manufacturer is the only battery compatible with the receiver collar
5. eXtreme Dog Fence does not offer refunds on this system

Conclusion

JIEYUAN Wireless Electric Dog Fence Pet Containment System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q3QX2PK

This 2-dog wireless fencing system from JIEYUAN has an adjustable range to provide up to 900 feet of coverage from the location of the transmitter.

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Any object barrier between the receiver and the transmitter, even your house, will cause this system to malfunction. The boundaries can only be enforced if there is nothing impeding the signal, which means this transmitter needs to be mounted outside in an open area. If anything blocks the “line of sight” between the transmitter and your dog’s collar, the system will not work.

The MUST Know, True Facts About JIEYUAN Wireless Electric Dog Fence Pet Containment System

This system comes with a rechargeable waterproof collar receiver that has 5 levels of static correction. This allows you to customize the system to deliver the right level of correction for your dog’s needs.

What to watch out for with this product?

Many users report this system delivering correction shocks sporadically and without warning, possibly due to object interference with the signal. On the other hand, some users report the shock not being strong enough to be noticed by their dogs, meaning they do not stay within the boundaries of the fence.

Crucial Tips

When the receiver battery is fully charged, the system will turn on a signal to indicate a full battery.

Benefits and Features

1. Battery in collar is rechargeable, saving you the cost of replacing it

Things to watch out for

1. The instructions included with this system are vague, making installation, customization, and adjustments difficult
2. Boundary line is inconsistent, imprecise, and easily impeded by objects, causing a lot of unnecessary corrections to be delivered

Conclusion

Wireless Fences for Large Dogs: A Buyer’s Guide

If you are new to buying a wireless dog fence, you might need a little more guidance before making your decision. Here is a guide with some important considerations to help you find the best containment system for your large dog.

Pros and Cons of Invisible Fences

Pros

1. More affordable and easier to install than traditional above-ground fences
2. Many systems are portable and can easily be set up on the go, or they can be relocated to a new home
3. Dogs are not able to dig or jump their way past a wireless fence
4. There is no need to tie your dog to a stake to keep her safe at home
5. Some systems can cover large plots of land to give your pup lots of room to play
6. The aesthetics of your yard will not be impacted due to an unsightly fence
7. You will never have to worry about whether you remembered to close the gate while you are away from home

Cons

1. These systems can be impacted by factors such as natural object barriers, hills and slopes, or large metal objects
2. Even without environmental impedance, the accuracy of a wireless dog fence’s boundary can vary along a range called “boundary wobble”
3. Unlike a traditional fence, invisible electric fences require training for your dog to learn where the limits of her free space are. This process can take up to two weeks, depending on the dog
4. Invisible fences also offer no protection from other animals, such as strays and wildlife, from entering the yard and interacting—potentially aggressively—with your dog
5. With any static correction, there will be a level of discomfort felt by your dog. While this is not harmful, it is something pet owners have to grapple with
6. In the case of a power failure, dead battery, or a very determined dog, there may be nothing to stop your pup from crossing the boundary if she wants to
7. The fence may not be an option to use when it is raining

Do wireless fences really work for large dogs?

There are, however, collars designed specifically for especially big and stubborn dogs who need more encouragement to stay inside the perimeter of an invisible fence. If you find the fence system you are using doesn’t seem to be slowing down your pooch, you may need to purchase one of these stronger collars to keep her contained.

What is the difference between a wireless fence for large dogs vs smaller dogs?

First, what do we mean when we say a dog is “large”? A large or extra-large dog typically refers to a pooch that weighs about 50 lbs and heavier with a neck size of 18 inches and up. Some wireless dog fences are not designed to deliver corrections strong enough to faze a large dog. Therefore, it is important to look at the weight recommendations for the system you want to buy to make sure it is intended for a dog like yours.

Wireless vs Underground Fences

Invisible fences include both wireless and underground dog fence systems. Both types of fence are unseen and use static correction to deter your dog from crossing the boundary of the fence, but what are the differences?

Wireless Dog Fence Systems

Wireless fences set a boundary electronically. This boundary is determined by the placement of the base unit transmitter and the range the transmitter is set to. Wireless fence systems always emit coverage in a circle, so the shape is not customizable.

Wireless fences do not work on slopes and hills. The perimeter of the fence is transmitted on the same level as the base unit, so if your property slopes below this level, your dog will be able to pass under the boundary without any correction.

Underground Dog Fence Systems

Underground fences are set up using a wire perimeter buried under the ground. Because of this, you can create any shape with your boundaries as long as the wire forms a closed loop. You can extend your coverage as large as you need with additional wires.

Unlike wireless systems, underground dog fences work just as well on sloped ground as they do on level ground. With proper installation, there should be no interruption to your coverage if your property has hills.

Which Fence System is Right for Me?

The type of land you have, your environment, and your lifestyle are all factors to consider when choosing an invisible pet containment system.

The ideal setting for a wireless dog fence is flat land and no obstructing elements that could mess with the signal. If you love taking your dogs on extended adventures, such as camping, the portability of wireless systems is a great plus.

An underground dog fence, however, won’t meet that need. Its more-complex installation makes it ideal for stationary use several years at a time, especially on properties with unique boundary shapes and uneven ground.

Tips for Picking the Best Wireless Fence

Consider Unseen Expenses

If you are buying on a budget, it may be tempting to go with the cheapest option. However, there are some additional costs associated with the upkeep of certain fence systems.

If the receiver collar uses a single-use battery, you will need to buy replacement batteries every few months. Many of these systems are only compatible with batteries from the manufacturer, which can sometimes cost more than general dog collar batteries.

Additionally, if you have multiple dogs, it may be more cost-effective to buy a system that comes with the number of collars you need, rather than buying additional collars separately. Many wireless dog fence manufacturers offer systems for up to 5 dogs.

Waterproof vs Water-Resistant

If your dog loves to splash in the water, it will be important to get a system with a waterproof collar. Water-resistant collars can handle getting a little wet, but they are not designed to be submerged in a lake. Waterproof collars are sealed to keep water completely away from the electronics inside.

Average Battery Life

If you go with a system that has single-use batteries, consider how long the battery tends to last. Batteries always drain faster during the training period, due to a higher volume of corrections. Therefore, it’s best to look at the battery capacity after the training period ends. Some batteries last 2 months, others 4 months.

Rechargeable batteries reduce overall cost of maintenance, but depending on your lifestyle, you may still want to compare rechargeable battery capacities. If you can’t afford to charge the battery every few days, look for one that can last a few weeks. It will save you time and energy in the long run.

When not using your collar, you may want to remove the batteries. This can help them last longer before needing to be replaced or recharged.

Tips for Using a Wireless Fence

Be Patient and Thorough with Training

Your dog may not understand how to stay within the invisible boundaries at first. It may take her one or two weeks to really get it. In the meantime, she may be confused or scared by the static corrections when she tries to cross the fence. Your presence and reassurance during training can help make the process easier for both you and your dog.

Another recommendation for training if to put the receiver collar on your dog before you activate the fence. If your pup wears the collar for a few days to a week before there’s any risk of a shock, she will become accustomed to the receiver and associate the corrections with the fence perimeter, not the collar.

You may also want to use your collar’s tone-only mode, available with most wireless systems, during training. This way, your dog will only hear a sound when she attempts to cross the fence and will learn to respect the boundaries based on the warning beep.

Once you start using the corrections, start with the lowest setting your system offers. Work your way up based on your pup’s size and temperament needs. A large, determined dog will need stronger corrections than a more gentle dog.

Don’t Leave the Collar on 24/7

Receiver collars are not meant to be worn for longer than 12 hours at a time. The contact probes on the collar can cause discomfort and irritation on your dog’s skin, so it’s best to take it off at night or during extended periods of no fence use.

Make Sure the Collar Fits

If you fasten the receiver collar too tightly, there’s potential for injury to your dog. However, a loose collar will mean the prongs that deliver the correction may not have contact with your dog’s skin. This will prevent her from feeling any corrections when she tries to cross the fence.