Lots of dog owners are on the hunt for the perfect way to keep their furry friend contained, safe, and secure in the backyard. For some, a traditional fence or wall is a perfect solution. However, a lot of pooches can jump over or dig under fences like that. Plus, they can be way too expensive to have installed. In search of a more viable option, many pup owners turn to the market for invisible fences. They tend to be cheaper, cannot be burrowed under or jumped over, and are often more aesthetically pleasing because they are in-ground or totally wire-free.
However, once a dog owner decides that they want to buy an invisible fence, they are struck with another problem: all the options out there. There are a lot of different brands on the market, and those brands tend to have more than one invisible fence for sale! It can be incredibly difficult to figure out which product to buy, which is why you have to do your research. Luckily, we are here to help. Below, you will find a ton of very useful information to help you decide on whichever invisible fence is right for you and your furry friend.
How we compared the 2 products
Invisible Fence | PetSafe | ||
1 | Installation | Company professional | You |
2 | Training | Company professional | You |
3 | When correction starts | At the perimeter | Within 5 to 10 feet |
4 | Where transmitter goes | Anywhere indoors | Ground floor indoors only |
5 | Shape of boundary | Anything | Circular |
6 | In-ground wires? | Depends on system | None |
7 | Maximum size limitation? | None | ¾ of an acre |
8 | Terrain limitations? | None | Flat land only |
9 | Limiting within perimeter? | Yes | No |
10 | Minimum dog size? | None | 5 pounds, 6-inch neck |
11 | Multiple pets? | Yes | Yes |
12 | Time to complete set-up? | A few days | A few hours |
13 | Portable? | No | Yes |
14 | Cost? | More expensive | Cheaper |
First, we looked at who installs the system at the house.
Second, we checked to see who trains your dog to understand and obey the fence.
Third, we determined whether the shock correction begins some distance from the wire or right at the wire.
Fourth, the possible locations of the transmitter were assessed.
Fifth, the possible boundary shapes were considered.
Sixth, whether or not in-ground wires were necessary was examined.
Seventh, we looked at the maximum size that the contained property can be.
Eighth, we determined if there is any terrain that it does not work well on.
Ninth, we looked at whether or not you can have a section within the boundary blocked off with its own perimeter, to keep your furry friend out of things like gardens and pools.
Tenth, we looked at the minimum size your dog has to be to wear the computerized collar and be safe and merely startled when shocked.
Eleventh, we assessed if it is possible to have more than one pup on the same system.
Twelfth, the approximate set-up time for the invisible fence was identified.
Thirteenth, we figured out whether or not the system was portable.
Finally, we determined an approximate cost.
Review: Invisible Fence Outdoor Solutions
General overview
This is the outdoor product from Invisible Fence. It uses their Boundary Plus Technology and is intended to work with any yard in any shape or size.
The must-know facts about Invisible Fence Outdoor Solutions
Again, with respect to the transmitted zone of correction, some wireless dog fence systems only emit a correction within a certain range on either side of the boundary, a few feet in either direction. That is not the case with Invisible Fence Outdoor Solutions. Any distance past the boundary wire will result in a correcting shock, which will continue to motivate your furry friend to return no matter how far away he runs.
The system does not shock upon reentry, which means that your pooch will not accidentally think that he is being punished and corrected when he returns to your yard after an escape.
The system has been approved and recommended by a variety of dog-related experts: veterinarians, animal behaviorists, professional dog trainers, and others. Invisible Fence solutions are considered humane and safe for your furry friend. The correcting shocks will not hurt any animal and the system is safe to use with pregnant or nursing pets too. (Note that you should check with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about this. Preferably DO NOT use this on a Pregnant or a Nursing pet!!!)
Crucial tips
The transmitter should be placed indoors to protect it against the elements. The two most common locations are in the garage or in the basement.
Consider the GPS containment system option offered by Invisible Fence. This is a completely wire-free option that allows you to design the boundary yourself. Unlike other totally wireless options on the market, this does not have to be a circular boundary. Instead, it uses a GPS satellite, so any shape or size can be set. (Note that this system is best for properties that are at least 5 acres.) A technician will still install it, making sure that the GPS is set up correctly. This option is some of the newest patented technology, unlike anything else on the market.
Benefits and features
Some of the benefits were mentioned above: at-boundary correction, continuous correction beyond the boundary at any distance, and shock-free reentry. Two of the most popular benefits, of course, are the fact that you do not have to install the invisible fence or train your pup because the company does it for you.
Another benefit is the customization of the computerized collar. It is fitted to your furry friend and the level of correction is set to the perfect level for him. The static shock correction is considered effective but still gentle. There is a warning sound emitted as your pooch approaches the boundary so that he has the chance to return to safety if he is testing his limits.
Unlike systems with dog size and weight restrictions for the computerized collars, Invisible Fence systems can work with pups of any size or shape. They offer collars with tons of different sizes and weights, so their systems work with breeds like Pekingese, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Yorkshire Terriers, and Pomeranians – as well as many, many others!
You can have as many pets as you want on the system.
The company will install a new system for you if you move and will retrain your dog as long as you bring your transmitter and your computerized collar with you.
There is a 1-year money-back guarantee on the outdoor invisible fence system. The minimum equipment warranty is 1 year, and many of Invisible Fence’s products offer lifetime equipment warranties.
Possible Problems
People walking by will not necessarily know that your pooch is contained because the invisible fence is, obviously, invisible. The company provides you with one sign, but if people could be coming from multiple angles, you will want to purchase additional signage to make sure that it is very clear that your pup is safe, will not bother them, and should be coaxed to cross.
You can only get batteries for the computerized collar from Invisible Fence. You either need to call their hotline or buy them on the online store. There is not a generic option that you can purchase.
There are three possible problems that may result in your furry friend’s escape. First, the batteries on the computerized collar have to be changed every 3 months. Second, you have to make sure that your pooch is wearing the computerized collar any time you let them outside. Even if he seems to be growing incredibly obedient and has generally stopped testing the boundary, you never know what could happen. And third, if you dig near the wire at all, you might break a wire, which will leave your pup able to escape. In that instance, it is recommended that you call Invisible Fence right away to have it repaired.
Conclusion
Invisible Fence Outdoor Solutions are some of the best wireless dog fences on the market, hands-down. They are incredibly popular with many dog owners and are considered incredibly reliable. The brand actually reports a 99.5 percent success rate, while other invisible fences on the market are somewhere around a 70 percent success rate. This is a high-quality product that can work for literally any pet owner.
Review: PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment Systems
General overview
This specific subsection of PetSafe products is for totally wire-free invisible fences. They do not require any in-ground installation, just a transmitter that is plugged in.
The must-know facts about PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment Systems
The maximum area that it covers is ¾ of an acre, and it is circular. You can cover less area, but you cannot change the shape of the boundary.
Because there are no wires, it is completely portable. If you are a family that goes on a lot of vacations or likes to go camping, then this system is a perfect option for you. The system will work anywhere that there is an AC outlet, which means you can create temporary play areas as long as you use some boundary flags to help your pooch understand their new territory.
The collar has 5 levels of shock correction and one sound-only option. It does emit a warning sound as your pooch approaches the area where he will be corrected.
Crucial tips
Depending on the location of the transmitter, you can include both front and back yards or only one. The radius stretches evenly from transmitter to perimeter in any direction, so you should use that information to plan accordingly so that you understand where the transmitter should be. Keep in mind that it has to be plugged in to an electrical outlet, which may limit the location.
If you want to extend the containment size of your boundary, you can purchase and set up (no more than 2) additional transmitters.
The transmitter has to be installed on ground level at a power outlet, at least 5 feet away on all sides from large metal objects of any kind.
Benefits and features
Installation is incredibly quick with this option, faster than practically anything else on the market. You will not have to wait for days of set-up before being able to start training your pooch and letting him outside to play to his heart’s content.
You can adjust the boundary with a dial on the transmitter, so it is up to you how large or small it is at any given time. (Keep in mind that the area it can cover is limited in size, so it is not recommended for multi-acre lots.)
The computerized collar’s receiver is completely waterproof, so your pup can play outside. Plus, the battery is rechargeable, taking only 2 to 3 hours to recharge.
If you purchase extra computerized collars, you can have an unlimited number of pets on the system. They will sync to the transmitter. The collars can be set to different levels of correction, so each pooch will get exactly what they need.
Possible Problems
Because of the way the transmission works, there is the potential for problems in inclement weather. It might short out or stop working. You will want to be sure to buy a surge protector for the transmitter. Keep in mind that the collars might need to be resynced if there is a weather-related issue.
The coverage may be spotty if the terrain is not flat. The system is not recommended if there is a hill or a waterfront.
The battery in the computerized collar cannot be replaced, so if there is a problem and it stops charging or dies completely, you will need to purchase an entirely new collar. There have been complaints that it needs to be replaced every 6 months or so.
If your dog weighs less than 5 pounds, has a neck size of less than 6 inches around, or has a neck size of more than 28 inches, then the computerized collar will not fit. The system is not safe for very small pups.
Unlike the Invisible Fence brand option, this one does not have an unlimited number of possibilities for the level of correction and computerized collar size, meaning it might not be exactly right for your dog.
Conclusion
The PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System is a great option if you are someone who is always on the go with your dog because it is portable. It does not cover as much area as many other products on the market, and must be a circular area. It works with a variety of dogs of different shapes and sizes and is quite popular.
First things first, what is an invisible fence?
An invisible fence is another method to keeping your pup contained. It is also known as a wireless dog fence; the names are essentially interchangeable. The traditional invisible fence will have a cable or wire buried in the ground in a connected loop (the shape can be whatever you want it to be, not just a circle). A transmitter will plug into an electrical outlet, and it connects to the wire. The transmitter responds to a receiver that is attached to a computerized collar. The computerized collar will emit a shock (typically static) if your dog gets too close to or goes over the wire in the ground, which serves as the boundary or perimeter. This is called a correction. If your pup is properly trained, either by you or by a hired trainer, then the correction will tell him to turn around and go back to the yard.
Is a wireless dog fence the right fit for my family?
If your dog is larger than 5 to 8 pounds (depending on the wireless dog fence), then an invisible fence will be safe for him to use health-wise. It will not be a good system if your furry friend is frequently disobedient or responds poorly to training. A wireless dog fence is also not a good idea if your pooch has a tendency to be aggressive because the startling nature of the shock might motivate him to attack instead of return back to the house.
After answering all of those temperament questions for yourself, there is one more thing to consider: other animals. If you live in an area where wild animals roam, you will want to think about getting a barrier that also keeps animals out instead of just holding your pup in. The same goes for if your neighbors’ pets like to come and go in other people’s yards – like your own. Invisible fences do not keep other animals out; they only keep your dog in.
About Invisible Fence
Invisible Fence is a company that has been on the market for over 40 years. It is a reliable brand that many pet owners know and love. They have solutions that work both indoors and outdoors, and are willing to combine them to create a customizable solution designed specifically for your household. To get your furry friend adjusted to life with an invisible fence, they have a dog training system that was developed with animal behaviorists who all approved it.
They make it possible to have different animals on the same system, each with different needs. The company also has a patented battery for the computerized collar that is intended to ensure that the receiver on the computerized collar works consistently at full power for a long time and in most inclement weather.
For installation, a professional from Invisible Fence comes to your house and does the installation for you, so you do not have to worry about burying the wires yourself. For training, they have their own specialized system and trainers. Every trainer has to get a certification after going through their own coursework in a classroom and out in the real world. That means that you do not have to do the training yourself. (Note that they can also train cats!) It happens at your house using your system.
About PetSafe
PetSafe has been in operation for almost 30 years and is 100 percent made in the United States. In fact, PetSafe is the largest electronic pet training product manufacturer in the country. Their products are sold in 52 different countries.
PetSafe is extremely popular with dog owners because of its safety and quality standards. They make all sorts of products, giving you a lot of different options to choose from. They have both in-ground fences and completely wireless fences to choose from, with cost varying depending on which kit you buy.
Their products are do-it-yourself, kits that you set up on your own. That means you have to install the equipment and train your pooch yourself. All of the products that they have on the market are developed alongside consultants that include animal behaviorists, dog trainers, and veterinarians. Then, they are tested at actual homes to understand how their products work in real-world conditions. We assessed the two products based on a variety of different criteria.
Which wireless dog fence is the best?
In terms of quality, flexibility, safety, and freedom, the Invisible Fence brand is much, much better than PetSafe products are. According to the vast majority of the above criteria, it is clear that Invisible Fence is the superior wireless dog fence system.
However, you should note that PetSafe is cheaper and portable. Plus, if you want a do-it-yourself option, it is the better choice for you.
So, which one should I buy?
We have provided you with a comprehensive look at both systems, doing the research so you don’t have to. Remember to look at all of your options and assess your own pooch to make sure that the choice you make is right for your furry friend and for you. Best of luck!