PetSafe Wireless Dog Fence [Review’s and Important Information]

All responsible pet owners understand that having a safe, properly contained space for their pets to run around and play in, is imperative to not only their pet’s health and well-being, but also to their own health and well-being. If pet owners do not have a secure containment area set up for their furry friend, it is much more likely that their pet will either be kept inside too much, to the pet’s detriment, or let outside without proper containment, which could ultimately bring harm or even death to the pet owner’s beloved canine companion, should they run away or get hit by a car. Therefore, having a proper and secure containment area set up for your dog is absolutely imperative.

But anyone who has ever tried to tackle the task of setting up an effective containment area knows how daunting it can be. Especially without hiring professionals to come in and build a traditional, above-ground fence for your containment area. It is the case that a traditional, above-ground fence is always the safest and most effective containment option for dogs. However, it is also the case that it is not always possible for dog owners to install a traditional, above-ground fence, for a number of reasons. Maybe the pet owner cannot afford the cost of installing an above-ground fence, or maybe they live in an area in which they are not allowed to install an above-ground fence. Furthermore, there is always the containment issues that present themselves when you take your dog with you to places that do not have a contained area for your pet to play in, whether that be while camping, traveling, or visiting a friend who does not have fencing.

In these cases, pet owners might consider the option of utilizing a portable, wireless fencing system for their pet’s on-the-go containment needs. But how is a pet owner to decide which wireless dog fence to purchase and utilize for their containment needs, when so many different brands and products exist within the wireless fencing market? It is a fact that it can be very difficult for dog parents to determine which wireless fencing system, in particular, is the best option to go with. Please, have no fear, because an expert pet containment system reviewer is here!

PRODUCT 1: Free to Roam Wireless Fence PIF00-15001

Key Features:

• • Waterproof receiver collar.
  • Creates a circular containment area.
  • Low-battery indicator light on the receiver collar.
  • Capable of containing up to 1/2 acre (180 feet in diameter).
  • Five different levels of static shock correction and a tone-only option.
  • Fits dogs weighing 5 pounds and up, with necks sizes of 6 to 28 inches.
  • Portable system that works in locations that have a standard outlet available.
  • Power loss alarm, sounds an alarm to alerts users if the transmitter loses power.
  • Will not shock your pet upon reentry into the containment area, should they escape.
  • Receiver collar uses one, non-rechargeable, 6-volt battery and one battery is included.
  • Over-correction protection will not allow your pet to be shocked for more than :15 continuous seconds.
  • Compatible with all PetSafe Wireless Fence receiver collars and can contain an unlimited number of pets with the purchase of additional PetSafe Wireless Fence receiver collars.
• Containment area can be expanded with the purchase of additional fence transmitters. Up to three transmitters, total, can be used together, the wireless signals need to overlap by 30 feet, creating a containment shape that looks like a figure 8.

Pros:

• Wireless and portable to locations that have a standard outlet available.
• Over-correction protection will not allow your dog to be shocked for more than :15 continuous seconds.
• If your pet escapes the containment boundary, he or she will not be shocked upon reentering the containment area.
• Five different levels of static shock correction options, as well as a tone-only option for pets that do not need to be shocked in order to stay within their containment boundaries.
• Quick and easy to set up. Because it is wireless setup does not require users to dig trenches all the way around their containment boundaries in order to bury boundary wire.

Cons: 

• • Some users report that the receiver collar malfunctions and does not shock their pet when it is supposed to.
  • This system is meant for use with containment areas that have a flat terrain, a wireless containment system will not work reliably with any kind of sloped terrain.
  • The collar warranty is only a 30-day warranty and some users report that the collar breaks within the first six-months of normal use, and is not eligible to be replaced.
  • The receive collar has been reported to malfunction during storms and power outages, causing it shock pets when it is not supposed to, despite the safety shutoff feature.
  • Any metal objects, or large stationary objects located near the fencing system can interfere with the wireless signal and leave large gaps in the containment boundaries that pets are able to escape through.
  • Several users report that the receiver collar battery dies very quickly, within a week or two of regular use, and buying replacement batteries so frequently adds a large additional cost to using this system, and users must constantly check the receiver collar to make sure that it is still working.
• This system is only portable to locations that have a standard outlet available, and the transmitter must always be set up indoors, out of the elements, two to four feet off of the ground, in a well-ventilated and climate-controlled area, limiting where this system can be used, despite the fact that it is portable.
• The receiver collar is much too large, cumbersome, and even dangerous for a small dog to wear. Despite the collar being made to fit dogs weighing 5 pounds and up, it is not recommended for use on dogs weighing less than 10 pounds and is best suited for larger breeds of dogs that are 40 pounds and up, because it requires a 6-volt battery.
• Users report that the invisible boundary lines change by as much as 2 to 3 feet, without moving or adjusting the transmitter in any way, and not due to large objects being in the way, making boundary lines inconsistent and therefore impossible to train pets to stay within. WARNING: this has also been reported to cause pets to be traumatized to the point of not wanting to be in the yard due to unpredictable and unwarranted shocks that they receive while they are within in the containment area.

PRODUCT 2: Stay & Play Wireless Fence for Stubborn Dogs PIF00-13663

Key Features:

• • Creates a circular containment area.
  • Low-battery indicator light on the receiver collar.
  • Capable of containing up to 3/4 acre (210 feet in diameter).
  • Five different levels of static shock correction and a tone-only option.
  • Fits dogs weighing 5 pounds and up, with necks sizes of 6 to 28 inches.
  • Portable system that works in locations that have a standard outlet available.
  • Power loss alarm, sounds an alarm to alerts users if the transmitter loses power.
  • Will not shock your pet upon reentry into the containment area, should they escape.
  • Over-correction protection will not allow your pet to be shocked for more than :15 continuous seconds.
  • Compatible with all PetSafe Wireless Fence receiver collars and can contain an unlimited number of pets with the purchase of additional PetSafe Wireless Fence receiver collars.
• Containment area can be expanded with the purchase of additional fence transmitters. Up to three transmitters, total, can be used together, and the wireless signals need to overlap by 30 feet, creating a containment shape that looks like a figure 8.

Pros:

• Wireless and portable to locations that have a standard outlet available.
• Over-correction protection will not allow your dog to be shocked for more than :15 continuous seconds.
• If your pet escapes the containment boundary, he or she will not be shocked upon reentering the containment area.
• Receiver collar comes with a built-in, rechargeable battery that manufactures claim will hold a charge for up to two or three weeks at a time, and will last for 3 to 5 years, total.
• Five different levels of static shock correction options, as well as a tone-only option for pets that do not need to be shocked in order to stay within their containment boundaries.
• Quick and easy to set up. Because it is wireless setup does not require users to dig trenches all the way around their containment boundaries in order to bury boundary wire.

Cons: 

• Some users report the system malfunctions and constantly issues warning beeps, for no reason at all. 

• • Users must have fairly flat terrain in the area that they would like to contain; this system is much less effective, or entirely ineffective in terrains that slope.
• Many users report that even on the highest intensity setting, their large dogs will withstand the (potentially harmful) shock in order to escape their containment area.
• Users report that the receiver collar uses snaps to clasp shut, and that it often breaks or falls of their dog during normal use, rendering the containment system ineffective.

• • Any metal objects, or large stationary objects located near the fencing system can interfere with the wireless signal and leave large gaps in the containment boundaries that pets are able to escape through.
• This system is only portable to locations that have a standard outlet available, and the transmitter must always be set up indoors, out of the elements, two to four feet off of the ground, in a well-ventilated and climate-controlled area, limiting where this system can be used, despite the fact that it is portable.
• The high intensity levels of shock that this system’s receiver collar administers is much too strong for small pets. And the weight of the collar, due to the required 6-volt batter is also too much for small dogs. Despite the collar being made to fit dogs weighing 5 pounds and up, it is not recommended for use on dogs weighing less than 10 pounds and is best suited for larger breeds of dogs that are 40 pounds and up.
• Users report that the invisible boundary lines change by as much as 2 to 3 feet, without moving or adjusting the transmitter in any way, and not due to large objects being in the way, making boundary lines inconsistent and therefore impossible to train pets to stay within. WARNING: this has also been reported to cause pets to be traumatized to the point of not wanting to be in the yard due to unpredictable and unwarranted shocks that they receive while they are within in the containment area.

PRODUCT 3: Stay + Play Wireless Fence PIF00-12917

Key Features: 

• • Creates a circular containment area.
  • Low-battery indicator light on the receiver collar.
  • Capable of containing up to 3/4 acre (210 feet in diameter).
  • Includes the lightest weight receiver collar made by PetSafe, to date.
  • Five different levels of static shock correction and a tone-only option.
  • Fits dogs weighing 5 pounds and up, with necks sizes of 6 to 28 inches.
  • Portable system that works in locations that have a standard outlet available.
  • Power loss alarm, sounds an alarm to alerts users if the transmitter loses power.
  • Will not shock your pet upon reentry into the containment area, should they escape.
  • Automatic safety shutoff protects pets from being shocked in the case of a power outage.
  • Over-correction protection will not allow your pet to be shocked for more than :15 continuous seconds.
  • Compatible with all PetSafe Wireless Fence receiver collars and can contain an unlimited number of pets with the purchase of additional PetSafe Wireless Fence receiver collars.
• Containment area can be expanded with the purchase of additional fence transmitters. Up to three transmitters, total, can be used together and the wireless signals need to overlap by 30 feet, creating a containment shape that looks like a figure 8.

Pros:

• Wireless and portable to locations that have a standard outlet available.
• Over-correction protection will not allow your dog to be shocked for more than :15 continuous seconds.
• If your pet escapes the containment boundary, he or she will not be shocked upon reentering the containment area.
• The lightweight receiver collar is more comfortable, and safer for your pets to wear than any other receiver collar that is made by PetSafe.
• Receiver collar comes with a built-in, rechargeable battery that manufactures claim will hold a charge for up to two or three weeks at a time, and will last for 3 to 5 years, total.
• Five different levels of static shock correction options, as well as a tone-only option for pets that do not need to be shocked in order to stay within their containment boundaries.
• Quick and easy to set up. Because it is wireless setup does not require users to dig trenches all the way around their containment boundaries in order to bury boundary wire.

Cons: 

• • A couple users report that the fence transmitter box is very cheaply made and stops working quickly.
  • Several users report that this system malfunctions and does not shock their dog when it is supposed to, as well as shocking them when it is not supposed to.
  • Users must have fairly flat terrain in the area that they would like to contain; this system is much less effective, or entirely ineffective in terrains that slope.
  • Many users report that their dogs walk right over the boundary lines of their containment, either without being shocked at all or despite the shock that they receive.
• This system is only portable to locations that have a standard outlet available, and the transmitter must always be set up indoors, out of the elements, two to four feet off of the ground, in a well-ventilated and climate-controlled area, limiting where this system can be used, despite the fact that it is portable.
• Any metal objects, or large stationary objects located near the fencing system can interfere with the wireless signal and leave large gaps in the containment boundaries that pets are able to escape through, and some users report the boundary lines are very inconsistent even when nothing is interfering with them.
• Users report that the invisible boundary lines change by as much as 2 to 3 feet, without moving or adjusting the transmitter in any way, and not due to large objects being in the way, making boundary lines inconsistent and therefore impossible to train pets to stay within. WARNING: this has also been reported to cause pets to be traumatized to the point of not wanting to be in the yard due to unpredictable and unwarranted shocks that they receive while they are within in the containment area.

PRODUCT 4: Wireless Pet Containment System PIF-300

Key Features:

• • Creates a circular containment area.
  • Low-battery indicator light on the receiver collar.
  • Capable of containing up to 1/2 acre (180 feet in diameter).
  • Five different levels of static shock correction and a tone-only option.
  • Fits dogs weighing 8 pounds and up, with necks sizes of 6 to 28 inches.
  • Portable system that works in locations that have a standard outlet available.
  • Will not shock your pet upon reentry into the containment area, should they escape.
  • Automatic safety shutoff protects pets from being shocked in the case of a power outage.
  • Over-correction protection will not allow your pet to be shocked for more than :15 continuous seconds.
  • Compatible with all PetSafe Wireless Fence receiver collars and can contain an unlimited number of pets with the purchase of additional PetSafe Wireless Fence receiver collars.
• Containment area can be expanded with the purchase of additional fence transmitters. Up to three transmitters, total, can be used together and the wireless signals need to overlap by 30 feet, creating a containment shape that looks like a figure 8.

Pros:

• Wireless and portable to locations that have a standard outlet available.
• Over-correction protection will not allow your dog to be shocked for more than :15 continuous seconds.
• If your pet escapes the containment boundary, he or she will not be shocked upon reentering the containment area.
• Five different levels of static shock correction options, as well as a tone-only option for pets that do not need to be shocked in order to stay within their containment boundaries.
• Quick and easy to set up. Because it is wireless setup does not require users to dig trenches all the way around their containment boundaries in order to bury boundary wire.

Cons: 

• Users must have fairly flat terrain in the area that they would like to contain; this system is much less effective, or entirely ineffective in terrains that slope.
• Users have reported that the receiver collars malfunction and shock their dogs for long periods of time, which could be potentially painful and harmful to their pet, so they discontinued use of this product.
• Users have reported malfunctioning in the system resulting in pets being shocked when they are within the containment area, and also shocked without a warning beep, or not shocked at all, when they are supposed to be.
• Many users report that their dog walks right over the boundary lines of their containment area, either without being shocked at all, or despite the shock that they receive.
• Receiver collar is not rechargeable and replacement batteries are expensive and recommended by PetSafe to only be purchased through their company because they claim to make special batteries for the system that keep the system working well, for longer.
• Any metal objects, or large stationary objects located near the fencing system can interfere with the wireless signal and leave large gaps in the containment boundaries that pets are able to escape through, and some users report the boundary lines are very inconsistent even when nothing is interfering with them.
• Users report that the invisible boundary lines change by as much as 2 to 3 feet, without moving or adjusting the transmitter in any way, and not due to large objects being in the way, making boundary lines inconsistent and therefore impossible to train pets to stay within. WARNING: this has also been reported to cause pets to be traumatized to the point of not wanting to be in the yard due to unpredictable and unwarranted shocks that they receive while they are within in the containment area.

How Were the Containment Systems Compared? 

Below, you will find a table chart comparing the four systems including details about each system’s parts, functions, and features. This is how the four containment systems were compared. Because these systems are much more alike than different, the customer reviews for each system were also taken into consideration during the comparison process. The four systems that are reviewed in this article have a lot of similar parts, functions, and features, therefore the customer reviews of each product, as well as the price of each system had an impact on the final decision of what system is the best one. But ultimately, the final choice for the best PetSafe Wireless Fence system came down which system is the safest system for all pets to use.

What Is the Best PetSafe Wireless Dog Fence? 

Determining which of the four PetSafe Wireless Fence systems is the best one to use for dog containment can be an extremely challenging task. This is due to the fact that all four of the PetSafe Wireless Fencing systems are fairly identical in their product specifications, parts, and features. Therefore, the decision of which of the four PetSafe Wireless Fences is the best option, came down to a combination of the price of the system, the customer reviews that were provided for each system, and how safe and effective the system is to use with all pets.

Based on those aspects of the review (because every other aspect of each of these systems is so similar), and also based upon many hours of extensive research and review that resulted in the wide-range of information that has been provided above, it has been determined by an expert reviewer that the best PetSafe wireless fencing system out of the four options reviewed in this article is the Stay + Play Wireless Fence PIF00-12917.

This decision was made for several important reasons. First of all, this system had more positive customer reviews than negative reviews, at the time in which this article was written. Additionally, this system is one of the two wireless systems in this review that comes with a rechargeable battery built into the receiver, saving users of this system a lot of money because they do not have to purchase replacement batteries in order to keep the system running properly.

The only other rechargeable receiver collar in this review requires a much larger, 6-volt battery, which has been shown to be too large and cumbersome, and even painful and harmful for smaller dogs to wear, and is therefore not recommended for any dogs weighing less than 50 pounds, and even with large dogs, the use of heavy receiver collars must be monitored extra carefully, for signs that your pet is in pain, distressed, or developing neck sores. Furthermore, the PetSafe Stay + Play Wireless Fence transmitter is capable of containing a larger than average area of up to 3/4 of an acre, without the purchase of additional transmitter units. Whereas, two of the other systems reviewed can only contain up to a 1/2 acre, with the fence transmitter that comes with them.

Also, there is the incredibly important fact that the Stay + Play receiver collar comes equipped with on over-correction protection safety feature that will not allow your pet to be shocked for more than :15 continuous seconds, whereas some systems over-correction protection allows pets to be shocked for :30 continuous seconds, which according to trained veterinarians, is much too long for your beloved pet to be shocked. WARNING: At least one veterinarian has told users of systems that train dogs by administering a static shock correction, that even being shocked for :10 continuous seconds can be torturous to dogs.

For all of those reasons, the Stay + Play Wireless Fence PIF00-12917 has been determined by an expert reviewer to be the best option out of the four wireless pet containment systems that are made by the PetSafe brand.

PETSAFE WIRELESS FENCE SETUP PROCESS

Step 1: Place the Fence Transmitter in Your Desired Location

• NOTE: The transmitter must be located at the exact center of the containment area, and may need to be moved several times before deciding on its final location.
• NOTE: Must be placed at least two feet above ground level. In an area that is out of the elements, well-ventilated, and does not drop down to freezing temperatures.
• NOTE: Can mount it on a wall or set it on top of any hard, sturdy, non-metal surface.
• NOTE: Must be located at least three feet from any large metal objects and is not recommended to be located inside of a metal building or shed as doing so can negatively impact the wireless signal and range of the containment area.
• NOTE: Do not cover the ventilation holes on the transmitter box and never place objects on top of it.

Step 2: Set up the Receiver Collar

• NOTE: For collars that do not come with a built-in rechargeable battery, users will need to insert the disposable battery into their receiver collar by aligning the coordinating arrow (battery) and triangle (receiver collar) symbols. Next, use the edge of the included test light tool to turn the battery clockwise until the arrow lines up with the lock symbol.
• NOTE: For collars that come with a rechargeable receiver collar battery built into the collar, the battery installation step can me skipped.
• For both rechargeable and non-rechargeable receiver collars the next step is to turn the receiver collar on by pressing and holding the mode button for five seconds. Next, turn the receiver collar off by pressing and holding the mode button for five seconds.
• Then, you will set the static correction level on the receiver collar, please read and follow all of the steps for this process that are detailed in the operations and training manual that is included with each PetSafe wireless fencing system.

Step 3: Adjust the Containment Area to Desired Size

• NOTE: Always make sure that the entire containment area that you set up in within your property boundaries and also, always begin this process by determining the containment area’s boundary zone at the shortest distance from the fence transmitter.
• NOTE: Always place the boundary switch in the “-” position, if the boundary zone will be located less than 45 feet from the transmitter. If you have enough space and the proper terrain to maximize the containment area, make sure that the boundary switch is in the “+” position, and that the boundary control dial is set to the number “8” position. Then, plug the power adapter into a standard outlet, and the transmitter on.
• NOTE: If your next-door neighbor also has a wireless fencing system, see the trouble shooting section of this article for how to address that issue.
• After determining the boundary distance from the transmitter unit that you will be using, you will need to check that your test light tool is working properly with your receiver collar. NOTE: Please read and follow all of the steps for this process that are detailed in the operations and training manual that is included with each PetSafe wireless fencing system.
• Next, you will use either a one-person or two-person method to complete the setup process for the boundary lines of your wireless fencing system. NOTE: please read and follow all of the steps for this process that are detailed in the operations and training manual that is included with each PetSafe wireless fencing system.

Step 4: Place the Boundary Flags Around the Containment Area Boundaries 

• NOTE: The boundary flags are placed around the containment area, on the boundary lines, in order to act as a visual cue for your pet as to where they should not venture beyond, because they signal to your pet the boundaries that they should stay within.
• NOTE: The receiver collar will activate in the containment area’s “warning zone” which is located two to three feet inside of the actual containment area boundary lines, depending on how much “warning zone” space you would like the containment area to have.
• NOTE: Please read and follow all of the steps for this process that are detailed in the operations and training manual that is included with each PetSafe wireless fencing system.

Step 5: Place the Receiver Collar on Your Pet and Adjust to Desired Fit

• NOTE: The receiver collar’s shock probe contact points must have direct contact with the skin that is located on the underside of your pet’s neck. In order for your dog to be effectively trained with a wireless containment system, a proper fit and proper placement of the receiver collar shock prongs is imperative.
• NOTE: Please read and follow all of the steps for this process that are detailed in the operations and training manual that is included with each PetSafe wireless fencing system.
• IMPORTANT WARNING: The receiver collars that come with these systems cannot be worn by your pet for more than 10-12 hours at a time, and it is recommended that pet owners readjust the position of the shock probes on their pet’s neck every one to two hours in order to prevent skin irritation. Should this not be done correctly, or if your pet’s skin is extra sensitive to the metal shock probes, their skin can very quickly become irritated, which can lead to sores and to the development of holes being pierced in your pet’s neck. This problem has been reported by users of these kinds of receiver collars. Should your pet get holes in their neck from wearing the receiver collar, the open wounds can quickly become infected and lead to serious health problems and even death. If you are using one of these systems with your pet, you need to check their neck frequently for any signs of irritation, and stop use of the product immediately, should irritation occur.
• IMPORTANT WARNING: Some pets are too small to safely wear the receiver collars, even the ones that are made for use with pets over 5 pounds and up. Users have reported that the weight of the receiver unit and 6-volt battery that two of the four system’s reviewed require, are much too heavy for their small pet’s neck. These kinds of collars can be dangerous for small pets, to the point of breaking their trachea. And the shock level utilized by receiver collars made for the stubborn dog system can be much too intense for small pets, as well. It is not recommended to use the receiver collars that require 6-volt batteries with pets that weigh less than 50 pounds.
• IMPORTANT WARNING: Never connect a leash or any kind of lead to the receiver collar, doing so will put extra pressure on the contact points which will hurt your pet and could even cause the shock probes to pierce through their skin. Use a second collar for a lead and never allow the second collar to put pressure on the receiver collar.

Step 6: Train Your Pet 

• NOTE: Please read and follow all of the steps for this process that are detailed in the operations and training manual that is included with each PetSafe wireless fencing system. Each manual has an extensive training section that includes three main phases of training your pet, with multiple days of training included in each phase, for a total of 30 days. For each of the minimum of 30 days that it will take to train your pet, you will need to complete at least three, 10 to 15-minute training sessions.
• NOTE: You must be patient with your pet during the training process. Have fun with them and closely watch their body language for any sign of pain or distress, and discontinue training for the day, should your pet become upset.
• NOTE: Some pets will require more training sessions and more time to become accustomed to using a wireless fencing system and some pets will not be effectively trained on how to stay within their invisible containment boundaries, no matter how hard you try. If your pet cannot be properly trained to stay within an invisible fence, your best option is to install a traditional, above-ground fence in order to ensure their safety.

PETSAFE WIRELESS FENCE TROUBLESHOOTING

Problem: Receiver Collar is Not Administering a Warning Tone or A Static Shock

* Make sure fence transmitter is plugged into a working, standard outlet, transmitter is turned on, the power light is on, and the operating controls are set to the desired levels.

* Check the receiver collar battery to make sure that it is installed correctly.

* Replace the receiver collar battery.

Problem: The Containment Area Boundaries Fluctuate

* There is not much that can be done to correct this problem, the makers of the PetSafe Wireless Fence systems state that boundary fluctuation is normal due to fluctuations in the electromagnetic fields and signals that the wireless systems utilize, as well as surrounding “electric noise” which can be caused by many things.

* The boundaries are also negatively impacted by any large metal objects, and sometimes non-metal objects that are within or near the containment area.

Problem: My Neighbor Uses a Wireless Fencing System 

* A neighboring wireless fencing system will interfere with your system if they are not far enough apart from one another, allowing your pet to enter the neighboring containment system, and may also cause your boundary lines to be nonexistent.

* In order to help remedy this problem you can reduce the size of your pet’s containment area and move the fence transmitter farther away from your neighbor’s system.

* Your containment boundaries must be at least 10 feet away from the neighboring system’s containment boundaries.

Problem: The Receiver Collar Shocks My Dog in the Middle of the Containment Area

* The receiver collars that work with the wireless fencing systems activate, and shock your pet, whenever they lose the transmitter signal.

* This will occur not only when the dog is supposed to be corrected, but also whenever there is a large metal object or any object that is large enough to block the transmitter signal between the transmitter box and the receiver collar, as well as if the boundary lines change drastically, or if any surrounding “electric noise” interferes with the signal. Meaning your dog could be shocked quite often, without reason, when they are well within their containment area.

* If this problem persists, PetSafe recommends that users relocate their transmitter and resetting the entire containment area, to a different area than it was originally in.

Problem: The Receiver Collar is Shocking My Pet When They Are Inside the House

* It is recommended that pet owners always remove the receiver collar when their pet is safely inside of the house. Not only to prevent them from being shocked unnecessarily, but also in order to give the pet’s necks a break from the large and cumbersome receiver collars, and sometimes painful shock probes that are sitting on their necks when they are wearing the receiver collar.  

MUST KNOW FACTS

PetSafe In-ground Fence Receiver Collars

PetSafe Receiver Collar Parts 

COMMON QUESTIONS 

What collars work with PetSafe Wireless Fences?

All PetSafe Wireless Fence receiver collars work with all PetSafe Wireless Fence systems, as detailed above.

How do I reset my PetSafe wireless fence system?

• Remove the receiver collar from your pet’s neck. 

1. Remove battery from the receiver collar. Discharge any remaining power by holding the correction level button down until the LED light is no longer on.
2. Move the boundary switch that is located on the transmitter unit from the low to the high position. Slowly adjust the boundary control dial up to #8, down to #1, and then back to the #4 position.
3. While standing within 5-10 feet of the transmitter, reinsert the battery into the receiver collar.
4. Use the test light tool, or closely listen to the receiver collar for the warning zone beeping as you walk away from the transmitter and approach the boundary line, the test light should illuminate or you should hear the collar beep at the boundary. If this happens, the system is working. If it does not, the system is not working.
5. Once you are confident that the system is working, slowly reset the transmitter controls to your original, preferred settings.

How do I sync my PetSafe wireless receiver collar?

When adding a new collar for additional pets, to new or existing electronic fencing systems, you must check the boundary lines for each additional receiver collar, separately, by following the same steps that you used to check the boundary lines for the initial receiver collar, before using an additional receiver collar on your pet. And adjust the transmitter range as necessary. Follow the “PetSafe Wireless Fence Setup Process” directions that are included in this article, and also the directions that are provided in in greater detail in the operations and training manuals that are included with every purchase of a PetSafe Wireless Fence system, in order to do this.

How do I contact PetSafe?
There are several ways in which users of the PetSafe products can contact PetSafe Customer Care. You can call PetSafe toll free at 1-800-732-2677. Or, you can go to the following webpage, https://intl.petsafe.net/en-gb/support/contact-us and from there, you can easily email PetSafe Customer Care Representatives.

Do wireless dog fences work?

Wireless dog fences work for some pets and do not work for other pets. There is no way to know for sure if a wireless dog fence will work for your pet until you try it. Chances are of you have a very stubborn or strong-willed dog, and/or a dog that has a strong prey drive, and “fun” things located around your containment area that would tempt your pet to want to cross their containment boundary to play with or chase after, an invisible fence might not work well. It is also very hard to predict how a dog will react to being shocked. Below, you can find general guidelines for the use of these types of containment systems with both small and large breeds of dogs.

Do wireless fences work for large dogs?

Do wireless fences work for small dogs?

On the opposite end of this spectrum, some dogs are too small to use these types of containment systems. Even with the systems that are rated for use with small pets that weigh as little as 5 pounds, many users have reported that the receiver collars are still, much too large and cumbersome for a small animal. Some users even report that their dogs have sustained serious injuries due to wearing the receiver collars. Additionally, the containment systems that are made for stubborn or large dogs should never be used with dogs that weigh less than 50 pounds. Even if the system’s collar is made to fit dogs that weigh less than 50 pounds, users report that the receiver collars that come with containment systems that are made for large or stubborn dogs are too heavy for a smaller dog to wear, and that the shock that is administered with these kinds of systems can be much too strong and potentially harmful to small dogs.

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR 

1. A low battery in the transmitter unit or in the receiver collar can cause the system to malfunction. Do not use the system if the battery is low, and make sure the low battery indicator light is working properly.
2. When you set up your containment system be sure to test out the boundary area, shock intensity, and frequency before training your dog. NEVER put the collar on your dog before testing each of these things and continue to re-test them periodically.
3. It is impossible to know how your dog will react to being shocked. Some dogs will become afraid and refuse to leave the containment area, even when you would like them to, or refuse to reenter their yard should they escape. Experts and pet behaviorists warn that your dog may start to distrust humans due to being shocked. Dogs who are receiving shock training are reported to be more likely to become aggressive with their handlers.
4. You will still need to keep an eye on your pet when using this system, and beware of the fact that these kinds of containment systems are reported to be only approximately 70% effective. Dogs can escape if they really want to, because these systems do not create a physical, solid boundary. Some users report that smart dogs are able to use the beep-warning to determine where the boundary of the yard is that causes the beep, and proceed to set the beep off until the collar battery dies, then simply cross the boundary. And some dogs will run through the boundary, and are not deterred by the shock that they receive.

CRITICAL TIPS

1. The receiver collars that are used with these systems are not meant to be worn all of the time. It is recommended that you reposition the collar on your dog’s neck every one to two hours in order to avoid the metal shock prongs causing painful sores and open wounds on your dog’s neck that can become infected. NEVER ALLOW your pet to wear the collar for more than 10 to 12 hours in a 24-hour period. Receiver collars need to be taken off of your pet whenever they are safely inside. WARNING: some pets are extra sensitive to the metal shock probes. And pets who have worn receiver collars for too long end up with large, extremely painful, and highly dangerous infected holes in their neck where the shock prongs sit. As a part of your daily routine with your pet, you should be checking their neck for any signs of irritation or discomfort and discontinue use immediately if any sore spots begin to appear on your four-legged friend.
2. You cannot simply set up these kinds of systems, and let your dog loose. When using wireless pet containment systems, it is imperative that you take the time to train your pet appropriately. There are training instructions included with each of the four containment systems reviewed, and pet owners should be prepared to complete at least three, 10- to 15-minute training sessions with their dogs each day, until their pet has fully adapted to, and understands the containment system. Training can take much longer than this and can be time-consuming and ineffective. Even with the appropriate training, some users of wireless fencing products have reported that their dogs are not effectively contained, either because their dog is stubborn or because of product malfunctioning.
3. Due to the inconsistencies and malfunctioning that has been reported in invisible fencing systems, it is important to make sure that the containment transmitter and shock receiving collar are working properly at all times, and that the containment boundaries are not moving, or being impacted by any objects that are around them. Make sure that you periodically (every time that you put the receiver collar on your pet) check the receiver collar in order to make sure that it is working properly, and will not shock your pet when he or she is within the designated containment area. Also make sure that you leave the containment area with the receiver collar and test light tool in your own hand (instead of on your pet), in order to ensure that the collar is working as it should if your pet wanders out of the containment boundaries. Stay outside of the containment area long enough to determine if your dog would be shocked by the collar for longer periods of time, or more frequently than they should be.

CONCLUSION

Based upon the many similarities that exist between all four of the PetSafe Wireless Fence systems greatly outnumbering the difference that exist between these four systems, deciding which system is the best PetSafe Wireless Fence to use with pets, was without a doubt a very difficult task. However, there are a few solid differences between the top two PetSafe wireless fencing systems that helped in making a final decision on which system is best, as was detailed above in the, “What Is the Best PetSafe Wireless Dog Fence?” section of this article.

That being said, there are several important things to be aware of when using any kind of electric, invisible fencing system as the sole means of containment for your precious pet. It is a fact that each kind of invisible, wireless containment system comes with its own downfalls (even the underground wired, invisible systems). One of the major downfalls of wireless fencing systems, of any type and brand, is due to the fact that they all rely on a containment boundary that is invisible to your pet, making it much harder for he or she to learn to stay within their boundaries.

Potential users of invisible fencing systems must be aware of the fact that quite a few users of these kinds of containment systems have reported that their dogs, especially dogs that weight 40 to 50 pounds or more, are big enough to withstand even a painful shock in exchange for their freedom, and will often proceed to walk right over the containment boundary, strong electric shock and all. Additionally, there are pets that are intelligent enough to escape the containment system shock-free by making the receiver collar batteries die by way of sitting in the warning-zone area for long enough that the repeated warning-tone causes the receiver collar batteries to be completely depleted, allowing your pet to walk right through the invisible boundary line, without being shocked. If your pet falls into either one of these categories, this kind of fencing will not work as a safe method of containment for he or she.

Another major issue with invisible fencing systems, both wired and wireless, seems to be the inconsistency of the receiver collars and transmitter boxes. Whether it be due to the system’s signals being interrupted or blocked, the receiver collar battery dying quickly, product malfunction, or any number of parts breaking, there have been quite a few users of each of these four wireless fencing systems that reported that the invisible fencing systems malfunctioned and shocked their dogs when they should not have, or stopped working all together. If either of these things happen, your dog cannot be trained to stay within the designated boundaries, and your wireless fence is rendered useless. Leaving your beloved pet at risk.

Potentially the biggest problem of using any fencing system that trains your dog to stay within their containment area by way of shocking them is the fact that being shocked may cause your pet to become fearful and distrustful of their owners, of humans in general, and of their own yard. Some dogs will become aggressive with their owners, as well as strangers, in response to being shocked, due to being taught to perceive everything as a threat. And there is no way to know how your dog will react to being shocked.

Many, if not all of these issues can be eliminated by pet owners using a visible, above-ground fence as their method of dog containment. An above ground fence will also keep other animals or humans that might bring harm to your furry friend, out of your yard. Unlike an invisible fence that dangerous animals or people can walk right over. Equally as important is the fact that when you provide your dog with an actual above-ground fence, they do not have to wear a cumbersome, painful, and potentially harmful shock receiving collar that has been reported to irritate dog’s necks at best, and lead to large infected and potentially deadly holes in their necks, at worst. Therefore, installing a proper, above-ground fence is always the safest and best bet for keeping your dog contained, happy, and healthy.

However, if installing an invisible fence is your only option for containing your dog, or if you need an on-the-go containment system that can be used when you take your pet with you to go camping, on vacation, or to visit friends who do not have any kind of fencing, a wireless containment system is certainly a safer option than tying your pet to a stationary object. Using tie-off lines with pets results in bodily harm and even death more often that one would think, due to pets becoming dangerously wrapped up in the tie-off line. Or worse yet, hung by it. Therefore, if tying your pet to a stationary object, or using a wireless containment system are your only two options for containing your pet, I hope that you will always choose the wireless fencing system option. And within the market of wireless pet containment systems, PetSafe is certainly one of the longest standing, trusted, and most well-known brands. And of the four wireless fencing systems that PetSafe makes, this extensive review and many hours of research has helped an expert reviewer to determine that the Stay + Play Wireless Fence PIF00-12917 is the best out of the four fencing options reviewed in this article.