7 Best Electric Dog Fences Compared & Reviewed

 

Top Rated Electric Dog Fence List in 2023 + Buying Guide

 

There are a lot of prospects on the market so if you are looking for the best electric dog fence you might have some problems. However, if you don’t want to spend precious time online, then this short paragraph should suffice. After paying close attention to the reviews of electric dog fences, Dr. Fox concluded that the SportDOG SDF-100A is the best electronic dog fence available for sale. Being easy to install, this product is capable of containing plenty of your land. It comes with a waterproof collar receiver that will work great in keeping your dog in check. Another cool thing is that the number of dogs is not a problem because the fence can be expanded. If you see that this product is unavailable, then you should look for the Sit Boo-Boo Hidden Fence.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

7 Best Electric Dog Fences (Reviews) in 2023

 

 

Because the process of finding a good electric dog fence and collar can prove to be a daunting one, we took it upon ourselves to help you. After we read through the electric dog fence reviews, we managed to find the popular products, and we’ve showcased them below.

 

 

1. SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence System

 

If you are looking for an easy to use electric dog fence, then you might want to consider this product. Being a cost-effective alternative to the traditional fence, this item comes with enough wire and flags to cover an area of up to 1-1 ⅓ acres and together with the included transmitter and collar receiver it will help to keep your dog close to the premise.

This transmitter packs plenty of power, and if you plan on extending the fence, then you can keep a greater number of dogs contain in up to 100 acres of land. All you’ll need to do is to order additional wire, flags and collar receivers.

Even if other models don’t fare well when it comes to working with larger dogs, this one is ideally made to be safe and effective with dogs larger than 10 pounds. Offering four different levels of static stimulation, it is more than capable of matching any temperament and tone.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

2. Sit Boo Boo Electric Fence Advanced

 

In case you are looking for a hidden electric dog fence that is capable of molding up to your requirements, this model might work wonders. Because both your home and your dog are unique, you’ll need a product that can adapt to multiple situations. Since it comes with a myriad of ways to install it, this hidden fence will allow you to get the suitable boundary setup just as you wished.

You can either hang it on existing fences, or you can bury it underground, this product works great in both situations. It will keep your pet in check and you informed because it works accurately and as safe and humane as possible so it won’t harm your furry beloved. It will provide you with all the information you need, and it will help in training your dog. If you’d like you could install the transmitter indoors and in doing this you’ll hear the warning tones easier as they occur.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

3. GoodBoy Electric in Ground Dog Fence

 

This device will enable you to keep your dog contained in your yard without them feeling like they are in prison. Giving them their much-needed freedom you can forget about keeping your dog on a leash as they can run as much as they want inside the allowed perimeter.

The included collar will keep it from misbehaving, so you can forget about jumping fences or digging holes, allowing you to properly train him without causing any harm as it is completely safe to use. The product comes with a user manual that will thoroughly teach you how to install it properly, and we think you’ll notice that it isn’t a hard process at all, especially if you have some hands-on experience.

Above ground or under it, this system works in all kinds of yards, and the transmitter is suitable for any household, it can work with unlimited collar receivers, and it even comes with a built-in alarm that will go off when the boundary wire is damaged.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

4. PetSafe Stubborn Dog Fence without Wire

 

If you already have your yard equipped with wire, then all you’re missing is this device. Capable of working underground and together with your pre-installed wire you will gain a helpful containment system which can cover up to 10 yards, being highly reliable in working with dogs that have strong personalities.

Coming with five different intensity levels, it will correct your dog according to its error. Also, it has a tone-only plus vibration mode that would work great with trained dogs, as they would get a proper warning which will stop them in their tracks. Ideal for pets over 8 pounds, this product will work great even with dogs that are hard to train.

The collar is powered by a nine-volt battery which is common enough not to cause you problems in finding spares. When the power drainage is too much, you’ll see that this product comes with a low battery indicator which tells you when it’s time to change them.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

5. PetSafe Stubborn Dog Waterproof

 

If you have problems in training your dogs because they are too stubborn, then you might want to take a look at this product. Coming with four different correction levels, it also provides the highest intensity available for those dogs that seem impossible to train.

For those that have a domestic personality, the collar has a feature that allows it to alert your dog with warning tones that will let it know when to stop misbehaving. Even if your furry friend has some hearing problems, you will still be able to correct its errors because the collar also comes with a vibration option that will send the proper signals.

You will see that it won’t restrict your pet. Instead, it will give your dog plenty of freedom and room, working completely safe to keep it in check. If you wish to increase the perimeter with additional flags and wire, then you should know that this system works within a distance of up to 25 acres.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

6. PetSafe Pawz Away Pet Barriers with Adjustable Range

 

Because you are looking for alternatives to traditional fences, you should look at this product as it represents an easy to use and effective way of containing your dog. Without having to resort to spools of wire to set boundaries across your yard, you will gain a device that works with radio frequencies to keep your pet from straying.

Another benefit you will gain from it is its portability, meaning that you can use it even when you are gone on travels with your dog. The waterproof receiver is capable of working in all climates without being affected by elements. It covers a wide circular range of about half an acre, giving just enough freedom of movement to your dog.

Adjustability is another perk of the PIF-300 because it will allow you to choose from 5 different intensity levels and a tone-only mode just to warn your dog that it’s misbehaving. Whenever you should provide the collar a new set of batteries, you will be notified by a low battery indicator.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

7. PetSafe Rechargeable In-Ground Fence for Dogs

 

This product will allow you to create a confined environment for your dog to safely play. Besides being a safe way of keeping your dog in check, this device provides a coverage of about ⅓ of an acre and if you wish you can customize it by acquiring additional flags and wire.

Forget about stacking up on batteries, because this product will require just 2 to 3 hours to get completely charged and each of these charges will last up to 2 months, depending on how you use it. Besides being rechargeable, this collar is also waterproof and adjustable.

It can work great in all kinds of climates without being affected by the weather, and it supplies five levels of correction and a tone mode. This device works great on pets larger than 5 pounds that have a neck size somewhere between 6 and 26 inches. Its surge protector will help your transmitter from being affected by lightning strikes and power surges.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

Choosing the right electric dog fence can prove to be a daunting process. Picking between the best underground fence and the best wireless dog fence will create a debate inside your mind that can last for some time, especially if you’ve found out that there is also the possibility of an electric dog fence with a remote trainer. If you don’t have the time to lose on this, then allow us to help you through this comprehensive buying guide.

 

Wires

An excellent dog shock collar can be found regardless of the type of fence you choose. Usually, an electronic dog fence installation is easier when you don’t have to deal with spools of wire, but the cost of invisible dog fences can sometimes exceed expectations. That’s why we should talk about the differences between these two types of electric dog fences.

Wired pet containment systems come with transmitters that need to be plugged into outlets, and they are connected to wires that are placed under the ground, along what you choose to be the boundary line. Also, these systems come with complementary collars worn by your dogs, and in these collars there are receivers. When your dog goes over the assigned boundary line, it receives a shock.

A great benefit of this type of system is that it can suit any shape and configuration because it is highly versatile. You can choose to include your entire home inside the set boundaries, or you could just set a perimeter in your backyard. There are some products that would allow your dog to come inside your home, some completely prohibit it, and others allow it to go inside your home but not your bedroom, for example.

The same type of versatility applies to your outdoors as it does indoors. You can protect your precious flowerbeds or your pool by setting up a perimeter that will allow your dog to run freely in your yard, except in these protected areas. When it comes to setting it up and maintaining it, you can face some difficulties in installing wired dog fences. You should opt for a professional to perform this process if you don’t want to get your hands dirty.

 

Wireless

Wireless pet containment systems present a much convenient design than the wired systems. They usually consist of a collar and a transmitter, and that’s it. The transmitter is supposed to go inside an outlet, and it connects to the collar. You can set up a certain range, and if the dog runs across the designated radius that has the transmitter in its center, the dog will receive a shock.

As we already said, this type of containment system contains a collar and a transmitter. This should tell you that it is quite easy to install and use, unlike a wired system. Most products come with transmitters that allow you to set up a certain perimeter which your dog can’t leave under no circumstances.

If you feel that a circular area is not enough to work for your yard, then you could purchase two such items to create an overlap that would suit your style better, and because they overlap, your dog won’t be shocked when it passes from one zone to another. A disadvantage that comes with this product is the fact that it can be quite difficult to limit an area without shortening the radius of a transmitter. Also, since most yards have corners and the radius is a circle there might be some parts of your yard that become restricted without them having to be so.

Before purchasing this system, you should properly take measurements of your yard and consider the capabilities of the transmitter. That’s because your dog should be provided with plenty of room to roam around without feeling too constricted, especially if it is a bigger race. Usually, such a transmitter comes with a radius that can measure up to 90 feet. Just plug it in somewhere where it can stay for longer periods of time and where it is protected from the weather.

 

Features

Some of this products come with some features that can make your life easier when it comes to dealing with your stubborn dog. You should opt for something that suits your style and not overpay for something that you don’t need.

Since both wired and wireless systems need to be operated by generating electric fields and they need to be plugged into your house’s outlets they can be quite vulnerable to power surges. Some products come with surge protectors but how will they face lightning strikes or static electricity buildup that forms before storms?

That’s why you should opt for lightning protection as well. Otherwise, your system might fail, and your dog might escape. Also, you can look for products that come with some sort of battery back-up. This will work wonders when the power fails, and the transmitter will be vulnerable without its power source. A great precaution, battery back-up will keep the system functional.

Alerts

If you should opt for a wired containment system, then you should know that such systems are prone to damages. This kind of product operates in a closed loop, and when there are breaks in the wire, the system will fail.

There are some features that will alert you when such an accident happens. Audible line break warning will let you know clearly when a problem comes up. This will work great because it will also keep you from having to constantly check up on the wire to make sure that it works.

 

Precautions

Until you decide to buy an electric dog fence, you should check with a veterinarian to make sure that the device is safe to use. After that, you should spend some time to train your dog on how the fence operates. A minimum of 48 hours should suffice, although some dogs might require a few hours more. The flags that show the borders should be at 5-10 feet apart so your furry friend will have proper visual cues.

 

 

Frequently asked questions about electronic dog fences

 

Q: How deep can you bury an electric dog fence?

Actually, some wires don’t require to be placed underground. The major purpose of burying the wire is purely aesthetic. Other reasons might be to protect the wire from any damages or to prevent accidents from happening, such as tripping over it.

However, if you are really planning to bury it underground, you should do so at a depth that is somewhere between 3 and 24 inches. Burying it too deep might lead to some signal strength alterations, or it might come across other buried lines in your yard that are connected to various utilities. Most systems have the required depth written in the manual.

Q: Can an electric dog fence hurt a dog?

Regardless of the type of system you choose to buy, wired or wireless, they both work the same when it comes to containing a dog. You use them to set some boundaries, and when your dog chooses to trespass them, they will get shocked. Those who heard this for the first time might be concerned.

In fact, static shocks (which are provided by these systems) isn’t like you are putting your dogs on the electric chair. Your dog will feel something from a tingle to a stronger shock, similar to how you felt when you rubbed your feet on the carpet and then touched an object.

 

Q: How much does an electronic dog fence cost?

We live in a day and age where you can buy an electric dog fence and install it yourself without getting any help. Most of the electric dog fences available right now find themselves in a price range that spans from $100 to $300, depending on what kinds of features are included in the desired system.

Within this price range, you’ll get everything you might need to install the fence, the transmitter, boundary wire and a collar. The wireless types might find themselves somewhere between $250 and $400, and the kit is similar to the other package, minus the wire, obviously.

 

Q: Who installs electric dog fences?

As we previously said, you could install the electric dog fences yourself. If you have no problems when it comes to hands-on experience, then you might even enjoy the setup process. However, if you don’t feel comfortable with working with electrical devices, then it is better to call a professional to help you.

If you plan right, you will gain a system that is useful for keeping your pets close to home, and your flowerbeds or pools will be left unscathed. Most containment systems come with instructions, so if you plan on buying either a wired or a wireless model, you will know exactly what to do.

 

Q: How does an electric dog fence work?

Whether it is a wired dog fence or a wireless model, an electric dog fence works by sending signals to a receiver located inside of the dog’s collar. When the dog leaves a specific range, the transmitter will send a signal that will cause the collar to shock the pet.

Rest assured, the electrical charge is completely harmless to the dog. There are some collars that let out a warning before shocking them, so dogs will eventually stop misbehaving when they will hear the alert. By using such a system, you will get an invisible border that will separate the area where your dog has permission to roam from other areas.

Q: How to wire, layout or ground an electric dog fence?

Before buying an electric dog fence, you’ll need to take proper measurements of the area which you’ll have wired. After you’ve chosen the desired layout and you proceed to install the wire we recommend that you first test it for gaps. Leave it above the ground for a minute and plug it in.

If it works, you can proceed to bury it. By using a shovel, unearth a few inches of soil (at least 3) and place it according to the layout. After you’re finished, you just need to brush the soil back over the seam and don’t forget to plug in after you are done.

 

Q: How effective are wireless dog fences?

The wireless electric dog fence can be a great choice when it comes to containing your pet but only when certain conditions are met. There are some places where they might not work properly, and that can lead to some frustration.

Some say that the best environment that can accommodate such a system is an area that doesn’t have problems with stray dogs or other forms of wildlife since they can play as distractions for your canine companion. Also, large and dense objects seem to disrupt the signal between the transmitter and the receiver, so you need to keep this in mind before you decide on a purchase.

 

 

Pros and cons of electric fences for dogs

 

Before you decide on what you should buy, you need to know what are the pros and cons that come with this type of device. Allow us to present some of the benefits and disadvantages that might occur with an electric dog fence.

 

Pros

When compared to traditional fences you might be pleased by the fact that you won’t have to spend any time and money on costly repairs that can be quite time-consuming as well.

Since your pets won’t face barbed wire or broken chain link anymore, the risk of injuries can be drastically reduced by getting rid of the traditional fence altogether.

A traditional fence obstructs the view, so for those that wish to gain a complete view to rejoice their eyes in the morning, an invisible fence might work wonders because, except the flags that serve as visual aids for pets, nothing will obstruct your view.

By using this product, you will finally be able to relax and let your dogs roam around freely across your yard without having to keep a constant watch on them.

There are some areas that come with fence laws that can be quite difficult to obey by using traditional fences. That’s why an invisible fence is a perfect alternative to avoid penalties and fines.

It seems that an electric fence is also more cost-effective than a traditional physical fence. We are not talking just about the maintenance over time; even the first setup is often cheaper than the one required for a traditional fence.

 

Cons

Some models run on batteries, and that’s why you need to change them from time to time, and when you run out, you might see that your dog has gone. Also, you must check the voltage regularly to ensure that there is enough juice to power the fence.

Those who lack experience might have troubles in installing the fence, so they might have to resort to professional help. This means that you have to wait for other people and spend more time and money.

In areas where there are problems with the wildlife, these fences are not that good. While they do a good job in keeping your dog close to home, other animals have no problems in trespassing your property.

During power failures, you will be left without a fence, and that can be quite bothersome because you might wake up and find that your dog is gone.

 

 

Is it possible to use an electric fence for more than one pet?

 

There are plenty of households where you can find more than one dog, and if you find yourself in this situation, then you are probably curious if an electric fence will be capable of handling multiple pets. As we said the fence is made from a transmitter and a receiver, and when the receiver exceeds a certain limit the transmitter will send a signal to shock.

Usually, in each electric dog fence set, you acquire you can find a single collar meant for a single dog. When that dog exceeds the boundary limit, it will get shocked and will think twice before doing it again. If you have two dogs and you only use one collar, you will have a dog that has more freedom than the other. That’s because without a receiver on its collar the first dog won’t get shocked.

To make matters worse, the free dog will act as a distraction to the other one, and that might lead to some bad feelings. The answer to this problem is quite simple. There are plenty of models that come with two or more collar receivers which you can use to avoid any more problems. If you have even more dogs, then you could buy separate receivers that work with the purchased transmitter.

 

 

What sets the difference between wired, wireless, and traditional fences?

 

All of the options above can be used to keep your pets close to home. But what is the difference and what works better remains for you to find out right now. Traditional fences are sturdy, physical options made from wood or chain link. They will keep your pets inside, but over time they will need time and money spent on reparations and maintenance. Also, barbed wire or broken chain link can really hurt your beloved furry friend.

Wired electric dog fences work by burying a wire antenna around the area you wish to use to create a perimeter for your dog to roam around. A transmitter can be placed somewhere around your house, like in your garage and from there it will generate a signal that will act as a perimeter boundary. Your dog will have a collar which has an incorporated receiver, and when it goes past the range’s limit, it will receive a correction in the form of electrical shock.

As Pavlov taught us, the dog will develop a reflex, and in time it will learn to stay within the perimeter, and it won’t get shocked anymore. This type of system features great flexibility, and you can produce a layout that will ideally fit your yard’s measurements. Large, small and regardless of shape, the wired electric dog fence can accommodate any type of yard. Even the areas found inside of your yard that are exposed to attacks from your dog, such as your precious flowerbeds can be restricted by using this type of fence.

The wireless pet containment system has the advantage of being much more comfortable to install when compared to its wired counterpart. The transmitter generates a circular field, and when the receiver from your dog’s collar exceeds its limit, your dog will receive a shock. The process of trial and repetition will work just the same as the one from the wired system, and the dog will eventually learn to stay within the compounds.

As opposed to the wired system, it is easier to install, but it won’t be able to fit exactly to your yard’s shape. That’s because the radius generated is circular and your yard has straight lines. This will lead to some corners where your dog won’t have access although it shouldn’t be so.

Both electrical types exceed the capabilities of the traditional physical fence, but they are prone to having difficulties when there isn’t any power. Some models run on batteries, and this means that you’ll need to change them on a regular basis and when the system runs out of juice you might be surprised at the fact that the dog is gone.

The ones that are plugged in are exposed to power surges and lightning strikes. Luckily there are some features which can decrease the potential of having such unwanted problems. Surge and lightning protection will work great in keeping the product safe from having electrical problems.

 

 

What Is A Pet Fence?

 

If you’ve been feeling a bit baffled as to what pet fences really are, you’ve come to the perfect place. We’ll do our best at explaining the basic principles of operation of this type of device and how it needs to be utilized, as well as what the whole purpose of using one is.

One thing that we have to note right off the bat is that, whenever you start scouring the market for a product in this line, it is a good idea to compare as many electric dog fences as possible. Not all models are made the same, and that is why they might have different features and might not even work with the collar you could be the owner of.

To provide a definition for this type of device is somewhat complicated. In a nutshell, it is a fenceless boundary that is specifically designed to restrain the moves of a pet or a different kind of domestic animal to avoid it to leave the boundaries of your property. This type of electronic system was first invented in 1973.

Another aspect you should be aware of in relation to pet fences is that they always have to be associated with a collar. Whether the collar delivers electronic shocks or not is your choice. These days, there are models that can only produce vibrations or beeps, so if your dog responds to these stimuli, be sure to avoid shock collars.  

There are several alternatives when it comes to pet fences nowadays. Some are wired, and should, therefore, be installed underground. Despite what some might argue in relation to these choices, they are often more reliable compared to their wireless counterparts, and that’s because they do not depend on any wireless transmitter that might malfunction at some point or the other.

Underground fences have been used since the 70’s and are reliable, borderless, and convenient. One of the first applications they were utilized for was containing livestock. Therefore, it’s easy to see that in some situations, these devices can undoubtedly come in handy.

Wireless pet fences have to emit a specific signal from a central unit so as to activate the virtual borders that the animal should not cross. GPS or tracking collars can be used for this purpose. It goes without saying that using such a system is beneficial because you will not have to dig into your ground and actually install a wire fence. But do take everything with a grain of salt and understand that wireless fences have quite a lot of limitations.

As with any other electronic device, there are significant downsides to relying on a pet fence. One of them is that keeping your pet’s moves restrained doesn’t automatically guarantee their safety. People who intend to harm them or other animals could get inside the perimeter in your absence.

Besides, since some fences need to be used with shock collars, there’s an ongoing debate as to whether they are safe or not and whether they aren’t risky for the pet’s health and safety.

 

 

Here’s What You Should Know About Invisible Dog Fences

 

Installing an invisible dog fence can be an option for people who have no means of fencing their yards. Under some circumstances, using a traditional fence is virtually impossible, such as when a stream crosses your property, or when part of your yard is used by the entire community.

There are several options to consider if you are in the market for a quality electric dog fence. One of them is to get a physical option, which means that you will have to install a wire in the ground so that it transmits the signals to the dog’s collar. The other choice you have available is to go for a wireless fence, but we do have to note that this type might be less reliable compared to the other.

Despite having been developed back in the 1970’s, invisible dog fences that need to be installed in-ground are still considered better compared to their wireless counterparts. This is due to the fact that most modern invisible models rely on GPS or a wireless transmitter. It’s easy to see what might happen if the transmitter malfunctions.

Even with physical fences, you will have to supply the batteries to the pet’s collar or charge it regularly to ensure that it functions properly. One of the concerns of prospective buyers is the type of ‘shock’ received by the pet. Needless to say, shock collars come in many shapes and sizes these days and are very different in terms of the features they have.

While some do have electronic shocks, others are only equipped with vibration and sound modes. What this means is that your pet, in case he or she responds to such mild stimuli, will feel a vibration around his or her neck each time he or she approaches the boundaries of your property.

There is an ongoing debate as to whether electric fences are actually right for dogs. One of the downsides is that exactly this type of process can lead to bad habits. If you use the collar before having put it on your dog for at least a week, you accidentally make him or she believe that the collar is at fault for every little shock. And let’s face it — that’s true.

Don’t think that dogs are gullible or can’t understand that the device they are carrying around their necks is responsible for those shocks. In such an event, the pet will do its best to get rid of the collar. And if he or she does go beyond the limits of your property and notices that the shocks and vibrations have disappeared, escape might be associated with relief.

As a final note, using such a type of electronic system can indeed prevent your pet’s moves. But it cannot prevent other animals or even other people from trespassing and get on your property. Sometimes, a traditional fence or a very roomy dog crate can be better than such a device, as long as you don’t use the crate for too many hours.

 

 

Bibliography:

1) Weighing the Pros and Cons of Invisible Fences

2) The Debate On Electronic Dog Fences Continues

3) Should I get an invisible fence?

4) How Does an Invisible Fence Work?