Looking for a way to keep your doggo in your yard without installing a physical fence? Well, an electronic or “invisible” fence may be just the solution. Show
We’ll explain how these tools work and outline the basics of training your dog to use one, below. But we’ll also share our philosophical thoughts about these types of electric fences, including the reasons we now encourage owners to use alternatives in most cases. Let’s jump right in!
Update K9 of Mine has changed our position on using aversive tools like electronic fences and shock collars. We suggest all owners opt for physical barriers whenever possible — jump down to our section on “Are Electric Fences Cruel?” for more info. What is an Invisible Dog Fence, and Why Do Some Owners Use Them?Electric dog fences are dog containment systems that discourage your dog from leaving a pre-determined portion of your yard. Also called “invisible,” hidden, or underground fences, these devices are designed to keep your dog from wandering or running away. Some owners prefer wireless or in-ground dog fences to standard physical fences because they:
How Do Electric Dog Fences Work?With all electric dog fence units, your dog will wear a special collar that communicates with your property’s boundary perimeter (which are established via a buried wire or a wireless signal). When your dog first begins to approach the boundary line, the collar will emit a warning sound. If your dog continues to approach the boundary and does not turn back within several seconds, the collar emits a static shock correction. “Invisible” Fences, Q-Tips, and Ketchup Technically, the term “invisible fence” should only be applied to containment systems sold by the company of the same name. However, the term “invisible fence” is often used generically, just like the words Q-Tip, Ketchup, and Xerox. We’ll talk specifically about fences made by the Invisible Fence brand below, but we’ll also use the term more generically to refer to other types of “invisible” fence. Types of Electric Dog Fence: Wireless vs In-GroundThere are two types of electric dog fences: wireless and wired (underground). Both types are hidden and can’t be seen by people or pets, but they function slightly differently. Wireless transmitter dog fences use GPS or radio signals to establish a virtual yard perimeter and communicate with a corresponding dog collar to prevent your dog from traveling outside of the pre-determined boundary. Some of the benefits and drawbacks of wireless dog fences include: Pros
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With underground fences, a trench is dug along the property line (or wherever you’d like to establish the boundary), and then a length of wire is placed in the hole. The main transmitter unit connects with the physical wire perimeter, which then communicates boundary information to the dog’s collar. As with wireless fences, there are pros and cons to hard-wired fences, including: Pros
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7 Best Invisible Dog Fence: Underground and Wireless Static Shock UnitsNow that you understand what invisible dog fences are, and how the various types differ, we can move on to some of our favorites! We will be detailing several different product options from both PetSafe and Invisible Fence, the two biggest brand names in electric dog fences. 1. PetSafe Wireless SystemAbout: The PetSafe Wireless Dog Fence System consists of a main transmitter unit that communicates with the corresponding dog collar. The transmitter emits a 17.5 kHz radio signal that establishes a circular perimeter around your home. When your dog (wearing the receiver collar unit) nears the perimeter, he will hear a series of audible warning signals, followed by a static correction. Most Reliable Wireless Fence PetSafe Wireless SystemA wireless, above-ground electric fence that provides up to 1/2 acre of coverage.Key Features:
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K9 of Mine Staff Review I have used the system with my own dog and feel like it generally worked quite well. My one recommendation is to take off the collar once your dog enters the house. I found that some electronic devices in my home would set off the collar if my dog got too close to them, so I definitely recommend getting into the habit of removing the collar when your dog is in the home. 2. The SpotOn Virtual Smart FenceAbout: The SpotOn Smart Fence is a virtual barrier that utilizes GPS technology rather than buried wires and transmitters to keep your doggo safe and secure. Setting up this smart fence couldn’t be any easier — all you have to do is hold the collar and walk around the perimeter of your yard. This stress-free installation makes SpotOn our winner when it comes to convenience. The waterproof collar holds a charge for up to 36 hours of containment or 8 hours of tracking and works on medium to large-sized dogs. Easiest Invisible Fence to Install SpotOn Virtual Smart FenceA GPS-style invisible fence that provides 1,000 acres of coverage and eliminates the need to bury wires.
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3. PetSafe Stay + Play Wireless FenceAbout: The Stay + Play Wireless Fence from PetSafe is a model very similar to the unit mentioned above. The major differences being that this unit has rechargeable collar units (rather than relying on batteries) and can emit a larger diameter. Best Rechargeable Collar Option PetSafe Stay + PlayA wireless fence that provides up to 3/4 acres of coverage and features a rechargeable battery.Key Features:
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K9 of Mine Staff Experiences I also had the chance to try the Stay + Play Wireless Pet Fence. When trying it out, I did indeed find that this unit seemed to yield a less consistent containment zone than the original model. When testing the boundary, the boundary line seemed to change minute to minute, moving in and out as much as 3 feet, and rarely beeping at the same point upon multiple tests. 4. PetSafe Basic In-Ground SystemAbout: PetSafe also offers a wired, in-ground system that you can install yourself. Called the PetSafe Basic In-Ground Fence System, the wired nature of this product not only means that it is more affordable than most wireless options, it also means that you can layout the perfect area for your pet’s specific needs. You will have to install this system yourself, but that’s just part of the trade off involved in such an affordable unit. Most Affordable Electric Fence PetSafe In-Ground Electric FenceAn affordable in-ground fence that comes with 500 feet of wire, enabling you to design a custom space.Key Product Features:
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5. PetSafe YardMax Rechargeable SystemAbout: The PetSafe YardMax Rechargeable In-Ground Fence is very similar to the PetSafe Basic In-Ground fence dicussed above. The major difference between the two is that the YardMax covers more area and provides 30% more usable yard space by moving the “warning zone” outside your boundary line. This unit also features wireless collars and gives you the chance to set up “no-go zones” for indoor and outdoor objects you want to keep your pet away from. Best Fence That Provides Extra Space PetSafe YardMax FenceAn in-ground, wired unit that gives you the chance to provide your dog with additional space.Key Features:
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Looking for easy installation? Want a PetSafe underground wired dog fence but don’t want to install it yourself? You may want to check out PetSafe’s Pro Install option. Professionals will come install the unit and train your dog, doing all the work for you. 6. Invisible Fence: Traditional ContainmentAbout: The Invisible Fence Pet Containment System features a physical wire that is installed around the boundaries of your property by a professional technician. This establishes the containment zone for your pooch. A transmitter unit (usually placed in a garage or basement) will send a radio signal along the underground wire. The radio signal is then picked up by the corresponding collar unit. The collar unit delivers a warning sound when your dog approaches the boundary. If the dog continues to approach the boundary after the warning, a static correction is issued. Best Custom-Designed Wired Fence Invisible Fence Pet Containment SystemA professionally installed, wired pet containment system that is customized to suit your yard.Key Features:
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7. Invisible Fence GPS 2.0 Wireless Dog FenceAbout: The Invisible Fence GPS 2.0 system is the most advanced of all pet containment systems. To set it up, you’ll establish your yard boundaries via GPS satellite. Your dog then wears a special GPS computer collar to keep him out of the invisible boundary area. Best Custom-Designed Wireless Fence Invisible Fence GPS 2.0 Wireless Dog FenceA professionally installed, GPS pet containment system that is designed for your yard.Key Features:
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How to Train Your Dog With An Electric Pet FenceWhen using an electric fence, it’s absolutely essential that you train your dog and teach him how the fence works. Nearly all horror stories owners have with invisible fencing come as a result of not properly teaching their dog how the invisible fence works. Setting up your electric dog fence and tossing your dog outside, hoping that he’ll figure it out how it all works, is a recipe for disaster. Without training, dogs can’t understand why they are being shocked. In some cases, dogs become terrified to go outside or sit immobilized in their yard, too frightened to move. Obviously this isn’t what any owner wants – the whole point of investing in an electric dog fence is to enable your dog to roam and frolic about the yard safely, not terrify him so much he becomes paralyzed with fear. You’ll receive a collection of training information when you order your electric dog fence, but here’s a basic rundown of how it works.
Extra Training Notes:
For more in-depth training help, YouTube has tons of helpful videos, such as this invisible fence training video from PetSafe. Can I Install an Electric Dog Fence Myself?The DIY route can be a hassle, but plenty of owners have installed in-ground wired systems themselves. If you feel confident, go for it. Just read instructions carefully and make sure you have a map of your property. You don’t want to go digging around your yard and accidentally hit a water line or anything else potentially disastrous. Setting up a wireless fence boundaries on your own is a breeze — it’s just a matter of plugging in the unit, placing the boundary flags in the appropriate areas, and starting the initial training for your dog. Other Things To Keep in Mind With Electric FencesA few other aspects to consider with hidden fences include:
The Differences Between Wireless, In-Ground, and Physical Dog Fences: An Illustrated GuideHere’s an illustration we created showing the differences between wireless, in-ground, and physical dog fences: Are Electric Dog Fences Cruel? It’s Complicated…Deciding whether electric dog fences are cruel or not is a tough nut to crack, and my thoughts on the issue have changed a lot over the years. Initially, I would have told you that the small static shock correction issued by an electric fence is minimal and is similar to what you might experience if you rubbed your socks on a rug and touched a metal handle. Used responsibly, most dogs will not be seriously traumatized by an invisible fence unit, with the static shock sensation being more “surprising” than physically painful. However, as I have learned more about dog cognition and evidence-based training, my position has become less sure. In truth, any tool that uses pain to control an animal (even what we might consider minimal pain) is not ideal. Aversive tools like shock collars use pain to control a dog’s behavior, which research has shown can increase stress levels, cause a dog to shut down, and potentially even result in increased aggression. On the other hand, being able to let your dog roam in your yard can have a huge effect on your dog’s quality of life. And sometimes, electric hidden fences will be one of the only options for owners who are not allowed to put up a physical traditional fence due to HOAs or budgetary constraints. My family used an electric fence for my childhood dog Benzy, and it allowed him full access to our huge front and back yard. I know having access to this outdoor space brought him great joy — I used to love watching him relax in the grass or sniff the air in delight, capturing some olfactory sensation I would never experience! However, I also know Benzy was an anxious dog. He had separation anxiety early on when we got him (he had been with two previous families before us). He also displayed behaviors that I now recognize as indicative of great stress, such as excessive licking. It breaks my heart to think I ever did anything that may have increased the stress and anxiety of my dear friend. I can’t help but wonder if it was the best choice, and in fact, I chose not to use an electric fence with my second dog. Benzy learned his boundaries and rarely tested them after a month. In fact, after a few months we didn’t even bother putting the collar on him most times, as I felt comfortable that he understood where his yard boundaries were and wouldn’t cross them. My second dog Remy is a rescue pittie mix. He was a confident cookie with plenty of “gameness”. I ended up going with a physical barrier fence for Remy due to a few reasons.
I also chose to go with a physical containment method because I began to question the ethics of electric hidden fences. I no longer feel confident that they are the best option. 4 Electric Fence Alternatives: Other OptionsShock fences aren’t your only option for containing your canine! Some alternatives include: 1. Boundary TrainingBoundary training involves teaching your dog to stay within a set boundary with positive reinforcement.
Kikopup offers a great instructional video on how to work on boundary training with your dog below: Boundary training is fantastic because it teaches your dog to stay inside the boundaries without using pain or fear. However, it requires a ton of practice and proofing with a variety of situations. Still, if you want fence-free freedom that doesn’t use force, this is your best option. 2. Tie Outs or TrolleysTrolleys and tie outs are other options for canine containment. Tie outs function by embedding a stake into the ground and connecting a line from your dog’s collar or harness to the stake. This allows your dog to move freely within a set radius as far as the lead line allows. However, tie-outs can tangle up with your dog easily, and your dog can seriously injure his throat pulling on the line. Even with a tie out stake, you’ll want to do some training to teach your dog not to pull on the stake and to stay in his perimeter. Trolleys operate in a similar manner, but instead of a stationary stake, your dog’s line is attached to a trolley system that operates like a zip line, allowing your dog more freedom of movement and access to more space. The video shows a quick and easy setup for a trolley system: You should never leave your dog unattended outside with any of the methods described, but this is doubly true for tie-outs and trolleys due to their potential for choking. 3. Invisible Fence With Sound-Only ModeAnother option for pet owners who aren’t comfortable with shocking their dogs is using the sound-only mode with an invisible fence unit. This is a safer, more humane approach to boundary training that still takes advantage of some great electric training products. The SpotOn Fence is especially great for this since it has an easy option to turn off the static shock and also offers two sets of different auditory warnings with an alert tone and a warning tone as your dog nears the invisible boundary area. SpotOn even offers a great non-aversive training plan you can use that relies on positive reinforcement boundary training. 4. Install a Cheap DIY FenceIf you can’t afford a traditional fence, you may be able to put together a budget-friendly DIY dog fence for under a few hundred dollars. This is ultimately what we ended up doing for my second dog Remy. Using cheap welded wire fencing and T-posts, I was able to make a suitable containment fence for Remy with a couple days of work for less than $200. *** Do you have experience with using under ground or wireless dog fences? Share your experience in the comments! Can you run an electric dog fence above ground?Basically, any electronic dog fence will work above ground however, most require you to bury the wire because the light gauge dog electric fence wire they supply is easily broken unless buried underground.
Can you put invisible fence wire above ground?The wire is both UV resistant and rated for ground burial. It can be buried up to 12 inches for underground installation or secured down with yard staples for above ground installation.
How many volts should an electric fence be for a dog?That said, most sources recommend a minimum of 4,000 volts for hard-to-control species, and a minimum of 2,000 volts for more docile animals. Anything greater than 8,000 volts is considered more than necessary (some sources say 6,000), and more likely to cause injury.
Does an electric dog fence have to make a complete loop?The answer is no, an electric fence DOES NOT have to make a complete loop. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to completing the fence loop. Creating a continuous loop will increase voltage on the fence line, because power is pushed in both directions.
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