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Installing a traditional fence may help to keep a pup in the yard, but the thought of them circumventing the fence and wandering around the neighborhood may call for more diligent measures. Luckily, there’s another option: the invisible dog fence.
Attractive alternatives to privacy fences, dog houses, or dog pens, invisible fencing systems interact with a special dog collar to keep a dog in a defined area. As the dog approaches the boundary, the collar vibrates and then gives an electrical correction when the dog has gone too far. Invisible fences do this while maintaining an open backyard with a clear view.
This guide includes some of the best invisible dog fences as well as some of the finer points of invisible dog fencing.
- BEST OVERALL: PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence
- RUNNER-UP: Extreme Dog Fence Standard Electric Dog Fence System
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: PetSafe Basic In-Ground Fence System
- UPGRADE PICK: Halo Collar 3 Wireless Dog Fence and GPS Dog Collar
- BEST WITH REMOTE: Pet Control HQ 2-in-1 Electric Dog Fence
- BEST WIRELESS: PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Fence for Stubborn Dogs
- BEST WITH GPS: SpotOn GPS Dog Fence
- BEST FOR LARGE DOGS: SportDog Brand Rechargeable In-Ground Fence
- BEST FOR SMALL DOGS: PetSafe Elite Little Dog In-Ground Fence
How We Chose the Best Invisible Dog Fences
Having peace of mind when it comes to the safety of the family dog requires a reliable physical fence or invisible dog fence system. Our top picks for the best options were based on the coverage area, ease of installation, compatibility with dogs of multiple sizes, and static levels.
Each invisible fence pick offers full or partial property coverage ranging from ⅓ acre to 10 acres. With ample wire or wireless installation options to choose from, many may take minimal effort to implement and only 1 to 2 days to set up.
A lot of these invisible boundary fences come with a waterproof dog collar that has a long battery life or can be recharged. Each collar has multiple static settings to accommodate the most unruly of dogs. Finally, some of the above picks have training remotes for on-demand control.
Our Top Picks
The best invisible dog fences keep the family pooch in the yard safely, securely, and easily. Here are our top choices organized by category and with thoroughly researched pros and cons.
Best Overall
PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence
Product Specs
- Dog compatibility: 8 pounds and up
- Top area coverage: ⅓ acre
- Ease of installation: Moderate
Pros
- Includes a 500-foot wire, a waterproof receiver collar, and a 9-volt alkaline battery
- Collar has a tone plus vibration mode and 4 levels of safe, static correction
Cons
- Expensive; additional collars must be purchased if the home has more than 1 dog
- Has a limited range; not meant for large, spacious yards
When looking for an invisible underground fence system that is easy to customize with a variety of accessories and includes the items needed to get started, check out the PetSafe Stubborn Dog inground fence.
This kit comes with a transmitter, a surge protector, an adjustable collar, flags, and 500 feet of wire that is capable of covering ⅓ acre. For larger properties, shoppers can purchase more wire, enabling them to cover up to 25 acres of property with one system.
When it comes to correcting very stubborn dogs, the included collar has several types of warning signals: a tone warning, a vibration, and four levels of static correction. Shoppers also can purchase additional collars (available online) to work with their system.
Get the PetSafe Stubborn Dog invisible dog fence at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., or The Home Depot.
Runner-Up
Extreme Dog Fence Standard Electric Dog Fence System
Product Specs
- Dog compatibility: Large dogs
- Top area coverage: ⅓ acre
- Ease of installation: Difficult
Pros
- 7 correction levels, including a beep-only mode that can be used for training
- Small and lightweight collar; at 1.1 ounces, a great choice for small dogs
- Waterproof and submersible collar; a good choice for properties with lakes, ponds, or pools
Cons
- Expensive; requires purchase of additional collars for more than 1 dog
- Requires a separate purchase of staples needed for above-ground installation
The Extreme Dog Fence standard-grade system is customizable for several dogs and different-size properties. This dog fence includes 500 feet of wire that covers ⅓ acre. With the purchase of additional wire, the system can cover up to 10 acres.
The standard Extreme Dog Fence kit includes a transmitter, 500 feet of wire, flags, and waterproof splices. The kit is available with a collar that is waterproof to 10 feet, allowing users to let their dog run and play in a pond or pool without worrying about the collar shorting or shocking the dog. Owners of more than five dogs can purchase additional collars online.
Get the Extreme Dog Fence invisible dog fence at Amazon or Extreme Dog Fence.
Best Bang For The Buck
PetSafe Basic In-Ground Fence System
Product Specs
- Dog compatibility: 8-pound dogs and up
- Top area coverage: ⅓ acre
- Ease of installation: Moderate
Pros
- Includes 500 feet of wiring, flags, splices, a transmitter, a surge protector, and a dog collar
- Waterproof collar; has 4 levels of safe, static correction that can be used for training
Cons
- Not meant for above-ground installation; intended only for 1 dog
This inground dog fence from PetSafe is a well-equipped kit that will contain dogs in a ⅓-acre yard. This kit comes with 500 feet of wiring, flags, splices, an adjustable transmitter, a surge protector, and one dog collar. The collar has four adjustable levels of static correction as well as a tone-only mode when a dog is approaching the barrier.
Though the PetSafe inground dog fence includes everything needed to get started, it’s also modular. Purchase additional wire (available online) to extend its range up to 5 acres and add collars (available online).
Get the PetSafe Basic invisible dog fence at Amazon or Tractor Supply Co.
Upgrade Pick
Halo Collar 3 Wireless Dog Fence and GPS Dog Collar
Product Specs
- Dog compatibility: All sizes
- Top area coverage: Over 1,200 square miles
- Ease of installation: Simple
Pros
- Create wireless fences at home, at the park, and almost anywhere
- Dog owner can choose from sound, vibration, or static prompts
- Rechargeable batteries last up to 20 hours on a single charge
Cons
- Premium price, with an ongoing subscription fee required for use
Like any wireless electric dog fence, the Halo 3 sets boundaries for a dog at home or anywhere its owner wants, including the public park. All the owner needs to do is walk the desired perimeter to set the invisible fence. The minimum fence area is 30 feet by 30 feet. Up to 20 fences can be loaded into the app, and each can be used repeatedly without the need to retrace any previously loaded perimeters.
Sound, vibration, or static prompts can be used to keep the pooch within the perimeter boundaries. A major benefit of the GPS element is the ability to track the dog if it escapes.
The Halo 3 GPS electric fence is pricey, though, and requires an ongoing subscription fee.
Get the Halo invisible dog fence at Halo.
Best With Remote
Pet Control HQ 2-in-1 Electric Dog Fence
Product Specs
- Dog compatibility: All sizes
- Top area coverage: 10 acres
- Ease of installation: Moderate
Pros
- Safe for inground or above-ground installation; can be mounted to an existing fence
- Has 10 static levels; item includes a training remote and rechargeable batteries
Cons
- Cannot be mounted to an existing fence that’s made of solid metal sheeting
If shoppers need a bit more capability from their system or just aid in training, the Pet Control HQ 2-in-1 electric dog fence provides the benefit of an invisible underground fence system with the convenience of a training remote. The kit comes with a rechargeable remote control, a wall-mounted transmitter, a collar receiver (or two, depending on the kit), and 492 feet of wire.
This system can envelop the yard while also blocking off areas, which may include garden beds and a swimming pool. The remote control can deter unwanted behaviors such as barking or jumping. The remote will work with up to three separate collars (available online). The Pet Control HQ dog fence is modular, allowing buyers to add enough wire to cover 10 acres.
Get the Pet Control HQ invisible dog fence at Amazon or Pet Control HQ.
Best Wireless
PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Fence for Stubborn Dogs
Product Specs
- Dog compatibility: 5-pound dogs and up
- Top area coverage: ¾ acre
- Ease of installation: Easy
Pros
- Wireless dog fence system with 5 static levels that can be used for training
- Portable; product’s waterproof collar battery lasts for up to 3 weeks
Cons
- Expensive; additional receiver collars must be purchased if user has more than 1 dog
If shoppers want to create a wireless boundary for their dog to play in, they will want to consider the PetSafe Stay & Play wireless fence. This kit includes a wireless transmitter with a power adapter, a rechargeable collar receiver, and 50 boundary flags. This wireless fence kit covers up to ¾ acre. An additional transmitter can be added to overlap and expand the range.
The collar with this wireless fence boundary has five adjustable static correction levels, allowing users to choose the lowest effective level for their dog. Also, if the dog leaves the zone, the system allows static-free reentry. Additional collars are available (online) for multiple dogs.
Get the PetSafe Stay & Play invisible dog fence at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., or PetSafe.
Best with GPS
SpotOn GPS Dog Fence
Product Specs
- Dog compatibility: Medium to large
- Top area coverage: ½ acre to 1,000+ acres
- Ease of installation: Simple
Pros
- Nonaversive sound and vibration options with virtually no distance limit
- Uses 4 different global systems and up to 30 satellites for accuracy and consistency
Cons
- Very expensive, requiring a subscription to access all included features
- Invisible dog fence has a ½-acre-perimeter minimum working-area requirement
Setting a fence with the SpotOn GPS dog fence is as straightforward as walking the desired boundary carrying the collar, tapping the smartphone app at key points. Other GPS dog fences are similar, but with the SpotOn, there’s no limit to the enclosed area’s size or the number of fences that can be created. A new fence can be set for the local park, friends’ or relatives’ homes, or a vacation cabin in the woods.
The collar will also track the dog with virtually no distance limit. To ensure precision, the SpotOn dog fence takes GPS data from four different global systems and up to 30 satellites. Dog-friendly teaching uses tones and vibration, with optional static correction available if necessary.
This dog fence is on the pricey side, and though a subscription isn’t completely necessary, it’s required to take full advantage of the technology.
Get the SpotOn invisible dog fence at Amazon or SpotOn.
Best for Large Dogs
SportDog Brand Rechargeable In-Ground Fence
Product Specs
- Dog compatibility: 10-pound dogs and up
- Top area coverage: 1⅓ acres
- Ease of installation: Moderate
Pros
- Expandable coverage gives larger dogs freedom to roam big yards
- Tone, vibration, or 7-level static simulation can be used to keep pooch within boundary
- Waterproof and submersible; a single battery charge lasts 1 to 2 months
Cons
- Collar must be repositioned regularly; cannot be worn by dog for more than 12 continuous hours
- Some owners have reported experiencing recharging problems with this collar
Larger dogs typically need a bigger area than smaller dogs to feel comfortable. Where most in-ground systems are in the ⅓- to ½-acre range, the SportDog fence offers 1⅓ acres. With an additional wire, it can be extended out to 100 acres, and for those with more than one dog, extra collars also can be added. Actual fence layout can be customized with exclusion zones within the main perimeter.
The collar is waterproof and can be submerged 25 feet without damage. It contains a lithium battery that runs for 1 to 2 months between charges. Recharging takes around 2 hours. The collar vibrates and beeps when it’s near the fence, supported by seven levels of static correction if the dog moves closer to the boundary.
A dog should not wear this collar permanently. SportDog recommends repositioning it every 2 hours, with no more than 12 hours of continuous use per day.
Get the SportDog invisible dog fence at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., or Academy Sports + Outdoors.
Best for Small Dogs
PetSafe Elite Little Dog In-Ground Fence
Product Specs
- Dog compatibility: 5 pounds and up
- Top area coverage: ⅓ acre
- Ease of installation: Moderate
Pros
- Collar is waterproof and specifically designed for small dogs that weigh 5 pounds or more
- Includes a receiver collar, a transmitter, a mounting bracket, 500 feet of wire, and 50 boundary flags
Cons
- Battery is not rechargeable; other collars may not be compatible
PetSafe Elite’s electric dog fence is specifically designed for the needs of small dogs. The high-quality inground system has been proven with larger breeds but scaled down to fit smaller pets. With a ⅓-acre standard area, it provides plenty of room to roam. Extra wire can be used to extend out to 25 acres of coverage if necessary.
The waterproof collar is designed for dogs of just 5 pounds with a neck size of only 6 inches. An LED warns when the battery needs to be changed. There is a tone-only mode for training and four levels of static correction. Like any inground dog fence, a fair amount of digging is involved in installation, but it only needs to be 1 to 3 inches deep, and actual setup is very straightforward. Although PetSafe claims wide-ranging compatibility with collars from other brands, the exact model should be checked carefully.
Get the PetSafe Elite invisible dog fence at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co.(collar only), Walmart, Chewy (collar only), Petco, or PetSafe.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing an Invisible Dog Fence
After deciding on the style of invisible fencing for pet-proofing, it’s time to learn about the special features of the different systems. These attributes are worth keeping in mind while shopping for the best invisible dog fence for each yard and pup.
Types of Invisible Dog Fences
There are two main types of invisible dog fences, and each has its pros and cons. The kind that shoppers may choose will have a lot to do with convenience and the shape of their property.
Wireless
Wireless dog fences use a transmitter to create a 360-degree radio-frequency-controlled barrier around the yard. Wireless fences also are easy to install and program. After plugging in the transmitter, users can adjust the perimeter to fit their yard.
A wireless dog fence is an excellent choice if buyers have a relatively square-shaped yard, as these systems create dome-shaped, rounded perimeters. They allow pups to hop out the door (or dog door) and have the run of the yard, save for the corners. If shoppers have a long, skinny property, they may find that a wireless fence will restrict their dog to a smaller portion of the property.
Wireless dog fences come in various sizes, which range from ½-acre coverage to several acres. Buyers also can use multiple dog collars, keeping more than one dog safe in the yard with the same system.
Underground or Hybrid
Underground or hybrid invisible fences use a buried wire to create a barrier for dogs. They’re completely customizable, making them a great choice for long yards, odd-shaped properties, and areas with no-go zones.
The transmitter for an underground or hybrid system doesn’t need to be in a central location, so users can install it in a garage or other location without worrying about coverage. To install underground systems, users run the wire along the perimeter of the area where they’d like to allow their dog to play. Twisting the wire allows users to reach garden beds or fountains so they can block off areas without creating a physical barrier for dogs.
Underground systems are offered in sizes for larger and smaller properties, allowing users to encircle their entire yard, blocking off previously mentioned gardens as well as ponds and pools as they go. Although these systems can work aboveground, they’ll be more susceptible to breaking or damage. If the loop breaks, the system won’t work.
Area Coverage
Invisible dog fencing systems are available for different-size yards. The transmitter for a smaller underground system can create up to a ½-acre circular perimiter.
If the yard is larger, consider a more powerful system. Generally speaking, kits of up to 1⅓ acres are available, providing plenty of play area. These larger systems are usually underground or hybrid systems.
Keep in mind that with careful planning, it’s possible to extend the system with additional wire to give dogs more space. Some systems can be modified to include an area of up to 25 acres.
Containing vs. Repelling
For most dog owners, the main goal in having an invisible dog fence system is that it contains their dog in the yard. Most systems do this quite well by creating a barrier that sends a correction to the dog’s collar when the dog approaches the barrier.
Repelling is another goal for some dog owners. Users can set up an underground system to repel their dog. If users prefer that their dog stay out of the garden or away from the pool, for example, looping the restricted area into the system is quick and easy.
By twisting the wire around itself, dog owners can run the wire out to the restricted zone and then loop the area with a single, untwisted wire. The twisted wire will not transmit to the collar, allowing dogs to travel freely. Once the dog enters the single-wire section, the signal will work with the collar again, keeping the dog inside the yard.
Electronic Collars and Multiple Dogs
With an invisible fence system, the collar works as a receiver, detecting the signal from the transmitter in a wireless fence system or from the wire in an underground electric fence system. After it detects the signal, the collar warns or corrects the dog.
Since these collars simply detect a signal, adding more collars to the system is easy. Shoppers will need to buy an additional collar that is designed to work with their specific system. They also can purchase collars for small and large dogs that will work with the same invisible fence.
Be sure to find an electric dog fence with a quality collar that has swappable contacts. The contacts are the two points that press against the dog’s skin to provide an electrical correction. Shorter contacts work well for short-haired dogs, while the longer contacts may be necessary for thick-furred companions.
Static Correction Levels
Most invisible fences allow users to adjust the level of electrical correction that dogs receive when they cross the fence line. Adjustable levels are incredibly important.
Sensitive dogs will feel a low level of correction and recognize that the sensation was the result of where they are standing, which is too close to the edge of standard invisible electric dog fences. However, high-energy or stubborn dogs may require a more substantial jolt to show them that they’re making a mistake.
The electrical correction setting is usually on the collar in the form of a small dial. Use the lowest effective setting, as too much of a jolt may inhibit the dog from enjoying the yard.
Battery Backup and Surge Protector
There are two accessories dog owners can add to their underground system for peace of mind and an additional layer of security: battery backup and surge protection.
If users live in an area that experiences frequent power outages, a battery backup for the underground invisible fence system might be worth the investment. These devices plug in-line with the system and can provide a few days of power for an underground system. This can be particularly important if a dog is outside when a power outage occurs.
The underground system can be affected by lightning strikes from up to 2 miles away. To minimize this effect, dog owners can install a surge protector that will take the brunt of these jolts. It will redirect the surge from the fence system before the surge can damage a fence or a home’s electrical system.
Handheld Remote
Dog owners who like a little more flexibility from the dog collar might consider an invisible fence system with a remote control, which also can be a helpful training aid. By purchasing a system with a handheld remote, users not only provide their dog with a safe place to play but also have the ability to correct other unwanted behaviors within the yard.
If a dog is a jumper, users can send a correction to the collar when the dog starts jumping on guests. Likewise, if users have an area of the yard such as a garden bed or pool that they’d prefer their dog not enter, they can send a correction when the dog gets near it. These collars will work by remote control outside the fenced area as well.
Just be aware that corrections do drain battery life, so on a day when the dog has been particularly mischievous and requires seemingly endless corrections, don’t rely solely on the remote control to keep a dog contained.
Installation
When it comes to ease of installation, wireless dog fences are by far the quickest and easiest to set up. Installation involves plugging in the transmitter to a wall outlet and then adjusting the distance users would like the invisible dome to cover.
For an underground system, installation is much more involved. First, install the transmitter in an area that allows dogs to walk outside without receiving a correction. Second, loop the wire around the yard and any areas that should remain dog-free. Next, plug in the system and adjust the amount of signal that runs through the wire. The amount of signal determines how close the dog can get to the wire.
Regardless of the type of system, flags are helpful to show dogs where the barrier ends. Most kits come with flags, and dogs will learn that the flags indicate the edge of the system. The flags easily push into the ground, and they’re intended only to be temporary. However, the flags can help dogs learn.
FAQs
For those who still may have some questions about invisible dog fences, this section might help. It answers some of the most frequently asked questions. If any queries remain after reading this section, feel free to contact the manufacturer’s customer service line.
Q. How does an invisible dog fence work?
Wireless dog fences send radio waves that the dog’s collar receives. Underground dog fences send signals through the wire for the dog’s collar to pick up. Depending on the dog’s proximity to the edge of the invisible fence border, the strength of the frequency will change.
As the dog moves closer to the border, the collar will discourage a dog from crossing the invisible fence by warning, alerting, and then correcting the dog.
Q. Does an invisible fence hurt dogs?
The reality is that the static correction does temporarily hurt. It is recommended to use the minimum amount of correction to help correct behavior. As long as you buy a high-quality kit, static correction is completely safe.
Q. Can a dog run through an invisible fence?
A highly motivated dog can run through an invisible fence if it’s chasing a squirrel, for example, or if it feels the home or family is under threat.
Q. Will my neighbor’s invisible fence interfere with mine?
Neighboring invisible fences can interfere with each other. Two wires that run too closely together can cancel each other’s signal, effectively allowing your dogs to travel back and forth between yards.
Q. Can I place the wire above the ground?
Yes, you can place a wire above the ground. You also can run the wire through your physical fencing and flower beds if needed. Though running your wire aboveground will work fine, doing so leaves the wire susceptible to damage from lawn mowers, string trimmers, and other yard activities.
Q. How do you install an invisible dog fence?
Wireless dog fences are plug and play. Just plug in the transmitter and adjust its range to work for your yard. For underground invisible fences, loop the wire around your dog’s play space while also cordoning off any puppy-free zones. Both ends of the wire then tie into the transmitter, which requires a power source. You can bury your wire underground or use landscaping staples to hold it in place.
