So, your dog is an escape artist.
You’ve tried absolutely everything possible to keep your pup from jumping fence, digging under the fence, or just destroying your fence to get to the other side.
You are probably extremely frustrated.
This behavior of backyard escape is a dangerous one.
Sure, some dogs do other naughty things, but escaping a yard is a particularly bad behavior.
Dogs who escape their yard are exposed to all sorts of danger.
Dogs that are repeat escape artists, are at higher risk for encountering injury or death.
So what do you do?
Well, have you thought about an invisible fence?
Invisible fences are a great option for dog owners that have escape artist pups, or maybe just don’t want to look out at a physical fence.
These great tools for dog training and protection are a great way to keep your dog close to home without the fear of them escaping a fence, again.
In this article, we’ll break down the best invisible fences on the market, to help you make a great, informed decision about buying an invisible fence.
We’ll also give you some handy information to help you better understand the pros and cons of installing an invisible or electric fence.
Our Reviews Of The Invisible Dog Fence
#1 Extreme Dog Fence – Second Generation
The eXtreme Dog Fence PRO Grade system is the premiere D.I.Y. static correction, pet containment system for the dog owner with up to 10 acres of coverage needs.
The eXtreme Dog Fence Professional grade kit is a step above the Standard Grade kit.
There are several advantages of ordering the Professional Grade kit.
Above all, is the quality and longevity of the included 14-gauge wire. It is so durable that you don’t even have to bury it.
This means that the Professional grade kit is the perfect choice if you want to run your dog fence wire along an existing fence, or simply tack the wire to the top of the ground.
Featured specs
- Provides 3 extremely efficient and safe training modes (beep, vibration and shock).
Benefits
- Supports maximum 9 dogs training, 100% waterproof
- Offers adjustable 0~99 static level
- Both transmitter
- Receiver are rechargeable
Drawbacks
- 3 Lithium Metal batteries required
Extra features
- The security keypad lock prevent any misoperation on the remote
Buying advice
- If you have more than 2 dogs it’s good option and try out for a month, most issues will surface within that time
Technical specifications
- Type: Static correction pet containment system
- Range: up to 10 acres of coverage
- Dimension: 1000' Pro grade fence
- Weight: 7 oz
#2 SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence Systems
Dog care training color users advance anti-jamming technology which supports a strong and stable signal for multiple training environments.
These training collars are designed with low voltage, so the gentle static will not hurt your pet.
If you have more than 2 dogs in your house, Dog Care training shock collar would be the perfect option for you.
You can adjust the accurate static level for your dog. Also this dog training shock collar is size adjustable. Perfect for all size dogs (15lbs~100lbs)
Featured specs
- For dogs 8 pounds or larger, anti-linger feature prevents dogs from standing in the warning zone to drain the collar battery.
Benefits
- Straight forward
- Basic instructions and easy to follow
- Good for unlimited dogs
- Waterproof and submersible to 25 feet
Drawbacks
- Installation is timely
- Batteries last 1-2 months
Extra features
- Upgraded
- Rechargeable collar with tone
- Vibration
- Training flags
- 7 levels of static stimulation
Buying advice
- It is a straight forward install
- But does require some time so be prepared
Technical specifications
- Type: Rechargeable dog shock collar
- Range: 1 1/3 acres or up to 100 acres with the purchase of additional wire and flags.
- Size: 1000' Pro grade fence.
- Warranty: 2-year manufacturer's warranty.
#3 PetSafe Stay & Play Dog and Cat Wireless Fence
The PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Fence allows you to create a secure ¾ acre circular boundary around your yard without the hassle of burying wire or installing a physical fence.
To set up, simply place the Stay & Play Wireless Fence transmitter in a weatherproof location, plug into an outlet and adjust the dial to cover the perfect size area for your dog.
Featured specs
- Includes a transmitter with power adaptor
- Waterproof adjustable collar
- Collar charger
- 50 training flags
- Test light tool
- Short and long contact points for short or long-haired pets
Benefits
- A simple easy to setup wireless boundary
- Unlimited number of collars can be added
- Waterproof collar
Drawbacks
- The wireless fence works best with flat yards
- Hills and slopes can interfere with the signal that is sent from the base unit
Extra features
- Works for cats
- Sound-only training mode plus 5 levels of static on his receiver collar
Buying advice
- Great to take with you camping
Technical specifications
- Type: Above Ground Wireless Electric Pet Fence
- Range: Can cover up to 3/4 acres
- Size: Coverage can be personalized from 22 to 105 feet in all directions from the base unit or up to 210 feet across.
- Warranty: 1-year manufacturer's warranty.
#4 JUSTSTART Wireless Dog Fence Electric Pet Containment System
The intelligent wireless fence system is the unique and new product type on the market, with a lovely design shape and simple operation.
It’s capable of reliably protecting your pet and excellent at containing your pet within the set boundary.
If the dog exceeds the set activity range, beep and static shock dog training functions will automatically start to warn the dog back to the safe area.
Featured specs
- Wireless Fence Transmitter
- Collar Receiver
- Training Flags
- Power Adapters
- Charging Cables
- Transmitter Wall Mount Screws
- Collar Contacts
Benefits
- 100% Wireless
- No digging
- Affordable
- Easy setup
Drawbacks
- Collar receiver is water resistant
- Transmitter has no battery and is not rechargeable
Extra features
- More dogs can be added to the system without issue
- As long as they wear the collar
Buying advice
- Works on all types of dogs - small, medium, large, and even extra-large dogs.
- Recommended for dogs over 10lbs.
Technical specifications
- Type: 100% Wireless Dog Fence Electric System
- Range: Up to 1000 feet in radius
- Size: Wireless covers 10-1000 feet
- Warranty: 1-year manufacturer's warranty.
#5 JUSTSTART Wireless Dog Fence Electric Pet Containment System
Give your pet the freedom to enjoy life outside.
Offer your pets a secure yard to play in with this durable and waterproof in-ground fence.
This weekend do-it-yourself project comes with clear step-by-step instructions on how to design and install your fence.
Give all of your pets the freedom to play outside with the purchase of additional PetSafe collars.
Featured specs
- Transmitter with power adaptor
- Ultralight in-ground fence adjustable collar
- Surge protector
- PetSafe RFA-67 battery
- 500 feet of wire and 50 training flags
- Waterproof splice capsules and wire nuts
- 1 set of short and long contact points for short or long-haired pets
- Test light tool
Benefits
- Easy to install
- Very affordable
- Affordable
- Receiver collar has a low-battery indicator
Drawbacks
- 20 gauge wire
- Splices in the wire loop are a weak point
- Tech support not good
Extra features
- Is compatible with 5 other receiver collars
- As long as they wear the collar
Buying advice
- Is recommended for pets who weigh 8 pounds and up
Technical specifications
- Type: Underground Electric Pet Fence
- Range: 1/3 acre- 5 acres with the purchase of additional wire and training flags.
- Size:12 x 4.4 x 6.1 inches; 4.84 pounds with 500 feet of wire.
- Warranty: 1-year manufacturer's warranty.
Introduction to Invisible Dog Fences
What is an invisible fence, you may be asking?
Well, an invisible fence is just that, a barrier around your yard that cannot be seen, but yet is effective in keeping your dogs from escaping your yard.
Invisible fences have been around for a long time. Their technology has improved, but the basic principle of their function has remained the same.
There are a variety of different types of invisible fences on the market.
When you are shopping for a new invisible fence, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.
First, the size of the area you are looking to fence in.
Some types of invisible fence are not great for large areas, but are amazing for smaller yards.
Second, you need to understand how much maintenance you are willing to do on your invisible fence.
Fences that you transponders or relay posts, require that you frequently check the alignment of the relays. If these relays are out of position, you may lose your barrier, without knowing. If you don’t have much time to dedicate to maintenance, choose a wired invisible fence.
Invisible fences are great options for the people that want to keep their view clear, and without the interference of a physical fence.
They are also a perfect solution for the dog owner that has a pup that has repeatedly escaped a yard.
Not only can they be used as a stand-alone feature, but they are also great to go along with an existing physical fence.
An invisible fence is also a great option for the homeowner that wants to limit their dog’s access to parts of the yard.
Putting up an invisible fence can keep dogs out of vegetable gardens or away from features like swimming pools.
The best thing about invisible fences in this case is that your dog won’t pass the barrier, but you can walk through without a problem, and you don’t have to build a physical fence that may not be attractive in your yard.
Invisible Dog Fence FAQ
Before you run out and buy a shiny, new invisible fence for your home, you probably have some questions.
We’ve searched the internet for the most commonly asked questions about invisible fences, and how they work with your dog.
We’ve compiled a list of these questions, and provided you with handy answers, all in one spot!
How do invisible fences work for dogs?
Invisible fences work by sending a correction signal to your dog, when they get to the boundary.
Invisible fences are relatively simple in how they work, but are easiest to understand, it you know the parts and how they work together.
Controller
The control box is the central unit for controlling your electric fence.
This part is usually installed in a discreet, weather protected spot like your garage, shed or barn.
The controller is where the fence signal originates from, and it is the primary functioning part of the fence.
The controller is where wired fences are connected or the point where a relay signal originates.
Wire or Relay Posts
Depending on the type of fence you purchase you will need to install either an underground wire that connects the fence to the controller, or you will need to install relay posts.
Both of these create the invisible barrier that reacts to your dog’s collar.
Boundary Markers
Many invisible fence kits come with boundary markers.
These simple flags remind you and your dog where the boundary is, and are helpful when training your pup.
Collar
Each type of invisible or electric fence comes with a unique collar.
This collar will react with the signal sent by the boundary infrastructure, and will give your pup a gentle correction if they get too close to the fence.
These collars contain a small battery, so it’s important that you make sure that the battery is charged or replaced frequently or you’ll be stuck with a pup that escapes your new fence.
Also, make sure that the system you purchase also has a collar with adjustable correction levels.
Some dogs aren’t phased by a gentle shock or a quiet beep.
If your dog is stubborn, you’ll want to select a more aggressive correction level.
The type of fence you choose really depends on the size of your yard, and the type of correction you want. There are a variety of options on the market, so make sure you pick the right one for your yard and your pup.
How old does your dog need to be for an invisible fence?
Invisible fences are a great option for dogs of any age.
They are most effective for pups that already understand basic training techniques, but if you are willing to take the time with younger dogs, to help them learn the basics of an electric fence, you can even use them for puppies.
However, be mindful when training a puppy on an invisible fence that uses a static correction.
Many invisible fence companies have size or age recommendations for their product. While some fences are great for larger dogs, or dogs that are a bit older, these fences may not be ideal for smaller pups or puppies.
Make sure you read the manufacturers recommendations carefully before investing in an invisible fence for a puppy.
If the manufacturer recommends their product for dogs over a certain age, make sure you follow that suggestion.
For some small puppies, even the lowest level of correction could be too much “shock” so be mindful of your puppy’s reaction.
You may want to adjust the correction mode if possible.
However, if it still seems too much, make sure you set up a safe, physical boundary for your puppy, until they are a little bigger, and are able to adjust well to an invisible fence.
Can dogs get through an electric fence?
Believe it or not, yes.
Some dogs can get through an invisible fence.
However, you need to make sure that your dog isn’t getting through because there is an issue with your fence.
The most frequent way a dog sneaks through an invisible fence is because the power is out, their collar battery is dead, or one of the relay posts is out of alignment.
Frequently check your system to make sure that everything is running the right way.
Some dogs are just that sneaky, though. Some really tenacious, and large breeds are just unphased by the correction from the collar, and walk right through the fence.
Do your research and make sure that you’ve bought a product that will be substantial enough for a large breed dog or a really tenacious pup.
How long does it take to train a dog with an invisible fence?
This really depends on two things.
First your commitment to training your dog, and second, your dog’s willingness to learn.
Most invisible fences will come with a guide to training your dog to the invisible fence.
This takes time on your part to make it work.
If you are willing to take the time to teach your pup, then teaching your dog to understand the fence, may take a few hours or a couple of days.
However, if your dog is hard-headed and has always been a challenge to train, or if you aren’t willing to take the time to teach them, this process can take weeks, if they learn at all.
Like with any training, consistency and repetition are the keys to success.
Invisible fences are a great tool to help keep your dog close to home.
Whether you pup is an escape artist or you just don’t want to look at a physical fence, an invisible or electric fence is a great, reliable option for you and your dog.
With time and training, both you and your pup can enjoy the freedom that an invisible fence can provide for your family.