As a dog owner, you want your pup to have a good life. Being able to let your canine friend out of the house without supervision so they can run and play sounds like a great idea, but there’s one major drawback — the safety of it. How can you ensure your dog doesn’t run off? Understandably, you can’t watch your dog all the time, so an electric dog fence can be a great way to give your dog the freedom to play outside without you having to worry about them. By giving them an invisible boundary you can teach them where they can play in your front yard, so they don’t have to be stuck inside the whole time.
However, with so many different types and brands of electric dog fences out there, it can be difficult to know which one is the best and which one is going to be right for your dog. Luckily for you, we have created a buying guide so you can make an informed decision when buying a fence for your pets.
Best Electric Dog Fence – Comparison Table
| Product Image | Product name | Features | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1) Extreme Dog Fence Max Grade Electric Dog Fence System | Up to 25 Acres 14 Gauge-Plus 60 Mil Wire 16 Gauge Twisted Wire, Digital Transmitter | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | 2) Extreme Dog Fence Standard Grade Electric Dog Fence System | 2nd Generation eXtreme Dog Fence Waterproof and Submersible Standard Fence Kit Includes | 4.3 out of 5 |
 | 3) SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence System | Easy-to-install Rechargeable collar Lithium-ion batteries with 2-hour quick charge | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | 4) PetSafe Wireless Dog and Cat Containment System | 1/2 Acre Of Circular Coverage No Wire To Bury Static-free Reentry | 4.3 out of 5 |
 | 5) PetSafe Stay & Play Dog and Cat Wireless Fence | 3/4 Acre Of Circular Coverage No Wire To Bury 5 Levels Of Correction | 4.3 out of 5 |
 | 6) PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence | 3/4 Acre Of Circular Coverage Static-free Reentry Stubborn Dog Stay & Play Collar | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | 7) Patriot PE2 Electric Fence | 1 Patriot Electric Fence Charger Plus 1 250ft spool of Patriot 7 Gauge aluminum wire | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | 8) PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence | 1/3 Acre Coverage For Stubborn Dogs For Hearing Impaired Pets | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | 9) Dogtra E-Fence 3500 40-Acre HPP Vibration Advanced Filtering System | Range Up To 40 Acres Underground System Two Modes | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | 10) Free Spirit In-Ground Electric Dog Fence | Expandable Up To 1 Acre With Unlimited Dogs Tone, Vibration And 5 Levels Of Correction Waterproof And Rechargeable | 4.2 out of 5 |
 | 11) Pet Control HQ Wireless Electric Fence | Custom Coverage In Any Yard Dual Zone Pet Containment System Break Stubborn Habits Fast | 4.1 out of 5 |
 | 12) COVONO Electric Dog Fence, Pet Containment System, 650 Ft Wire | Covers 650 feet IP66 Water Proof Rating Speed Barrier Alert Sound And Shock Device | 4.1 out of 5 |
 | 13) PetSafe In-Ground Fence for Dogs and Cats over 8 lb | Safe And Customizable Lightweight Receiver Collar Low Battery Indicator | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | 14) Earlyhights Underground Electric Outdoor Dog Containment Fence System | Advanced Pet Fence Excellent Specs Training Collar | 3.4 out of 5 |
 | Extreme Dog Fence - Second Generation -2020- Professional Grade (Premium) Kit Packages | Improved Waterproof and Submersible Pro Grade Fence Kit Includes | 4.5 out of 5 |
How An Electric Dog Fence Works
An electric dog fence creates an invisible barrier between your property and the outside environment. The wires are either places above or below ground around the barrier of your property, wherever you deem safe for your pets to go. The wires are connected to a transmitter or a monitory device, and a separate receiver is embedded in your dog’s collar. If the system is active, when your dog goes near to the fence boundary, the collar-mounted receiver delivers your dog with a form of warning to warn them not to go any closer, without every hurting or injuring them. You will need to train your dog to understand how the fence works, which we will go into more detail about below.
Types of Electric Dog Fences
There are three main types of electric dog fences — wireless, above-ground and underground fences.
Wireless Dog Fence
Wireless dog fences are exactly the name suggests — wireless. Because there are no wires, no digging is needed and it is therefore one of the easiest to install, as well as the cheapest. The wireless fence uses a radio signal or a computer GPS to determine your yard’s perimeter, as well as communication with your dog’s collar to ensure that your dog doesn’t travel away from the predetermined boundary. A wireless fence is a portable unit so you can move it as and when you need to, however, on the downside, the boundary can sometimes fluctuate so it may not always be reliable.
Above-Ground Electric Dog Fence
An above-ground electric dog fence does use wire, but it is also very simple to install. You just stretch the wire around the perimeter that you want to set without having to dig a trench or remove anything from the ground. You can even let nature take it’s course and let grass and weeds grow over the wire and it will still function.
However, above-ground electric fences can be an eyesore. You must also remember where you placed them, especially when it comes to mowing the lawn as you could risk cutting through the wire. If you have kids around too, they could risk tripping over the wire.
Underground Electric Dog Fence
An underground dog fence also uses wires, except these wires are placed under the soil. Benefits of these include the fact the wires are essentially out of the way — underground so you won’t trip on them or accidentally cut them when moving the lawn. However, there are some downsides too. These fences are generally more expensive and require you to dig a trench and modify your yard slightly to install them. If you’re not comfortable doing this then you have the extra cost of hiring someone to come in and dig the trenches for you, too.
Things To Consider When Buying An Electric Dog Fence
With so many electric dog fences on the market to choose from, there are a few things to consider before you buy. The type of electric dog fence that you choose to buy will also determine many of the factors we have mentioned below, so this is something to also consider.
Area Coverage Of The Wired Transmitter
The area covered by the wired transmitter is important to determine based on the size of the area you need to be covered. Some transmitters can cover up to 1 acre of land, while others cover up to 25 acres. The size that needs to be covered will also depend on whether the fence is corded or wireless, and you should also take into consideration the terrain that the fence is sitting on, as well as any obstacles such as trees that may disrupt the coverage.
Installation Process
Naturally, you want the installation process of your electric dog fence to be quick, especially if you are doing it yourself. Wireless systems are straightforward and quick to install, whereas underground wires will take longer. Normally, you can expect installing an electric dog fence to take anywhere between a few hours to 1-2 days.
Size Of The Receiver Collar
Before you purchase an electric dog fence you should take into consideration the size of the receiver collar. You need to make sure that the receiver collar fits your dogs head and neck properly, as well as not being too heavy for them to wear all day. It should also not be too tight on them or restrict their breathing. If you are unsure, you should always contact a professional who can advise you on the right collar to buy for your pup.
Main Features Of The Receiver Collar
Aside from the size of the receiver collar, there are other factors you should look for when purchasing an electric dog fence. The first is whether the receiver collar is waterproof or not. If your dog likes to get wet, jump in puddles, or your live somewhere where it rains a lot, you will want the collar to be waterproof to ensure it stays working when wet and does not hurt your dog. The best containment units have dog collars that survive up to a few feet in water.
The receiver collar should also be durable enough to last a long time. Your dog is active and likes to be outside exploring. They will be exposed to many things outside and many different weather changes, so making sure the collar will stay working is very important, especially if you are spending a lot of money on a fence unit.
You do not want a receiver collar that takes forever to charge, or one that requires it’s batteries to be replaced often. You should take into consideration how often the collar will need to be charged, how long it takes to be charged, whether the collar comes with a warning light when low on battery and whether any other collars are compatible with your containment system so you can purchase a spare collar. If you choose a collar that requires disposable batteries, it is imperative to understand whether they require specific batteries of not.
Some disposable batteries can be expensive and difficult to find, where as more common batteries are easier to buy and cheaper, but do not last as long.
Static Correction Level
Many electric containment units come with collars that provide different types of correction. These can be in the form of light and sound as well as a static shock. Often collars will give a light and sound correction first to warn your dog, and then activate a static shock if they do not listen. The best type of electric fences come with collars that have different static levels so you can adjust it accordingly to your dog. If your dog is small, you will only want to give them a small shock.
As we mentioned above, you will need to train your dog so they understand the result of getting too close to the fence, and, if you do this properly, the collar will rarely have to give off a static shock.
The health and age of your dog is something very important to take into consideration too. If your dog is very young or very old, a static shock is not recommended. If your dog suffers from hearing issues, you will want to check you purchase a collar that relies on visual corrections, too.
The Cost
Obviously the cost of the system you install is going to be a big consideration. You don’t want to be spending a fortune on an electric dog fence and therefore a wireless dog fence can sometimes be the best option. However, all types of electric fences can be worth the investment in comparison to traditional fences, as, not only are they generally less work, but there is also nothing for your dog to dig under or jump over. An electric fence can set you back anywhere between $100-$400, but we go into more detail over pricing below.
Multiple Or Single Collar System
If you have more than one dog in the house, you will probably want to consider a multiple collar system. This is when the transmitter covers more than one collar and gives corrections individually to the dog that goes near to the fence. If you have multiple dogs you will need to check the transmitter works with more than one collar because, often, the system only comes with one collar and you will need to purchase others additionally.
Your Dog’s Size And Age
You should always consult your vet before using an electronic dog fence, especially when it relates to the size and weight of your dog. Dog fences are often only used for bigger dogs because smaller dogs can sometimes not handle the shock that the collar gives off and it can be harmful to them. That being said, often bigger dogs need electric fences that come with collars which have five or more shock intensities as they often have a higher shock tolerance.
Every dog fence also comes with a minimum weight guideline. This is not only important for the function of the transmitter, but also to ensure your dog is safe and not harmed when using the shock collar. This is especially important if you have a miniature or toy sized dog, because their bodies may not be able to handle the shock of fences designed for larger dogs.
It is also important to consider your dog’s age when using an electric fence and training them to understand how it works. Too many electric shocks at a young age can cause developmental issues. While some experts recommend you should wait until your dog is a year old to start training them, many manufacturers say it is fine to start training them anywhere between 6-12 months old. Whatever age you choose, you should always remember to start with the lowest type of correction from the collar, such as light or sound, before moving onto to a static shock.
Length Of Your Dog’s Fur And Coat
The length of your dog’s fur and coat determines the length of the prongs selected. A shorter prong is suitable for a dog with short hair, while you will need longer prongs if your dog has longer fur. It is important to remember that the length of the your dog’s fur will reduce the effectiveness of the fence; the hair deters the signals emitted by the collar when your dog goes beyond the limits of the fence, so the prong length is important.
Benefits Of Electric Dog Fences
There are a number of benefits to electric dog fences. The first is that they are very discreet in comparison to traditional chain or wooden fences. You can provide your dog with boundaries without destroying the landscape of your garden or having to look at an ugly fence every time you stare out of the window.
Electric fences are also much cheaper in comparison to traditional fences. Although an electrical fence can set you back anywhere between $100-$400, or even up to $800 if you have a professional install it, this is a lot cheaper than the $5000 a chain or wooden fence would cost you. Electrical dog fences are also easier to maintain than traditional fences and built better against the weather. A wooden fence might not withstand a heavy storm, but wiring placed underground for an electrical fence is safe.
They are also cheaper to repair and, although you may have to check the electrical system from time to time and replace the batteries in the transmitter, this is much easier and cheaper than having to replace wood or metal in a more traditional fence.
One of the most important benefits of an electrical fence is that it gives your dog the freedom to play. Not only will they be healthier and happier with space to run around and exercise without being cooped up inside or in a cage, you as the owner will have peace of mind that they are safe outside without you having to watch their every move. You can also be sure they will not run into someone else’s yard where other people can be less tolerable of animals on their property.
How Much Does An Electric Dog Fence Cost?
We have mentioned above that electric dog fences can cost anywhere between $100-$400 if you are installing them yourself, or they can cost up to $800 if you have someone professional to put it in for you. However, there are a few factors that help to determine the cost of an electrical dog fence.
Most electronic dog fences should come with a dog collar and this does not normally affect the price of the unit. However, if you have more than one dog and the fence only comes with one collar, then this is something that is going to increase the price for you. You will need to purchase additional collars, making sure that they are compatible with the transmitter. These additional collars can range for $15 to $75, with an average of $50.
Wiring And Batteries
The wiring is also something that can change the cost of the dog fence unit. When buying your dog fence you want to check that enough wiring is provided to fit around the permitter of the area you want to enclose. If not, you will need to purchase additional wire to make sure you have enough. A voltage meter is sometimes purchased when buying an electrical dog fence. Although not absolutely vital, this can help you to evaluate the electrical charge running through the system. Voltage meters can cost between $5 and $30.
Batteries are something that can change the price of your electric dog fence. The receivers and transmitters you will buy will most likely run on batteries, and these are often rechargeable. You will need to make sure you buy a suitable charger for the receivers and transmitters. A good one can cost as little as $50, whereas excellent ones can cost up to $300. You should also take into consideration how many units you will be charging at a time.
There is a general recommendation that you change the batteries every four months, which can cost up to $90 a year per unit. Although not absolutely vital, this can be the safest way to operate an electrical dog fence and to make sure your pup stays in good health.
If you’re ready to find an electric fence and collar that works for your dog, take a look at the ones we recommend below, available to you on Amazon.
The Best Electric Dog Fence Reviews
1) Extreme Dog Fence Max Grade Electric Dog Fence System
The Extreme Dog Fence Max Grade dog fence kit covers up to 1/3 acre of land and can be run either above or below ground. The 14-gauge heavy duty wire has a jacket thickness of 60 mil of polyethylene, making it more durable than other wires. It comes with 50 feet of twisted wire which is needed to connect your boundary loop to your transmitter, and also comes with a surge protector to guard your transmitter against lightning. There is no limit to the number of dogs you can have on this system, and each collar’s correction strength is individually programmed, with 7 correction levels and 1 ‘beep only’ level to choose from based on each dog’s individual need.
The collar is waterproof and comes with a long set of probes and a short set of probes, depending on the length of your dog’s fur. The battery is rechargeable and lasts an average of four months before needing to changed. This fence system comes in different lengths of wire and different sizes of area coverage, based on your property needs. There is also a ten year warranty.
Key Features:
- Up to 25 Acres
- 14 Gauge-Plus 60 Mil Wire
- 16 Gauge Twisted Wire, Digital Transmitter
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
2) Extreme Dog Fence Standard Grade Electric Dog Fence System
Similar to the Extreme Dog Fence system above, this electric dog fence can cover up to 1/3 acre of land and can be run above or below ground. However, this system comes with 20-gauge high tensile boundary wire — a lightweight wire that is easy to work with and is a good entry level wire to use for an electric dog fence system. The lifespan is usually between 2-5 years as long as you install as directed. This electric dog fence comes with one collar, however you can purchase additional collars if you have more than one dog in the house.
The collar is waterproof and comes with 7 correction levels and one ‘beep’ level so you can program it specifically to your dog. Just like the electric dog fence system above, there is no limit to the number of dogs you can have on the system. You can also purchase this wire in different lengths depending on the area you need the electric dog fence to cover.
Key Features:
- 2nd Generation eXtreme Dog Fence
- Waterproof and Submersible
- Standard Fence Kit Includes
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
3) SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence System
This in-ground electric fence system from SportDOG Brand is an easy to install containment system kit that includes everything needed to cover 1 1/3 acres of land for one dog and can be expanded to cover 100 acres with more wire and flags. The collar that comes with this system is waterproof and takes a standard 9-volt battery that lasts 6-12 months. This collar fits dogs 10 lb and up and more collars can be purchased, with no limit to the number of dogs that can be contained on one transmitter.
The collar gives both a tone and vibration warning before moving onto one of four static stimulation levels, which can you can customize to your dog. The transmitter features a wire break alarm and a built-in lightening protector too. You can also buy this system with a rechargeable collar, or an electric fence that comes with a remote training system too.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-install
- Rechargeable collar
- Lithium-ion batteries with 2-hour quick charge
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
4) PetSafe Wireless Dog and Cat Containment System
The wireless dog and cat containment system from PetSafe allows you to keep your pets where you want them without having the worry of hassle of burying a wire underground. The adjustable circular range can cover up to 1/2 acre from the placement of the portable indoor transmitter and, unlike traditional in-ground fences, this wireless fence allows your pet to return home without being corrected if they pass the boundary. It is very easy to set up and can be transported, perfect if you are someone who likes to travel but wants to keep their pet safe when camping or in a vacation home.
The waterproof collar comfortably fits dogs 8 pounds and up and adjusts to fit neck sizes 6 to 28 inches. An unlimited number of collars can be added to the fence system and the collar battery lasts up to 2 months before the low battery indicator alerts you to replace the battery. The collar also allows you to personalize the corrections to your dog with a sound only training mode, plus 5 levels of static shock.
Key Features:
- 1/2 Acre Of Circular Coverage
- No Wire To Bury
- Static-free Reentry
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
5) PetSafe Stay & Play Dog and Cat Wireless Fence
Similar to the PetSafe wireless fence above, this PetSafe Stay & Play fence is also wireless and relieves you of the job of burying wire underground in order to keep your pet within your property boundaries. This wireless fence gives you a secure ¾ acre circular boundary around your yard and is very easy to set up — simply place the Stay & Play Wireless Fence transmitter in a weather¬proof location, plug into an outlet and adjust the dial to cover the perfect size area for your dog. The coverage can be personalized from 22 to 105 feet in all directions from the base unit or up to 210 feet across.
This portable system sets up in 1-2 hours so you can easily take it with you when you go camping or on vacation. The rechargeable collar that comes with this system features a sound only mode for training, plus 5 levels of adjustable correction depending on your dog’s temperament. The collar adjusts to fit neck sizes between 6-28 inches and is recommended for pets 5 pounds and up. This wireless fence will also contain as many pets as you need with the purchase of additional PetSafe wireless fence collars.
Key Features:
- 3/4 Acre Of Circular Coverage
- No Wire To Bury
- 5 Levels Of Correction
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
6) PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence
One of the easiest ways to keep your dog secure while still giving the pet some freedom is with this wireless fence kit. You get both a wireless fence and a collar that responds to the fence. Capable of covering up to 0.75 of an acre, it lets you set a boundary of up to 105 feet. You can also set a smaller boundary of just five feet. When your dog wears the collar, it sends a signal when they cross the boundary that causes them to stop. Designed for stubborn dogs, this kit has multiple settings to make sure that your dog responds to the fence.
Key Features:
- 3/4 Acre Of Circular Coverage
- Static-free Reentry
- Stubborn Dog Stay & Play Collar
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
7) Patriot PE2 Electric Fence
This Patriot PE2 electric fence is slightly different to the other electric dog fences we have listed, in the fact that it does not come with the collar and actually works by shocking your dog when they touch the wire. It is therefore perfect if you not only want to keep your dog in a boundary but also keep other nuisance animals out. Your dog will not want to dig under this wire and no other animals will be able to get into your property without being shocked.
The length of this aluminium wire is 250ft, giving you coverage over 2 miles or 8 acres, and it has a gauge of 17. The downside to this electric fence is that it does not include ground rods that need to be used to complete the circuit. You should use at least three ground rods that should be at least 2 meters long, and you should place them at least 10 meters away from electric or telephone ground systems to avoid interference.
Key Features:
- 1 Patriot Electric Fence Charger
- Plus 1 250ft spool of Patriot
- 7 Gauge aluminum wire
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
8) PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence
The PetSafe Stubborn Dog hidden dog fence is designed for those dogs that are difficult to train or do not listen to their owners. With a wire that needs to be placed in the ground, this system comes with a collar that has four adjustable levels of static correction with the highest intensity available. These collars are also good for training hearing-impaired dogs with a tone-only mode that alerts your pet with a beep and vibration modes too. The collars are waterproof and adjustable, designed for dogs that are 8 lb. or more with neck sizes 6 to 28 inches.
You can also add as many pets to this system as you would like by buying more collars. The wire in this electric pet fence is 20-gauge and gives your pets room to play with up to 1/3 of an acre coverage, which is then expandable up to 25 acres with the purchase of additional wires and training flags.
Key Features:
- 1/3 Acre Coverage
- For Stubborn Dogs
- For Hearing Impaired Pets
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
9) Dogtra E-Fence 3500 40-Acre HPP Vibration Advanced Filtering System Underground Electric Fence
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You don’t need to spend hours sitting outside just because your pup wants to play because this electric fence acts as a babysitter. With a range of up to 40 acres, the fence gives your pup the freedom that it wants and the peace of mind you need.
Included in the box is a large spool of wire that allows you to cover as much ground as you want. You can even create a small space and a separate larger space for your dog. Other similar systems can pick up interference and send signals to your dog’s collar, but this system blocks out anything nearby.
The only thing that will set off this fence is the transmitter on your dog’s collar. As soon as your dog gets close, the fence produces vibrations and noises to scare it away. It will amp up the power if your dog keeps coming. You can also choose between two modes: one that only works when your dog nears the fence and one that works when your dog is further away.
Key Features:
- Range Up To 40 Acres
- Underground System
- Two Modes
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
10) Free Spirit In-Ground Electric Dog Fence
Free Spirit’s in-ground electric dog fence contains one dog in 1/3 acre with 20-gauge insulated copper wire of a length of 500 ft, but can be expanded to contain an unlimited number of dogs in up to one acre with additional purchases of wire and collars. The collar included in this kit offers tone, vibration and shock with five different correction levels, so you can customize it to the size and age of your dog and their temperament. Both waterproof and rechargeable you won’t have to spend a lot of money on expensive batteries, and your dog can play in the rain or in puddles without breaking their collar.
Whether you have a small, medium, large dog or giant-sized dog, this adjustable collar works for all dogs 5lb and up with neck sizes 6 inches to 26 inches. The manufacturer recommends that your dog does not wear this collar for more than 12 hours a day to ensure there is no discomfort or damage to your dog’s skin.
Key Features:
- Expandable Up To 1 Acre With Unlimited Dogs
- Tone, Vibration And 5 Levels Of Correction
- Waterproof And Rechargeable
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
11) Pet Control HQ Wireless Electric Fence
With a safe and effective remote controlled shock collar system and expandable pet fence up to 10 acres, this kit from Pet Control HQ combines both an electric fence and a dog shock training collar into one. Using this collar you’ll be able to train and contain your dog without limiting their fun and it gives you a safe way to stop barking and other nuisance off-leash behavior. The remote collar is portable and is great training in public spaces, and comes with 3 levels of automatic progressive correction to stop your dog leaving your yard or misbehaving.
You can adjust the remote collar correction levels with 2 modes, choosing from either vibration or shock, and choose from 10 levels of intensity to suit your dog’s behavior. The collar is also waterproof and has an adjustable strap to fit dogs weighing 11-154lb with a neck size ranging 8-27 inches. The electric fence system comes with 492ft of copper based durable 20-gauge wire that can cover up to ten acres with an additional wire purchase, and up to 3 dogs can be controlled independently from one remote. The wire can be laid out in any loop configuration to suit any yard and can be hidden underground, placed above ground or attached to existing, non-solid metal sheet fencing.
Key Features:
- Custom Coverage In Any Yard
- Dual Zone Pet Containment System
- Break Stubborn Habits Fast
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
12) COVONO Electric Dog Fence, Pet Containment System, 650 Ft Wire, IP66 Waterproof
Give your dog the freedom to run free and have fun outside while keeping it safe with this electric dog fence. Included in the box is enough wire to cover up to 650 feet of outdoor space. Unlike other wires that are rigid and thin, this wire is thicker and more flexible to help you use it wherever you want. It can stand up to all types of weather conditions.
Also included is a transmitter that your dog wears on its collar. The wire forms a boundary or fence and sends a signal to the collar if your dog gets too close. Suitable for dogs that weigh between 10 pounds and 120 pounds, the fence works on all breeds. As your dog nears the wire, the collar both beeps and sends out a shock. If the dog keeps moving, the intensity of the shock and the strength of the noise will increase to tell it to stop.
There is a separate speed barrier alert for dogs that try to run through the fence. This option produces enough power that it will bring even the biggest of dogs to a complete stop if they head straight for the fence when you let them out.
Key Features:
- Covers 650 feet
- IP66 Water Proof Rating
- Speed Barrier Alert
- Sound And Shock Device
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
13) PetSafe In-Ground Fence for Dogs and Cats over 8 lb
This PetSafe in-ground fence is designed for dogs and cats over 8 lb with neck sizes from 6 to 26 inches and is perfect if you have a larger dog and you are unsure of how to control them or keep them in your property. The wire is 500 ft long and can create a containment area of up to 1/3 acre, but this can be expanded to 10 acres with the purchase of additional wire and flags. You can create additional boundaries around areas such as gardens, pools and swing sets in your yard, and this unit comes with a surge protecter to protect your in-ground fence from surges or spikes.
The waterproof collar is not only adjustable but also features four levels of correction plus a tone-only mode for training, and comes with a battery with a 1-2 month life depending on the amount of use. You can also purchase extra collars if you have more than one dog in your household.
Key Features:
- Safe And Customizable
- Lightweight Receiver Collar
- Low Battery Indicator
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
14) Earlyhights Underground Electric Outdoor Dog Containment Fence System
Earlyhights underground electric fence system is designed for containing two dogs within your property with a 500 feet of solid copper wire that can fence up 1/2 acre of land and a powerful transmitter that can cover up 5 acres with a purchase of additional wire. The receiver collar fits all kinds of dogs weighing 5lb-180lb or dogs with neck size of 6.3 inches to 24 inches and, although this system comes with two collars, more collars can be purchased and more dogs can be contained from the same transmitter.
The collars are waterproof so you do not need to worry about your canine friends getting wet and they are also very durable, as well as having a battery life of 500 hours per two hour charge. The collar comes with an adjustable strength signal of 1-10 based on the needs of your dog, and the transmitter comes with an alarm that will let you know if there is a break in the boundary wire at any given time.
Key Features:
- Advanced Pet Fence
- Excellent Specs
- Training Collar
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Extreme Dog Fence – Second Generation -2020- Professional Grade (Premium) Kit Packages
This Extreme Dog Fence is one of my favorites on this list because it has many features, such as being waterproof and completely submersible, and it has pro-grade fence kits that include Heavy Duty Boundary Wire, 16 Gauge Twisted Wire, Digital Transmitter, Collar Receiver(s) w/Battery, Training Flags, Splice Kits, and 10 Staples. I believe it also comes with a 1 year warranty when you register your fence.
Key Features:
- Improved
- Waterproof and Submersible
- Pro Grade Fence Kit Includes
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
How To Install An Electric Dog Fence
Installing an electric dog fence, although it sounds challenging, is actually not that difficult. First of all, you need to plot your “invisible” boundaries. You can do this on graphing paper. Always ensure that the “corners” of your boundary are in the shape of an arc, as an angle will confuse the transmitter, and that the wire forms a continuous loop back to the transmitter. You should also take into consideration any objects such as satellite dishes, TV cables and telephone wires and make sure to never cross them.
The Transmitter
Then, you should install the transmitter. Your garage is a great place to store it as it is not only easily accessible, but also dry and protected from the elements. Mount your transmitter away from other electronic appliances and always remember to ground it. You should never install a transmitter in your shed or barn because of the risk of fire.
Laying Wire
Laying your wire is the next step. Using your graphing paper, lay the wire along the boundaries you have drawn. You can twist the wires together to cancel the signal which is especially useful for moving round objects such as trees, swimming pools and other obstacles. Then you can connect the wire and test the system, checking whether the collar emits a sound or vibration while the wire is still above ground. You can adjust the system to ensure the collar only gives a correction when your dog is a certain distance from the wire, based on your preferences.
Once you know the wire, transmitter and receiver are working, you can fix the wire in it’s place. If it is an underground system you are installing, most manufacturers recommend placing the wire 1 to 3 inches below the surface. You should then test the transmitter and receiver are working again before patching the trench with an appropriate substance. Finally, make sure to ground the system, based on what your manufacturer says. It is always better to be on the safe side so, even if your manufacturer says this is not necessary, we recommend you do.
Training Your Dog For Your Fence
If you don’t spend the time training your dog to understand how the electric fence works once you have installed it, then you will have wasted all the money you spent on buying it. Here is how we recommend you go about training them:
Mark A Boundary
First of all, you should mark the boundary of the electric fence with the flags that came with the system. Walk your dog on their leash around the border, making sure the system has been turned off. After you have done this a couple of times, turn the fence on and walk them round a the permitter a few more times, still on the leash. Make sure to only walk in the areas where there is a warning tone correction and not a static shock. You should do this every day for a week.
After this, you should attach your dog to a retractable leash and stake the leash at a point in the lawn where it will only reach the warning tone area. Then you should let go of your pet and let them roam around. You should also do this every day for a week. After this, extend the leash so it extends beyond the perimeter of the fence. Stake the leash down again and let your dog roam free. When they activate the warning beep call them, praise them and give them a treat if they respond to you.
Static Correction
If they do not respond and go beyond the perimeter of the fence, the collar will activate a type of correction, depending on how you set the system up. This could be a static shock. If this happens, walk your dog along the border, making sure they stray beyond the border and realise that when they cross it, the static shock is activated.
Over the next few sessions, remove the flags and continue to walk your dog on the leash until it has “memorized” the boundaries. Before long your dog will realize how the electric fence works.
Electric Dog Fences FAQ’s
How do I fix a wire break in an electric dog fence?
It can be very frustrating and a troublesome issue when the wire breaks in your electric dog fence. This can be due to an accident or even due to an ageing system. The first thing you need to do is to determine where exactly the break is within the wire. Most transmitters come with a warning signal when the wire has been broken, but they do not tell you where exactly the break is. To figure this out you will have to go along the wire and look for any breaks yourself. If your wire is underground, you can look at the topsoil to see if any of it has been disturbed or if they are any indications of a breakage.
Once you have discovered where the break is, fixing it should be fairly easy. Each manufacturer will have a recommended way of fixing breakages, but the easiest way to this is to strip the wire, create a butterfly twist to secure the wires together, tie a knot in the butterfly twist and then secure it with electrical tape. If the tension in the wire is too great that creating a butterfly twist will cause more breakages, you may have to cut the wire and use a splice kit to join the two ends. The process will be the same but you will have two joints instead of one.
What is the best wire size for an electric dog fence?
The thicker the wire is, the more resilient it is against breaking. Electric wires comes in gauges and the gauge is inversely proportional to its capacity and resilience. Therefore, the lower the number of gauge, the more resilient the wire is. Whatever wire you choose, you want to make sure it will withstand any digging or chewing of the wire your dog may do, so, if your dog is prone to these things, a lower gauge wire may be better.
Can I place the wire above ground instead of below ground?
Depending on the manufacturer, the answer is normally yes. Although placing the wire above ground is easier to install, not having it underground can actually have a few drawbacks. When your dog is not wearing the collar or the system is not turned on, they could chew at the wire and break it. If the wire is above ground it is also more likely to get chewed up by your lawnmower or it could be tripped over. It can also be a bit of an eyesore having a wire on your grass.
Can the electric shock from the fence hurt my dog?
Canine trainers will often tell you that giving your dog an electric shock is not a positive way to train them because it is not telling them what they can do, it is only telling them what they can’t do. This is why the electric shock should be the last resort on your dog’s collar, after the light and sound warning when they get too close to the fence.
However, an electric dog fence is relatively safe, according to experts. Unfortunately, however, there is no way to tell whether our dog’s really feel hurt when shocked, The only way to test it is for you to try shocking yourself and seeing if you get hurt — if you do, then your dog will too. If you don’t then your dog should be fine.
Is an electric dog fence effective?
No matter how advanced an electric fence is, if you do not train your dog to understand how they work, it will not be effective. However, if you take the time to train your dog properly then an electric fence can be very effective in giving your dog the freedom they need to be outside without you having to supervise them the entire time.
Will lightening or weather affect my electric dog fence?
Most electric dog fences are very well weather-proofed, with some having lightening-proof surge protectors to make them extra safe. Often waterproofing can be the biggest concern for dog owners, but electrical fences are so advanced these days that they are almost always built to withstand all different types of weather.
Conclusion
A electric dog fence can be a fantastic way to give your dog the freedom to run around and exercise in your yard or garden without you having to supervise them all the time. Cheaper than a standard wooden or metal fence, an electric fence can be wireless or placed under or overground depending on your preferences or needs. Easy to install, these fences are the best way to allow your dog to play outside by themselves.
Always ensure you train them properly to understand how the fence operates, and ensure the corrections the collar is giving them when they move closer to the fence are safe and not hurting them. If you are unsure about anything relating to electric dog fences you should always consult your vet.