The 15 Best Invisible Dog Fences of 2023: Wireless & Underground

An invisible dog fence is a wireless or wired (underground) electric fence that keeps your pet from going past its boundaries.

It does so by creating an electrically charged invisible wall that communicates digitally with a dog collar to create a mild shock. This prevents your pooch from crossing over the boundary.

Some training is required, though, to keep your pet from going across the wall, but once done, the system is very effective. With that in mind, let's look at the best invisible dog fences you can buy in the market.

7 Best Invisible Dog Fences - Review

1. Best Overall: SportDOG SDF-100C

• Coverage: 1-1/3 acres
• Levels of Correction: 7
• Fits For: 8-lb dog or larger

The SportDOG SDF-100C ticks all boxes when it comes to sizeable coverage, scalability, water-resistance, and durability. It covers 1-1/3 acres for one dog and includes every component you need for this installation.

This containment is scalable to cover 100 acres by just buying more wire and flags. Additional collars are available to suit 10-lb pooches going upwards. Once expanded, the system can contain an unlimited number of dogs.

That said, the included collar is ideal for 8-lb dogs or larger. It features DryTek technology for waterproofing, and this keeps the electronics safe up to a maximum depth of 25 feet.

A built-in lighting protector ensures the system is safe during lightning storms. The kit is also tested in extreme weather conditions like heat, cold, wind, dust, snow, and rain for maximum durability. In case it gets damaged, you are covered by a 2-year warranty.

Overall, these features make this one of the best in-ground dog fences. The only issue is that it lacks a remote training system.

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2. Best Budget: PetSafe PIF-300

• Coverage: 1/2 acres
• Levels of Correction: 5
• Fits For: 8-lb dog or larger
• Neck Size: 6 - 28 inches

This is our best budget dog fence because it is simple to set-up, has a long battery life, and personalized settings, all at a reasonable price.

Being a wireless system, the fence is very easy to set up. You avoid all the hassle and time used to bury wires around your compound. Overall, you can install the system on a 1/2-acre circular coverage in 1 - 2 hours.

As for the collar, it has a long battery life that lasts up to two months. When the charge goes down, a low battery indicator alerts you to replace the battery with a PetSafe RFA-67D-11 battery.

This collar is equipped with five levels of static that allow you to personalize it for cool or stubborn dogs. You also get a sound only training mode for teaching your pooch to stay within the secure area.

However, the fence does not have a lightning protector and some customers lodged complaints about damages due to lightning storms.

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3. Best Standard Grade: Extreme Dog Fence 1D500FT

• Coverage: 1/3 acre
• Levels of Correction: 7
• Neck Size: 10 - 30 inches

Extreme Dog Fence's 1D500FT is a standard-grade kit due to its 500-ft, 20-gauge high tensile boundary wire with a solid copper core and a heavy protective jacket. This is a good entry-level wire and has a lifespan of 2 - 5 years.

Aside from that, the product comes from one of the best brands in the market. It has been manufactured for more than 25 years and is known for its performance & reliability. On top of this, it includes a 5-year warranty when registered (1-year if not registered).

Even though only one collar receiver is included, there is no limit to the number of dogs you can have in this system. You only need to buy extra collars.

That said, this piece has seven correction levels for personalizing it to your dog, and a beep only option for training purposes. 50 flags are included to place around the perimeter for this training.

On the downside, the fence only covers up to 1/3 of an acre, but if you purchase additional wire, you can cover up to six acres.

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4. Best Professional Grade: Extreme Dog Fence Premium Kit

• Coverage: 1 acre
• Levels of Correction: 7
• Neck Size: 10 - 30 inches

This premium kit provides the best professional-grade system in this invisible dog fence review because it includes a thick 1000-ft 14-gauge heavy-duty boundary wire. It has a 45-mil UV-resistant polyethylene jacket that is durable enough to not require burying. As such, you can run it along an existing fence.

In addition to this, you get a 50-ft 16-gauge twisted wire with a similar UV-resistant jacket. This component is ideal for connecting the transmitter in your garage to the perimeter wire.

Overall, this setup covers up to an acre, and you can bury it 1 - 18 inches deep. You can also submerge the wire in water to give your dog some swimming space. That said, the system can be expanded to cover up to 10 acres by buying additional wire.

Two waterproof collars are included and these can be submerged up to 10-ft deep. You can buy more to accommodate an unlimited number of dogs. The only issue is that the kit is expensive.

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5. Best Wireless: PetSafe PIF00-13663

• Coverage: 3/4 acres
• Levels of Correction: 5
• Fits For: 5-lb dog or larger
• Neck Size: 6 - 28 inches

PetSafe's PIF00-13663 is the best wireless dog fence because it has a relatively large 3/4-acre coverage in an adjustable circular range. This extends 5 - 105 ft. in all directions from the point where the transmitter is installed.

Furthermore, the product's collar has five levels of adjustable static correction that can be matched to suit cool or stubborn dogs. There is a tone-only mode plus 50 flags for training purposes. This collar fits small dogs (5 lbs. & above) and fits 6 to 28-inch necks.

If your pooch happens to cross over the border, the system features a static-free reentry that prevents correction and ensures a smooth return home. However, this fence is relatively expensive.

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6. Best Portable: PetSafe PIF00-12917

• Coverage: 3/4 acres
• Levels of Correction: 5
• Fits For: 5-lb dog or larger
• Neck Size: 6 - 28 inches

Due to its compact design, PetSafe's PIF00-12917 is a portable fence that you can carry for your dog when you go camping or for a road trip in your RV. It requires an outlet, though, as the fence runs on electricity.

Once you reach your destination, the system is easy to set up. You don't require burying wires; it is all wireless. The transmitter covers an adjustable circular range in a dome shape up to 3/4 acres.

A waterproof rechargeable collar is included, and this lasts up to three weeks before running out. It has a low battery indicator that shows you when it's time to plug it in. On the downside, the boundary shape cannot be customized to match the shape of your compound.

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7. Best for Hearing-Impaired Dogs: PetSafe PIG00-10777

• Coverage: 1/3 acres
• Levels of Correction: 4
• Fits For: 8-lb dog or larger
• Neck Size: 6 - 28 inches

If you have a hearing-impaired dog, you should consider buying PetSafe's PIG00-10777 because it has a vibration mode on the receiver collar. This ensures your pooch receives the response clearly during training.

Aside from that, this product features overcorrection protection, which is an automatic safety shut-off feature. This prevents your pet from getting extended static correction when he/she stays in the correction zone for more than 30 seconds.

However, the unit has a relatively small 1/3-acre coverage using its 500-ft wire. On the bright side, this makes it a great weekend DIY project for your yard. Also, you can scale the fence to contain up to 25 acres by buying additional wire.

Other Recommended Invisible Dog Fences

8. PetSafe Pawz Pet Barrier

PetSafe's Pawz is the ultimate dog fence to buy for indoor use because it is designed to protect specific areas such as shoe racks and dust bins. It does so by creating a 6-ft radius boundary wirelessly. This can be adjusted down to a 1-ft radius depending on what you are protecting.

The fence comes with a battery-operated receiver collar that fits cats and dogs weighing 5 lbs. & above, and 6 to 28-inch necks.

Key Features

• Ideal for indoor use.
• 1 - 6 ft. adjustable wireless boundary.
• Battery-operated receiver.
• Ideal for cats & dogs weighing 5 lbs.+.

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9. Extreme Dog Fence Max Grade

This dog fence is built with durability in mind. It has a 1500-ft heavy-duty 14-gauge wire with a 60-mil polyethylene jacket that can be run above or below ground. Whichever the case, it will last for at least 25 years.

The kit also includes a waterproof and submersible collar that can be submerged 10-ft deep in water. These electronics are covered with a 10-year warranty while the wire has a lifetime warranty.

Key Features

• Heavy-duty 14-gauge wire.
• Thick 60-mil polyethylene jacket.
• A lifespan of 25+ years.
• Waterproof and submersible collar.

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10. Pet Control HQ Dog Containment System

Pet Control HQ's system gives you the best of both worlds because it is a dual-zone fence. The unit is equipped with an easy-to-layout wireless fence system and 492 ft. of 20-gauge wire.

This wire has a thick coating that can withstand all-weather conditions for above-ground or underground installation. Additionally, it can be extended to cover up to 10 acres, which would give your pets more than enough roaming area.

Key Features

• Easy-to-setup wireless system.
• 492-ft 20-gauge wire.
• Durable enough for above or underground installation.
• Scalable to cover 10 acres.

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11. Masbrill Electric Dog Fence

With its 100 levels of different beeps and shock combinations, Masbrill's dog fence offers a reliable anti-lost system. This keeps your dog from crossing the barrier.

If he goes over the fence, this system increases the frequency of warnings beeps, and shocks to encourage him to cross back. That said, you get two collars for two dogs, which are fully waterproof with an IPX7 rating.

Key Features

• Reliable anti-lost system.
• 100 levels of beep and shock combinations.
• Ideal for two dogs.
• Waterproof IPX7 collars.

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12. Dogtra E-Fence 3500

If you want to give your pooch freedom to run around your entire property, Dogtra's E-Fence 3500 is a good option to consider. It is designed to cover up to 40 acres using an underground wire.

Within this space, the kit operates optimally because it is equipped with an advanced filtering system. This keeps outside electric sources from activating the fence accidentally. Also, there is a wire breakage alert, where the wire continuity light goes off and a warning beep turns on.

Other than that, you get pager (vibration) & correction (vibration followed by shock) modes to choose from when your dog approaches the boundary.

Key Features

• Up to 40-acre coverage.
• Advanced filtering system.
• Wire breakage alert.
• Pager and correction modes.

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13. Earlyhights Dog Fence

Earlyhights' dog fence is an ideal kit to consider if you have two dogs. It contains two collars that can fit pooches weighing 5 - 180 lbs. with a 6.3 to 24-inch necks.

These pieces have powerful batteries that can last up to 500 hours when fully charged. They are also waterproof with an IPX8 rating.

Key Features

• 2-collar set.
• 500-hour battery life.
• IPX8 waterproof.

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14. PetSafe YardMax Dog Fence

This fence includes a 500-ft wire that contains up to a 1/3-acre. This is the ideal fit for most yards, and we recommend it for a weekend DIY project. You can scale it up by adding more wire, whereby it can contain up to 10 acres.

Once installed, the system provides five levels of adjustable static correction plus a tone-only mode for training purposes. A static-free reentry ensures your dog gets back inside the safe zone without being corrected.

Key Features

• Ideal for a weekend DIY project.
• Can contain up to 10 acres.
• Five levels of adjustable static correction.
• Static-free reentry.

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15. PetSafe Free-To-Roam Dog Fence

PetSafe's Free-To-Roam unit offers you a reliable outdoor wireless fence that covers up to 1/2 acres in a circular range. The system is easy to install and takes only a few hours to set up.

As for the collar, it has a long 2-month battery life with a low battery indicator and offers static-free reentry.

Key Features

• Covers up to 1/2 acres.
• Easy to install.
• Long 2-month battery life.
• Static-free reentry.

How to Buy the Best Invisible Dog Fences

1. Types of Invisible Dog Fences

Wireless

These incorporate the use of wireless radio transmitters to project a cone around a certain radius. They are easy to install and move.

However, it is not easy to fine-tune the wireless cone, such as in customizing its shape to match the boundaries of your compound. Also, they have a smaller coverage area as compared to underground fences.

Therefore, they are suitable for small yards or traveling, and we recommend PetSafe's PIF00-13663 .

Underground or Hybrid

In-ground invisible fences use a buried or above-ground wire to create the electrically charged fence. They require more time & effort to install and are difficult to repair in case of a wire cut.

On the bright side, they are customizable to your compound's shape. On top of this, they are more stable as compared to the wireless type, and can cover more acres. That said, you should check out the SportDOG SDF-100C if you want this type.

Hybrid systems combine wired and wireless transmitters to give you the benefits of both.

2. Area Coverage

This is the area that the transmitter covers wirelessly or through the laid wire loop. Given in acres, you should consider your compound's size, then get a matching coverage for it.

That said, we recommend a scalable system so that you can expand your pet's play area if you get a big parcel of land. A perfect example is SportDOG's SDF-100C , which has a coverage of 1-1/3 acres. This can be expanded to cover up to 100 acres.

3. Containing vs. Repelling

These two words are associated with what happens at the boundary. While most systems are built to keep your pooch within the border (containing), some are designed to repel the dog so that it cannot access the bin, couch, shoe rack, swimming pool, etc. You should pick the one that suits your needs.

4. Correction Levels

Correction levels are important because dogs are not the same. Calm and sensitive dogs will feel a low shock correction, then turn back to the safe zone. However, stubborn dogs with high energy levels require a stronger jolt to get them back in line.

As such, we recommend receiver collars with as many static levels as possible so that you can tame different types of dogs. In this case, those with 4 - 7 levels are good enough, with seven being the best.

5. Battery Backup and Surge Protector

Battery backups are ideal for areas with frequent power outages. Remember that the fence should always be powered to keep your pooch contained.

As for surge protectors, these are meant to safeguard the system from lightning strikes. Some fences like SportDOG's SDF-100C come with a built-in lighting protector, but for others, you need to buy an external one.

6. Installation

Wireless dog fences are very easy to install. All you have to do is mount & plug the transmitter, then adjust the coverage area of the dome. This would make a great DIY project.

However, underground fences require you to cut a trench around the perimeter. If you don't mind getting your hands dirty or calling in a professional, we recommend this type.

7. Maintenance

Just like with installation, wireless systems are easier to maintain when compared to in-ground fences. The main challenge with maintaining the latter is a wire cut. Identifying the cut section of the wire, digging it up, fixing it, then putting it back to the ground is quite a process.

How to Install an Invisible Dog Fence?

Underground (Wired)

• Install the transmitter by mounting it in your garage. Make sure you ground it for safety purposes.
• Lay the perimeter wire along the boundary, then connect it to the transmitter using a twisted wire.
• Turn on the system, then test the collar to see if there is an audible alert when you get close to the edge.
• If everything works, cut a trench 2 - 3 inches deep along the planned boundary using a spade.
• Lay the wire in the trench, then tamp the earth flat to cover the wire inside the trench. This creates the invisible wall.

Wireless

• Install the wireless transmitter. For it to work effectively, you must position it at the right place so that the wireless signal reaches out to the set radius. You can place it on the first floor of your house, near a wall outlet. Also, make sure it is at least 3 ft. away from large metal objects.
• Set the transmitter to the maximum radius coverage, then test its effectiveness using the collar.

Once the installation is complete, train your dog.

Q&A

1. Does the Shock from An Invisible Fence Hurt My Dog?

No, it does not. The shock is very mild and is intended as a correction that startles your dog so that he/she stays within the electrically charged boundary.

2. How to Train Your Dog with An Invisible Pet Fence?

Tie your dog to a leash using its collar, then walk near the perimeter while inside the safe zone. When the collar receiver produces an audio signal to indicate that your pooch is close to the boundary, call your dog.

3. Will Lightning or Weather Affect My Invisible Fence?

This depends on the fence. High-end units have lighting protectors to prevent damages. Additionally, some underground types have cables with thick UV-resistant jackets that can withstand any weather.

Buy on Etsy

PetSafe Basic In-Ground Dog and Cat Fence - from the Parent Company of INVISIBLE FENCE - Walmart Link

SportDOG Brand Rechargeable In-Ground Fence Systems - from the Parent Company of - Walmart Link

GPS Wireless Dog Fence, Dog Wireless Fence Electric Pet Containment System, Control Range - Walmart Link

Extreme Dog Fence - Second Generation -2020- Professional Grade (Premium) Kit Packages - Walmart Link

PetSafe Wireless Fence Pet Containment System, Covers up to 1/2 Acre, for Dogs over 8 lb, - Walmart Link

PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence for Stubborn Dogs from the Parent Company of - Walmart Link

Extreme Dog Fence's 1D500FT - Walmart Link

Pet Control HQ's system - Walmart Link

Extreme Dog Fence's premium kit - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

PetSafe Basic In-Ground Dog and Cat Fence - from the Parent Company of INVISIBLE FENCE - eBay Link

SportDOG Brand Rechargeable In-Ground Fence Systems - from the Parent Company of - eBay Link

GPS Wireless Dog Fence, Dog Wireless Fence Electric Pet Containment System, Control Range - eBay Link

Extreme Dog Fence - Second Generation -2020- Professional Grade (Premium) Kit Packages - eBay Link

PetSafe Wireless Fence Pet Containment System, Covers up to 1/2 Acre, for Dogs over 8 lb, - eBay Link

PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence for Stubborn Dogs from the Parent Company of - eBay Link

Extreme Dog Fence's 1D500FT - eBay Link

Pet Control HQ's system - eBay Link

Extreme Dog Fence's premium kit - eBay Link

Conclusion

As you can see, SportDOG's SDF-100C is our best invisible dog fence overall due to its sizeable 1-1/3-acre coverage and up to 100-acre containment. The product has a lightning protector and is tested for extreme weather conditions.

If you want a professional-grade system, we recommend Extreme Dog Fence's premium kit . It has a heavy-duty 14-gauge boundary wire and a 16-gauge twisted wire, all with thick UV-resistant jackets.

For hearing-impaired dogs, check out PetSafe's PIG00-10777 . It features a vibration mode on the receiver collar, as opposed to a tone for training purposes.