by Tom Ken
A wireless dog fence is a system consisting of a transmitter that creates a radio frequency dome over a certain area either for containing or repelling. This frequency communicates with a dog collar to send tones, vibrations, or shock for correction purposes.
The systems are very effective and come in handy if you have a small yard or small area you want to protect. If you want one, here are the best wireless dog fences to consider.
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
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1. PetSafe PIF-300 (Best Overall) |
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2. PetSafe PIF00-15001 (Best Budget) |
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3. PetSafe PWF00-11923 (Best for Repelling) |
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4. Pet Control HQ System (Best Dual Purpose) |
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5. PetSafe PIF00-13663 (Best for Stubborn Dogs) |
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6. PetSafe PIF00-12917 (Portable) |
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7. Justpet Wireless Dog Fence (Long Range) |
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As the best overall product in this wireless dog fence review, the PIF-300 features a long battery life, static-free reentry, an easy-to-setup design, and adjustable coverage.
The included collar uses the PetSafeRFA-67D-11 non-rechargeable battery, which lasts for up to two months when new. It has a low battery indicator that alerts you when it is time to replace the battery.
Once set up and fixed on your pooch's neck, the collar offers static-free reentry. This allows your pet to get back to the compound without being corrected if he/she crosses the boundary.
That said, the transmitter has a 0.5-acre maximum circular coverage that can be customized from 5 - 90 ft. in all directions or up to 180 ft. across. As such, you can adjust the contained zone to fit your compound or yard size.
The transmitter is easy to set up and requires only a few hours. However, you must place it indoors because it is not waterproof. On the downside, the collar is not ideal for young pups as it only fits 8-lb+ dogs. It is waterproof, though, so your pooch can still go out in the rain.
Pros:
Cons:
PetSafe's PIF00-15001 is very economical because it comes with multiple items at a reasonable price. These include 50 training flags, short & long contact points for short & long-haired dogs respectively, a test light tool, etc.
Aside from that, the fence's collar receiver features 5 levels of static adjustment plus one sound-only training mode. With these, you can personalize the settings for the best outcome in keeping your pooch contained.
The collar is waterproof and is designed to fit 5-lb dogs and up. Additionally, it adjusts to fit 6 to 28-inch necks for small and large pets.
You also get a long 2-month battery life, a scalable system that can accommodate unlimited collars and static-free reentry.
However, some buyers complain of inconsistencies in maintaining the set dome circumference. Therefore, you should set slightly wider than you need, unless you are the maximum coverage.
Pros:
Cons:
If you want to protect outdoor spaces like flower beds, gardens, pools, and the like, this PWF00-11923 is perfect for repelling your dog. It has two setup options, whereby you can protect a 2 to 16-ft radius area or buy up to a 150-ft boundary wire to customize the barrier's shape.
The system is run using a waterproof transmitter that is disguised as a rock. This helps it to blend seamlessly outdoors while withstanding the elements.
The collar is also waterproof and fits 5-lb+ dogs with 6 to 28-inch necks. You can add an unlimited number of them to repel all of your pets.
However, the coverage area is small (roughly 0.02 acres), but this is enough for most repelling requirements. On the bright side, the product is very affordable.
Pros:
Cons:
Pet Control HQ's dog fence has one of the best wireless pet containment systems due to its dual-zone coverage. It comes with a waterproof handheld remote for wireless training, which has a range of over 1300 yards on an open field.
The second coverage is in the form of an above-ground or underground 20-gauge wire that is 492 ft. long.
That said, you can train up to three dogs at the same time using the wireless remote. You only have to set them to dual-mode for both remote training and dog fence.
However, the collar's battery life reduces greatly under dual mode. However, it does not last that long either under single-mode as it stays on for about 7 days maximum. It is rechargeable and takes about 2 - 3 hours to fill up.
Pros:
Cons:
The PIF00-13663 features a tone-only mode plus 5 levels of adjustable static correction, which are appropriately designed to match the temperament of stubborn dogs. These settings are built into the waterproof collar that comfortably fits 5-lb+ dogs with 6 to 28-inch necks.
The collar is rechargeable and lasts up to three weeks on a full charge. It has a low battery indicator to show you when recharging is due.
Another benefit of this product is that it has a relatively wide coverage of up to 3/4 acres or 105 ft. in all directions. This can be dialed down to a 5-ft radius if you have a smaller compound.
The system is easy to set up but you must place the transmitter at least 3 ft. away from large metal objects. Overall, this is one of the best wireless invisible dog fences, but it is quite costly.
Pros:
Cons:
With its compact design, PetSafe's PIF00-12917 is a portable dog fence that you can take with you when going camping or traveling in your RV. Additionally, the system is very easy to set up, requiring about 1 - 2 hours.
Once set up, you can adjust the coverage from 22 - 105 ft. in all directions, which is a maximum of 3/4 acres around the transmitter.
The collar offers static-free reentry so that your pooch can return to camp safely if he crossed the barrier. That said, the collar offers 5 levels of static correction and a tone-only mode to keep your pet within the barrier.
On the downside, some users complain that the boundary is unreliable as it is inconsistent.
Pros:
Cons:
Though the acre coverage is not given, Justpet's wireless dog fence has a powerful transmitter that can channel the signal up to 1000-ft away. If you do the math, this translates to about 72 acres, which is a very large area.
The transmission distance is adjustable downwards from 1000 ft. to 20-ft. to accommodate smaller yards.
As for the collar receiver, you get two pieces that correct by vibrating 3 times first, then offer static shock 3 times. This repeats itself if your pooch continues toward the barrier, and will keep sounding the warning alarm if he crosses the border. It stops only after he crosses back inside.
This system is very effective as it maintains a constant reminder for the pooch to return. You can expand the system by buying more collars to contain more dogs. All in all, these features make this one of the best wireless electric dog fences.
However, it only comes with 21 training flags, which might not be enough considering its coverage area.
Pros:
Cons:
The best wireless fences for dogs are split into two types.
Containing
Containing systems usually cover a wide area and are meant to keep your pet within the wireless fence boundary. The perfect example is PetSafe's PIF-300.
Repelling
These are the exact opposite of containing systems. They are designed to keep your dog from accessing a certain area to prevent destruction. This could be a pool, a flower garden, a trash bin, etc. For this, we recommend PetSafe's PWF00-11923.
Given in acres or sometimes the radius is feet, this is the maximum distance that the transmitter can transmit radio waves to create the wireless fence. Ideally, a 0.5-acre coverage is enough to give your pooch a sizeable playing area. However, you can go higher if you need more room.
For instance, Justpet's wireless dog fence can broadcast its signal up to 1000 ft. away, which is very impressive.
There are two ways to measure a collar's size. First is the neck circumference that it fits and this is given in inches. A wider range gives you more flexibility to fit the collar on small and big dogs.
The second measurement method is the dog's weight. Some accommodate 8-lb+ pooches while others go as low as 5-lb+. The lower it is, the better because you can use the collar on smaller pets.
In considering the correction levels, we usually look at the static shock. The standard is around 5, but some have up to 10. Ideally, more levels give you enough options to find the best stage that works for your pet.
That said, PetSafe's PIF00-13663 has 5 levels that are appropriately designed for stubborn dogs. If your pet is very persistent, this is the ideal fence to consider.
Although there are many battery varieties powering dog fences, they are split into two main types.
Rechargeable units are more environmentally friendly and cheaper to maintain as you don't need to buy replacements. However, they do not have longer battery life. Most of them last 3 weeks at most.
On the other hand, non-rechargeable or replaceable batteries have a longer life, typically lasting up to two months. However, buying new ones is expensive, inconveniencing and not good for the environment.
Both have their pros and cons, so you should pick what works for you. If you want a collar that will last longer, pick one with a replaceable battery. If you are more concerned about the environment and don't mind frequent recharging, go for the first option.
Of course, the best wireless dog fence system must be effective at training and containing/repelling. That said, since these systems use radio waves, the edge of the dome can be affected by boundary wobble, which are inconsistencies of the fence's range.
However, an effective fence should not vary the coverage as much. Ideally, the acceptable varying range is from 0 - 10 ft. Any variation above 10 ft. is not recommended.
Generally, wireless dog fences are easy to install because you don't have to bury a wire. However, some are easier to set up, taking roughly 2 hours at most.
Using PetSafe's PIF00-12917 as an example, it has a compact, portable design that can be easily installed when you get to camp or at an RV park. Such units are recommended for travel.
The durability of a wireless dog fence is usually determined by its build quality. Look for features like a water-resistant collar with the highest IP rating. Some units have waterproof transmitters and we highly recommend this.
Yes, they are. There is a big debate that tries to discredit the safety of the static shock that they deliver. However, receiver collars are designed to offer a slight discomfort in the form of a static shock to make your pooch understand that he is about to do something wrong.
Although there are a few cases of border/range inconsistencies, these fences work. Ideally, you should pick a fence that has slightly wider coverage than you need so that if the dome's perimeter is inconsistent, it still covers the required area.
It is not recommended to shock young pups so the best age is around 4 - 5 months. Some manufacturers specify the compatible dog weight and neck size. Be sure to follow these guidelines for safe use.
After training, you can leave the flags up for about a month. This is adequate time for your pooch to internalize the process of identifying the boundary after sensing a correction.
GPS Wireless Dog Fence, Dog Wireless Fence Electric Pet Containment System, Control Range - Walmart Link
GPS Wireless Dog Fence System, Electric Pet Fence Containment System with Waterproof & - Walmart Link
JUSTPET Wireless Dog Fence Pet Containment System, Safe Effective Vibrate/Shock Dog - Walmart Link
PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence for Stubborn Dogs from the Parent Company of - Walmart Link
PetSafe Wireless Fence Pet Containment System, Covers up to 1/2 Acre, for Dogs over 8 lb, - Walmart Link
Wireless Dog Fence System for 2 Dogs, Training Collar with Remote 2-in-1, 2023 Upgraded - Walmart Link
Pet Control HQ's dog fence - Walmart Link
Justpet's wireless dog fence - Walmart Link
GPS Wireless Dog Fence, Dog Wireless Fence Electric Pet Containment System, Control Range - eBay Link
GPS Wireless Dog Fence System, Electric Pet Fence Containment System with Waterproof & - eBay Link
JUSTPET Wireless Dog Fence Pet Containment System, Safe Effective Vibrate/Shock Dog - eBay Link
PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence for Stubborn Dogs from the Parent Company of - eBay Link
PetSafe Wireless Fence Pet Containment System, Covers up to 1/2 Acre, for Dogs over 8 lb, - eBay Link
Wireless Dog Fence System for 2 Dogs, Training Collar with Remote 2-in-1, 2023 Upgraded - eBay Link
Pet Control HQ's dog fence - eBay Link
Justpet's wireless dog fence - eBay Link
As you can see, PetSafe's PIF-300 takes the best wireless dog fence spot due to its long 2-month battery life (for the collar receiver), safe static-free reentry, and adjustable coverage. The product also boasts of a low battery indicator and a simple setup process.
If you want to protect a specific area in your compound, though, consider PetSafe's PWF00-11923. It has wireless and wired setup options to customize the shape of the protected zone, plus a camouflaged rocky waterproof transmitter.
On the other hand, PetSafe's PIF00-13663 is the ideal choice for stubborn dogs due to its 5 static levels, which are appropriately matched for such pets.
About Tom Ken
Tom has worked with many veterinary surgeons as a nurse at different veterinary clinics throughout his life.
There, he provides care for sick animals; such as: dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, and sometimes reptiles.
He has good work ethics and gentle hands; hence, the doctors as well the pet owners have come to love his presence alot.
With this site, he aims to help the readers ensure their pets' wellbeing, learn how to care, and proivide medical treatment as needed.
Joshua received Veterinary Technician Degree at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.
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