Do you live in places where the yard isn’t enclosed, and there are busy roads nearby that can put your dog at risk?
If so, then you would need a completely invisible wireless dog fence to help define a boundary to contain them.
Not only can it prevent your pup from wandering onto your neighbor’s property, but most importantly, it can keep them safe in the perimeter while giving them the freedom to run.
Whether you are looking for a portable wireless dog fence so that you can carry it with you wherever you go, or if you have a sloped yard and prefer an underground fence system to make sure it’s more reliable, we’ve got you covered.
Below are the 5 top-rated wireless dog fences we’ve reviewed in 2023.
| Model | PetSafe Stay And Play Electric Wireless Fence | PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System | Petsafe Stubborn Dog Wireless Pet Containment Fence | SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence System | Extreme Underground Electric Dog Fence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 4.5 out of 5.0 stars | 4.0 out of 5.0 stars | 4.5 out of 5.0 stars | 4.5 out of 5.0 stars | 4.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Shape of the Fence | Circular | Circular | Circular | Customizable | Customizable |
| Coverage Area | Up to 3/4 acre | Up to 1/2 acre | Up to 3/4 acre | Up to 1 1/3 acres | Up to 4 acres |
| Expandable Boundary | Yes, with additional transmitters | Yes, with additional transmitters | Yes, with additional transmitters | Yes, with additional wire | Yes, with additional wire |
| Adjustable Boundary | Yes, 210 feet in diameter | Yes, 180 feet in diameter | Yes, 210 feet in diameter | Yes, have to dig up the wire | Yes, have to dig up the wire |
| Boundary Flags | 50 | 50 | 50 | 100 | 200 |
| Boundary Wobble | 3 feet on average | 5 feet on average | 3 feet on average | No boundary wobble | No boundary wobble |
| Number of Dogs | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Fence Type | Portable | Portable | Portable | In-ground | In-ground |
| Waterproof Collar | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Collar Neck Size | 6-28 inches | 6-28 inches | 6-28 inches | Not specified | 10-30 inches |
| Correction Type |
Tone 5 levels of static correction |
Tone 5 levels of static correction |
Tone 5 levels of static correction |
Tone Vibration 7 levels of static correction |
Tone 7 levels of static correction |
| Contact Points | Short and long | Short and long | Short and long | All-puporse | Short and long |
| Collar Battery | Rechargeable | Non-rechargeable | Rechargeable | Rechargeable | Non-rechargeable |
| Mininum Dog Weight | 5 pounds | 5 pounds | 5 pounds | 8 pounds | 8 pounds |
** Wireless Dog Fence Comparison Chart
1. Our Top Pick - PetSafe Stay And Play Electric Wireless Fence
The PetSafe Stay & Play Electric Wireless Fence is one of the most popular options on the market, with an adjustable circular perimeter of up to ¾ acre.
It gives you the ability to establish a safe barrier around your yard to protect your furry friend without having to spend time burying wires. It includes a waterproof and rechargeable receiver collar with a tone-only mode that will warn your dog when they approach the edge. And if they proceed to cross the boundary, they will receive a static correction. It also has a static-free re-entry feature that won’t shock your canine when they return to the safe zone.
You can add as many receiver collars as you like, as this wire-free fence system supports an unlimited number of dogs. The best part is the transmitter is portable, meaning you can take it with you when traveling with your pup.
Pros
- Can contain unlimited dogs with only one system
- No static shock on re-entry
- Easy to set up
- Portable
- The receiver collar is waterproof and adjustable
- Trusted brand
- Large metal objects can interfere with the signal
- Only covers a circular shape
2. Best for Small Yards - PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System
This wireless pet containment system is another popular model from PetSafe and is more suitable for small yards.
This kit includes a transmitter that features an adjustable circular coverage of up to ½ acre, one waterproof collar with 5 levels of static correction and sound-only mode, plus boundary flags to help train your fido not to leave the safe zone. It is also expandable up to an unlimited number of dogs using additional collars.
This electric wireless fence system is easy to set up, and you can complete the installation in as little as 1-2 hours. What’s more, it is fully portable, allowing you to take it with you on vacation or a camping trip.
Pros
- You can expand it up to an unlimited number of dogs with only one system
- Won’t deliver a shock when your pup returns to the containment area
- Easy to set up
- Fully portable
- Has a waterproof receiver collar
- Reliable brand
- The collar uses a non-rechargeable battery and can only last for two months
- The signal can be affected by large metallic objects
- Has an awkward radial shape
- Some owners reported that it is inconsistent
3. Best for Rebellious Dogs - Petsafe Stubborn Dog Wireless Pet Containment Fence
Have a rebellious dog that would chase squirrels into the street or your neighbor’s yard? Consider the Petsafe Stubborn Dog Wireless Pet Containment Fence.
It can cover up to ¾ acre of land and comes with a waterproof, rechargeable receivable collar with 5 levels of adjustable static correction to deter stubborn dogs from leaving the safe space at a higher intensity. The collar also has the tone-only training mode that will warn your four-legged friend as they get closer to the boundary.
Like the other two models from PetSafe on this list, the transmitter can communicate with unlimited receiver collars. It is also portable, easy to set up, and has a unique shock-free re-entry feature.
Pros
- High-intensity correction
- Can handle an unlimited number of dogs
- Allows your furkid to return without being corrected
- Hassle-free installation
- Portable
- The adjustable receiver collar is waterproof
- Trusted brand
- Has the same issues with interference and round shape
4. Best for Large Areas - SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence System
Need a containment system for a large area of land? Look no further than the SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence System.
While this kit only comes with enough wire and flags to cover 1⅓ acres of land, it is expandable to 100 acres with additional wire and flags. And because you need to bury the wire in-ground, the installation process will take more time to complete than the fully wireless dog fence from PetSafe. The trade-off is you have the flexibility to customize the shape, giving you the ability to keep your fido away from certain areas like pools and gardens.
The transmitter has a wire break alarm and built-in lightning protector, which many other fences don’t have. Also, the rechargeable receiver collar is waterproof and submersible up to 25 feet. And it will warn your pup with beeps and vibration before moving to one of seven adjustable static stimulation levels.
Pros
- Expandable up to 100 acres of land
- Can contain an unlimited number of dogs with additional collars
- Customizable shape
- Includes a two-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Waterproof receiver collar
- Labor intensive
- Have to bury the wire
5. Best for Large Dogs - Extreme Underground Electric Dog Fence
Want a fence system that can contain your large dog? Consider the Extreme Underground Electric Dog Fence, another kit that requires you to bury the wire.
The collar receiver can fit a neck size between 10-30 inches, with a beep-only mode and 7 levels of correction to transmit an intense enough static signal to get a large dog’s attention. It is also waterproof and submersible up to 10 feet, allowing your canine to swim without affecting its functionality and correction strength.
From the digital transmitter, you will be able to program the collar’s correction level and change the boundary’s frequency to prevent interference with nearby fence systems. It can cover up to 4 acres of land, and like most invisible dog fences, it can contain unlimited dogs using extra collars.
Pros
- Expandable up to 25 acres of land
- Can contain unlimited dogs with extra collars
- The shape of the boundary is customizable
- Adjustable frequency to prevent interference issues
- Waterproof collar
- Each receiver collar can be programmed individually to match dogs with different temperaments
- This brand is widely known for its reliability and performance
- Comes with a one-year warranty and extends to five years when registered
- Time-consuming setup process
- The collar uses a non-rechargeable battery
Why Should You Buy a Wire-free Dog Fence?
As you know, dogs need to go out and get fresh air, but you don’t always have time to walk them. And letting them play alone outside isn’t a good idea either as they could potentially run into a busy road nearby and put themselves in a dangerous situation.
With a wireless dog fence, it gives your dog the freedom to run freely in the yard without having to worry about their safety. Also, it is easier to set up and more cost-effective than putting up a physical fence.
Additionally, some communities have restrictions on the types of fences you can install. If you live in one of those areas, you probably won’t be able to put up dog-proof fencing. That’s when a wireless dog fence can come in handy. It allows you to keep your four-legged friend from straying too far from the house and prevent them from chasing squirrels into neighboring properties.
Types of Invisible Dog Fences : Portable (Perimeter) vs. In-Ground (Hybrid)
Portable
A portable wireless dog fence works by using a central transmitter to form a circular barrier and send radio waves to communicate with the receiver collar your dog wears. As your pooch approaches the edge, it will give them a warning beep. If they continue to cross the boundary, they will receive a harmless static shock.
Pros
- Easy to install, allowing you to set it up with very minimal fuss and time
- Portable, you can take it with you when moving house or go camping
- The boundary is adjustable to accommodate the size of your property
Cons
- You can’t customize the shape of the fence
- The signal is environment-dependent, meaning its performance will be affected by trees, bushes, sloped yards, metal sidings, metal roofs, or even cars
In-Ground
An in-ground dog fence system is also known as a hybrid, underground, wired, or semi-wireless fence system. Works by using the wire buried in the ground to send radio waves, and when your dog gets close enough to the border, it will warn them with a tone followed by a static correction if they cross the boundary.
Pros
- You can easily define and customize the shape of the fence
- Allows you to restrict your dog’s access to certain areas
- Suitable for sloped yards and oddly shaped lands
- Stable signal
Cons
- Installation is time-consuming
- You will have to dig up the wire if you need to adjust it or move it elsewhere
Best Wireless Dog Fence Buyer’s Guide : Important Features to Consider
There are many features you need to consider when picking a wireless dog fence for your pup. Here are some of them.
1. Coverage Area
Firstly, consider the coverage area. Depending on how big your land is, you would want to make sure the invisible dog fence you choose can cover the required boundary size.
2. Portable Wireless Dog Fence vs. In-Ground Dog Fence
As mentioned earlier, there are two different types of invisible dog fences, portable and in-ground. The portable wireless systems are generally a better option if you have a small, flat yard and no obstructions disturbing the signal.
However, the underground fence system will be a better choice if you have a large, oddly shaped yard or if your house is on a slope. While it will certainly take you more time and effort to install, you get a more consistent and reliable fence system, which is crucial when teaching your dog where they can or cannot go.
3. Boundary Wobble
One of the biggest problems with portable wireless dog fence systems is that they are environment-dependent. The weather, temperature, humidity can cause the boundary to fluctuate, varying from 1-10 feet depending on the model. The smaller the number, the more reliable the system is. If you are concerned about this, you would want to consider an in-ground dog fence instead as the boundary wobble is nearly non-existent since the wire is secured in the ground and remains stationary.
4. Number of Receiver Collars Supported
You will find most fence systems can pair with an unlimited number of receiver collars, while some can only pair with two collars. So, it is always a good idea to check how many collars the system can support if you have multiple dogs.
5. Size of the Collar
To be effective, the receiver collar you choose needs to be able to fit your furry friend’s neck perfectly. If too tight, it may discomfort your fido and put them at risk of injury. If too loose, your dog may not feel the static correction when they leave the safe zone.
6. Correction Levels
You need to make sure the shock administered to your dog won’t injure them but intense enough to get their attention. So, the more correction levels the collar has, the better, as that will give you the flexibility to adjust it to match your dog’s size and temperament to ensure the correction is safe and effective.
7. Battery Type
Some people may prefer collars that run on disposable batteries, but keep in mind that you have to replace them every few months, and the cost can add up very quickly. We recommend choosing those that use rechargeable batteries as they are much more convenient and can help you save a lot more in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the electric correction harm my dog?
No, the electric correction won’t harm your dog if you use it properly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. In fact, the static stimulation isn’t meant to injure your dog but only to get their attention and deter them from escaping from the defined area.
Can I use invisible dog fences for toy breeds?
Using an invisible wireless pet containment system for toy breeds is not a good idea, especially if they weigh under 12 pounds. While the collar only emits a mild electric shock, it may be too powerful for toy breeds.
Can electric wireless dog fences work on a sloped yard?
Yes, electric wireless dog fences can work on a sloped yard, but the portable type may not be the best option. The reason being is that hilly yards can interfere with the signal, and as a result, causing the pet containment system to become inconsistent. So, if your house is on a slope, you would want to invest in a semi-wireless fence system instead.
