Top 5 Best Electric Dog Fences For Your Pet, Ranked

Let the dogs out! If you’re fortunate enough to have a yard but, for whatever reason, can’t build a fence, your pup can still run free. The solution is an electric fence. Invisible fences will keep your dog within established perimeters — no construction required. Of course, there are different types of electric dog fences, the main distinction being wireless vs. in-ground. And not all fences are suitable for any property or any type of dog (some have size restrictions). With that in mind, StudyFinds hounded down expert reviews of the best electric dog fences so you can find the top product for your pooch.

It’s no secret that we love our pets. In fact, a recent study reveals that 36 percent of pet owners’ conversations are about their pets. Can you say obsessed? Pet owners will not only do anything and everything to care for their pets but also have a habit of talking about them any chance they get. If they talk to other pet owners, both parties will have plenty to say, but buckle up for a long conversation about someone’s beloved pup if you can’t relate.

The obsession goes farther than just talking about it, it’s also a requirement for many people that the person they’re dating has a pet, too. Research reveals that three in four people think owning a pet is attractive. Four in 10 admit they have even gone home with a potential date specifically to meet that person’s pet, according to the data.

Since our pets are clearly so important, having the best products for them matters. Compared to physical fences, electric fences are significantly cheaper. If you have a large property, your dog may be able to explore all of it without breaking the bank. There’s also no digging under an electric fence. On the downside, electric fences require training and use shock correction (though minimal) to keep a dog within property lines. They also don’t keep animals out, something to consider if you have strays or wildlife in the area.

If you are confident that you can train your dog not to leave the established boundaries and can keep them safe from wildlife (or vice versa), an electric fence may be for you. StudyFinds reviewed expert recommendations across 10 websites to build our top-five list of the best electric dog fences. If you have a model to add, please let us know in the comments.

Best Electric Dog Fences Most Recommended by Experts

 

1. Extreme Dog Fence (Second Gen., 2020)

Most experts recommend the newer version of the Extreme Dog Fence. According to World Animal Foundation, this product is completely customizable to your needs. You can choose how many feet of wire you need and select up to five dog collars that work with the kit.

The Extreme fence is a winner due to its versatility and expandable “coverage:” Bob Vila explains that the standard-grade kit comes with 500 feet of wire. With additional wire, the system can cover up to 10 acres. They also like that the collars are waterproof and submersible up to 10 feet, allowing you to swim with your dog on hot days and not have to worry about the collar shorting. This system is however not suitable for small dogs.

While this fence is expensive, “it comes with a 1-year warranty, but when you register the fence, your warranty extends to 5 years,” writes iHeartDogs. They also say their 25 years in the business carries a stellar reputation that you can count on.

2. SportDOG Rechargeable Electric Fence Systems

The SportDog Rechargeable Electric Fence Systems has the same number of recommendations as the Extreme. It’s also not cheap. But with additional fencing, it can cover up to 100 acres! That’s why This Old House lists this fence under “Best Coverage.” You get a collar, a transmitter, wire, and flags. The flags and wire spools cover 1.3 acres, but more wire is available for purchase. The collar is also waterproof and submersible up to 25 feet, they mention.

For Pet Keen, this fence is the “Premium Choice.” Why? They note that it’s completely rechargeable with a two-hour charge time that lasts two months before having to charge it again.

World Animal Foundation also praises this fence but points out the reason why this fence isn’t our number one. Since this is an in-ground fence, there’s lots of manual labor involved in installing it. If that is a deal breaker for you, another option on our list may be more suitable.

3. PetSafe Wireless Pet Fence Pet Containment System

The PetSafe Wireless is the top pick of three experts. This Old House notes that it’s great for dogs of all sizes. K9 Of Mine refers to the PetSafe Wireless as an affordable option. It emits a radio signal that covers up to a half acre. This makes set up super easy and the boundary is very adjustable at any time.

Forbes notes that PetSafe holds a prominent position in the wireless pet fence industry, with its containment system consistently earning favor among fans. The system is easily portable, allowing for use on the go, and the waterproof collar boasts a battery life of up to two months, signaling the need for replacement when an alert is received. With five adjustable settings, users can customize the system to suit their dog’s needs. An additional noteworthy feature is the system’s ability to allow pets to return home without correction if they inadvertently cross the boundary. Furthermore, users have the option to acquire extra compatible collars for multiple pets if necessary.

Per iHeartDogs, the PetSafe Wireless Fence stands out as the most dependable invisible dog barrier. Comprising a central transmitter unit that interacts with your dog’s collar, this product offers an adjustable circular perimeter, allowing you to set up a boundary with a 90-foot radius in every direction. Installation is a breeze – simply activate the transmitter unit, customize your circular diameter range, and you’re done. Notably, this invisible fence is waterproof, eliminating the need to confine your dog indoors during rainy weather.

4. SpotOn GPS Dog Fence

If you are lucky enough to have a really big “yard” (where the word park would be more appropriate), check out this model. World Animal Foundation says it is an amazing option for lots of land with the ability to fence in up to 1,000 acres. Now, that’s impressive!

This fencing system is the “Best Overall” for Technobark. In their testing, they note that while it comes with a slightly higher price tag, the investment is well justified. One standout feature reviewers found is its remarkably easy installation process – simply walk the perimeter or use your phone to draw the fence area. Offering up to 1500 fence posts, it can cover anywhere from ½ acre to a thousand acres, accommodating various shapes that you can adjust even after installation. Additionally, the collar ensures your dog’s comfort and provides more accurate GPS tracking than the Halo Collar. This is achieved through its connection to four satellite navigation systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou) and patented True Location™ technology for enhanced tracking precision.

And K9 Of Mine writes, “This cutting-edge, tech-packed containment system uses no radio signal or wires, instead relying on GPS networks to keep your canine safe. You can customize your boundary completely for up to 1,000 acres, and it requires no digging or burying wires. It also offers a shock-free mode for those uncomfortable with aversive corrections.”

5. Tie: PetSafe Stay And Play Wireless Dog Fence AND PetSafe In-Ground Dog Fence

With an equal amount of expert recommendations and differing features, these two fences both deserve a spot on our list. While the In-Ground fence is more affordable, it requires more work to set up (see our number two). According to K9 Of Mine, the Stay and Play is wireless with a simple installation process. You just turn on the transmitter, set your diameter, and boom! You have a fence!

K9 Of Mine further mentions that the Stay & Play is “portable, making it great for pet parents on the go” and is “compatible with the original PetSafe wireless fence.” It “can establish a circular containment area of ¾ acre,” whereas the In-Ground “comes with 500 feet of boundary wire, and is capable of being extended to cover up to 5 acres of land (with the purchase of additional wire).”

iHeartDogs points out that the Stay & Play has recargeale collars and does not rely on batteries. Collars also com with an automatic shut-off featre for dogs over five pounds. As for the In-Ground, they write that it also comes with the automatic shut-off, but is ideal for dogs over eight pounds.

You might also like:

• Best Dog Training Apps
• Best Pet Insurance
• Best Dog Collars
• Best Flea Treatments For Dogs
• Best Dog Beds

Sources:

• Bob Vila
• iHeartDogs
• Forbes
• Reviewed
• Technobark
• K9 Of Mine
• Pet Keen
• World Animal Foundation
• The Kansas City Star
• This Old House

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.