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8 Best Invisible Dog Fences – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Codee Chessher

By Codee Chessher

dog and owner in the backyard with wireless dog confinement system

Invisible dog fences are controversial but sometimes necessary, especially if you live on a property you can’t build a fence on to contain your dog. Whether it’s cost-prohibitive or not feasible for other reasons, you may have to consider an invisible dog fence, which allows you to choose a set area where your dog’s allowed. Installation and features may vary based on the brand or model, but to help you out a bit and save time, we’ve compiled all the best invisible dog fence systems and reviewed them here.

Whether you want something barebones but functional or the cream of the crop, check out all the details down below to decide which is best to keep your dog protected while they play outside.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
PetSafe Wireless Pet Fence Pet Containment System PetSafe Wireless Pet Fence Pet Containment System
  • Static-free re-entry
  • Can be used with multiple collars
  • 5 adjustable static correction levels
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Wiez GPS Wireless Dog Fence Wiez GPS Wireless Dog Fence
  • Wide adjustable area
  • Waterproof collar for all-weather operation
  • Vibration feature offers a shock-free training alternative
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Extreme Dog Fence Pro Grade Extreme Dog Fence Pro Grade
  • Waterproof
  • 8 modes, including beep-only
  • Covers up to 10 acres with included heavy-duty wire
  • Pet Control HQ Wireless & Wired Dog Fence System Pet Control HQ Wireless & Wired Dog Fence System
  • 10 static levels
  • Works with multiple dogs of varying sizes
  • Durable copper wire & GPS together are perfect for tricky perimeters
  • Pawious Wireless Dog Fence Pawious Wireless Dog Fence
  • No-dig installation
  • Vibration/shock modes
  • All-in-one invisible dog fence controlled from the collar
  • The 8 Best Invisible Dog Fences

    1. PetSafe Wireless Pet Fence Pet Containment System – Best Overall

    PetSafe Wireless Pet Fence Pet Containment System

    Check Price on Chewy
    Coverage area: ½ acre
    Dog size: 8+ pounds, 8–26-inch neck
    Static level: 5

    Our pick for the best invisible dog fence is PetSafe Wireless Pet Fence Pet Containment System, which requires no digging and has a hassle-free setup. There are 50 training flags included to form your invisible boundary, which you can easily test with the collar yourself during installation. Rambunctious dogs may need a higher correction level after you start, which you can gradually adjust downward as they start to understand the invisible fence.

    We especially like the static-free re-entry feature, which doesn’t punish your dog for re-entering the fence when they realize they’ve strayed from home. The system is quickly set up and taken down, making it ideal for camping. Finally, this system can be adapted for use with two or more dogs if you purchase additional collars.

    Like any product, this system has its drawbacks. The biggest one is that as a wireless system, it’s vulnerable to interference from metal and other objects. Another notable issue some online users pointed out is that the boundary can be inconsistent, especially if you place flags too far from your main unit.

    Pros
    • 5 adjustable static correction levels
    • Static-free re-entry
    • Adjustable collar suitable for most breed sizes
    • No-dig installation
    • Can be used with multiple collars
    Cons
    • Susceptible to interference
    • Boundary can fluctuate

    2. Wiez GPS Wireless Dog Fence – Best Value

    Wiez GPS Wireless Dog Fence

    Coverage area: ¾ acre
    Dog size: 10+ pounds, 10–22-inch neck
    Static level: 3

    Best for your money is the Wiez GPS Wireless Dog Fence, which combines wireless convenience with a wider range than you normally see from no-dig models. You can cover between 65 feet to ¾ of an acre with this system – simply set the flags, save the area, and you’re good to go. The receiver can also be used to set your static correction and vibration levels, which will change as your dog acclimates to the system.

    Although affordable and flexible, this invisible dog fence can suffer GPS drift if the receiver goes dead, restarts, or stays on too long. That means you may need to update your boundary as often as every few days, which can be a pain. Our other gripe is that the receiver can be tricky to figure out at first, and the interface isn’t very user-friendly.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Wide adjustable area
    • Waterproof collar for all-weather operation
    • Vibration feature offers a shock-free training alternative
    Cons
    • Boundary may drift because of GPS unreliability
    • May need to ‘reset’ the boundary
    • Receiver isn’t intuitive to use

    3. Extreme Dog Fence Pro Grade – Premium Choice

    Extreme Dog Fence Pro Grade

    Coverage area: 10 acres
    Dog size: 8+ pounds, 9–28-inch neck
    Static level: 7

    This comprehensive invisible dog fence system from Extreme Dog Fence covers up to 10 wide acres, which is a stable boundary thanks to the heavy-duty wire in the kit. There are seven variable static levels to choose for more controlled training, and a beep-only mode for well-behaved dogs too. The best part is that you don’t even need to bury the wire—simply place it on top of the ground or along an existing fence to get started. Two more boons are that the system works with up to five dogs, if you buy extra collars, and the collars are 100% waterproof even if your dog goes swimming.

    The most important con to be aware of is the receiver itself, which is technically waterproof but made of shockingly fragile plastic. Be very careful when handling it! Another consideration is that the wire won’t fare well just laid on the ground, so make long-term plans to secure it if you want to use it for a long time.

    Pros
    • Covers up to 10 acres with included heavy-duty wire
    • Can be buried, laid on the ground, or attached along existing perimeters
    • 8 modes, including beep-only
    • Waterproof
    Cons
    • Receiver is more fragile than you’d think
    • Expensive
    • Requires more work to use long-term than wireless models

    4. Pet Control HQ Wireless & Wired Dog Fence System

    Pet Control HQ Wireless & Wired Dog Fence System

    Coverage area: 10 acres
    Dog size: 11–154 pounds, 8–27-inch neck
    Static level: 10

    If you have a complex yard layout that defies other systems, the Pet Control HQ Wireless & Wired Dog Fence System offers both strict, long-lasting boundaries with heavy copper core AWG wire and wireless GPS boundaries. You can use one or the other or both together to manage up to three collars with up to 10 static correction levels. The system automatically amps up the static level as the collars approach your boundaries, which is great as a progressive warning, but you can manually control it with the included remote too.

    Despite being versatile, setting up the wired boundary can be challenging because of how annoying it is to splice the wires together. Additionally, some online reviews mention that the beep mode is quiet and doesn’t work very well.

    Pros
    • Durable copper wire & GPS together are perfect for tricky perimeters
    • Works with multiple dogs of varying sizes
    • 10 static levels
    • Automatic progressive correction helps streamline the training process
    Cons
    • Setting up the wire is a pain
    • Quiet beep mode

    5. Pawious Wireless Dog Fence

    Pawious Wireless Dog Fence

    Coverage area: 0.6 miles
    Dog size: 27.5-inch neck
    Static level: 6

    For a solely wireless dog fence, this offering from Pawious is a solid contender. It has a single large GPS collar with no physical boundaries. Instead, you set an original position and the system automatically warns your dog with six increasing static levels and an audible beep when they approach your set boundary. Unlike other systems, everything is done from the collar and is intended to be as intuitive as possible.

    Unfortunately, that has some issues. If your dog is particularly stubborn or you want more customizable control, this isn’t the system for you. There’s no transceiver, main system, or even app to control the fence, and you’re out of luck if the collar gets lost.

    Pros
    • All-in-one invisible dog fence controlled from the collar
    • Vibration/shock modes
    • No-dig installation
    Cons
    • No remote or external control mechanism

    6. PetSafe Basic In-Ground Pet Fence

    PetSafe Basic In-Ground Pet Fence

    Coverage area: 1/3 acre up to 5 acres
    Dog size: 8+ pounds, 6–26-inch neck
    Static level: 4

    A basic but still sturdy alternative from PetSafe is this basic in-ground model that requires you to bury a wire, with 500 feet included to cover up to ⅓ acre. If you want, you can buy more wire to cover up to a max of 5 acres. The included collar fits small to large dogs and includes four static levels to get your dog used to it. It’s customizable to fit irregular yard layouts and works great on land with lots of trees or structures that could interfere with wireless systems.

    If you want a long-lasting invisible fence, we recommend buying your own wire. The included wire isn’t the best, and we doubt it’ll stand up to much wear.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Introduction to in-ground systems isn’t that hard to install
    • 4 correction levels & beep mode for versatility
    Cons
    • Included wire is flimsy
    • Relatively small coverage area with included wire

    7. TTPet Electric Dog Fence

    TTPet Electric Dog Fence

    Coverage area: ¾ acre
    Dog size: 12-150 pounds, 8–27-inch neck
    Static level: 3

    This electric dog fence from TTPet is a decent budget option if you want a reliable wire-based system, and you can even just lie it on the ground if you don’t want to bury it. It uses three static levels for training purposes, and it’s compatible with multiple collars if you end up liking it. The boundary width can be opened up or restricted at will, and the wire break feature warns you if the physical wire’s been broken. The collar can be adjusted for small or large dogs, so at least that’s nice.

    While it’s serviceable, this product leaves a lot to be desired. For one, the wire is easily disturbed if not secured, and it isn’t particularly heavy-duty either. There aren’t very many static levels, either, which can complicate training for some dogs.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Works above ground or buried
    • Wire break warning
    • Collar works for most dog sizes
    Cons
    • Thin wire
    • Few static correction levels

    8. Covono GPS Wireless Dog Fence

    Covono GPS Wireless Dog Fence

    Coverage area: 760 acres
    Dog size: 20+ pounds, 9–22-inch neck
    Static level: 3

    The Covono GPS Wireless Dog Fence is a fairly good GPS fence for folks who don’t want to bother with wires, with a waterproof collar and 3 static training levels. Interestingly, it uses a three-stage progressive approach. That means your dog will get a first-level shock for a max of 30 seconds just outside the fence, but a more strict shock if they stray farther away. For more flexible playtime, the collar works indoors too.

    Like other GPS fences, there’s no fine-grain control to be had with this product, and you’ll lean more heavily on your dog’s training for them to stay behaved and not run off. Another pretty minor nitpick is that the GPS range is inconsistent and metal structures can mess it up.

    Pros
    • Can set a huge customizable boundary from 0.7–760 acres
    • 100% waterproof
    • Progressive shock helps accelerate boundary training
    Cons
    • No remote or precise controls
    • GPS can be spotty

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    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Invisible Dog Fences

    Invisible dog fences work best in areas that would be difficult or impossible to physically fence, but they’re not a foolproof solution to foil persistent Houdini dogs. When you’re looking for the perfect invisible dog fence system to fit your needs, you need to look at three main things: the static levels, your training, and whether it’s in-ground, wireless, or GPS. Check out why those matter down below.

    Static Levels

    More static correction levels or “shock levels” allows you greater control over training and it helps dogs make that neural connection that going near the boundary means they get an unpleasant zap. Watch out for safety features that automatically limit the length of a shock, and consider using a beep or vibration-only feature if you’d rather avoid shocking your dog altogether.

    dog in the backyard with confinement system
    Image Credit: Chewy

    Training

    Some dogs learn how to navigate wireless dog fences very quickly, but it depends on your training method. Utilizing recall games and other techniques is highly recommended, though not all dogs adjust to invisible fences equally.  Let’s look at a quick rundown of how to approach training your dog to live with an invisible fence.

    Training Tips:
    • Use short sessions within a confined area.
    • On-leash, bring your dog near the boundaries and allow the collar to beep as you approach.
    • Move away from the boundary and let your dog adjust to the idea that beeping means they shouldn’t go there.
    • After a few minutes, allow your dog off-leash to test the boundary.
    • If your dog tests the boundary and gets a corrective shock, profusely reward and praise them when they go back in the defined perimeter.

    In-Ground vs. Wireless vs. GPS

    In-ground invisible fence systems require you to run a physical wire around the perimeters of your property, which can be a pain to do but offers the most defined, long-lasting boundary. Not all kits come with heavy-duty wire, so it may be necessary to get your own if you want a long-term solution.

    Wireless systems, meanwhile, typically have you plant training flags along your defined boundary. Wireless is the way to go if you don’t want the hassle of splicing, running, or buying wire, and you usually have some fine-grain control through the system’s remote or transceiver. These are the easiest for properties with atypical layouts that would make running wire impractical.

    Last but not least are GPS systems, which have the greatest flexibility but little manual control. You take the collar to a central zone, define how big the zone is, and that’s it. The collar designates a circular zone as the permitted area, but you can’t set exact boundaries or layouts like a wireless fence.

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    Conclusion

    Invisible dog fences can be invaluable training tools with patience and carefully structured training, even though not all dogs take to them. We’d recommend the PetSafe Wireless Pet Fence if you want the best of the best, but the Wiez GPS Wireless Dog Fence is a bit easier to use and more affordable. Regardless, all of these are decent options, and we’re confident you’ll find one that works best for you.


    Featured Image Credit: Chewy

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