You’re here because you want to read the best wireless dog fence reviews and do some research before making a purchase, right? Well you’ve come to the right place! Get started right away by clicking on a wireless fence below or keep reading to learn more and compare.

 

We’re your top source of information when it comes to choosing a wireless fence for your best friend. Here we’ve made it our mission to compile all the information you need to know about the four top invisible dog fences, to make it easy for you to choose the pet containment system that’s best for your dog.

For each of the top wireless fences, we’ve compiled the results of actual usage from buyers, researched the pros and cons of each fence, and made a handy list of specifications, so you can evaluate your options at a glance. We’ll explain to you just how wireless fences work, and how, despite what others may tell you, they are in fact, a safe and effective method to train your dog to respect boundaries. So relax, because we’ve done all the research to make choosing a wireless fence easy for you!

Here’s a handy table showing the top 4 units we reviewed. Click the name or picture to learn more, see user reviews, and find the price.

Fences	Range	Dog Size	Rating	Price	Notes
PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System, PIF-300	180 Foot Diameter (1/2 acre)	8 lbs+	4.1	$$	The most basic, top-rated fence on the market. Read our review Buy on Amazon
PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence, PIF00-12917	210 Foot Diameter (3/4 acre)	5 lbs+	3.8	$$$	A more versatile and advanced fence by PetSafe. Read our review Buy on Amazon
Havahart Wireless Radial-Shape 2 Wireless Fence	80 to 800 Foot Diameter (up to 13 acre)	8 lbs+	2.7	$$$	The most customizable fence with the largest range. Read our review Buy on Amazon
Pawz Away for Dogs Outdoor Pet Barrier	16 Foot Diameter (150 Foot with added wire)	5 lbs+	3.5	$	Not a fence to keep dogs in, but a barrier to keep them out of certain areas. Read our review Buy on Amazon

So what are wireless fences and why do people use them?

Whatever name you know them by, non-wired pet fences all serve the same purpose, to keep pets in without using a physical barrier.

Erecting these wireless fences often saves dog owners a lot of money because they don’t have to erect a physical fence. Also, physical fences are too often seen as a challenge by dogs, who will make it their mission to find a way out, whether it’s tunneling under, or jumping over. Wireless containment systems offer owners a new, and far superior way to train their dog to stay within the respected boundaries. They are designed to keep your dog in without using a physical barrier of any sort. Because of this, they are great choices for pet owners who don’t like the idea of erecting a physical fence, for either aesthetic, practical, or monetary reasons.

It’s very important to note that these containment systems are not used to punish dogs. Instead they’re focused on using a combination of good training and correction to help your dog learn to respect boundaries. Many pet owners have said the mild, and safe static correction their dog experiences when they cross the boundary, is worth their pet experiencing, if it stops them from possibly chasing after other people’s pets, or saving them the pain of getting hit, maimed or killed by a vehicle.

How do they work?

Wireless dog fences are quite simple systems. Depending on the fence you choose, it will include either two or three components. All systems use a transmitter and a receiver located on the dog’s collar. Only some models use underground wiring as well (but we’re not worried about those models right now – they are a completely different system).

The transmitter is the first part of any containment system. It is responsible for sending the signal out to define the boundary your pet is allowed to be in. Completely wireless fences simply send out signal to a defined boundary area. Other transmitters send a signal to the underground wire, and this is what defines the boundary area. Usually, the transmitter can accommodate as many collars as you need.

Underground wire is only present in some models of containment fence, as we mentioned above. The underground wire is literally just a single strand of wire (that has been insulated for safety purposes). The wire loops from the transmitter, around the area you want to become the boundary, and back to the transmitter. The wire should be buried 1 to 3 inches below the surface of the ground. This will reduce the chances it might get cut with a lawnmower, chewed by a pet, or be tripped over and dislodged. Before digging out the area and installing the wire, you should mark the area you want with spray paint or markers, so you’ll be less likely to have to dig up the wire again.

It’s important for pet owners to realize that the correction administered by the collar is 100% safe. The receiver mounted on the collar is responsible for correcting your dog. As your dog begins to approach the boundary, a warning tone begins sounding. This also gives the dog time to turn back from the boundary when they hear the warning tone.

If the dog still proceeds past the boundary, the collar will do one of two things. Some collars will spray out citronella. This is a spray that your dog will find unpleasant to smell. However, most collars will administer a static correction. The static shock isn’t harmful to your dog at all. It’s similar to the shock you might receive if you rub your feet across a carpet then touch something metal. Your dog will begin to associate the boundary area with the correction, and, with proper training, it will know to stay away from the area.

 

What should you consider when deciding on a fence?

Wireless dog fences will suit most dog owners, but there are some questions you need to ask before buying one. The first thing you should consider is that while the containment system will do its job to keep your dog contained within the boundary, it won’t actually be able to keep other animals out. If you think there might be a chance your dog would be attacked by another animal, then consider getting a physical fence installed. After all, physical fences or containment systems, they’re both about keeping your pet safe. This also works in reverse, in that wireless fences won’t keep smaller animals, or people – especially young children – out. If your dog is particularly territorial or aggressive, then you will also need to keep it properly fenced.

You should also consider the type of personality your dog has, and whether it’s a right fit for a containment system. As mentioned previously, the containment system is 100% safe for your dog, and is used for correction only. Although this doesn’t stop the fact that some dogs will simply become nervous or scared of the static correction. The static correction is meant to only deter your dog from going past the boundary area, not make it fearful.

With proper training (and a lot of praise and play as a reward for good work), most dogs overcome any nervousness they might have about the containment system, and will begin treating the boundary as natural. But if your dog has a nervous temperament, and seems like it might not overcome its fear, then you should take this into account. After all, as dog owners, the wellbeing of our canine pals comes first.

The only other thing you should take into account before purchasing a wireless fence, is that the safe zone will always be a circle, this can’t be adjusted. However, the various transmitters have different ranges, so there should be one listed with a range that suits your needs. Also, further pet deterrent systems can be placed around any object inside the safe zone – like a bed of roses, or swimming pool – to keep your dog out of those areas.

Is it a good idea to buy one of these units?

There are many advantages to purchasing a pet containment system. One reason they are so well-liked by dog owners is because they represent a huge monetary saving. Good fences can cost thousands of dollars to put up, and the truth is, most dogs will find a way through them, no matter how well constructed they are. Wireless fences are a great alternative to this problem.

Another reason wireless fences are so popular is because they are aesthetically pleasing. Huge reinforced fences to keep your dog in can look pretty ugly. Containment systems give dog owners a way of keeping their pet safe and within the boundary area, without compromising the beauty of their house or garden.

If you have a very active dog, a wireless fence can be a godsend. You won’t have to keep your dog tied up all day anymore, instead they will be free to roam within the boundary and get rid of excess energy. A lot of dog owners have found setting up a wireless fence means they don’t have to walk their dog several times a day anymore. Dogs love to explore, and for this reason they will get a lot more enjoyment out of their time if they don’t have to be tied up all day, and are instead allowed to roam around the yard.

The Top 4 Wireless Fences for Dogs

The purpose of this website is to make it easy for you to choose the wireless fence that is right for you and your dog. We’ve done this by compiling reviews on the four top containment systems by evaluating user reviews, ratings, specifications and suggestions of all systems. The four units we’re looking at are laid out below so you can have a quick overview before reading our full review.

The PetSafe PIF-300 Wireless Pet Containment System

This unit is best for owners who want a simple, general-purpose wireless fence. It has a ½ acre range. This containment unit is great for first time fence owners, especially because it is very easy to install. Coupled with thorough training, and rewards (treats, praise and play) for doing things right, this fence has a high level of success with pet owners. Many users say that their dog takes as little as a day to train properly with this unit. This containment unit does need proper maintenance to avoid the higher costs associated with replacing parts. The collar has 6 different correction settings. The first is tone-only and can be used for training to teach dogs the boundary. The next 5 settings range from low static correction, to a higher level of correction for stubborn dogs.

Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com or read our full review here before making your decision.

PetSafe PIF00-12917 Stay and Play Wireless Fence

This wireless fence has a slightly larger range than the previous PetSafe model (3/4 acre all together). It is a slightly more versatile unit that covers more area and has a collar that fits a smaller dog than the other unit (this one is 5 pounds and up, whereas the other is 8 pounds and up). This model is extremely easy to set up, like the other one, thanks to it not having any wires that need to be buried. To make a really impressive, all encompassing set-up, this containment unit can also be used to extend the reach of the PIF-300. The collar has the same correction settings as the previous model as well. A tone-only correction, then static correction at 5 different levels. Perhaps the biggest advantage of using this unit, is that it is very portable, and because of this it can be used to take your dog on travels with you.

Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com or read our full review here before making your decision.

Havahart Wireless Radial-Shape 2 Wireless Fence Review

This unit is for anyone who wants a highly customizable range. The range on this unit (with a single transmitter), will extend from 40 to 400 feet. Because of this, and the quick set up time (it is also completely wireless), this containment unit would also be great for those of us who want to travel with our dogs. The correction settings on this collar are similar to PetSafe collars with a tone-only correction and then 5 varying static correction settings. Users have reported some problems when large obstacles, such as trees are placed in the way of the transmitter signal, so it will suit owners with clearer surroundings better. The unit is mainly for medium to large sized dogs with the collar fitting a neck between 16-24 inches.

Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com or read our full review here before making your decision.

Pawz Away for Dogs Outdoor Pet Area

Basically, while all the other units are to keep your dogs in, this one is used to keep your dog out. That is, out of certain areas around your backyard, patio or garden. If your dog is constantly digging up your roses, or trying their luck in the family pool, then this unit will do the trick and make sure they stay away from any area you want. Unlike other wireless transmitters, this transmitter has the option to be made into a custom shape by adding wire to the configuration. When wire is used the boundary can extend up to a 150 foot loop.

Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com or read our full review here before making your decision.

If you’d like, you can always find more information here on Wikipedia.