What is the best way to ensure your dog is safe in the backyard? In the past, in-ground wire fences were the best option – and they’re still a great choice for those in rural areas, but for people in more populated places, advances in technology mean there are now smarter options to choose from.
In this article, we’ll explore the best of both worlds with three top picks for electric fences and their alternatives, such as the innovative Halo Collar 4, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each product.
FYI, this post includes affiliate links, so if you buy anything through our article, we’ll earn a commission at no extra cost to you. To jazz up your dog’s outdoor experience even more, check out our list of the best smart pet doors, too!
If you’re in a hurry, check out our top picks from both categories below.
Why Electric Fences May Not Be Your Best Option
While in-ground fences are ideal for homes in rural areas and owners who prefer a classic design, those who favor smart technology may benefit from new, smart alternatives. Both allow your dog the freedom to play in their yard whilst keeping them within the safety of their home.
However, wireless GPS alternatives require less work to set up with no wire maintenance, and have the added feature of precise location mapping should they get out, as well as live monitoring and app alerts to keep you in the loop in real-time. With that in mind, let’s take a look at our top three electric fence alternatives first. Then we’ll look at the top 3 best in-ground fences if you decide you still want to go that route.
Best All-in-One Fence, Tracking & Training Pick – The Halo Collar
The most accurate dog fence ever made, the new Halo 4 GPS Dog Collar is a truly revolutionary device in the pet safety market.
Whether your dog is big or small, the new Halo Collar 4 tailoring system lets you custom fit the collar to your dog’s exact neck size, all the way from 8 inches to 30.5 inches. It’s 33% smaller and 18% lighter than the Halo Collar 3 for a more comfortable all-day fit. It also has a stronger and more powerful Dual-Frequency GPS and 25% more battery life for up to 30 hours between charges. It’s now available in new Midnight (blue), as well as updated Graphite, Orchid and Sunburst colors.
Key features:
- Expert design: Co-founded by Cesar Millan, this smart system integrates dog psychology and smart training into one easy-to-use smart collar.
- 30-hours of battery life
- PrecisionGPS™
- Active GPS Antenna
- Real-time tracking
- All-carrier cellular coverage worldwide
- Smart roaming between Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and LTE to provide optimized performance, battery life, and responsiveness.
- Instantly create and store up fences in the Halo Collar app
- Three levels of customizable positive encouragement feedback
- Three levels of customizable “prevention” feedback
- Return whistle added safety feature
- In-app dog training based on positive methods only, not fear-based
- Waterproof collar
- Daily dog activity tracking
- Custom-fit sizing
- Four color options: Sunburst, Graphite, Midnight, and Orchid
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
What we like:
Making new fences is now easier than ever. Build safe spaces for your dog in seconds with Auto Fence. Start with an automatically generated fence based on your property lines; no need to manually place each post. The fence follows Halo guidelines to avoid roads, water, and cutting through buildings. Easily fine-tune your fence to suit your needs. Should your dog approach or cross the boundary, you’ll be notified via the accompanying app, and they’ll receive feedback, customized by you. It’s not a shock collar. You can choose from sound, vibration or optional static corrections. The Halo training program is based on positive associations that are compatible with your dog’s natural instincts. In-ground electric fences often utilize training based on fear which can cause your dog to feel anxious and distrustful.
It’s portable! As mentioned above, Halo Collar can safely contain your dog anywhere you take them or if you move, because you can easily set up a Halo GPS wireless dog collar fence anywhere you go, anywhere in the world. You can also monitor their activities, so it’s a great tool for fitness management, too. The whistle feature can also aid training and encourage recall with pups, stubborn dogs, and dogs with visual impairments.
Additionally, the Halo Collar and Halo App are constantly becoming safer, smarter, and easier to use as the software automatically updates when the collar is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular and is charging.
What to consider:
It is a subscription-based service, which may not suit everyone, but check out this head-to-head comparison. The Halo Collar 4 with subscription fees, is still a fraction of the cost of an in-ground fence and has many more benefits.
Full review: Read our full review here!
Marketed as the most accurate dog fence ever created, the Halo Collar 4 GPS Dog Fence allows users to create, edit and store unlimited-sized fences, starting at 30 x 30 feet, and is now compatible with smaller dogs (neck sizes ranging from 8-30.5". While the invisible fence features help prevent dogs from leaving the yard in the first place, the almost-pin-point accurate GPS tracking features help owners find lost dogs quickly. Last, but far from least, the Halo Collar also has amazing dog training features AND acts as an activity monitor.
Top Features:
- 30-hour battery life
- Dual-frequency GPS
- Active GPS Antenna
- Real-time tracking
- All-carrier cellular coverage worldwide.
Best Budget Pick – PetSafe Guardian GPS Connected Fences
If you’re on a tight budget, consider the PetSafe Guardian GPS Connected Customizable Dog Fence System. With 25-acre coverage & accurate GPS technology, it’s excellent value for money. It’s a one-off buy with no subscription and it’s compatible with dogs weighing over 10 lbs. However, it also has the option to add more dogs/collars onto the system, so it’s a good pick for multi-dog homes, too.
Key features:
- Up to 25 acre coverage
- Accurate GPS technology
- Customizable boundaries
- 10 static correction options
- Tone-only mode
- Real-time tracking
- Geo-fencing alerts
- Waterproof
- Rechargeable
- 8-26″ collar
- 1-2 hour set up time
- No subscription
- Multi-pet system
What we like:
Owners can create customizable boundaries on the accompanying app, with ten customizable static corrections and tone-only corrections for flexible training. Whilst the GPS coverage is not worldwide, it’s very accurate, and 25 acres will be more than enough for many owners. Real-time tracking is available via the app, which also sends owners geo-fencing alerts, and the collar itself is waterproof and rechargeable, measuring 8-26 inches.
What to consider:
If you want something with worldwide tracking, this isn’t it.
Experience a wireless GPS pet fence free from monthly subscriptions. This durable, waterproof collar sports up to 3 days (72 hours) of battery life on a single 4-hour charge, Designed to accommodate dogs over 10 pounds with neck sizes ranging from 8-26 inches.
Best Without Subscription – SpotOn Wireless GPS Fence Collar
The SpotOn GPS Dog Collar is our top no-subscription pick because it offers a whopping 1000 acres of coverage without any ongoing costs. It’s also available to buy in three sizes, ranging from 10-26 inches, for a custom experience to suit any dog.
Key features:
- 1000 acres coverage
- True Location™ GPS technology
- Up to 20 customizable fences
- Easy to set up
- Quick charge battery
- Up to 22-hour battery life
- Small, medium & large collars
- Comfortable design
- Portable
- Optional cellular plans
- 1 year warranty
- 90-day money back guarantee
What We Like:
The True Location™ technology taps into a network of 128 satellites to provide up to 7 times more accurate boundary setting. Users can create up to 20 customizable & overlapping fences covering up to 1000 acres that are flexible and portable for trips away. It’s easy to set up and use, with a quick charging battery that lasts up to 22 hours, a 1 year warranty, and a 90-day money-back guarantee. Although you don’t need a subscription plan, you can opt for one that unlocks extra features, such as precise location tracking, real-time alerts, and long-distance communication.
What to consider:
The main consideration when it comes to buying this product is its high cost, but if you own lots of land or have working dogs that sleep outside, it could be worth it.
Full review: Read our full review here!
Create GPS dog fences of any size, any shape and almost anywhere. SpotOn GPS Fence is reliable, flexible, and easy to use thanks to our patented True Location™ technology. Experience life unleashed with the SpotOn virtual fence for dogs.
Top 3 Best Electric Fences for Dogs
If you still feel like an electric fence is right for you, here are our top picks.
Best For Headstrong Dogs – PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence
If you’ve got a stubborn explorer, try this. The PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence has five adjustable levels of static correction, in addition to tone-only and vibration-only modes. Corrections also shut off corrections after 30 seconds to ensure your dog doesn’t get overstimulated or hurt.
Key features:
- ⅓ – 10 acres
- Five levels of static corrections
- Tone & vibration-only modes
- Corrections shut off after 30 seconds
- Quick-charging battery
- 3-months per charge
- 6-27″ collar
- Waterproof receiver
- 150 meters of wire
- 50 boundary flags
- Comes with a training guide
What we like:
The battery is quick-charging and lasts around three months per charge and the containment area covers up to 1/3 acres but is expandable to 10 acres if you purchase extra flags and wires. The collar itself is truly made for all dogs, adjustable between 6-27 inches, with a waterproof receiver. It comes with everything you need to set it up, including 150 meters of wire and 50 flags, as well as a power adapter and operating and training guides.
What to consider:
A couple of buyers have had issues with faulty transmitters, but overall reviews are positive.
Create a safe 1/3-acre play area for your best friend with the included 500 ft of wire; purchase additional wire to expand up to a 25-acre yard
Best For Large Yards – SportDOG In-Ground Fence System
The SportDOG In-Ground Fence System is our top pick for large properties, as it covers 1 ⅓ acres, but is expandable up to 100 acres. It has adjustable boundary width for precise containment and four levels of static corrections, plus tone and vibration-only modes. Owners can also buy additional collars to add to the same system for multi-pet use.
Key features:
- 1 ⅓ – 100-acre coverage
- Adjustable boundaries
- Four levels of static correction
- Tone & vibration-only modes
- Rechargeable & quick-charging
- 1-2 months battery life per charge
- Waterproof & submersible
- Built-in safety features
- Battery life indicator
- Collar fits up to 23”
- 1000 feet of wire
- 100 boundary flags
- Multi-pet system
What we like:
It comes with 1,000 feet of wire, 100 boundary flags, and a rechargeable, quick-charging collar receiver that’s suitable for dogs weighing over 10 lbs. The battery lasts 1-2 months when fully charged, and good news if your dog’s a swimmer! The collar is fully waterproof and submersible for up to 25 feet of water. It also has built-in lightning protection and a wire-break alarm for extra safety, plus a handy LED battery life indicator, so you’ll know when it needs recharging.
What to consider:
Some buyers say the setup is a little time-consuming, but it comes with everything you need to set it up, including a handy manual, and the brand offers excellent customer service should you need any extra help.
Full review: Read our full review here!
Best For Smaller Yards – PetSafe Basic In-Ground Fence System
If you’re looking for something simple for a smaller backyard, the PetSafe Basic In-Ground Fence System is perfect, with ⅓ acre coverage that can be expanded to up to 5 with additional wires and flags.
Key features:
- ⅓ – 5 acre coverage
- Collar fits up to 22”
- Waterproof collar receiver
- Unlimited number of pets
- 150 meters of wire
- 50 boundary flags
- 1-3 months battery life
- PetSafe RFA-67 battery included
What we like:
Just because the yard is small, the family doesn’t have to be! With this fence, you can add an unlimited number of pets to the system when you buy additional collars. It comes with everything you need for installation and the collar fits up to 22-inch necks for inclusive usage, complete with a weatherproof receiver.
What to consider:
The collar’s battery is not rechargeable, but it is easy and inexpensive to replace and lasts up to 3 months.
With our Basic In-Ground Fence™ system, you get everything you need to create a fenced in yard that’s just the right size for your dog. Soon he’ll be enjoying off-leash playtime and naps in the sunshine.
FAQs
Are electric fences for dogs safe?
In-ground electric fences are totally safe for dogs, so long as you set them up correctly and customize their corrections appropriately.
How do GPS fence collars work?
These types of fence collars connect to transmitters that use GPS signals to set invisible boundaries around the property. The collars then react to those signals with corrections when pets attempt to exit the boundaries to keep them safe.
Are GPS collars safe?
GPS collars are generally safe for dogs; they’re designed to be lightweight and secure, and emit low-power radio signals that are well within safety standards. However, every dog is different, and you should always keep an eye on your dog when you use anything new with them to make sure they’re comfortable with it.
Final Thoughts
Advances in modern technology mean pet safety can be so much less of a worry these days. With clever collars like the Halo Collar 4, you can truly balance the doggie dream of outdoor freedom with avoiding the nightmare of your precious pet getting out. All with the added security of live GPS tracking and real-time monitoring & alerts.
That said, we know smart technology isn’t for everyone, and in areas where GPS coverage is lacking, the classic electric fence is still a safe and effective solution. All of our recommendations are the best on the market, so consider your needs carefully and choose the one that’s right for you!
Marketed as the most accurate dog fence ever created, the Halo Collar 4 GPS Dog Fence allows users to create, edit and store unlimited-sized fences, starting at 30 x 30 feet, and is now compatible with smaller dogs (neck sizes ranging from 8-30.5". While the invisible fence features help prevent dogs from leaving the yard in the first place, the almost-pin-point accurate GPS tracking features help owners find lost dogs quickly. Last, but far from least, the Halo Collar also has amazing dog training features AND acts as an activity monitor.
Top Features:
- 30-hour battery life
- Dual-frequency GPS
- Active GPS Antenna
- Real-time tracking
- All-carrier cellular coverage worldwide.
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