Invisible Fence Systems - Comparing The Different Types and Options Available

There are range of invisible fence systems for containing your dog these include wireless dog fences such as the Perimeter WiFi System and the PetSmart Wireless Dog Training System.

Then there is the more commonly used in ground systems such as the Innotek, Guardian, Pet Safe and Sport Dog Systems.

Whilst they are the main systems you'll come across suitable for self installation the professionals tend to use different systems these are commonly the Pet Safe Pro System, Pet Stop System, Invisible Fence,Dog Watch Systems. See lets look at each type in some detail and see what are the pro's and cons of each system.

Underground Dog Fences

Pet Safe are possibly one of the best known manufacturers of underground dog fences (sometimes called invisible dog fences) they make a range of invisible dog fences.

I would ignore their base model as it does not have an adjustable receiver with various training levels. All of the models sold by Pet Safe have adjustable receiver for training except the Inground Radio Fence so this is probably best ignoring.

The other models the Comfort Fit Deluxe Little Dog Fence for example is perfect for smaller breed dogs and the Stubbon Dog Fence is for those who have dogs that are perhaps more strong willed.

But the most popular and multi purpose product from Pet Safe is the Deluxe in Ground Fence. (we will review these individually in greater detail in future articles)

I noticed a strange anomoly amongst the under ground dog fence maufacturers which maybe many people aren't aware of the products from Innotek, Pet Safe and Sport Dog, Guardian are all made by the same company.

Personally this was a suprise so we will leave reviews of these similar products for another day. But hopefully that's covered underground dog fences for now?. So we'll move on to Wireless dog fences.

Wireless Dog Fences

Currently wireless pet fences from reliable manufacturers are still some what far and few between although expect to see more springing up in the next year or so.

The main market leaders at the moment are Perimeter Wireless System and The PetSafe Wireless Dog Fence System they are both in truth pretty much the same so I guess what is more important is to know the potential advantages and pitfalls of such a system rather than individual features and benefits.

The Perimeter Wire-Free (WiFi) dog fence is currently the only recognized wireless fence that uses WiFi technology like that used on your computer.

The advantage of this according to the makers is it provides a much wider signal field (upto 2 acres). The Perimeter Wi Fi fence utilizes a 802.15 signal where as computers tend to operate on 802.11 so they won't interfere with each other.

This system is great if you have a large area where you can allow your dog to roam free but not really any significant advantage over smaller areas.

Other plus points worth consideration of the Perimeter Wire Free system is it has 8 correction (training) levels which means there is a lot of versatility for stress free dog training using the system.

Perimeter Technologies who make the fence do state the system will only work with two dogs so if you have more than that you'll need to consider another system.

Also they suggest it may not be suitable if you have many trees on your property, have several metal structures in the area you want to confine your dog in or if you have a metal roof or siding. A good rule of thumb is if your PC wireless will work in the area then the Perimeter Wire Free fence system should also.

The PetSafe Wireless Instant Fence is the most established and most widely known wireless fence producer.

The greatest positive to this unit is that, opposed to the Perimeter WiFi fence, you are able to use it to hold back an unlimited number of pets. In addition , the receiver that goes with this fence incorporates six varied training levels, which makes it a good alternative to use with the low-stress dog fence training techniques.

The downside is that the range of the Pet Safe Wireless Instant Fence is a bit limited to only 1/2 an acre but for many plots that should be adequate.

Finally we will look at the systems the professional dog fence installers use and ask why they choose these systems rather than those offered to home owners.

Professionally Installed Dog Fences

Invisible Fence is owned by the same company as Pet Safe (Radio Systems Corp) who manufacturer the large proportion of systems for home use.

Invisible Fence is a professional line of dog fences, which means that the only way to purchase this product is to contact the Invisible Fence installer who serves your local area you should find them in the phone book.Be aware that each installer sets his or her own prices, so costs will vary quite a bit form area to area and even in the same locality.

Understand though a professionally installed system is not cheap you could easily pay upward of $1000 for a smaller plot and this will increase for further area.

Pet Stop is a relatively high-quality and feature-rich product and is made in the US which many purchasers gives them reassurance. Like the Invisble Fence system discussed above the Pet Stop system requires special batteries you must by from your installer.

The Pet Stop system is the professional dog fence system of Perimeter Technologies who also make kits for home installatio. This means if you want this pro product you will need to buy it from the local installer in your area.

Once again prices might vary some what but expect to pay anything upward of $1000 for a fully working system.

DogWatch makes a good product which has some handy features not found with some other professional dog fence installations. One big bonus is they use standard batteries in their recievers (no need for pro fit) in addition to that it is also possible to adjust correction levels yourself without having to call out the installer (not the case with the previous systems discussed).

The cost of the Dog Watch system could be slightly lower than some of the other systems but check with a local installer first.

Dog Watch state their batteries have a typical shelf life of four times that of other brands which means it should last longer costing less to run. The Dog Watch system transmitters have built in lightning protection and has a range of up to 200 acres.

Pet Safe Prolite System

PetSafe popular manufacturer of home dog fence kits make an excellent product for their professional installers .The Pet Safe Prolite has ten user adjustable training modes and these can be adjusted by the owner without requiring assistance from the installer.

On occasions you'll find Pet Safe Pro dealers provide free lifetime batteries where as some may charge an annual battery charge on top of the install costs.

The pro reciever uses regular CR2032 batteries so you shouldn't need the battery plan but check carefully the terms of your warranty as putting in your own batteries could invalidate it.

One very significant downside to this system is you will need to buy lighting protection as an extra as this is not a standard fit item. However your installer should be able to advise you if this is likely to be needed.

The PetSafe Pro transmitter powers up to 100 acres.

All PetSafe Pro products include professional installation and many provide on going training support. The level of training support varies with each authorized installer — some installers choose only to offer the initial training sessions and charge for additional support, while others offer training support as a standard part of the installation package the choice is down to you and what is available in your area.

Reassuringly PetSafe Pro products come with a lifetime product warranty dealt with through you installer.

If you have read this article you should now understand at least the basics of all the different types of invisble fence you can purchase to contain your pet.

But really it breaks down to what features you need and how deep are your pockets. The ideal option if costs is not an object would be a professional install but as you will have seen these are not cheap. But rest assured with a bit of planning a home fitted invisible fence for you dog can easily do the job just as well.