Wireless GPS pet fences are gaining popularity, as they offer a number of advantages over traditional wire fences.
You’re probably familiar with “fences” that rely on a wire buried a few inches underground around the perimeter of your property. The buried wire carries a low-level radio signal from a transmitter to your dog’s receiver collar.
When your dog gets close to the boundary, an audible warning tone sounds. If your dog attempts to cross the fence boundary, it receives an unpleasant-but-safe “shock,” similar to the static shock humans feel when we scuff across a carpet in our socks.
How Wireless GPS Pet Fences Work
Wireless fences, on the other hand, use GPS technology, rather than radio signals, to track your dog’s location and keep it within a designated area. Because of this, they’re more flexible and portable than traditional wire fences.
You simply drop pins onto a satellite image of your location using the app that comes with the system, and a virtual fence is created.
The system consists of two main components: a collar for your dog and a base station.
- The collar is equipped with a GPS receiver and a transmitter.
- The base station sends a signal to the collar, which then uses the GPS receiver to determine its location.
If the collar goes beyond the designated boundary, the transmitter emits a warning signal, such as a beep or a vibration. If the dog continues to approach the boundary, the transmitter may deliver a mild static correction.
Advantages of Wireless GPS Pet Fences
Flexible boundaries: You can set the boundary to any size or shape, and you can even change the boundary as needed. This makes wireless GPS pet fences ideal for homes with irregular or large properties.
Portable: You can take a wireless fence with you when you travel.
Accurate: The GPS receiver in the collar can pinpoint your dog’s location to within a few feet, making them highly accurate.
Less Prone to Interference from other electronic devices.
Easy to Install: Because wire does not have to be buried, wireless fences are typically easy to set up.
Disadvantages of Wireless GPS Pet Fences
Can be Spendy: While most wireless fences cost less than traditional wire fences, some can be expensive. Later in this article, we’ll introduce you to four wireless GPS fences that range from $100 to well over $1,000.
Signal Blockage: GPS signals can be blocked by buildings or other objects, so the boundary may not be as accurate as with a traditional wire fence.
8 Features to Look For When Shopping for a Wireless GPS Pet Fence
You’ll want to thoughtfully evaluate features so you can find a system that best meets your needs.
1. Boundary size and shape
The size and shape of the boundary is one of the most important factors to consider. The boundary must be large enough to accommodate your dog’s needs, but not so large that it’s difficult to manage.
Consider the shape of your property, too. If you have a lot of irregular or sloped areas, you’ll need a fence that can be customized to fit your needs.
Shopping Tip: Be aware that some fences allow you to set a custom boundary, while others have a fixed boundary size.
2. Accuracy
The accuracy of the fence is important, especially if you have a large property or if you live in an area with a lot of tall buildings. Make sure the fence is accurate enough to keep your dog within the designated area, but not so accurate that it will prevent your dog from getting to a water source or other important area.
Shopping Tip: Look for a fence with a margin of error of no more than a few feet.
3. Range
If you have a large property, make sure that the fence will work even if your dog wanders far away from home.
Shopping Tip: Look for a fence with a range of at least 100 acres.
4. Training mode
A training mode is a great way to help your dog learn the boundaries of the fence. It allows your dog to get used to the fence without any static corrections.
Shopping Tip: Look for a fence with a training mode that is easy to use and effective. Several manufacturers include in-app training and online discussion groups for owners.
5. Static correction level
The static correction level is the intensity of the static signal delivered to the dog if it crosses the boundary.
Shopping Tip: Look for a fence that gives you multiple level options, so you can choose a level appropriate for your dog’s size and temperament.
6. Battery life
If you have an active dog who likes to explore, the battery will discharge more quickly. The battery should last long enough for your dog to enjoy the full range of features without having to recharge it too often.
Shopping Tip: Look for a collar with a battery life of at least 24 hours.
7. App compatibility
Most wireless GPS pet fences come with an app you can use to manage the fence and track your dog’s location.
Shopping Tip: Make sure that the app is compatible with your smartphone or tablet.
8. Price
Prices can range from a hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars.
Shopping Tip: Decide on the features you need and set a budget before you start shopping so you don’t overspend.
Additional Considerations
Here are seven more factors to consider:
1. Your dog’s size. Some GPS collars have weight and size restrictions. Choose one that is appropriate for the size of your dog.
2. Your dog’s temperament. Some dogs are more sensitive to static corrections than others. If your dog is sensitive, you may want to choose a fence with a lower static correction level, and/or one that has a training mode that does not use static corrections.
3. Your lifestyle. If you are active and like to take your dog on walks or hikes, you will need a fence with a long range. If you have a small property, you may not need a fence with a large boundary size.
4. Reviews. As with all major purchases you make on behalf of your furry family member, we recommend that you read reviews from other pet owners. This is an excellent way to get feedback on different brands and models.
5. Professional recommendations. Talk with your veterinarian, as well. They may be able to recommend a fence that is safe and effective for your dog.
6. Manufacturer’s coupons. When you purchase a wireless GPS fence directly from the manufacturer’s website, you can often find coupons and other exclusive offers that aren’t available from online retailers such as Amazon.
7. Try before you buy. Some retailers allow you to try a wireless GPS pet fence before you buy it. This helps ensure that the fence is right for your dog and your lifestyle. In the same vein, some manufacturers also offer limited-time money-back guarantees.
4 Wireless GPS Pet Fences
Because there are so many different wireless GPS pet fences on the market, we’re introducing you to four of them, in alphabetical order. This is not a recommendation for these products; we’re merely providing information to help with your comparison shopping.
Note that several of these fences require a monthly fee, in addition to the base cost of the fence and collar.
Pricing key for base costs of fence and collar:
$ = Less than $100
$$ = $100-$500
$$$ = $500-$1000
$$$$ = More than $1000
Halo Wireless Dog Fence and GPS Dog Collar
Halocollar.com – Exclusive discount offer when purchasing via Halo website
$$$
Create up to 20 unique wireless fences in different locations, even in locations without Wi-Fi or cellular connection. Other advanced features include a real-time map of your dog’s location, a built-in activity tracker, and a two-way communication system.
The training collar is shock-free. The Halo Training program helps you boundary-train your dog using positive associations and set customizable feedback that’s just right for your dog’s learning style.
The Halo collar requires a plan to enable data storage, location services, and other features that are critical to keeping your dog safe. Monthly cost options range from $5.99, $9.99, and $29.99.
SpotOn GPS Dog Fence and Collar
Spotonfence.com – Discounts for multiple collar purchases, as well as discounts for military, veterans, and first responders.
$$$$
According to their website, SpotOn is the “#1 rated GPS dog collar fence.” Available in three sizes – small, medium, and large – to fit neck sizes ranging from 10 inches to 26 inches.
While this fence is initially quite a bit spendier than the others mentioned in this article, SpotOn fences work without a subscription.
Features include a customizable boundary of up to 1,000 acres, a battery that lasts up to 22 hours on one charge, and a waterproof collar.
Wagz Freedom Smart Dog Collar
$$
This shock-free fence is ideal for properties a half-acre or larger that allow room to create a boundary at least 15 feet from a road or from your house. The collar is recommended for dogs of 15 lbs. and larger.
It includes a built-in activity tracker and a two-way talk feature. Two rechargeable batteries are included. Choose from three subscription plans, starting at $9.99/month.
WIEZ GPS Wireless Dog Fence, 2023 model
$$
This budget-friendly option, intended for outdoor use only, covers areas up to 3,281 feet (radius), with a maximum of 776 acres. Additional features include a vibration and static correction system. It has a continuous use battery life up to 15 hours.
Which Wireless GPS Dog Fence is Right for You?
With diligent research, you’ll be able to choose the best fence for your needs and budget. Wireless GPS pet fences are flexible, portable, accurate, and easy to install.
They’re a great way to keep your dog safe and contained.
If you own a wireless GPS fence, in the comments, tell us which one you use, and what you like (or dislike) about it.
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