Choosing Between a Wired and a Wireless Containment System
All pet owners want their dogs to be safe in their vicinity. Therefore, they tend to buy dog fences for their beloved companion. When it comes to dog fences, you will most likely choose between an in-ground and a wireless dog fence. Which wireless dog fence system is better for you dog?
Here is a comparison between a wired and wireless dog fence system. Take time to read it. You will most likely come up with a better decision for your dog.
Which Is Better, In Ground or Wireless Dog Fence?
Wireless Dog Fence System
PetSafe Wireless Dog and Cat Containment System
Let’s start with the wireless dog fence system. What are the advantages of installing one on your property? Here are the factors to consider.
Installation – You don’t need to be an expert to install a wireless dog fence system. In fact, it can be as easy as placing the transmitter in the central location. After that, you can set the boundary for the playing zone (safe zone), and it’s complete. You can set the limit anywhere you want.
Range – There are lots of long-range wireless dog fence system that you can choose on the market nowadays. It will let you have a wider space for your dog to play around before he reaches the boundary zone that you have set.
Technology – Because of the technology implemented in a wireless dog fence boundary, it has to be kept indoors.
Interference – In wireless dog fence boundary, the only downside that you could ever encounter is the interference. It means that there should not be any metal objects that could interfere with the transmission of a signal. Dense trees around can also affect the transmission. In that way, the communication will be smooth and fast.
Portability – If you are planning to bring your pet to your lake house in your hometown, you can easily carry around the wireless dog fence system with you. You can install the invisible fence anywhere you want to keep your dog safe.
Reliability of Signal – You are most likely to rely on your signal all the time to properly utilize the wireless dog fence system. Rest assure that there is only 1% chance of wobble in a wireless dog fence system. Although it will depend on the quality of the model, the best thing you could do is to choose a reputable wireless dog fence system brands.
Maintenance – A wireless dog fence system does not require any intensive maintenance work. All you need to do is to contact the manufacturer. They will be the one to check the problem on your transmitter and receiver.
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Collar – What’s great about a wireless dog containment system is that you can adjust the level of intensity of the collar. It is ideal for those who think that the static correction will hurt your tiny dog. You can easily adjust it to the lowest level. There are also collars that are specifically created for dogs with long fur and dogs with shorter hair as well.
Price – Contrary to popular belief, a wireless dog fence system is not that expensive. In fact, you can purchase a high-quality wireless containment system for a reasonable price. You also have to pay for the batteries, but overall, it’s quite a small price.
Boundary Zone – A wireless containment system can give you a perfect circle for a boundary zone. It’s up to you on how you would adjust the radius of your border area. Just make sure that you get rid of the slopes in your yard.
Dependability – A wireless dog fence system can offer convenience and make it easier for you to have a containment area for your dog. However, a wireless fence is more prone to losing signals if there is any interference. And it can send the static correction to your dog even if it’s not trying to go to the boundary zone if you encounter any problems.
In-Ground Dog Fence System
SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence Systems
Now that you know about the wireless dog fence system, you should check out what a wired dog fence system can offer.
Installation – You have two options when it comes to installing a wired dog fence system. You can create the boundary zone just by simply placing the wires in your yard and let the grass grow with it. If you wanted to keep it secure, then you should bury it in the ground, but it requires an intensive labor work. You are most likely to hire a group of professionals to do it for you.
Range – A wired dog fence system can cover up to 30 acres. You can provide a spacious playing ground for your dog before he reaches the boundary zone and receives a static correction. You can then also decide on which shape you’d like to take on.
Technology – Since it features a rugged technology, there will be no problem at all if you place it in the garage. It is not as delicate compared to a wireless dog fence system that should be inside the house.
Interference – Since you will not be transmitting and receiving radio signals anymore, there is no interference in an in-ground dog fence system. As long as there are wires to support it, you’ll have no problem to deal.
Portability – You cannot easily remove the wires of an in-ground dog fence system if you wanted to carry it around, especially if you had already buried it into the ground. An in-ground dog fence system is not portable compared to a wireless containment system.
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Reliability of Signal – The signal of a wired dog fence system is pretty reliable. An average wobbled of the boundary is only 0.25%.
Maintenance – For pet owners who have buried the wires into the ground and you encounter some problems with your wired dog fence system, it could be quite complicated. There is a significant possibility that you might need to pull out the entire length of the wires of the system.
Collar – In a wired dog fence system, you cannot adjust the level of intensity of the static correction, unlike in a wireless dog fence system. The only good thing is that in the case of any problem, your dog will not receive any static correction, contrary to a wireless dog fence system that will send static correction if there are problems with the system.
Price – You can buy an in-ground dog fence system at the same price as a wired dog fence system. The only thing that can make it expensive is the digging and burying of the wires on the ground. You are going to hire some professionals to do it for you.
Boundary Zone – As what we have mentioned above, you can decide any shape that you want for the boundary area as long as your wires can support it. It does not have to be a perfect circle. But you can decide on the actual size of the containment area of your dog.
Dependability – A wired dog fence system is highly dependable. You will only encounter problems if the wire is damaged or the containment system is not correctly installed. Aside from that, you will only lose signals if there is a power-out. Interference is never a problem in a wired dog fence system.
So, What’s the Bottom Line?
It would be better if you considered the factors above when buying a containment system for your dog. For instance, you should decide if you do not want to dig and bury wires or not. You should also consider the limitations of both wirelesses and wired dog fence systems.
Price – The price should also take into consideration. Which among the two is cost-effective for you? Make sure that you know the specific needs of your dog. Your dog won’t mind if you choose a wireless or wired dog containment system as long as it can play outside all day long.
Requirements – Therefore, you should choose a dog fence system that will meet the needs of your dog. If you want to adjust the level of intensity of the static correction for your tiny dog because you are afraid it will hurt him, then choose a wireless dog containment system.
Specifications – Some may choose a wireless containment system for they are constantly traveling around and they want to bring their dogs. Professional trainers prefer a wired containment system to train their dog.
Location – Your location would also take into consideration. If you live in the heart of the city, then there is no need for you to buy an in-ground dog fence system that will cover a few acres.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best in-ground dog fence?
There are several brands of in-ground electric dog fence available on the market. If you want, you can check in-ground dog fence reviews. One of the best in-ground dog fences is the PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-ground Fence. It is an effective pet containment system that you can use to train your dog.
As the name suggests, the PetSafe Stubborn Dog in-ground fence is ideal for stubborn or hard to train dogs. It has a waterproof receiver collar; the adjustable dog collar fits dogs 8 pounds and up with neck sizes 6 to 26 inches. The receiver in the collar picks up a radio signal and alerts your dog when it gets near the boundary of the invisible dog fence. This dog in-ground fence works with 14 to 20 gauge copper insulated wire.
This PetSafe in-ground dog fence covers an area of up to 1/3 acre, expandable up to 25 acres if you purchase additional wires and flags. An underground dog fence costs less than conventional fencing. It is reliable, safe, and an effective solution for ensuring your pet’s safety.
What gauge wire size to use for an in-ground fence?
Electric dog fences usually come with 20 gauges (thinnest), 18 gauge, 16 gauge, or 14 gauges (thickest) wire. The 20 gauge wire with vinyl coating is what you’ll find in most do it yourself fencing kits. Most professional installers use the thicker 14, 16 or 18 gauge wire. Whether you’re wiring your yard from scratch or replacing a section of your existing electric fence, you can find a compatible wire for your project. Regardless of gauge, choose a solid insulated wire preferably polyethylene or plastic coated.
How to properly bury in ground dog fence?
Some people prefer to bury the electric dog fence wire on their own (if the area to cover is small), while others enlist the help of a professional to do it (if you have a large property or too busy to do it yourself). If you choose to do it on your own, there are several ways you can install the boundary wire below ground:
- Use a standard yard edger to cut a trench that you can tuck your wire into. Then, cover it up with dirt.
- Use a trenching machine. It will dig a trench, lay wire, and cover it up with dirt as you go. If you want to be practical, you can just rent a trenching machine from home building stores.
- Use a garden hoe or shovel to make your trench, lay the wire, then use your foot to close the groove.
Wires are usually buried 1 to 3 inches underground. But before burying the perimeter wire, it is important to check if there are any obstructions or hazards in the ground like electrical cables, rocks, pipes, etc.
Also, make sure to consider the layout that you want and check if you have enough wire. You should also test if the system is working before you bury it (so you don’t have to dig it again in case there’s an issue).
Final Thoughts on In-Ground Dog Fence vs. Wireless Dog Fence
Every pet owner wants what’s the best for their dogs. It would be helpful if you list down all the qualities that you want to have in your containment system and the specific requirement of your dog to find the best dog fence system for you. Therefore, by considering several factors in buying a containment system, you would most likely come up with a dog fence system that will make both you and your pet happy and contented.
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