Having dogs as pets will add another spice to your life. They are interesting, and they will make your life exciting. But, they will also turn your life upside-down. Dogs may be a fun addition to make your home cozy, but if you do decide to be an owner, it will not always be all fun and games. Dogs are like kids, and you will have to be a responsible owner which means you will need to keep an eye on your pets to keep them safe, sound and in good health. You will also need to spend some time to check your dog’s condition. That’s why you should consider purchasing wired dog fences or wireless pet containment systems.
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Keeping your dog prim and trim is a must, but what’s challenging will be keeping them safe and away from harm’s way. Keeping your dogs safe is a crucial task, and it will be extra hard to keep your dogs from running away or wandering in different places if you live in a big and open neighborhood.
If you reside in an open area, you could be risking your dogs to accidents and risks. Your dogs might wander into your neighbor’s house causing unwanted damage, or he might run into stray dogs that could attack him and risk exposing him to dangerous diseases like rabies. So to prevent anything bad from happening, it is important to have a pet fence surrounding your house.
READ MORE: Choosing a Wired vs a Wireless Containment System
There are a lot of fences available, and you can easily find the materials you need in hardware stores. You can choose from a variety of materials such as wood, which you can quickly build and sew and shape on your own, or you can opt for steel and metal to create high walls. However, building physical fences can cause many bucks and may require much time, and you cannot just make it with zero knowledge of the skills necessary to DIY your fences.
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Today, you can easily purchase a wireless dog fence. Unlike a conventional dog fence, you do not need to spend thousands of dollars and 48 hours just to build a wall, with just a few doughs and less than 12 hours you can easily get a fence that is not only wireless but safe, secure, efficient and easy to set up too! Wireless dog fence can be purchased online, and they come with a manual, and unlike a conventional fence, you can adjust a wireless dog fence’s limit and range based on your preference.
There are many reputable brands and options you can choose from and picking the right one can be tough especially if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. So in the next lines, we will be equipping you with some basic knowledge about pet containment system and how it will be beneficial to both dog owners and pets.
Wired or Wireless: Which Works Better?
Both wired dog fences and wireless pet fence systems work great, and they have their advantages. A Wired Dog Fence is great if the owner wants to target specific areas where his or her dogs can wander. A wireless dog fence, on the other hand, makes radius and it connects to a transmitter via a collar around the dog’s neck. Once the dog goes past the range, it will send a shock signal that is enough to remind the dog not to go out of bounds.
Both works great under different circumstances. If you have a huge property, a wireless dog fence will work better for you, and if you have limited space and you want your dog to be able to wander in specific places only, then a wired dog fence is preferable.
Going Wireless or Going Wired
Whether you decide to go wireless or wired, there will be some things you need to know and keep in mind so that you won’t regret your decisions. Here are a few tips to aid you in choosing the dog fence that will best suit your land and lifestyle.
Going Wireless
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If you decide to go wireless, keep in mind these tips to get the best of opting for a wireless dog fence.
Make sure it’s really wireless – It is important to know if what you choose is completely wireless because some sellers might claim to be wireless but will require the buyers to ‘barely’ bury wires. Find a wireless electric fence that comes with a transmitter and make sure that the product you choose does not require any wire burial.
Radius Capability – In choosing your wireless dog fence, it is important for the buyer to note the size or span of an area that the dog fence will cover. Make sure to read the description because you might want a wireless electric dog fence that requires a wider or narrow correction field.
Collar Fit – Make sure the collar that comes with your wireless invisible dog fence will fit the dogs you have. It is essential to choose receiver collars that are adjustable, so it will not be a hassle if you have a variety of dog breeds. Moreover, another vital thing to check is if the shock strength or static correction is adjustable to what you think your dogs can handle.
It fits your needs – Before choosing among pet containment systems, make sure it fits your needs and lifestyle. Don’t just jump in with the hype. Some wireless dog fence systems offer extras with their products like additional collars and weather protection.
Compare Prices – Wireless dog fences are usually reasonably priced, and while there are some who offer discounts, there are retailers that sell the same product at different prices. It is up to to the buyers to research and select an item that they think is within their budget.
Battery Backup – It is important that your wireless dog fence functions continuously. Therefore, it is recommended that you choose a wireless dog fence that has battery backup facilities in case your system power fails.
Train your dogs to the electric fence system – It is important that your dog gets used and trained with the system that you’ll be using. Make sure your dogs will feel comfortable with the system and familiarized with the signals, so they can be trained properly. Take at least 15 to 30 minutes every day just until your pets get used to your wireless fence system.
Aside from the things mentioned above, a wireless dog fence is also easy to Install, and you have the luxury of being able to adjust the radius of your system without too much hassle. However, you need to keep in mind the geography of your land area, and you also need to make sure that there won’t be anything that will block the signals of your transmitter. There are also some recommended suggestions on how you can install your wireless dog fence systems.
READ MORE: Setting up Your Wireless Dog Fence
Wireless System for Single Transmitter – This is the type of set up that creates a circular containment for your dogs with an adjustable radius to fit your property’s shape. In this case, your transmitter should be installed indoors.
Wireless System for Multiple Transmitters – This type of system is handy and recommended for owners who have multiple wireless systems. It creates overlapping containment zones that will allow your pets to pass from one place to another without receiving correction shocks. The wireless transmitter makes a circular containment area with a radius that is adjustable depending on how far you’ll allow your dogs to wander. The transmitter should also be installed indoors.
Going Wired
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If you think wired is better suited for you, don’t worry we got you covered. If you decide to go for a wired dog fence system, then, the first thing you need to do is choose a layout that’s right for your property.
How to Set Up Wired Dog Fences:
Make sure to leave some wire above ground until you have tested the system for any glitches. Installing the wire is simple, just open the soil and place the wire no more than 2 inches below the surface and after installation just cover it back again with the dirt.
There are plenty of layouts you can choose from in your journey to installing a wired fence.
Front and Back Yard – This type of installation is the easiest and most basic installation. All you have to do is enclose your entire home in the loop, and it is done.
Back Yard Only – This is also another one that’s easy to set up. The loop is enclosed in a defined area in either the front or backyard. This type of installation does not give the dogs access to your house.
Double Installation backyard fence – This setup produces a double field that is wide, and it can fit most yards. The dual loop is used to define three sides of the fence. Make sure when installing that the two wires are separated by 3 to 8 feet depending on your field settings.
Double loop Installation for backyards with pool or shed – This type of boundary is used to define a containment area and restrict your dog access to small areas like the pool or anywhere where he will probably wreck havoc such as gardens and tool sheds.
Double Loop Installation with Existing Fencing in Front and Back Yard – This type of fencing works ideal for properties who’s neighbors fences overlaps with their yard. It defines the yard where you want the boundaries; just be careful not to create a gap between the fields when installing.
Double Loop Installation with Existing Fencing for Back Yard Only – This is a variation of the double loop installation, this type of installation is used when an existing fence is present in order to define one or more sides of your yard. Avoid placing your wires near metallic objects.
Gate blocker Installation – This type of fence setup is used to deny the dogs access to a gate or any possible openings in a fence.
Flower Bed Protection – This type of boundary set up is used to block dogs to specific areas in your yard such as gardens and flower beds. This type of setup can be used along with pre-existing fences. This type of installation also allows the dog access to your house.
Combination Installation – This type of Installation incorporates various installations, and you can customize it according to your land and preferences.
In installing your wired fence, a twisted wire is recommended. If you’re going to go with a wired fence, you may need to exert some effort in installation. You should make sure that the transmitter is placed properly where it joins the loop together without the risk of being broken. If the loop is broken, then the wired dog electric fence system won’t be able to function.
Features to Keep an Eye On
Lightning protection
Both the wired and wireless systems operate through the generation that electric fields produce. Your system is powered by your home’s AC, so if there are power surges or low voltage problems, keeping your dog safe will be problematic. It is important to keep an eye out for this feature so that in case there are storms your system will not fail. Not only will you be keeping your pet safe but you are also sure your investment will not go to waste.
Battery Backup
If your systems fail, it is essential that you have a backup power source, so it will still keep on functioning. It is recommended that you choose a product that has a battery backup feature.
Line Break Warning
In case your wired systems loop breaks, it is important that you will know immediately and that is why you need this feature so you can rectify the problem immediately. Plus, you will not have to monitor the transmitter all the time because it will just alert you if there are any problems.
Weather-proof
The weather is unpredictable; sometimes it will just rain when you least expect it too. You should keep an eye for wired dog fence systems that say it is weatherproof so that your dog can wander around the boundary zones with his collar whether it is raining or shining without the fear of electrocution or accidental shocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best-wired dog fence?
If you’re searching for the best electronic wired dog fences, you can opt for the SportDOG In-ground Fence System. This pet containment system includes 1,000 feet of 20 gauge boundary wire and 100 flags to contain 1 1/3 acres of land. This system can also be expanded to cover up to 100 acres by purchasing additional SDF-WF wire and flag kits. It can monitor an unlimited number of dogs if you purchase additional SDF-R Add-A-Dog Collars.
The waterproof receiver collar offers four static correction levels depending on your dog’s temperament, as well as a tone-only (and vibration) mode. It uses a standard 9-volt battery that lasts 6 to 12 months. The receiver collars will fit small, medium, large, or extra-large dogs over 10 pounds.
To learn more about the SportDOG In-ground Fence System, click here.
Meanwhile, if you’re searching for the best rated wired dog fences, you can choose the Extreme Dog Fence Second Generation Kit Package. This in-ground dog fence system includes 1,000 feet of 20 gauge boundary wire, digital transmitter, collar receiver with battery, 100 training flags, and 2 splice kits.
The receiver collar is completely waterproof and can be submerged up to 10 feet deep. So it’s safe even if your dog swims with the collar on. This electric dog fence is made in the USA so you can be assured of its quality.
To learn more about the Extreme Dog Fence Second Generation Kit Package, please click here.
If you’re still unsure which product to buy, you can browse our website and read our wired dog fences reviews.
What is the best wireless dog fence?
When it comes to wireless dog fences, you can choose the PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System, one of the best-selling products in its category. What’s nice about this system is that you can easily set it up in as little as 1 to 2 hours. It covers up to 1/2 acre and has a circular boundary up to 90 feet in all directions from the transmitter.
The waterproof receiver collar provides 5 levels of static correction plus a tone-only mode for training. The collar fits pets weighing 8 pounds or more, with neck sizes of 6 to 28 inches. This wireless pet fence is portable, so you can bring it with you and use it on your pet when you travel or during vacations.
To know more about the PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System, click here.
Do electric dog fences really work?
In an in-ground dog fence system, an underground wire is installed around your yard that emits a signal picked up by the collar worn by a dog. As dogs approach the boundary line, the in-ground dog fence collars give a warning beep, followed by a shock if they continue to move closer. After a few unpleasant experiences, it is expected that the dog will learn where the boundary is, and therefore will stay in the yard.
There are also wireless fence systems that cover a circular area within a certain distance from the transmitter, portable dog fences, and GPS-based models that allow you to contain large or irregularly-shaped land. From a dog’s perspective, these systems work the same way – using a warning tone or a shock to enforce the boundary.
Most dog owners who use an in-ground fence (underground dog fence) do so with the best of intentions. They want to give their pet more freedom to run and play in the perimeter of their yard.
You may be asking, “Why not just use a real fence?” The truth is, this is not always possible. Some subdivisions have strict rules against certain types of fences. Homeowners may not know this until after they have moved in. Physical fences can also be quite expensive. For some families, having a chain link or wooden fence for their dog is not an option due to cost especially if they have a large yard. A chain-link fence costs more than 3 times as much as wired dog fences or wireless pet containment systems. Meanwhile, a wooden fence can cost twice as much as a chain-link fence. So, you’ll definitely save a lot of money if you decide to go for invisible dog fence systems.
Are wireless dog fence collars water-resistant?
Wireless dog fence collars are meant to be used outside. So it’s important that they can withstand all types of situations and weather conditions. Many dog fence collars are either water-resistant or waterproof.
Water-resistant collars can withstand rain and an occasional splash of water. But they won’t hold up if exposed to moisture for a long time or used while swimming in the pool. On the other hand, waterproof collars can provide better protection. The electrical components are sealed to prevent damage. They can handle rain and can be submerged underwater.
What is the battery type for dog fence collars?
The batteries in the collar provide the power needed to receive signals and deliver corrections. A dog fence collar can either have single-use batteries or a rechargeable battery.
Single-use batteries cannot be recharged, so you will have to buy a replacement when they run out of juice. Although this may not seem much, the cost for replacement batteries can add up over the long-term.
Rechargeable batteries are more convenient and will save you money in the long run. These batteries are built into the collar. After the battery has been drained, you can simply use the charger.
Aside from the type of battery, you also need to pay attention to the capacity. The battery size determines how long it can be used. Some batteries can last for months on a single charge; others only last for a couple of days.
Final Thoughts on Wired Dog Fences vs. Wireless Dog Fences
These are some things to know if you are planning to purchase a fence for your dog. Wired dog fences are known for their reliability, consistency, and accuracy in creating boundaries. They can also cover a much wider area; you just need to buy additional wire.
Meanwhile, the wireless dog fence is recommended for owners who want to keep an eye out for their dog without having to hassle themselves in digging soil. Just remember though that whenever you do decide to buy a wireless system for your dog, you need to train them to get used to the system.
If you’re still a bit confused on what systems to buy, don’t worry we’ve got you. Read our dog fence reviews. We reviewed some of the wired and wireless dog fence systems that come from reputable brands.