The Top 10 Best Dog Fences of 2016

In the United States, approximately 45% of households have pet dogs. Many of these dogs will become strays because of their owners’ inability to keep them within the safe confines of their yards and homes.

Even with closed gates and fenced-in yards, dogs can still escape from their owners. Dogs, after all, are highly intelligent creatures able to find effective solutions, as well as physically able to jump over fences.

Humans are also limited in their ability to keep their dogs within the boundaries of their yards and homes. For example, local ordinances and homeowners’ association rules dictate the types of fences that can be erected. In many instances, physical fences made of wood, stone and concrete may be banned for security purposes. That’s why we have reviewed the 10 best dog fences for your convenience.

Fence Name	Range	Dog Size	Collar Size
Little Dog In-Ground Fence	25 acres	5 lbs or less	6-36"
eXtreme Dog Fence Professional Electric Dog Fence System	10 acres	8-12 lbs
Friendly Pet Products Wireless Dog Fence	5 acres	Large Dogs
Innotek Rechargeable In-Ground Pet Fencing System	25 acres	5 lbs and up	2-21"
Pet Safe Basic In-Ground Fence	5 acres
Pet Safe Wireless Pet Containment System	5-90 feet	8 lbs and up	6-28"
PetSafe YardMax Rechargeable In-Ground Fence	10 acres
PetSafe Stay + Play Wireless Fence	up to 210 feet		6-23"
The PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence	up to 25 acres	Any (customizable)	6-28"
Sports Dog Brand In-Ground Fence System	up to 100 acres	10 lbs or more

1. Elite Little Dog In-Ground Fence

If you may have noticed, most small dogs have more energy than bigger ones because they weigh less. So it may not always be possible to keep watch of them all the time.

But with the Elite Little Dog In-ground fence, it’s no longer a problem. The device is usually installed with wires underneath your lawn, so if they try to break free from the containment area they will automatically be warned by triggering stimulation from the device.

If you are wondering how this thing works, and what else it can offer here are the key features of this in ground fence.

Features

The Elite Little Dog In-Ground Fence has a range of about 25 acres, which is more than enough running space for a little dog. If you want your dog to have more running space or keep them close to the house, you have the option to install the system in your back yard and front yard for them to maximize the space that they are given.
The collar comes with four levels of static correction, which means that if your dog attempts to go out of the containment area, they will receive a little shock, which warns them to stay out of that area. It also has one tone only, which will make it easier for the dog to pick up quickly.
These static levels can match any dog’s temperament easily, it is always recommended that you start your dog off with the lowest setting before going with a higher one, to test the dog’s reaction to the static. If you find that the dog

Pros

Has a radio controller electric fence that is installed to the ground built for smaller dogs.
Has 4 levels of static correction including a tone only option for warning and training purposes.
It is waterproof which means that your dog can enjoy the pool at any time without the risk of damaging the collar.
The collar adjusts up to 6 – 36 inches.
Has lighting protection.
Includes boundary wires and flags, manual, and receiver collar transmitter.
Best for dogs weighing 5 pounds or lighter.

Cons

May vary depending on the dog.
Has the tendency to malfunction.

Verdict

All in all, the Elite Little Dog In-ground fence can keep your pet safe in your home without keeping them confined to a small space (like a kennel or a cage). With it, your pet will have enough room to dig and play around in your yard. You now have the power to turn your back and front yard into a playpen for your little friend as long as you train them properly to stay in the area where they need to stay at all times.

2. eXtreme Dog Fence Professional Electric Dog Fence System

Dogs have the highest risks of getting lost after jumping the fence for many reasons. But building higher fences with sophisticated alarm systems isn’t the best solution. The legal, physical and financial constraints are too significant for middle-income households.

Fortunately, electric fences like the eXtreme Dog Fence Professional Electric Dog Fence System provide a better solution. Invisible fences work by delivering a loud warning sound and/or a mild electric shock to the dog’s receiver collar whenever it crosses a designated boundary line.

Features

Lightweight waterproof collar with five correction levels. The collar can accommodate dogs weighing between 8 to 12 pounds, a must considering that dogs of all sizes have a tendency to bolt.
Sturdy wires including twisted wires and boundary wires that can cover 1/3 acre. More acres can be covered with separate purchases of additional wires.
Adjustable boundary zone stretching up to 32 feet. This provides more room for dogs to play and explore their surroundings while still being confined to a designated area.
Digital transmitter for sending signals to the collars. This has a 10-acre range, which is sufficient for most homeowners in rural and urban areas.

Pros

Complete components included in the package. Buyer, however, has to supply the tools, edger and small supplies.
Fast and easy to install since all parts are already available. For more information, the owner’s manual is also available upon request, as well as available on instructional videos online. The entire system can be installed in under 4 hours as a DIY project, thanks to clear instructions.
Collar receiver provides five levels of correction based on the individual dog’s needs. Each collar can be individually programmed, too.
Uniform signal strength across all areas of the wire. This is a great feature since weak spots and interference with other electronic devices will affect the system’s efficiency. Even when the wires run parallel to cable and utilities lines, the signal strength wasn’t affected.

Cons

No wiring instructions for the surge suppressor
No hard copy of the instructions and training manual although the manufacturer can send it for free upon request

Verdict

Indeed, the eXtreme Dog Fence is a great product! If I were to buy an outdoor electronic pet containment system, then this is the one. I highly recommend it to my family and friends with dogs because of its ease of installation, wide coverage area, and adjustable levels of control.

Even with its slightly higher price, the eXtreme Dog Fence still delivers on one of the best values in the category. You will get a complete package that can be expanded to include several dogs within a 10-acre area of containment.

3. Friendly Pet Products Wireless Dog Fence

If you have always wondered how to get your dog to stay when you tell them to, then you should definitely take a look at this. Friendly Pet Products Wireless Dog Fence has a wireless and harmful fence that will keep your pets from exploring boundaries outside your home. This state of the art fence technology can give you full control of where you want to put your fence, which means that if you want to create two playgrounds for your dog, you have the option to do so.

Features

The collar that comes with the package includes 5 levels of static correction and is equipped with a transmitter cord and a boundary wire, which can reach up to any part of your lawn with ease. The wire is invisible and works by transmitting invisible radio waves throughout your yard for a more effective fence.
This fence also has unlimited coverage which means that you can expand the cord to about 1/3 of an acre around your yard, and if you choose to upgrade the containment area, you can expand this to about 5 acres with approximately 4000 feet of cord.
The collar that comes with the package includes 5 levels of static correction and is equipped with a transmitter cord and a boundary wire.

Pros

Safe and effective wireless fence.
The collars are waterproof which means that it won’t get damaged while your dog is in the water.
Gives the dog enough space to run and jump around in.
Makes sure that your pet is safe at all times.
Can accumulate 1/3 acre of property and if willing to expand it can reach up to 5 acres with 4000 feet of cord.
No risk of transmitter holes.
Can be installed easily.
Comes with 5 levels of static correction to ensure that your dog understands where they should and shouldn’t be staying.

Cons

The collar can malfunction.
Not recommended for smaller dogs.

Verdict

If you want to teach your pet how to stay within your range and not stray too far away from your home, in ground fences are a great way to teach them that they cannot just go anywhere without you permitting them. The Friendly Pet Products Wireless Dog Fence with Radio & IN- Ground Cord Electric Wi-Fi Transmitter is definitely recommended for pet owners who like to take their pets camping and hunting, as this will teach them that they cannot stray too far away from your sight. With all the fun and happiness that this can bring to your dog, it is definitely worth spending your money on.

4. The Innotek Rechargeable In-Ground Pet Fencing System

Despite opting for static correction in curbing your pet’s desire to run away, it doesn’t mean that you don’t care about your pet’s comfort. As most containment systems make use of collars with receivers, one of the major concerns of some pet parents is to find a product that won’t weigh down their pets. A lot of receiver collars are really bulky and will be an issue to use with small breed dogs, so Innotek decided to craft a product that will help you train your dog without sacrificing their comfort.
Features

A complete, in-ground containment system that makes use of wires and radio frequency to help train your pet to stay in a safe area within your property.
Features a water-resistant, rechargeable, micro-size collar that measures 1.5” (L) x 2” (W) x 1.25″ and fits neck sizes 2-21 inches. This product promises not to weigh your dog down with a massive receiver collar.
Ideal for dogs 5 lbs and up, so it can be suitable for even small breeds.
This product includes a 500m wire for initial setup. Two waterproof splices are also included. You can purchase additional wire to cover more ground.
The fence covers a maximum of 25 acres with additional wires and flags. It can also work with additional collars.

Pros

Touted as the cheapest reliable fencing system for dogs, this product is a great option for budget-conscious pet parents.
It can be used with smaller dogs as it has three static correction levels you can adjust according to your pet’s size and temperament.
The collar is small and rechargeable making it perfectly easy to use.
It’s easy to setup.
The system can be used for multiple dogs.

Cons

It makes a low humming noise when recharging, which can be a bit unsettling if you’re not used to it.
The beeping sound may not be loud enough for the dog to notice it.
The three static correction levels may not be strong enough for really stubborn dogs.

Verdict
Affordable and effective, a lot of experts commend the Innotek Rechargeable In-Ground Pet Fencing System for its great quality and performance. It’s definitely worth checking out if you want to train your pet not to run too far away from your house every time they’re let out to do their dirty business and to get some exercise in your backyard. This system is definitely worth a try, especially if you have small dogs that always try to make a run for it every time they get out of the house.

5. Pet Safe Basic In-Ground Fence

Looking for a fenceless enclosure for your pet? Take a look at the Pet Safe Basic In-Ground Fence, and see if it fits your needs.

Do you want to keep your dog in a safe and fence-free environment without worrying about them “escaping”? As a pet owner, it’s not always easy to see your pet cooped up in a cage the entire day. But sometimes you don’t really have a choice. Fortunately, with the Pet Safe Basic In-Ground Fence, you can let your dog run free in your yard safely.

Fenceless containment systems are the best way to keep your pets inside the comforts of your yard and at the same time be a good training tool to teach them to stay where they are needed to stay.

Features

Pet Safe Basic In-Ground Fence needs to be installed underneath your yard. If you do not like wires, you have the option to bury this in the soil so that your pet does not end up turning it into a chew toy. This is quite easy to install too, and it will only take a day of your weekend to set it up.
Along with the wires, you can also bury the transmitter so that it is unseen and not become an eye candy for you pets. The fence can cover up to 5 acres with the option to add more wires around your yard accompanied with some flags to indicate that those areas that your dogs are not supposed to cross.

Pros

Creates a safe and fun environment for your pets free of outdoor fences.
The collar comes with a deluxe ultralight receiver, which includes 4 levels of static correction.
Also include tone training, which means that if your dog does something wrong like go out of the boundary, the tone will go off.
Includes a low battery indicator, and has a 1 to 2-month battery life.
Covers 1/3 of an acre, with an expandable 5 acres.
Comes with flags and wires that are usually sold separately.
You can customize your areas and create keep out areas like gardens, pools and other areas that you think your dog shouldn’t be on.

Cons

Cannot be used in big properties.
Does not work too well on puppies age 2 – 6 months.

Verdict

This particular in-ground fence is one of the best products that you can buy for your dog, and it is highly recommended that you try it out, especially if you have a lot of dogs that you can no longer contain inside separate cages.

This will be the best way for them to get their exercise and also the best way that you can train them to stay out of places that they are not allowed to go.

Since the device can cover almost 5 acres of space, you also have the option to add more wires and flags to indicate that your dog is not allowed in those spaces.

If you are planning to buy the Pet Safe Basic In-Ground Fence, it is also a good idea to get your dog used to the idea of running free if they are used to being in a cage, so that it will be easier for you train them. Make sure the stimulation level is appropriate as well.

6. Pet Safe Wireless Pet Containment System

If you are looking for a device that will allow your dogs to have some freedom but not put him in any danger, take a look at the Pet Safe Wireless Pet Containment System, to see if this fits your criteria.

Do you sometimes find yourself looking for your pet in the wee hours of the morning, only to find out that they are in your neighbor’s yard, digging a hole through their lawn? For a pet owner, it can be really tough if your dog always seems to have the tendency to go outside the boundaries of your yard which is why it is a good idea to have a containment system. With it, your pet will stay within your territory without them being leashed to a metal rod or placed inside a kennel.

Features

If you are looking for a control system that can cover almost your entire lawn, then you will be glad to know that the pet safe wireless pet containment actually covers just about any area that is up to half an acre, as long as it is a circular property.
If in any case that the transmitter becomes low on battery, it will be noticeable because the device has a low battery indicator, which will go off on the dog’s collar.

Pros

It is a portable device.
Creates a circular wireless boundary around your yard, to keep your pets from going outside of your home.
It is waterproof and can withstand any kind of climate.
The collar included comes with the warning tone to indicate that your pet is near the boundary.
It has five levels of static stimulation on the collar for when your dog goes out of your containment area.
Has a tone only in the collar installed for training purposes.
Adjustable boundary ranging from 5 to 90 feet.
Easy installation and can be done in 1 – 2 hours with no need to bury any wires in your yard.
Fits pets that are 8 pounds or more with the neck size of 6 to 28 inches.

Cons

The pet area cannot be changed to a square or rectangular shape.
The range of the device may be affected by various land conditions, like terrain, topography and metal objects.

Verdict

If you are the type of person who doesn’t want a leash or cage of your pet, then the Pet Safe Wireless Pet Containment System is definitely the best device that you can buy for your furry friend. It is highly recommended that you buy it because not only will it allow your pet to have all the running space that they need to get their daily dose of exercise, but it could also mean that your pets will have total freedom in your yard.

All pets that are contained in cages are not very happy pets, and this can sometimes make them aggressive. With the Pet Safe Wireless Pet Containment System, you can be sure your pet will be happy in your home. This device is definitely worth the price.

7. PetSafe YardMax Rechargeable In-Ground Fence

Fortunately, we have the benefit of invisible or electric fences. The PetSafe YardMax Rechargeable In-Ground Fence is one of the more popular pet products in the category.

Features

Waterproof rechargeable receiver collar with five adjustable levels of static correction and a single tone for training purposes
Easy to install invisible fence with an instructional video as well as an operating and training guide
Receiver collar with fast charging capacity (i.e., within 2-3 hours) and with up to 3 weeks of use
Tests can be performed to ensure that the receiver collar is fully functional
Wire can cover up to a third of an acre (i.e., can be expanded up to 10 acres with added purchase of wires and flags)

Pros

The choice between the YardMax and Traditional Modes makes it easier and faster to train dogs to stay within the pet area.
The transmitter has a compact yet solid plastic casing with easy-to-access controls. It has a power adapter slot, an on/off switch, a boundary strength dial, a boundary mode toggle, and two ports for its wire connections. It also has a lightning protection module.
The nylon collar and receiver is very slim and light so your dog can easily adopt it. It also has independent correction levels, among other fantastic features. It can be tested for full function via the ReadyTest (i.e., when unplugged) and CollarFit Test (i.e., check for proper contact between the collar and the dog’s skin).
The long-lasting yet short-period recharge rechargeable batteries make life easier for pet owners.

The system is fast and easy to install and use, thanks to the owner’s manual.
The boundary can be expanded by making a separate purchase of the wires and flags.
The area covered by the fence can be increased and decreased depending on your choice. Just switch between the two modes, as well as install the wires according to your containment plans.

Cons

The wire could have been better but it still functions well under normal circumstances.
The price is one of the most expensive but considering its benefits, it’s worth every penny.

Verdict

The PetSafe YardMax Rechargeable In-Ground Fence is recommended for every dog owner! This is a durable, cost-efficient and results-effective pet containment product that will keep your dog’s where they belong – inside your yard. You can adjust the yard boundaries without changing the wire’s layout, a feature that most invisible fences don’t offer.

8. PetSafe Stay + Play Wireless Fence

Dog training can be a challenging proposition. But with the PetSafe Stay + Play wireless fence, it may just be all in a day’s work.

Training a dog is a necessary challenge most pet parents have to undertake if they want to make caring for their fur babies easier and ensure the safety of their pooches. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy to do. It can take a while before your pet can understand that they’re not supposed to make a run for it every time you open the front, back, or car door

Of course, training your pet to stay within a certain perimeter can be done. You can also teach them that certain areas around the home are off-limits to them. You can use fencing systems that will condition them to get familiar with a specific area where they can freely move around. It’s an excellent addition to house-training your furry best friend as it gives them ample independence that not all pooches get to enjoy.

Features

Portable containment system comprised of 1 receiver collar, 1 transmitter device, charging adapter, test light tool, 50 boundary training flags, short and long contact points, 1 contact point wrench, and a training and operating guide.
The receiver collar is made of cloth, is completely waterproof, and is rechargeable. Each charge can last up to weeks of use, depending on how long your pet wears the collar in a day. You also only need to plug the collar in for 2-3 hours for it to charge fully.
The collar also has five levels of static correction intensity and can fit neck sizes 6-23 inches. These make it ideal for a wide range of pet sizes and breeds.
The transmitter has an adjustable coverage of 44 feet to 210 feet in diameter. If you want to cover more area than that, additional transmitters can be used in conjunction with another, just make sure to overlap their positioning to widen your pet’s safe area.
50 training flags come with the unit to help your pet visualize their boundaries, helping you train them to stay within the safe zone.
A testing light tool will also come with each system, allowing easy setup.

Pros

It’s a portable fencing system that can help you train your pet not to escape and run away.
It’s great for households who are not too keen on hassling themselves with burying wire around their property.
Can be used when spending some time outdoors. You can use this system in RVs and other motor homes, so you can also make sure that your fur baby will have a great time running freely outside while your family tries to commune with nature.
Safe for use, even with smaller dogs. The five-level settings make it ideal for all sorts of pooches.
It’s very easy to set up.
The collar has two ways of conditioning your pet not to step out of bounds. It initially beeps as your pet comes near to the edge of the safe area. Then, when they’ve already stepped out of the transmitter’s coverage, they will receive a safe static that will distract them enough to stop them from moving too far away from the designated safe area. Continuous use will help your pet learn where they can play in and where they shouldn’t venture to. You can choose to only use one of the two conditioning features as well, so you can customize a training method for your pet.
It’s very convenient to use as you don’t have to buy new batteries every time it runs out of power. The collar also has a low-power light indicator, so you can easily recharge the unit to ensure that it’s always functioning at its best.

Cons

Because it relies on radio signals, its boundary lines might fluctuate, which can cause random statics from time to time.

Verdict
If you want to maximize your efforts in training your pet not to stray too far away from the house, a portable wireless fence is an excellent option for consistent static correction. The PetSafe Stay + Play Wireless Fence is one of the best options for this as it is made of high-grade materials and craftsmanship, guaranteeing quality and your pet’s safety. With all of the fun and happiness this product can bring to your house, it’s easily an investment worth making.

9. The PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence

If you’re looking for an effective way to train your fuzz ball not to run away, a product like the PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence will help you solve your woes. This wireless fencing product will help you train your pet not to go beyond a set perimeter by sending a static through their collar. It conditions your fur baby that they will have to face consequences if they step out of bounds.
Features

In-ground dog fence that can cover up to ⅓ of an acre. The unit is expandable with additional wires and flags allowing you to cover up to 25 acres.
Set includes 500m-long boundary wire for an in-ground fence, 1 high-powered collar, PetSafe transmitter, PetSafe flags, and a surge protector.
The boundary wire comes in standard 20 gauge wire but 18, 16, and 14 gauge upgrades are also offered.
The high-power collar is adjustable and can fit any 8-pound dog or heavier or dogs with neck sizes 6 to 28 inches. It’s made of cloth and is equipped with medium prongs, making them ideal for short-haired breeds. Pet owners with long-coat breeds will have to upgrade to the optional long-prongs at an extra cost.
The collar comes equipped with a lightweight, waterproof receiver with 5 adjustable levels of static correction, making it ideal even for the most stubborn and hard-to-train dogs.

Pros

Easy to setup and expand with available additional accessories.
Perfect for training dogs not to run away from your property. It can also stop their habit of digging underneath, jumping over or boring a hole through fences to escape.
Households with multiple dogs can purchase additional receiver collars to use on a single system.
Flags are included in the package to clearly mark where the wires are buried.
The included surge protector will help protect your system from lightning damage.
Compatible with PetSafe Indoor Pods, you can also use the collar to teach your dogs that some areas at home are off-limits to them.
The collar has a low-battery indicator to remind you when you should replace the battery for continuous use.
The different static strength settings make the system versatile and ideal for different temperaments and breeds of dogs. You can choose the appropriate setting for your pooch according to their size and the thickness of their coat.
The static released by the collar, even the at the strongest setting, is safe for pets.

Cons

The battery that comes with the collar isn’t rechargeable so you might need to get one separately.
You might need to upgrade to the 14 gauge wire if you want to prevent wire breaks.

Verdict
Training a pet is not the easiest thing to do, but it is definitely one of the most rewarding tasks a pet parent can ever accomplish. Not only will this ensure your convenience, but it can also guarantee your pet’s safety. To do so, you’ll want effective tools like the PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence.

Well-designed and highly effective, this system is something that you can rely on if you want to properly train your pet not to try to escape every time they’re let out of the house. Crafted to condition your pet that they can’t go past certain lines, this is a tool every pet parent with runners should consider using in their homes.

10. Sports Dog Brand In-Ground Fence System

If you are looking for something that can be used to train your dog to stop running away from your sight, take a look at the Sports Dog Brand In-Ground Fence System may just be what you need.

If you are worried that your dog might one day be able to escape from your house and run off to the street, you won’t have to worry anymore because the Sports Dog Brand In-Ground Fence System will give your dog all the freedom to run around without you worrying if they get hurt or get lost in the street.
Features

It also includes 1 transmitter and 1 collar to place on your dog, the collar can reach up to 1 1/3 acres, which will give your dog enough room to play and keep them contained in the yard. The transmitter is also powerful enough to cover up to 100 acres of land when you purchase this with additional wires and flag kits.
The best thing about this is you can keep purchasing flags and wires as well as an unlimited amount of collar to give to all your dogs, now you can train them one by one or at the same time.

Pros

The in-ground fence reaches to about 100 acres of land if you purchase any additional wires and flag kits.
Normally covers 1 1/3 acres on traditional purchase with included 1,000 feet of wire for the boundary and 100 flags.
Includes a waterproof collar in the package with a receiver and transmitter.
Can be expanded to any number of dogs when you purchase an additional collar.
Comes with batteries that last up to 6 – 12 months from first purchase. The batteries are also replaceable.
Has 4 static stimulations to warn your dog not to leave the containment area, as well as vibrations and warning tone.
Comes with protection from lightning.
Has an anti-linger feature that prevents your dog from wearing out the battery and a wire break alarm for added security.

Cons

Has the tendency to malfunction.
Not built for very agile and fast dogs.
Not recommended for dogs that weigh less than 10 pounds and smaller.

Verdict
All in all, this could be a great purchase for anyone who wants their dogs to be able to go around and explore the open space given to them. This alternative will be better as compared to getting a traditional home fence because it will give your dog that sense of discipline that pet owners can’t seem to achieve with normal training methods.

With this particular device, you can now train your dogs to stay in the zones that they are allowed to stay without hurting them. It will also give you that security that your dog stays safe and free of danger while you are away doing your errands. For any pet owner, this can be a huge struggle to accomplish to get your dog to stay in one area since they are naturally very playful animals.

In conclusion, you should buy this because it will save you a lot of time on training and will save you all the efforts of having to pay for training sessions. You can do all the work yourself, and at the same time ensure that you share a close bond with your animals. This is definitely recommended for any loving pet owner out there.

Conclusion

As a pet owner, you will want the best for your pet, which is why purchasing something like a dog fence can be a huge benefit to you and your dog. They can get all the exercise they need as long as you provide the space for them to run in. Any of the of the fences reviewed here are a worthy addition for you and your dog.