Does your dog love to be outside in your yard but runs away frequently? If so, you must be a worried pet parent that wishes there was a way to prevent your dog from running away without installing a huge wood fence that costs a lot of money.
You will be relieved to learn that a wireless or underground electronic dog containment system is a safe and effective way to keep your dog within a designated area on your property without installing a standing fence that will cost you thousands of dollars.
There are two main types of electronic dog containment in the market today: underground dog fences or wireless dog fences. With underground dog fences, you bury an in-ground wire around your property which will contain your dog by notifying them when they get close to exiting your property. Wireless dog fences use a transmitter where you don’t have to bury wires, but the containment radius is smaller and circular.
We’ve tested all different types of dog fences and containment systems. The following list contains the best dog containment systems for backyards, acres of land, property, camping, and more!
In a rush? Here are the top picks!
- Pros
- Easy-to-install dog containment kit
- Covers up to 1 1/3 acres for large backyards
- Rechargeable collar lasts two months before a recharge
- Contain an unlimited number of dogs
- Beep and vibration warning before going into a shock
- Cons
- It's not wireless dog fence, so it takes longer to install
This dog containment fence is easy to install and comes in a kit that has everything you need for properties with up to 1 1/3 acres of land. This is an underground dog containment system so you will have to bury wire around the edges of your property to contain your dog. In-ground dog fences are nice because you can shape the containment based on your yard shape. In addition, underground wires are more reliable than a wireless transmitter.
The Sport Dog containment fence also has a collar with lithium-ion batteries that quickly recharge within 2 hours and provides charge for up to one or two months of service depending on usage. This is convenient because you won’t have to worry about charging the collar every week.
The collar is also waterproof and can be submerged in water up to 25 feet which is great if your dog likes to splash around or swim in a lake that is located on your property. In addition, if your property ever gets snow you won’t have to worry about the water ruining the electronic collar.
This invisible wireless fence can handle an unlimited amount of dogs but you need to purchase the collars separately. Each collar is ideal for dogs that weigh more than 10 pounds and can even work for large dogs as long as their neck size is less than 28 inches.
This dog containment system features innovative technology that uses tone, vibration, and static stimulation to warn your dog when they are going beyond the established safe zone. You can adjust the settings based on how your dog reacts. Typically, a beep ton and vibration work well for obedient and well-trained dogs. You’ll want to use the shock setting if your dog is stubborn.
Moreover, the transmitter features a built-in lightning protector and a wire break alarm that helps keep your dog safe. This containment system is great for pet owners who have a large property with no fence.
- Pros
- Covers 1/2 acre in a circular radius
- Wireless system only takes about 1 hour to setup
- Battery lasts two months before it needs to be recharged
- You can personalize the dog collar settings when they leave the containment area
- Cons
- Only works in a circular area from the transmitter
This high-quality dog containment system provides circular coverage that spans ½ acre. This is a wireless dog fence and the range is adjustable and controlled by a portable indoor transmitter.
The great thing about this containment system is you don’t need to bury any wires. The setup only takes 1-2 hours versus an in-ground contain system that takes 2-3 days to setup burying wires. The PetSafe Wireless Invisible Fence creates a secure environment for your pets without getting your hands dirty.
A unique feature of this invisible fence is the static-free re-entry when your pet returns into the designated area. This feature is extremely helpful for training purposes since you don’t want to teach your pet not to return to the area.
This pet containment system is also really portable and easy to set up in homes, camping, and vacation homes. It’s wise to set aside a few hours to set up this containment system in order to properly map the border of the containment system.
The comfortable collar fits all dog neck sizes ranging from 6” to 28” inches. The waterproof collar is compatible with all wireless fence transmitters that are the PetSafe brand. So if you need to cover more than a 1/2 acre, you can just buy multiple wireless transmitters.
The collar also contains a long-lasting battery that lasts up to 2 months with regular use. The indicator light will alert you when the battery needs to be replaced.
In addition, the collar settings can be personalized to teach your dog to remain inside the designated play area via beep tone, vibration, or shock. The training collar features five levels of static shock so you can find the one that suits your dog the best. If you’re going to use the shock setting, always remember to start on the lowest level of static shock and worth your way until your dog starts to react.
Lastly, this containment system is designed to be effective on one or more pets. So if you have more than one dog, cat, or other pet you want to contain then you just need to buy additional collars.
- Pros
- Covers up to 6 acres with in-ground wire
- Waterproof dog containment fence for all snow conditions
- 1 year guarantee
- This dog fence has been around for a long time (25 years) with an excellent reputation
- Cons
- This is an in-ground containment system so you will have to bury the wire
This is one of the best pet containment systems for land that is up to six acres. This kit comes with a collar, digital transmitter, 20 gauge high tensile boundary wire with a heavy protective jacket, collar receivers, splice kits, training flags, and more! This is an underground electronic dog containment system that has thousands of positive reviews. The company has been building electronic dog fences for over 25 years and has an excellent reputation.
The collar is waterproof and designed to be submerged in water up to 10 feet. This water-resistant feature is great for dogs that like to swim and for properties that have water sources such as ponds or lakes your dog can come into contact with and become wet. It’s also one of the most durable systems to contain your dog in the wintertime during snow.
- Pros
- Covers 1/3 an acre of land, but can handle up to 5 acres with extra wire
- 4 adjustable levels of static correction when you dog leaves the area
- Easily fits in most yards without a fence
- Doesn't shock your dog when they are coming back into the containment system
- Cons
- Only include 1/3 an acre of wire
You’ll see PetSafe a lot on our list of best dog containment systems because they are one of the biggest and most reputable dog companies in the world. This underground dog fence covers 1/3 acre and includes 500 feet of wire. You have the option to purchase more wire to contain your dog up to 5 acres if needed. This is one of the most affordable and entry-level electronic pet containment systems.
The containment system has four levels of static correction that is easy to adjust. It also allows you to choose tone-only so you can safely keep your dog within the designated play area you set up in your yard without using shock.
A great and beneficial feature is the automatic safety shut off feature that stops if your dog is in the correction zone for more than 30 seconds.
The lightweight collar is waterproof and fits dogs with neck sizes ranging from 6” to 26” inches. The battery-operated collar also features an alert indicator when the battery is low. The collar arrives with batteries included and is really easy to set up once you bury the wire. This system is designed to contain an unlimited about of pets within the safe zone you establish on your property.
- Pros
- The collar is fully waterproof for all weather conditions
- 1/2 an acre of coverage and transmitter is portable
- Much easier to install than an in-ground dog fence
- The collar was designed to fit any size dog
- Cons
- Only serves a containment area in a circular radius
Are you looking for a fully waterproof and wireless receiver collar that contains your pet in your yard? If so, this is a great wireless containment system where you won’t have to spend days setting up the in-ground wire.
This dog containment system has a portable transmitter up to ½ acre circle and is ideal for most yards and properties. It features an RFA-67 proprietary battery that makes the collar work at full strength and keeps good reception to all electronic collars.
This system is designed for one or more pets and allows you to add as many collars as you need. The downside of using a wireless dog fence is that the containment area is only in a circular radius. Since most backyards are typically rectangular or square, you will have to train your dog on the system boundaries.
- Pros
- Covers 3/4 an acre of containment
- Built for stubborn dogs and has 5 levels of static settings
- Setup is extremely easy and involves no digging
- This dog containment fence is portable and includes a battery
- Cons
- Wireless dog fences only work well on flat coverage areas
Is your dog stubborn and refuses to stay in the yard or on your property? If so, this is the containment system you need! This is a wireless containment system that has an adjustable circular range and provides ¾ acre coverage anywhere on your property in all directions ranging from 5 to 105 feet from the portable transmitter.
Setting up this system is easy since there’s no need to bury wires. This safe and effective containment system for dogs has five levels of static correction and tone-only mode options. The adjustability helps you find the right level of shock or tone for your dog and their temperament.
The static-free re-entry is an excellent feature and encourages your dog to comfortably re-enter the designated area without feeling any stimulation. This allows you to easily train your dog on the borders of the containment system.
The collar is comfortable for your dog to wear, is waterproof, and fits neck sizes ranging from 6 to 28 inches. This electronic collar will fit most small and large dog sizes. The rechargeable receiver is also really easy to use and is portable. You can take this containment system camping or on your next vacation in the backcountry without worrying about your dog running away.
This containment system is easy to set up in just one to two hours and is designed for use on one or more pets.
- Pros
- Comes with an LED display screen to adjust the settings
- Wireless dog fences have very little setup
- Covers up to 500 meters
- Comes with over 50 different adjustable transmitter settings
- Cons
- This dog containment system isn't as reliable as an in-ground system
This wireless dog fence trains your canine to enjoy their independence while at the same time invisibly containing them to a designated safe area.
It features 50 levels of transmitter intensity and is easy to adjust to meet your pet’s needs. The control radius covers up to 78 hectares.
The built-in 2600 lithium-ion battery is rechargeable so you won’t burn through several batteries. Moreover, the collar is made from waterproof material and is designed to handle moisture from rain and sprinkles but can’t be submerged in water. If you have a river, lake, or frequent snow in your area you will want to look for another type of dog fence.
This dog containment fence automatically starts activating the collar once your dog goes beyond the designated barrier. The warning tone sounds every two seconds to alert your dog they have gone too far. This fence also has a static shock level that is adjustable and allows you to find the right setting for your dog.
- Pros
- Rechargeable receiver collar
- Wireless dog fence
- Fits all different dog sizes
- LED screen makes for easy control of the settings
- Cons
- The transmitter has to be plugged in the entire time. It's not portable like some of the other wireless containment systems.
The Feeke Pet Containment System is a digital wireless dog fence that ensures your dog stays in a specified area. This system is reliable and excellent for training your dog with a short setup time.
You don’t need to worry about any wires with this dog fence. It’s easy to set up and features 100 signal intensity options that are adjustable via the remote control. The range of the remote control reaches most small to medium-sized backyards and is adjustable.
The electronic shock collar has a high capacity battery that is rechargeable and waterproof in the rain but not suitable for swimming. The collar fits neck sizes ranging from 8 to 28 inches and has an adjustable strap so it fits your large or small dog perfectly.
This wireless dog fence kicks into action when your dog goes beyond the specified area. The collar begins by sounding warning beeps every two seconds then gradually goes into the static shock mode the longer your dog stays beyond the barrier. You can set the intensity level of the static shock to ensure it suits your dog without overstimulation. This GPS dog containment system is easy to set up and use for one or more dogs.
How to Choose a Dog Containment System
Choosing a containment system for your dog can feel overwhelming but it doesn’t need to be. The well-trusted underground and wireless fences mentioned on the list above narrow down your options to the best the pet industry has to offer which means you are already a step ahead when it comes to choosing a containment system.
How big is the area?
The first thing you need to do is determine the size of the area you want to designate as a safe zone for your dog. This area can be anywhere on your property but it’s highly recommended it’s as far away as possible from the street or busy pathways.
Choose the Best Area
If you have a front or back yard you will need to choose the best area for your dog to enjoy. Ideal areas include trees that provide shade and a safe area from predators if you live on open acres near the woods. You know your dog best, so you will have to figure out what the best area to contain your dog on your property is.
Waterproof Collar
Once you determine the amount of room needed you will find the containment system that suits your needs.
The next thing to focus on when choosing a containment system for your dog is if it’s waterproof. If your property has water sources such as a pond or lake, there’s a chance your dog enjoys splashing around or swimming. The idea of a containment system isn’t to punish your dog but to create a designated area that allows them to live life to the fullest without going beyond the specified barrier.
If your dog enjoys playing in the water every day set the barrier near an area where they can access it easily. The barrier will train your dog to remain near the water source and learn to stay within the area. You can also add water bowls in the area but leaving out dog food is not recommended because it can attract unwanted animals and pests.
Type of Containment System
The last thing to consider is the type of fence you need to successfully train your dog to stay on your property. There are two main types of invisible dog fences which are underground and wireless. Each has a containment system has its own pros and cons.
Types of Dog Containment Systems
- Underground / In-ground dog Fence – Containment systems that are considered invisible involve placing wiring in the ground to create a barrier for your dog. Installation of an in-ground fence involves digging holes to place the wires and cover them with soil to avoid exposure to your dogs. If you choose this type of containment system, make sure you follow the installation process correctly to avoid your dog finding the wires.
- Wireless / Above Ground Fence – Above ground dog fences, also referred to as wireless dog fences use innovative technology to program the barrier on your property. This type of containment system is easy to set up and has adjustable features to program it to suit your pet’s needs. Wireless dog fences are generally considered less reliable and cover a smaller surface area than the underground dog fences.
Are containment systems difficult to install?
No. Pet containment systems come with precise installation instructions. The systems that require burying wire take more work to install than a wireless containment system but in the end, it’s worth it to keep your pet safe.
If you choose an option that requires digging you can ask family or friends to help you dig the holes if you can’t do it yourself. Sometimes lawn services are willing to take on the duty of digging the holes for the wires and some will charge an extra fee for installation.
Inquire further with your local lawn services for assistance. The installation process generally takes 5 or so hours depending on how many people are working on it at the same time. It also depends on how much big your yard is and how much acreage you are trying to install.
If you prefer wireless dog containment options that don’t involve digging then they are easy to set up. Typically the installation process takes one to two hours and following the directions is needed no matter how tech-savvy you are or how experienced. Setting up a wireless dog fence takes patience and precise measurement.
Overall, pet containment systems are fairly easy to install for most people. However, if you need assistance if you want to bury wires.
Can I use a containment system on one or more pets?
Pet owners who have more than one dog will be happy to learn most containment systems are capable of handling an unlimited number of dogs. The only catch is you need to purchase each collar separately.
The ability to use the system on more than one pet saves money, time, and helps keep your dogs grouped together. This is especially helpful for pet parents who own large properties of 1 acre or larger.
Are dog containment systems safe?
As a responsible pet parent, you are probably wondering if a containment system is safe for your dog. Containment systems are designed to use a special collar that contains innovative technology that is often run by batteries.
The technology jumps into action when your dog has stepped beyond the barrier you have designated as a safe zone. The collar starts with a beep sound to alert your dog they have stepped beyond the barrier.
If your dog doesn’t return to the safe zone, the next step begins which is vibration mode. This mode produces a buzzing sensation that catches your dog’s attention when they don’t react to the beeping tone.
If your dog stays beyond the barrier for more than 30 seconds, the last action kicks in which is a static shock that definitely gets your dog’s attention and automatically stops when they re-enter the safe zone.
Most containment systems allow you to adjust the severity of the static shock, vibration, and beeping. This means you are in complete control of the situation and your dog remains safe and healthy during the process.
The collars are also specially designed for custom fitting and adjusting. As long as your dog’s neck size doesn’t exceed 28” inches you will be able to adjust the size accordingly, even if they have a fluffy thick coat.
Dogs that have cardiac health issues or other ailments need to get veterinarian approval before the use of a wireless containment system.
Conclusion for Best Dog Containment System
Finding the right dog containment system for your pet involves knowing the size of the area you want to designate on your property. Keep in mind you can also use a wireless containment system while camping and traveling to ensure your dog does not run off in a strange place they don’t know.
You can stop all your worries about your dog running away when you choose a containment system that suits your dog’s needs! Choose the right one from the list and take the first step towards securing your dog safely within a barrier where they can have an improved way of life!
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Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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