Below you'll find my list of the top 5 leading dog containment kits. Their purpose is to allow you to train your pooch not to go beyond your chosen boundaries. While they all do much the same job, they still have their differences to suit individual pet owner needs.
Firstly, each model in the list are in the main, well rated and have received good feedback from users. In my research I have found what features are most important when installing a hidden guard for your pet. And have noticed questions that are being asked like, "What’s the perfect fence for me, in-ground or wireless"? So I have included my preferred versions for both types.
SportDOG 100-Acre SDF-100A Invisible Fence For Dogs
The wire supplied with the SportDOG SDF-100A is an upgrade from 18 to 14 gauge. A word of warning applies here, so bear with me for a sec. For those who are unsure, the smaller the gauge number the thicker/stronger it will be. Just be careful when going to the site featuring this product as you might unwittingly choose the wrong wire gauge.
On there you will see the 14 gauge which I recommend, but they also offer 16 and 18 gauge as an option. The thing is, they offer these other 2 choices as an upgrade! I would say more like a downgrade. Certainly when you click the radio button the price drops which really reflects the lesser grade. So just a warning.
Don't think that you are getting a bargain when you see these lower prices. Remember 14 is better than 18 gauge any day and especially true if you intend to run the cable on top of the ground.
It also has all the usual features you would expect plus the ability to expand it to 100 acres if you wished.
SportDOG In Ground Invisible Fence Dog Containment Kit
It may be fine for many situations although for the little bit extra expense I would prefer the 14 gauge wire. Who knows though, you may have plenty of the thicker gauge laying around just waiting to be used up. If so, save yourself a bit of money with this version.
eXtreme Invisible Dog Fence Easy Installation D.I.Y. Kit
They also offer a good wide range of wire lengths from 1000 feet to 5000 feet. Great for anyone with many acres to cover. Plus they’re all in the thicker 14 gauge.
One drawback which might affect some about to purchase this system is that I don't think they supply instructions. Perhaps they offer online instructions I don't know as there is no mention of instructions anywhere on the sales page.
Indeed with hundreds of very good reviews about the product there is one person who was disappointed that there was no instructions included. The company did reply and apologized saying that "They had now gone green" and did offer to forward instructions to the customer. For the life of me, I can't understand how some company’s think. They have gone to the trouble to create a first class product and don't provide customers with the means that explains how to use it.
For those who understand how to install these systems, the eXtreme is still a very good choice.
PetSafe Programmable Invisible Fence Correction Suitable For Dogs or Cats
This system comes without any wire. Which will suit those with their own supply, or gives others the choice to choose whichever they prefer. This makes it cost so much less than other complete kits and could possibly be purchases as a replacement. Providing the containment area has previously been wired of course.
Although the number of those leaving feedback is quite low compared to other systems, the figures are very respectful.
PetSafe PIF00 12917 Stay & Play Invisible Portable Wireless Fence For Dogs
You will not have any wires to lay or bury with this type and it has the added benefit of being portable. Since digging or laying down a cable poses no problem to me personally means that the portability aspect is the most important feature. It could prove extremely valuable for taking with you when you and the dog were planning to live away from home.
Choices are plentiful with this wireless dog fence covering models suitable for 1 to 5 pets. Also available are versions which are suited for 2 or 3 larger stubborn natured dogs.
Without doubt the easiest to install but may come at a price. One review I read explains that it was ineffective if a car or an air conditioner, as two examples, were in the vicinity.
So although it would be suitable in many situations, care would be required regarding the above mentioned problem. The fact that it does not need wired provides the opportunity to easily test and try different locations.