The best wireless fence for small dogs will give your furry friend the luxury to run around their own yard without installing an expensive elaborate fence.
Putting your dog on a long chain can be quite the hassle! If you are like me your dog probably tangles their chain almost immediately on everything, so your next thought would be to get a fence.
Unfortunately, physical fences can be a couple thousand dollars to put in depending on the size of your yard and that is just for a basic chain-link.
Don’t panic though, if you are like me and want to give your canine family members a place where they can run free without you having to worry about them in the neighbor’s yard or the very dangerous road, there is a solution!
A wireless fence will allow your dog to be in your yard safely without the hard work of installing a fence. But which wireless fence is best?
Read on for a comparison of the best wireless fence for small dogs.
5 Best Wireless Fence for Small Dogs
5 Best Wireless Fence for Small Dogs Reviews
Maxtronic Portable Wireless 2 Dog Fence
The Maxtronic Portable Wireless 2 Dog Fence Containment system allows for up to 800 ft of containment for your dog. This system allows an unlimited number of pets onto the same system. The collars are rechargeable and lightweight for your dog. Set-up is extremely easy and can be set up quickly. The system is portable and can be set up while traveling.
One issue with the Maxtronic Portable Wireless 2 Dog Fence Containment system does not work for dogs under 10 lbs and should absolutely not be used on dogs less than 8 lbs. Another issue with this collar is that it is not waterproof it is just “rainproof”. This would be problematic for possible puddles or sprinkler systems or other water activities your dog might participate in. The collar is also not customizable so you cannot set your shock level to match the size of your dog.
PetSafe Free to Roam Wireless Dog Containment Fence
- 3/4 ACRE OF CIRCULAR COVERAGE: Sets up in just 1-2 hours and creates a circular boundary that covers up to a 3/4-acre yard (22-105 ft in all directions) from the placement of the indoor transmitter
- NO DIGGING OR WIRE TO BURY: Sets up in just a few hours; a wireless boundary allows you to create a secure barrier around your yard to protect your pets without the time or hassle of burying wires. Waterproof collar adjusts to fit neck sizes 6-28 in
- MOST ACCURATE WIRELESS FENCE: Other wireless pet fences have unreliable boundaries that could correct your dog in his home
- STATIC-FREE REENTRY: Unlike traditional in-ground fences, this wireless fence allows your pet to return home without being corrected if your pet passes the boundary
- TRUST THE BEST: Our proprietary circular boundary gently guides your dog back to his play area
The PetSafe Free to Roam Wireless Dog and Cat Containment fence is customizable with five levels of shock as well as a training tone-only option. This will allow you to set an intensity that matches the weight of your dog. This model is also waterproof and will not hurt your dog if they interact with water. Depending on use the collar battery life can last 1-3 months. Normally the battery life is shorter during the training period. This model works for dogs that are 5 lbs or more.
Some cons include that the radius is only up to 180 ft where most other options are closer to 1,000. The area is only able to be a circle and cannot be customized to a square or rectangle which limits your options. The radius is also not consistent when dealing with hills and the reading is not consistent. The set-up can also be difficult and take a few hours. Of the 5 options this is the highest costing system at almost $300.00.
Depps Wireless Dog Containment System
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The Depps Wireless Dog Containment System allows up to a 1,000 ft radius of containment for your dog. This product is a safe investment with a lifetime guarantee and a 100% money back guarantee if you are not satisfied or feel this product is not for you. Installation is as simple as turning the device on and starting to train. This device is waterproof allowing your dog to play in any water he or she might come across.
This device is also not able to be used on dogs that are less than 10 lbs. The collar is also not customizable so you cannot set your shock level to match the size of your dog. One major drawback of this system is the battery life. This system requires charging every day and the battery only lasts for 20 hours, less with more use. If you are anything like me this is added work and one more thing to remember during an already busy day. If the collar runs out of battery or you forget to put it back on your dog after charging it becomes very ineffective very quickly.
JUSTPET Pet Wireless Electric Dog Fence
The Pet Wireless Electric Dog Fence has up to a 900 ft radius of containment. This is another waterproof option that will allow your dog more freedom to get wet or go outside in inclement weather. One very unique feature of this device is an “anti-overshock” feature which will prevent the device from shocking upon a possible power cut out or transmitter shut-down. This can give a sense of peace knowing your dog will not be shocked unnecessarily.
Like most other receivers this brand cannot be used on dogs that are less than 10 lbs. The collar is also not customizable so you cannot set your shock level to match the size of your dog. Another drawback to this system is that it is a one dog only system. This is not ideal if you have more than one dog since purchasing two systems can get pricey and there will be increased chance of interference between systems. Another large drawback with this system is battery life. Like the Depps Wireless Dog Containment System it will require daily charging and can only last up to 24 hours depending on use.
PetLove Wireless Invisible Fence
- 1/2 ACRE OF CIRCULAR COVERAGE: The adjustable circular range can cover up to 1/2 acres from the placement of the portable indoor transmitter, and can be expanded further with purchase of an additional transmitter.
- MOST ACCURATE WIRELESS FENCE: Other wireless pet fences have unreliable boundaries that could correct your dog in his home.
- NO DIGGING OR WIRE TO BURY: Sets up in just a few hours; a wireless boundary allows you to create a secure barrier around your yard to protect your pets without the time or hassle of burying wires.
- STATIC-FREE REENTRY: Unlike traditional in-ground fences, this wireless fence allows your pet to return home without being corrected if your pet passes the boundary.
- TRUST THE BEST: Our proprietary circular boundary gently guides your dog back to his play area.
The PetLove Wireless Invisible Fence Anti-Lost Outdoor System Dog Collar has up to 2,624 ft of containment. This model does not work on a transmitter but instead works with GPS. This ensures more accuracy and the ability to have more control over the boundaries. It is also portable and can be set up anywhere.
This unit has three customizable settings allowing you to set up a different intensity depending on the size of your dog. This collar is also waterproof and will not hurt your dog if he or she chooses to get wet. This collar comes with a lifetime warranty making it a safe investment if something goes wrong with the device.
One possible flaw in the system is that it is plastic. This allows for a lower price point but the durability might suffer. A possibly large drawback to this system is that the system will shock your dog when the collar receives no signal. This can be if it is underneath metal or being disrupted by household appliances. For this reason the collar should only be worn while outside for your dog’s comfort.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Wireless Dog Fence?
Now you might be asking: is an electric fence right for me and my beloved pet? One advantage of a wireless fence is affordability. The wireless fence option is more cost effective than a traditional fence.
All five featured options cost less than $300 versus a couple thousand dollars for the traditional option. Another value to the wireless fence is that they can be installed no matter the terrain and they do not block possible scenery or devalue the curb appeal of your home.
One disadvantages of a wireless dog fence is that it is not a 100% guarantee of containment. If a dog is motivated enough and cross past the fence line and gets out of range there is nothing that the wireless fence can do to contain them.
Another disadvantage to a wireless fence is the controversial topic that comes with using electric shocks to train your animal. In order for the shock to be effective it has to be severe enough to deter your dog.
Does a Wireless Dog Fence Work for Small Dogs?
Most wireless fences work for dogs of all sizes. However, if your dog is 10 lbs or less you will have to be more selective with which fence you chose. Make sure when shopping for a wireless fence if your dog falls under the 10 lb requirement that you read weight restrictions, so you do not over shock your pet. There are safe options for dogs under 10 lbs, just make sure you read the information carefully.
Would a Wireless Dog Fence Work Indoor?
If you are looking to use a fence to keep your pets contained to a specific area in your home using a wireless fence option you will want to look for options that are specifically designed for indoor use. The average wireless dog fence will not work indoors due to a high level of radio interference from devices that are in the average home.
How to Train Your Small Dog for a Wireless Fence?
A very important thing to consider when making the decision to get an electric fence is training. It is not as simple as putting the collar on your dog and letting them outside. Without the proper training a dog will not know why they are getting shocked and will not respond to it in a desired way. This can also scare your dog and allow them to develop a negative association with something that will be totally separate from the fence and its boundaries.
To train your dog to adhere to the wireless fence you will start by keeping them on a leash and walking them around the perimeter of the accepted area. You can help your dog understand the area better by putting up flags. This allows them to visualize a physical boundary.
After you introduce the acceptable area you will want to focus on teaching your dog how to correct. This can be done by setting the device to give off warning tones. Once the tone sounds you will want to bring your dog back to an acceptable area. This will be done at all areas of the fence. When they get the hang of that, slowly introduce distractions or temptations that will require more discipline for your dog to ignore such as their favorite toy being outside the barrier.
You will want to monitor your dog when you feel they are ready and slowly thin out and remove the barrier flags. Training can take a few months for a dog to really have a handle on the boundaries. This also varies by breed and age of your dog. For a more “in-depth” look at training, watch the video below.
What to Look For In the Best Wireless Fence for Small Dogs?
Some things to be careful of when using the fence are to always make sure the batteries are charged in the collar. If the collar is not active, it will be less reliable, and your dog may not be warned when it is out of bounds. You will also want to make sure there is no radio interference that could cause issue between the collar and the receiver. This includes keeping the device away from large metal objects. This includes homes with a metal roof.
When purchasing your wireless dog fence there are some things you will want to look for. As mentioned before you will want to make sure that you look at any weight restrictions or requirements for each system. Other things to consider can include how far you would like your dog’s radius to be.
Most systems are adjustable and can vary from twenty feet to over one thousand. Obviously if you have a smaller yard you can look into an option that has a smaller range than some of the larger versions. Another thing to look for if you are an owner of multiple pets is to make sure the option selected is able to work with more than one collar.
Not every system is designed for multiple pet use and you do not want to purchase and set up more than one system. Not only would that be costly but there is a chance that they would also interfere with each other. With wireless fences, there is a lot of ease when it comes to installation, but you will still want to take ease of installation into account.
Stay Worry Free with the Best Wireless Fence for Small Dogs
For my dog’s wireless fence I am going to have to choose the PetLove Wireless Invisible Fence Anti-Lost Outdoor System Dog Collar. Not only is the optional range longer than any of the other options but the GPS system helps provide accuracy and consistent signal.
The different shock intensity settings will help me to better manage my system for my specific dog. Despite the minor flaws of the system, I believe this is the best purchase for this particular price and with a lifetime warranty it is a very safe investment. It is undisputedly the best wireless fence for small dogs.
My dog deserves the best and safest wireless fence out there and that is why I am choosing PetLove!
