Wireless vs. Wired Electric Dog Fence: What’s Better?

Here at Backyard Boss, we regularly provide you with recommendations and reviews on different subjects. Everything we write about is strictly connected with our passions and hobbies. However, there is one topic that is especially important for us. Since we’re all dog lovers, we truly enjoy writing about anything related to them. We always take great care to show you the best products that can be used by your pets, because we simply want ours to use what’s best. 

Writing about dog fences isn’t different. We want you and your pet to have the best one that will meet all your needs. That’s why we’ve already written about the best invisible dog fences and the best fences for dogs. Today I would like to explain to you the difference between wired and wireless fences since they’re both commonly known as invisible fences which may be confusing. After we talk about their unique features, I’ll then highlight their pros and cons. Once we go through that I hope that you’ll know which fence is going to be the perfect match for you, based on your requirements.

What Are The Invisible Dog Fences

Both of these fences are commonly called invisible fences. For this reason, before moving into the differences between them, it’s worth briefly explaining what invisible fences are. 

Invisible fences got their name because they’re completely unseen to the eye. It means that you don’t have to build wooden or any other classic fence to protect your dog from running away from your property. They’re especially helpful when building a fence for some reason isn’t possible. 

They’re the fencing options and work by sending an electronic signal to your dog’s collar. This signal tells the collar to either provide a warning tone or administer a correction in the form of a shock or vibration. Collars have small contact points that connect with the skin of the dog’s neck to administer the correction. 

What’s important to remember is that your dogs will require the proper training before you can start using the invisible fence. They have to know and understand where the boundaries are and that they cannot leave them by themselves, and get used to the signals coming from the collar. 

The Difference Between Wired And Wireless Dog Fences

Now when you know what the invisible fences are and that both wired and wireless fences are often called like that, we can discuss how they differ from each other. 

Wired Dog Fences 

A wired dog fence consists of a wire that marks boundaries, typically laid underground, a central transmitter that sends out a signal, normally located inside your house, and a receiver collar that picks up the signals. When your pet comes too close to the wire the collar warns them to stop. Some collars simply beep, vibrate, or both, while others send out microbursts of static or low voltage shocks.

After getting used to their new arrangements, most pets are easily deterred from wandering off by the wired dog fence and collar. Even the most rambunctious pets are much easier for their owners to train with the assistance of the warning beeps and static burst reinforcements of the collar when they try to overstep their approved boundaries.

Pros and Cons of Wired Dog Fences

Recommended Wired Dog Fence

This popular dog fence has been on the market for around three decades and utilizes tried and true technology. 

PetSafe has one of the most popular wired dog fences on Amazon. With almost 30 years of experience, it combines leading pet fence technology with exceptional customer service. The system comes with 500 feet of wire, enough for half an acre of coverage. Additional wire can be purchased to cover up to five acres. Further, if you have any questions about the installation or operation of your fence, you’re free to call the company anytime.

Wireless Dog Fences 

The wireless fence systems also work with a transmitter and receiver but lack a wired boundary. Instead, they use satellites to broadcast GPS signals to map your pet’s boundaries. Like with their predecessors, the wireless and invisible systems’ collars warn pets with beeping, buzzing, and vibrating as a warning and sends bursts of static or electric shock for correction if the pet goes out of bounds.

Most pets catch onto the wireless dog fences’ system and learn their new boundaries rather quickly, the rest is on the owner to follow up and help establish a permanent dog perimeter for their pet. As far as how the pet is affected, there is very little difference in how wired and wireless dog fences work.

Pros and Cons of Wireless Dog Fences

Recommended Wireless Dog Fence

This easy-to-use dog fence doesn’t require lines to be buried, it simply relies on a powerful transmitter instead.

JUSTPET offers a different take on the pet fence. Instead of a wire that needs to be buried, their system consists of a radio transmitter that sends a vibration or shock when dogs wander outside of the radius of the system. 

While a wired dog fence will be more reliable, a wireless one is ideal for those who can’t bury a wire, or only have a small area that needs to be covered. It’s also more cost-effective than most wired options. This particular fence provides a coverage area of up to 900 feet and works for multiple pets of 10 to 100 pounds.

Wired vs Wireless Dog Fence – Our Recommendation

In this article, we’ve not only described the unique features of both fencing systems, but we’ve also provided you with the pros and cons of each of them. Understanding the difference between these two is crucial before making the right purchase decision. Additionally, try to understand what your requirements are because it will also help you with choosing the proper fence. 

Since my yard is quite big and has an unusual shape I decided to buy a wired fence. It took me a while to set it up, but now all of the areas are protected, including my wife’s flowers and my basketball court. If you have similar needs I can advise you to buy the same system. If you’re wondering which one will be suitable, I’m currently using PetSafe Basic In-Ground Dog which is more than satisfying and is doing a great job protecting my dog.