These days, GPS Dog Fences are more popular as a pet containment system than the classic invisible dog fences. You no longer have to bury wires on the ground as these dog fences can easily create borders using a mobile app through GPS technology.
The technology is more expensive and needs training but looking at the benefits it can provide, it’s extremely worth it.
We have tested and reviewed over 10 different GPS dog fence models and many of these failed (the bold ones are included in our list):
We can recommend only four GPS dog fences in 2023:
1. SpotOn Collar (Top Pick)
Name
Spoton Invisible Dog Fence (Made In USA)
Preview
Coverage
from ½ acre to a thousand acres
Max Number of Dogs Contained
Name
Spoton Invisible Dog Fence (Made In USA)
Preview
Coverage
from ½ acre to a thousand acres
Max Number of Dogs Contained
It was extremely easy to pick the GPS Dog Collar Fence that currently exists on the market. SpotOn is the most innovative device that has been tested by many dog owners. The price bites indeed (check the current price here) but it is so worth it.
So, if you have an extra budget for GPS Dog Fence, you can never go wrong with SpotOn Collar. It’s a premium option and no surprise it’s considered the best GPS dog collar fence among dog owners including me. They also have decent financing options.
With SpotOn collar, you can create and keep up to 20 unique fences in areas ranging from 0.5 to 1,000 acres. This is the most accurate GPS fence which has four satellite navigation systems and patented True Location™ GPS technology combined to better contain and track your dogs.
SpotOn continuously tracks your dog’s location and direction so you always know where your pet is thanks to its connection to 25-30 satellites.
To set up the invisible fence system, you can walk the boundary and see the fence build as you walk or draw an instant fence in the app.
Additionally, SpotOn has a Forest mode that enhances GPS reception in areas with lots of trees. Indoor detection is not available when Forest mode is activated. Make sure to take off your dog’s SpotOn dog collar when he enters the house to prevent erroneous corrections.
As with any product (even the best of the best), there are some drawbacks. First, you need a subscription to make full use of the collar. That’s pretty common with all GPS collars, but Spot On’s subscription is one of the pricier options for a dog tracker. I HIGHLY recommend going with a 2-year subscription because it’s almost half the price of a month-to-month plan.
Second, SpotOn virtual fence system requires a cell phone if you want to actually track your pup. I don’t think that’s such a huge “con” though because, honestly, nearly everything requires a smartphone and an app these days.
For a more in-depth look at the pros and cons, read my detailed SpotOn collar review here and make sure to get it from the official website only to avoid scammers and resellers.
2. Halo Collar 2+
Preview
Dog Tracker Main Features
- Smart fences
- Limitless locations
- Prevention tracking
- Integrated with GPS and the Halo Collar’s automated internal logic
Preview
Dog Tracker Main Features
- Smart fences
- Limitless locations
- Prevention tracking
- Integrated with GPS and the Halo Collar’s automated internal logic
The Halo Collar 2+ is the best GPS dog fence so far since it uses training techniques developed by the renowned dog behaviorist and trainer Cesar Millan. It is a smart four-in-one dog training system & GPS dog fence that aims to promote freedom, safety, and communication.
Halo’s in-built navigation system uses cutting-edge GPS & GNSS technology on par with autonomous cars to direct your dog to stay inside wireless fences.
It is specifically made to work with the Halo App, which uses real-time activity tracking to provide feedback to keep your dog out of harm’s way. The Halo Collar is completely adjustable and works with the way your dog learns best using static, sound, and vibration.
You can quickly create up to 20 wireless GPS dog fences by simply walking around the perimeter or using the Halo App (available for iOS and Android). Additionally, the battery life is long (20+ hours), allowing your dog to go on more adventures while you can stop worrying about charging it frequently.
The Halo Collar uses Cesar Millan’s extensive training expertise to offer personalized feedback that is ideal for your dog. Activity training provides a feedback log with daily metrics on your dog’s walks, activity, and safety in addition to keeping him healthy, content, and safe.
As far as drawbacks go, there are a couple of minor ones. First, there’s the price. It’s among the most expensive invisible fence systems. In fact, it’s so pricey that they offer special financing for it.
Also, again, you need a subscription to take full advantage of the GPS pet tracker features. I do like that they give you plenty of options in terms of plans, though. The Basic Plan is only $4.49 per month for the 20 fences I mentioned above. Most people will never need more than 20 wireless dog fence systems.
Read my detailed Halo 2+ review here for more details and make sure to get it from the official website only to avoid scammers and resellers.
3. Tractive Collar (Best Budgeted Pick)
Model
Tractive GPS Tracker for dogs
Preview
Model
Tractive GPS Tracker for dogs
Preview
For a dog fence collar that fits right into your budget, you may also consider the Tractive GPS Tracker Collar with a virtual fence feature. It has great accuracy and long battery life that can last up to seven days!
With the Tractive dog collar, you can set up five GPS barriers that can be labeled as safe zones and no-go zones for your fur buddy. Fewer borders can be set up here compared to Halo and SpotOn which is one of the limitations of this device’s features.
Tractive is primarily intended to be a GPS Tracking Collar and not much of a virtual fence, but for the price, it’s a good deal and works well!
You can also set this collar in Live mode to get updates about your dog’s location every two-three seconds. Just bear in mind that the battery life of the tracking mode depletes much more quickly in Live mode. Live tracking automatically shuts off after five minutes to conserve battery power, but you can change this time frame as you see fit.
It also has a sleep activity tracker wherein you can monitor your pup’s sleeping pattern and habits. It is an excellent extra feature and I love it!
To increase battery life, Tractive also includes a feature that allows you to connect the tracker with up to five Wi-Fi networks in secure locations where your pet spends a lot of time, such as at home or at a pet daycare.
The device no longer reports your pet’s GPS location when you are in a Power Saving Zone and the Live tracking feature isn’t available. Instead, it checks to make sure your dog is still within reach of that reliable Wi-Fi network every few minutes.
Read my detailed Tractive collar review here and make sure to get it from the official website only to avoid scammers and resellers.
4. Pawious Dog GPS Fence Collar
The next dog GPS fence on this list was just recently released and we tried it for 2 weeks only. Although it does not compare to more expensive brands like Halo and SpotOn, I can say that it is still a good option and worthwhile trying.
The Pawious GPS fence coverage range is much smaller than Halo and SpotOn’s (98 feet to 3280 feet) (33-1000 yards). Like other GPS dog fences, it is not advised for use in small yards or indoors; it is best suited for farms or open fields.
With the size of this collar, it is also suitable for medium to large-sized dogs. It is not advisable to use on small breeds as the collar may fall off or be a bit bulky and heavy for them.
When dogs escape the boundary, this Pawious training collar is intended to prevent harm to the canines. A beep warning will sound near the boundary. Dog’s collar will issue two warnings if it crosses the line. If the dog doesn’t return, the collar will stop vibrating or shocking. It won’t be activated if there is no GPS signal, either. You can check the current price on Amazon.
GPS Dog Fences That We Would Not Recommend
Wagz Freedom Dog GPS Fence
You can train your dog with shock-free geofence containment using the Wagz Freedom Smart Dog Collar as a GPS dog fence.
The use of vibrations and tones with no shock to keep your dog within his boundaries is a fantastic feature. It functions by using vibration, ultrasonic, and audible signals for correction.
However, you will need to work on some training with your dog to ensure that the corrections work as they should. The gadget has a real-time GPS location tracking feature that allows you to monitor your dog’s activity and health.
I wouldn’t use Wagz’s as a GPS fence solution for my dogs because I think it is inconsistent and inaccurate. My dog once crossed the geofence I made during our second week of use. I had to search for him for a while.
Another thing I find quite disappointing with Wagz is its battery life. The battery life of Wagz does not come near or at par in comparison to Halo 2+ and SpotOn Collar. Even so, there is a spare rechargeable battery that you can bring in case you intend to use the collar all day.
Wiez GPS Wireless Dog Fence
The Wiez GPS wireless dog fence has a maximum coverage area of 776 acres and a maximum radius of 3,281 feet. Its control distance is adjustable between 98-3281ft. It also has three levels of adjustment for both the electric shock and vibration intensity.
What I find disappointing about this product is its battery. It keeps shutting down for some reason and does not last a day. Although our usage became better after charging the device every night, I still don’t find it satisfying.
I think the materials used are also subpar. The screws also rust easily. We only had this device for a month and the screws are already covered in rust. The manual included is also a bit confusing but you can easily find videos online on how to set it up.
Freesea GPS Wireless Dog Fence
The GPS dog fence has a radius coverage of up to 3000 feet and uses satellite signal technology to pinpoint your boundary in an easy setup.
Although this dog fence is easy to set up, its performance is quite disappointing. We were able to set the center point, but when we tried to place our marker flags, the collar would occasionally beep.
The GPS is also inaccurate as it cannot locate the exact and correct location of my pup. I wouldn’t suggest getting this collar for the safety of your dogs.
Advantages of GPS Wireless Dog Fences VS Invisible In-Ground Dog Fences
GPS Wireless Dog Fences |
Invisible In-Ground Dog Fences |
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GPS Dog Fences FAQs
How does a GPS Dog Fence work?
Satellite maps and geo-fencing are used by wireless dog fences to set boundaries. They do not use wire or fixed radio signals. To protect the dog, GPS-based fences have circular boundaries as well.
The location will give you the most precise indication of where the dog is. The collar will warn your dog as it approaches the established boundary, as is the case with most invisible dog fences.
Do they really work?
Yes, but there may be ambiguous boundaries because, depending on the collar your dog is wearing, there is a certain margin before the signal is activated.
Can a dog run through a GPS fence?
Because of the system’s flexibility, mistakes could happen and the boundaries might not be exactly what you want them to be.
Depending on the overall system, the error may travel up to 30 feet and the dog may not receive the alert as quickly as you would like. Therefore, GPS dog fences are not recommended for use in small yards or areas.
Is a GPS dog fence a shock collar?
While some collars employ corrective shock, others do not, e.g. SpotOn GPS dog fence collar. For those brands that use shock, the voltage levels of the electric dog fence aren’t very high as they only need to attract the dog’s attention. 100 milliamps are the maximum output, which is only 2% of what would be needed to cause an electrical burn.
Are GPS dog fences reliable?
GPS is always available, works everywhere, and is inherently more accurate than cellular because the signal won’t become erratic. Your dog’s location is automatically corrected, making his boundaries and position more precise.
Final Thoughts
GPS dog fences significantly improved my life as a dog owner. I recommend my fellow fur parents use this device to ease their worries about their fur babies’ safety. If you wish the best for your dog, definitely go with Halo Collar or SpotOn Collar depending on your budget and needs.
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