In-ground electric dog fences are a great invisible fencing option for some people with a lot of time and money. But who has that?
Have no fear! In this article, we are tackling all things in regards to above ground electric fences including our top five system recommendations.
Can’t wait? The PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Electric Fence system is our favorite of the bunch.
PetSafe Stay & Play Compact Wireless Pet Fence,...
- NO DIGGING OR WIRE TO BURY: Sets up in just a few hours; a wireless boundary allows you to create a...
- 3/4 ACRE OF CIRCULAR COVERAGE: Adjust the circular boundary range up to 3/4-acre (22-105 ft in all...
Above ground electric fences are one of the most affordable and easy to install options for letting your pup run free while keeping your peace of mind.
We are here to provide you with some great information on choosing the right option for you, training your dog, and also recommending our favorites for you to try out.
Table of Contents
Our Top Recommendations for above Ground Electric Dog Fences
Here are our top recommendations for an Above Ground Electric Dog Fence with our number one pick being the PetSafe Stay and Play.
1. PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence
- NO DIGGING OR WIRE TO BURY: Sets up in just a few hours; a wireless boundary allows you to create a...
- 3/4 ACRE OF CIRCULAR COVERAGE: Adjust the circular boundary range up to 3/4-acre (22-105 ft in all...
The Stay and Play Wireless Fence by PetSafe is our top recommendation for its simple set up with an adjustable circular range up to three-quarter miles. You can pair up to three other bases to extend the area and an unlimited amount of dogs may be paired.
The rechargeable batteries last up to 3 weeks and the collar is waterproof for all of your rainy days. The base is very portable which will allow you to bring it camping or on vacation. The range and convenience of this fence make it our top pick.
Pros:
- Large range at three quarter miles
- Rechargeable battery
- Five levels of shock
- Can pair with unlimited dogs and up to three transmitters
- Great value for the features
Cons:
- Higher start-up cost
2. PetSafe Containment System
- 1/2 ACRE OF CIRCULAR COVERAGE: The adjustable circular range can cover up to 1/2 acres from the...
- NO DIGGING OR WIRE TO BURY: Sets up in just a few hours; a wireless boundary allows you to create a...
The PetSafe Containment System has similar features to the Stay and Play. It has a large adjustable range at half a mile, waterproof receiver, and pairs with unlimited pets. You can even pair this transmitter with the Stay and Play.
Even though the Stay and Play is our favorite this is a more affordable option while still providing great quality. You can always add the newer model in the future to increase your perimeter.
Pros:
- Five levels of shock for adjustment to each pet
- Half-mile range
- Waterproof receiver
- Pairing compatibility
Cons:
- The battery is not rechargeable
3. Wiez Wireless Fence and Training Collar
The Wiez Wireless Fence is a basic and simple-to-use transmitter and receiver. The transmitter allows for a 300-meter radius and has both training and fence mode to help ease your dog into the new boundaries. This system can pair with up to three dogs and is also waterproof.
Pros:
- Simple set up
- Can pair with three dogs
- Comes with two receivers
- Has an additional training dog mode
Cons:
- Must be in direct view with no obstructions for it to work consistently
4. Just Pet Wireless Fence
Just Pet Wireless fence has an adjustable range from 10-1,000 feet. This simple system is able to pair with multiple dogs, is waterproof and has rechargeable receiver batteries. The transmitter will require an outdoor location with access to power.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Reliable signal
Cons:
- Outdoor location required that is out of the elements
Electric Fence Vocab Test!
It’s simple don’t worry! Let’s get some keywords down so you won’t get lost in the jargon.
A wireless fence has two key parts, a Transmitter, and a Receiver.
- Transmitter: The main hub and center of the circular boundary, transmits information to the receiver
- Receiver: The device on a collar that receives the information to beep or stimulates your dog
Shock/Stimulation: This can sound like one of the scariest words when put in a sentence with your dog. Think of the shock or stimulation like a spray of water to the face. Your dog will not appreciate it but it will not injure them.
Boundary: The line at which the receiver will beep or shock. Typically the boundary will be in a circle with the transmitter at the center.
See not so bad! Now that we have the proper terms, let’s go over why you might be interested in an above-ground electric fence for your pooch.
Why get an above ground electric fence?
- Physical fencing is very expensive. An above-ground electric fence can be a huge money saver.
- Your neighborhood may have rules and regulations over what physical fencing is allowed.
- Some might consider a fence a bit of an eyesore.
- Above ground electric fences can be portable and help you bring your dog off-leash on vacation or to a new home.
- Setup of an above-ground electric fence is a simple process and tends to require few steps.
- And one of my favorite reasons for an above-ground fence is that it will allow your dog so much freedom to run, fetch, play and entertain themself while you have the knowledge they can be safe and secure. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog.
How to choose and Above Ground Electric Fence
- Waterproof. Does it tend to rain where you live? Do you have fun mud puddles within your boundaries? You might need to ensure your receiver is waterproof if your dog likes to run in the rain.
- Battery Life. Keep in mind you will need to recharge or replace the batteries on your dog’s receiver often in order to keep them safe. A rechargeable receiver is a convenient and waste-free way to keep your dog in the boundaries.
- Number of Dogs. Are you a single dog parent or do you have a pack? Either way you need to ensure the capacity of your fence allows for your needs. Some fences only allow you to pair with one dog while others are unlimited.
- Cost. By choosing and above ground fence over an in-ground is already a big cost-saver however what is your budget for your pet to roam?
- Area. Do you have over a half an acre you want to allow your dog to roam? You might need to purchase an additional transmitter. If you are working with a large area we recommend getting a system that allows for pairing with multiple transmitters.
Setting Up Your System
Set up for an above ground electric fence is a simple process. You need to place your transmitter, set up perimeter flags, fit your dog’s receiver and train train train. Set up is much easier on an above-ground fence so take the extra time and get your dog comfortable with the area with consistent training.
Placing the Transmitter
Some transmitters are handheld and very portable. They allow you to move them around with ease.
Handheld transmitters should be placed in an area free of large objects and hills. A flat surface with a clear view of the entire boundary is key.
Other transmitters require power and can be plugged in indoors or in a garage. These should be kept away from the weather and on the first floor of your home.
These transmitters tend to have the ability to go through walls and objects but it is still recommended to avoid setting them near a refrigerator or furnace.
Let the Flags Fly!
Many electric fences come with training flags. They are to help your dog have a good visual of their new boundaries. If your electric fence does not include flags use something you have laying around, soccer cones, water bottles or even shoes!
To place your flags, walk towards the perimeter with the collar until you hear the beep or feel the vibration. Place a flag.
Walk back and walk toward the perimeter at another point about ten feet away. Place another flag. Ensure you have a good idea of where the perimeter is with the flags before taking your dog out to train.
Leave these flags up for about two weeks or until your dog is comfortable with understanding the boundaries.
Fit Your Dog’s Receiver Collar
Some collars may come with long and shorthaired contact points. Ensuring you have a correct fit is key for optimal success. When properly fitted you should be able to place one finger between your dog’s skin and contact point. The contact points must be in direct contact with your dog’s skin.
Training
Why is Training Important?
Do you want to start a new job with no training? Neither does your pup! You want to see your dog succeed and you want to see that your investment was worth it. Simply setting up an above ground electric fence is not where it ends.
If you do not properly train your dog on the new receiver and fence they may become confused when hearing a beep or being shocked. They will not know what they are intended to do and can cause your pup to be frightened.
How to Teach Your Dog Their New Boundaries
- Bring your dog out on a leash.
- Walk your dog up to the flagged area and when you hear the beep lead your dog back inside the perimeter.
- Do this again and again in different locations around the area.
- Once your dog has a good idea of what to do if they hear a beep allow them to wander a little further on their leash.
- If they exit the perimeter they may get a shock.
- Help lead them back to provide an understanding of what they are expected to do.
- Use positive reinforcement when your dog returns to the boundaries….lots of affection and treats!
Successfully training your dog will take some time. Repeat this training, again and again, adding distance from your dog, duration of them wandering and distractions outside the perimeter.
You Got This
We hope you are feeling confident about why an above ground electric fence might be right for you. We learned all of the vocabulary necessary for understanding the great products on the market and talked about our recommendations with our number one being the Stay and Play.
- NO DIGGING OR WIRE TO BURY: Sets up in just a few hours; a wireless boundary allows you to create a...
- 3/4 ACRE OF CIRCULAR COVERAGE: Adjust the circular boundary range up to 3/4-acre (22-105 ft in all...
Don’t forget to set up your flags, train your pup and enjoy! Set up of these systems is not hard or lengthy and can provide just what you and your dog need for some additional freedom.
Remember to ensure you spend the extra time praising your dog when they return to the boundaries and keep those batteries charged.
Our Favorite the Stay and Play is a great option for the large range and pairing options with multiple dogs and devices. We know whatever you choose you will have the tools in your belt to successfully set up and train your dog on your new system.
Last update on 2022-12-10 at 22:23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
