We will keep this guide short because we have already put together individual reviews, and comparison guides on each of these brands and models of dog fences elsewhere on the site.
You can read the comparison guides we’ve already put together here (which also contain links to the individual dog fence system reviews):
SportDOG vs eXtreme Dog Fence Comparison Guide
SportDOG vs PetSafe Dog Fence Comparison Guide
In the guide below though, we’ve still provided an opinion of how these brands rate against each other, so it might be worth a read for those interested.
Let’s take a look at this particular comparison guide!
(NOTE: this is a general information guide only, and is not professional advice, or a substitute for professional advice. A qualified vet or animal expert is the only person qualified to give you expert advice in regards to your pet/s)
(*Friendly Disclosure – links to retailers or brands on this page may include affiliate links, and we may receive a commission when you purchase through these links)
eXtreme Dog Fence vs PetSafe® vs SportDOG: Comparison, & Which To Get?
In case you wanted to go straight to checking out some of our top rated dog fence systems we mention below, you can do so here …
Look at these systems first:
- eXtreme Dog Fence Max Grade System (on Amazon) (Most features and the thickest/strongest wire of the eXtreme dog models – doesn’t have to be buried underground)
- eXtreme Dog Fence Professional Grade System (on Amazon) (Good value. Thick wire, and doesn’t have to be buried underground)
- eXtreme Dog Fence Standard Grade System (on Amazon) (Possibly the best value of the eXtreme models – one step above the Basics model)
Look at these systems second:
- SportDOG In-Ground Fence System SDF-100A (on Amazon) – Has a replaceable battery, and 4 levels of static stimulation, plus tone/vibration. An in ground dog fence
- PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence System (on Chewy)
- PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence (on Amazon) – for dogs at least 8lbs, and with a 6 to 28 inch neck size. Has 1/3 acre range. Has 4 levels of adjustable stimulation for the most persistent dogs, as well as a vibration mode.
Note the above models are in ground systems. If you want a wireless model, read on below.
Which Dog Fence To Get?
Overall, it does depend on variables such as:
– the size and number of dogs you want on the system,
– the area you want to contain your dog/s to,
– and the individual features you want and need with the fence system
So, make sure you check these things before you buy.
But, as a general guide of which dog fence system we would choose according to different ways of categorising and rating them, it would be:
Best Overall Dog Fence Systems
In our opinion, eXtreme has the best range of dog fence systems.
Probably the models that best balances value and performance are the Standard and Professional Grade models.
The Standard grade model is comparable to the SportDOG models in price and features.
The Professional Grade model is one of the best sellers, and it comes with the thick and durable 14 gauge perimeter wire is that is a preference for you.
It can be buried, or even installed above ground.
The Max Grade comes with the 60ML poly coating/jacket on the wire instead of the 45ML poly jacket the Pro Grade offers.
You can view each of these models here:
- eXtreme Dog Fence Max Grade System (on Amazon) (Most features and the thickest/strongest wire of the eXtreme dog models – doesn’t have to be buried underground)
- eXtreme Dog Fence Professional Grade System (on Amazon) (Good value. Thick wire, and doesn’t have to be buried underground)
- eXtreme Dog Fence Standard Grade System (on Amazon) (Possibly the best value of the eXtreme models – one step above the Basics model)
SportDOG and PetSafe models come second and third:
- SportDOG In-Ground Fence System SDF-100A (on Amazon) – Has a replaceable battery, and 4 levels of static stimulation, plus tone/vibration. An in ground dog fence
- PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence System (on Chewy)
- PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence (on Amazon) – for dogs at least 8lbs, and with a 6 to 28 inch neck size. Has 1/3 acre range. Has 4 levels of adjustable stimulation for the most persistent dogs, as well as a vibration mode.
Dog Fence System With A Rechargeable Battery
If you want a dog fence system with a rechargeable battery, the SDF-100C is probably the best system.
The eXtreme Basics system also has a rechargeable battery as well, but, the SDF-100C is a more extensive system with more features.
- SportDOG In-Ground Fence System SDF-100C (on Amazon) (Has a rechargeable battery, and 7 levels of static stimulation, plus tone/vibration)
Dog Fence System For The Smallest Dogs
This dog fence system is specifically designed for the smallest dogs and dog breed – 5lbs and up.
If you have a tiny dog around this size – this dog fence system may be for you.
A summary of this dog fence model is:
-View
- View the PetSafe Little Dog In Ground Fence (on Amazon) –for dogs 5lbs and over, with 6-16 inch neck sizes. Standard kit covers 1/3 of an acre.
If you want to add to the area of the fence system, you can get the PetSafe Boundary Wire, 500 foot Spool (on Amazon)
- PetSafe Elite Little Dog In Ground Fence System (on Amazon) – has a more compact transmitter, and uses the Elite Little Dog Add On Collar Receiver
If you want to add more dogs to the system, you can get the PetSafe Elite Little Dog Collar (on Amazon)
– Features
An in ground electric dog fence system specifically for small dogs
The collar receiver is small and lightweight – it’s for dogs 5 pounds and up with neck sizes 6-16 inches
The collar receiver has a small reflective strip on the collar which light shines off of at night time
Collar receiver is waterproof
The collar receiver has 4 adjustable levels of static correction when using static as a training mode
There’s also a tone only training mode if you want to use beeps to train your dog
The system as standard covers 1/3 acre with included boundary wire
If you want to expand the system with additional boundary wire, you can do so up to 25 acres
You can add any number of dogs to the system when you purchase additional collars
The system has Run Through Prevention where the correction increases if your dog tries to run through the boundary zone
The collar uses a replaceable PetSafe RFA-188 battery (included)
This system can function with anywhere between 14 (thickest) to 20 gauge (thinnest) wire
PetSafe generally have pretty responsive customer service to any queries or issues
Operating guides and training manuals are included which you should read before using the system
– Potential Drawbacks
No vibration only option
The battery is replaceable and not rechargeable. A recharge battery on the collar receiver would be better
The system comes with standard 20 gauge wire. 14 gauge thicker wire would be better
Like all in ground fences, you will have to spend a couple of days planning where to put the wire and digging and backfilling the wire trenches
Like all dog systems you may experience some issues with the functioning of the system. You’ll have to contact PetSafe to work through your specific situation to make sure you have the system set up correctly
The collar feels like it could be a bit higher quality for durability reasons
– Summary
Overall, if you want a system with a collar made specifically for small dogs, this one is good without being excellent. The drawbacks are drawbacks common to most pet containment systems. Just remember to check the warranty is still fully valid if you buy through a third party seller.
– What’s It Designed For?
This dog fence system is intended to keep dogs larger than 5lbs with a neck size of between 6 to 16 inches inside an area of 1/3 an acre, or up to 25 acres with additional wire.
It’s specifically designed for the smallest dog breeds though.
– How Does It Work?
PetSafe give you a set up and operation/training manual and guide which you should follow. But, as a general guide:
You plan out the boundary and the system and you test everything is working before you bury the wire
You set the boundary by burying wires around the perimeter of your yard. You can also put the training flags in as a visual cue for your dog
Your dog wears a collar that picks up the signal from the transmitter that you can to put next to a power source
As your dog nears the boundary wires, a beep alerts your dog, giving them a chance to stop without any correction. For those that continue, a safe static correction reminds them to stay in the area you’ve established.
Simply adjust the correction level if your dog continues to test the boundaries.
You can also use a tone only mode for training
Progressive Run Through Prevention works by increasing the correction if your pet tries to quickly run through the boundary zone – so is good for overly escape prone dogs
– Who Might It Be For?
Small dogs
Dogs with necks 6-16 inches
Dogs more than 5lbs
Properties up to 1/3 an acre, or 25 acrs with additional wire
People looking for a system that can support several dogs/pets – as long as you buy the additional add on collar receivers
People looking for an in ground dog fence system
People looking to train with static, and tone only modes
– Who Might It NOT Be For?
Dogs under 5 lbs
Dogs with necks outside of 6 to 16 inches
Areas over 1/3 an acre, or 25 acres with additional wire
People who want a wireless dog fence system
People who want to train with vibration only
– What’s In The Kit?
Transmitter with power adapter
Receiver collar with RFA-188 battery
Test light tool
Operating and training guide
50 boundary training flags
500 feet of wire
Surge protector
Wire nuts
Gel-filled capsules
Mounting bracket
Wireless Dog Fence System
Some people prefer a wireless dog fence system as opposed to the above in ground systems.
These dog fences use a circular signal from the transmitter to the collar/s, without the need for wires.
They are also portable.
The options might include:
- PetSafe PIF-300 Wireless Dog and Cat Containment System (on Chewy)
- PetSafe PIF-300 Wireless Dog and Cat Containment System (on Amazon) – For dogs at least 8lbs, and with 6 to 28 inch neck size. Has 1/2 acre circular range. Has 5 adjustable levels of stimulation, and a tone only mode.
- PetSafe Stay+Play Wireless Fence (on Chewy)
- PetSafe Stay & Play Compact Wireless Fence (on Amazon) – For dogs at least 5lbs, and with a 6 to 28 inch neck size. Has 3/4 acre circular range. Has 5 adjustable levels of stimulation, and a tone only mode.
- PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Fence for Stubborn Dogs (on Chewy)
Electric Dog Fence FAQ Questions
You can read an FAQ Guide here about commonly asked questions by potential buyers and owners of electric dog fences.
We outline things such as:
Types of electric dog fences
All factors to consider in choosing an electric dog fence
Most important factors to consider in choosing an electric dog fence
How much an electric dog fence costs
How to install and set up an electric dog fence
How an electric dog fence works
How to train a dog to use an electric dog fence, and how long it takes
Type of wire used for an electric dog fence
How much wire is required for an electric dog fence
Which electric dog fence wire is best
How to bury the wire for an electric dog fence system
How deep to bury the wire
Are dog fences safe, and are they effective
Best In Ground, Above Ground & Wireless Dog Fences On The Market
These guides outline some of the best dog fence models on the market at the moment:
Best Above Ground & In Ground Electric Dog Fences
Best Wireless Electric Dog Fences
Above Ground vs Underground vs Wireless Dog Fences: Comparison
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