SportDOG vs Petsafe Dog Fence: Comparison, & Which Is Better?

SportDOG vs Petsafe Dog Fence: Comparison, & Which Is Better?

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When is comes to pet containment systems, some brands are more popular and higher quality than others.

Two of the more popular brands are SportDOG and PetSafe

So, it made sense to do a SportDOG vs PetSafe Dog Fence Comparison guide.

In this guide we outlines the main dog fence models from each brand, along with similarities and differences.

You should be able to get a clear idea of which one might be best for your dog and property.

Let’s check them out!

 

(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)

 

SportDOG vs Petsafe Dog Fence: Comparison, & Which Is Better?

In case you want to go to viewing the different models from each brand, you can do so here:

 

In Ground Fence Models

Some of the more popular and well rated models from SportDOG and PetSafe are:

 

The SDF-100C also has a rechargeable battery and a few extra features over the SDF-100A:

 

Other in ground model options from PetSafe include:

 

Read more about underground and above ground electric dog fences in theis guide.

 

Wireless Fence Models

Some of the top rated wireless models from PetSafe might be:

 

Read more about wireless dog fence options here.

 

What Models Does Each Brand Offer?

Overall, both SportDOG and PetSafe offer a few different dog fence models with different features.

 

SportDOG has two main models:

– the SDF-100A (plus an option with thicker gauge wire)

– and the SDF-100C (has a rechargeable battery)

 

PetSafe has a far wider range – including in ground, but also wireless models.

 

In Ground vs Wireless – Which To Get?

We prefer in ground fences overall when considering performance, features, effectiveness and reliability

Even though we prefer in ground fences because they tend to be more effective and reliable, some people want a wireless dog fence.

Some wireless fences can be OK too depending on where and how you use them.

 

SportDOG vs PetSafe Dog Fence: Which To Get?

We like the SportDOG SDF-100A, although, the eXtreme brand dog fence models may be a better options than both SportDOG and PetSafe.

If you want in inground system – it might be worth checking out the eXtreme and SportDOG brands.

If you want a wireless system, you might be better off checking out PetSafe.

 

The type of dog fence that is best for you though really depends on:

– what features you want from the fence like correction/training options available

– whether you want an in ground or wireless fence

– and how much area you need the fence to cover.

 

Below we’ve summarised the key features of each brand and model of fence addressing the above criteria and more …

 

SportDOG Dog Fences

SportDOG In Ground Fence System SDF-100A

An In-ground/Invisible dog fence system with 1,000 feet of wire, 100 flags, 1 Transmitter, and 1 Collar Receiver

It’s designed to keep your dog contained in a yard up to 1 1/3 acres

The collar receiver offers 4 different levels of static stimulation to match any dogs’ temperament from softer to harder or more stubborn temperament dogs

System also offers a tone and a vibration option

You can add an unlimited number of dogs with the purchase of additional Add-A-Dog® Collar Receivers (SDF-R)

Fence Transmitter is powerful enough to cover up to 100 acres of land with the purchase of additional Wire & Flag Kits (SDF-WF)

System has a Wire-break Transmitter alarm that alerts you to possible problems with the Boundary Wire

There’s an Anti-Linger Feature that prevents dog from running down Collar Receiver battery in warning zone

For dogs over 10lbs

There’s now a 14 gauge (thickest wire) wire model available

 

View – SportDOG In-Ground Fence System SDF-100A (on Amazon) 

Review – SportDOG In Ground Fence System SDF-100A Review

 

SportDOG Contain and Train System: In Ground Fence + Remote Trainer System

A 2 in 1 In Ground Pet Fence System, and remote dog trainer

Gives you all the current containment capabilities of the In-Ground Fence™ (SDF-100A) – you can read the SDF-100A Review here

You also get the remote training capabilities of the SportDOG FieldTrainer® 425 (SD-425) – you can read a review of the FieldTrainer 425 here.

Designed for both training your dog to stay within boundaries on your property with the fence system, or to train them in the open field with the remote trainer

The Collar Receiver for the Contain + Train works by receiving radio signal from both the Fence Transmitter and the Remote Transmitter.

SportDOG Contain and Train System: In Ground Fence + Remote Trainer System Review

 

PetSafe Dog Fences

PetSafe on the other hand sell a wide range of both in ground/invisible AND wireless dog fences.

 

In Ground Dog Fences:

PetSafe Basic In Ground Dog Fence System

A basic and cheaper type in ground electric dog fence system for keeping your pet contained in your yard

The standard system comes with enough wire to cover 1/3 of an acre, but it is expandable up to 5 acres with the purchase of additional wires and flags (sold separately)

The collar is designed for dogs over 8 lb. with neck sizes from 6 to 26 inches

The collar features 4 levels of static correction plus a tone-only mode for training

PetSafe Basic In Ground Dog Fence System Review

 

PetSafe Stubborn Dog In Ground Dog Fence System

An in ground dog fence system designed specifically for persistent, hard to train dogs who might not respond to lower levels of static stimulation

This system has 4 higher levels of static intensity than the other PetSafe in ground systems

System also comes with a vibration only training mode

System also has a tone only training mode

The collar receiver is for dogs 8 pounds and up fits neck sizes 6-28 inches

System covers up to 1/3 acre with included boundary wire

System is expandable up to 25 acres with additional wire (not included)

PetSafe Stubborn Dog In Ground Dog Fence System Review

 

PetSafe In-Ground Fence (PIG00-13661)

Comes with an updated black transmitter compared to the older bigger white transmitter on some other PetSafe models

The collar receiver for this systems is the Ultralight Collar Receiver, and is waterproof

The system fits dogs 8 pounds and up and the collar fits neck sizes 6-28 inches

There’s a static training mode with 4 different levels of varying intensity static

There’s a special feature called Run Through Prevention where the correction/static stimulation intensity increases if your dog tries to run through the boundary zone

There’s also a tone only mode

The system covers up to 1/3 acre with included boundary wire, although it’s expandable up to 25 acres with additional boundary wire

You can add more dogs to the system with additional collars

PetSafe In-Ground Fence Review (PIG00-13661)

 

PetSafe YardMax Rechargeable In Ground Dog Fence System

– View

If you prefer, you can go straight to viewing the PetSafe YardMax here:

 

Some people also choose to get these extras with the YardMax:

 

– Features

One of the most advanced PetSafe In Ground Fences that covers 1/3 of an acre with the standard equipment you get in the fence kit

The PetSafe YardMax has several features most other PetSafe pet fences don’t, such as a bigger available area on the inside of the boundary line, a bigger correction zone (for dogs that try to sprint past the correction zone with normal fences), and compatibility with Pawz Away devices.

Has two modes you can choose from – Traditional mode, and YardMax mode

Traditional mode allows you a small warning zone on the inside of the fence where your dog receives a beep warning, and once your dog crosses the fence line, they receive a stimulation, but nothing after that

YardMax mode gets rid of the internal warning zone, and provides an infinite correction zone on the other side of the fence line. Your dog will receive corrections until he/she returns inside the boundary fence line, unless the safety feature activates

YardMax mode gives your pet/s up to 30% more play space inside the boundary fence line

The YardMax system is also compatible with the Pawz Away Indoor, Outdoor, Mini & Threshold pet barriers – barriers which can be used within the range of the YardMax transmitter to protect small areas such as flower beds, hazard zones etc.

Overall the YardMax system can cover up to a maximum of 10 acres with the purchase of additional boundary line wire

The static training option has 5 adjustable levels of static correction

There’s an automatic shut off safety feature – where correction stops after 15 seconds of continuous stimulation

There’s also a tone only training option

The YardMax collar receivers are for dogs 5 pounds and up, and fits neck sizes 6-28 inches

The YardMax collar receivers have the ReadyTest® and PerfectFit™ startups tests that ensure the receiver collar is ready and working when you want to use it

You can add an unlimited number of dogs to the YardMax system with the YardMax collar receivers

The collar receiver has a rechargeable battery (built-in; non-replaceable)

The receiver collar is waterproof

The system as a whole works with 14-20 gauge copper insulated wire

System comes with a surge protector for spikes

PetSafe have responsive and helpful customer service

 

– Potential Drawbacks

No vibration only training mode

The plastic contacts/prongs on the collar aren’t very strong. Some people may have issues with them breaking, in which case you’d need to get a new collar. This seems to be a design issue that PetSafe should have a look at at some stage

Like all in ground dog fences, you’ll need to spend some time and effort planning out the system placement and digging the wire trenches + backfilling

Various factors around your house like metal objects and other factors can impact how the system functions sometimes – although PetSafe are pretty good at helping you fix queries and issues

An override button to turn the collar off either at the collar or from the transmitter would be good

 

– Summary

Overall, the YardMax has perhaps the most features of all the PetSafe in ground fences. It’s for people who can utilise the increased correction zone such as people with dogs who try to sprint through the correction zone on traditional fences. It’s also for people who want increased area inside the boundary line, compatibility with the Pawz Away devices and a rechargeable collar. It’s an advanced system at it’s core. The only major drawback is are the plastic contacts on the collar.

 

– What It’s Designed For

The YardMax is intended to keep dogs larger than 5lbs with a neck size of between 6 to 28 inches inside an area of 1/3 an acre, or up to 10 acres with additional wire.

It’s designed with a YardMax and a Traditional Mode, and can be used with stimulation and tone only training options.

 

– 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 where the fence will go, and the transmitter (you need to have a power source nearby)

You lay out the wire above ground and test the system and collars are working

You dig the wire trenches and lay the wire and backfill

You set the static level, or set the system to tone only

You set the mode to YardMax or Traditional mode

You put in the training flags above ground so your dog can see where the boundary is and put the collar/s on your dog/s

Depending on the mode you set the system to, the collar will respond differently to the warning and correction zones in different locations

If you have Pawz Away devices installed, the collar will also respond to them

The training period should be roughly 2 weeks for your dog to learn where the boundary is

Once your dog learns where the boundary is, some people choose to remove the collar until or if re-training is required

 

– Who Might It Be For

The collar is designed for dogs over 5 lb. with neck sizes from 6 to 28 inches

Properties up to 1/3 an acre, or 10 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

People looking for an alternate mode to traditional mode

People with dogs who try to sprint through the regular correction zones

 

– Who Might It NOT Be For

Dogs under 5 lbs

Dogs with necks outside of 6 to 28 inches

Areas over 1/3 an acre, or 10 acres with additional wire

People who want a wireless dog fence system

People who are OK with just the traditional mode PetSafe fences

People who want more of a basic PetSafe fence with more basic features

 

– What’s In The Kit

Transmitter with mounting hardware and power adapter

YardMax rechargeable receiver with adjustable collar fits neck sizes 6-28 inches

Surge protector

Receiver collar charger

Short and long contact points

Operating and training guide

500 feet of 20-gauge boundary wire

50 training flags

Waterproof splice capsules and wire nuts

Test light tool and contact point wrench

 

PetSafe Rechargeable In Ground Fence System

In ground electric dog fence system, with a rechargeable collar

Each charge can last up to 2 months depending on usage

For dogs 5 pounds and up, and for neck sizes 6-26 inches

The standard kit covers up to 1/3 of an acre

You can cover up to 25 acres with additional wire

The collar has 4 levels of static stimulation for the static training option. Your dog will hear a beep in the warning zone, and if they continue to the correction zone they will get a static stimulation

There’s also a Run Through Prevention feature where the correction increases if your dog tries to run through the boundary zone

There’s also a tone only training option, if you want to train with sound only

You can buy add on collars to add more dogs to the system

This system has an automatic safety shut-off feature whereby the correction stops after 15 seconds if your dog doesn’t go back to the warning zone or the boundary zone

PetSafe Rechargeable In Ground Fence System Review

 

PetSafe Little Dog In Ground Fence System

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 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

PetSafe Little Dog In Ground Fence System Review

 

Wireless Dog Fences

PetSafe Free To Roam Wireless Dog Fence System

Wireless pet containment system

Wireless means a quick setup, and there’s no trenches to dig or backfill for fence wires

Wireless also means the system is portable if you want to take it away camping for example, or take it when you move houses

The system covers a circular area up to 1/2 an acre, or 180 feet in diameter

You can increase the range of the system with additional transmitters

You can add dogs to the system with additional Free To Roam collar receivers

The collar receivers have 5 levels of static for static training mode

There’s also a tone only training mode

The collar uses replaceable RFA-67D-11 Batteries, and the batteries last about 1-2 months

The collar receiver is for dogs 5 pounds and up, and fits neck sizes 6-28 inches

Transmitter Power Loss Alarm- built in power loss alarm sounds an intermittent tone alarm if power is removed from the transmitter. If power is removed from the transmitter, your pet is no longer contained.

The system works with the original Wireless Pet Containment System (PIF-300) and Receiver Collar (PIF-275)

PetSafe Free To Roam Wireless Dog Fence System Review

 

PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Dog Fence System

Wireless pet containment system

Portable – you can plug and unplug the transmitter as your need to and move the system around. This means you can use it for RV camping and vacation homes for example

Wireless means no wires and no digging wire trenches – installation is easier and quicker than an in ground pet fence – approx. 1-2 hours

Both the transmitter and collar on this system are  smaller and more compact than the other PetSafe systems. The transmitter is 67% smaller than other transmitters

The standard kit will allow you to cover a circular area of 3/4 of an acre (210 feet in diameter), and a minimum of 44 feet in diameter or 22 feet in radius

You can expand the area with additional transmitters

The collar is for dogs 5 pounds and up, and fits neck sizes 6-28 inches

There’s 5 adjustable levels of static correction on the collar

There’s also a tone-only mode on the collar that alerts your pet with a beep

The collar also features an automatic safety shut-off feature where correction stops after 15 seconds of stimulation

Collar is rechargeable – uses a built in battery that is not replaceable. Lasts approx. 3 weeks per charge

Collars should last roughly 3-5 years all up

You can expand the system and add more dogs with additional collar receivers

System also works with the original Wireless Pet Containment System (PIF-300) and Receiver Collar (PIF-275)

PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Dog Fence System Review

 

PetSafe PIF-300 Wireless Dog Fence System

Wireless pet containment system for dogs 8 lbs and over, and with neck sizes 6-28 inches

Installation usually only takes 1-2 hours

The system is portable – you plug in and unplug the signal transmitter as required

It covers an adjustable circular area up to 1/2 acre (180 feet in diameter) – this is how far the signal reaches to the collar receiver. Also has a minimum of 10 feet in diameter or 5 feet in radius

Has either a static stimulation training option, or a tone only training option

Static mode has 5 different levels of varying intensity of static to choose from

Tone only mode uses a beep to train your dog

Has a built in safety feature – safety shut-off stops correction after 30 seconds

The collar uses a PetSafe RFA-67 battery (included)

You can expand the signal range with additional transmitters

You can add more dogs to the system with add on collars

System works with Stay+Play Wireless Fence® and Stay + Play Wireless Fence receiver collar

PetSafe PIF-300 Wireless Dog Fence System Review

 

PetSafe Free To Roam vs Free To Roam

We wrote a comparison guide of these two dog fence systems here:

PetSafe Free To Roam vs Free To Roam Dog Fence Comparison Guide

 

PetSafe Pet Barriers

Separate to the PetSafe pet fences, PetSafe also have a similar type of product called a ‘pet barrier’.

Some of those models are the:

– PetSafe Pawz Away Indoor Pet Barrier (on Amazon)

– PetSafe Pawz Away Outdoor Pet Barrier (on Amazon)

– PetSafe Pawz Away Threshold Pet Barrier (on Amazon) (Designed for thresholds between rooms (doorways) or at the top or bottom of stairs.)

– PetSafe Pawz Away Mini Pet Barrier (on Amazon). A cheap version of the indoor barrier, and has decreased range (and smaller transmitter). It will still act to keep pets away from certain areas or objects in your house though. 

 

SportDOG vs eXtreme vs PetSafe Fence Comparison

In case you wanted to get a comparison to the PetSafe dog fence, you can read this comparison guide.

 

You can also read an individual SportDOG vs eXtreme comparison here:

SportDOG vs eXtreme Dog Fence Comparison Guide

 

Electric Dog Fence FAQ Questions For Buyers and Owners

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

 

Some Safety Considerations For Using An Electric Dog Fence

Safety is extremely important with an dog fence.

Always always get your vet’s advice or the advice of an animal health and/or training expert – nothing is a substitute for professional advice.

Some general safety guidelines for using a dog fence humanely might be:

Buy from a reputable company who put proper use of the dog fence and the safety of the dog as a priority 

Read and follow the operating guide, instruction/safety manual and training guide that comes with the dog fence system from the manufacturer for operation and safety instructions and guidelines

Pay attention to any warnings issued by the manufacturer

Monitor your dog’s response both mentally and physically to using a dog fence. Take the collar off immediately and discontinue use of the system if you notice any negative implications or reactions

 

A good dog fence that uses static stimulation should simply stimulate the muscle (to the point of reflex) to get the dog’s attention, but should not cause pain (it might be slightly annoying for the dog to act as a small deterrent – but shouldn’t cause pain or harm). It certainly shouldn’t cause a ‘sharp pain’ to the muscle or body. 

To get a safe stimulation level – you can always start from the lowest stimulation level, and work your way up to a level that gets the dog’s attention (such as changing body language when a stimulation, vibration or tone is administered) without any visible sign of pain or harm (such as yelping, or showing signs of stress).

A good dog fence company should give you all the necessary safety, use and training instructions, and should have a dedicated customer service line to help when you being using the fence system.

The static function does not need to be used either – tone and vibrate training modes can be used instead.

Some owners like to use their dog fence system as a temporary training tool i.e. once their dog/s have learnt the boundaries and are properly training to stay in the yard, they turn the fence off or remove it.

If the dog starts going outside the boundaries again, they use the fence again to re-train their dog.

As a safety precaution for humans as well – make sure to get a qualified company to do an underground utility search and get these utilities marked before doing any digging.

Read more about the safety of electric dog fences in this guide.

 

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