Which is Better For My Dog: a Wired Underground Fence or a Wireless GPS Fence?

Are you considering a wireless GPS electronic pet fence (frequently referred to generically as an “invisible fence”*) to keep your dog in your yard? How do wireless GPS systems compare to a wired underground electronic dog fence? Do they provide the same level of safety for your pet?

We’ve gathered the facts below. Find out which solution is best for you and your pet, and learn how DogWatch® Hidden Fences and SkyShepherd® GPS Dog Fence stand out from the competition.

How Wired Underground Pet Fences Work

Most electronic pet fence systems (including a DogWatch® Hidden Fence, Invisible Fence® and other brands) feature a buried wire, typically two-to-six inches underground. The wire is connected to a transmitter mounted in your house or garage that sends a harmless, coded radio signal through this wire. Your pet wears a collar programmed to detect the radio signal (called a receiver collar.)

When the pet approaches the underground wire, the receiver collar emits a beep (or vibration) to warn them to retreat. If your pet ignores the warning and continues to move towards the boundary wire, the receiver collar delivers a brief static impulse (correction).

Through a simple training program using flags to mark the area where it is safe to play, your pet learns to recognize where it is safe and where the alert is triggered. Most pets quickly learn to stay within the safe area.

How Wireless GPS Pet Fences Work

Wireless GPS pet fences, by contrast, use satellites to map a specific boundary (geo-fence) for the pet instead of using a buried wire and a fixed radio signal. Mapping the fence boundary is often done by using cellular technology.

The receiver collar is connected to the GPS program that sends an alert to the receiver collar if the pet approaches the boundary and corrects the pet if it does not retreat from the boundary.

Choosing Between a Wired or Wireless Pet Fence

Wired pet fences that use a radio signal are a great fit for most if not all pet parents. They can work for yards of all sizes, and pets of all ages, breeds, and sizes (including cats)!

Wireless GPS pet fences can be a good fit for pet parents who are looking for a portable system, provided they meet the following three key requirements:

1. They have a yard over one acre in size;
2. They have a yard with limited tree cover; and
3. Their pet is at least 20 pounds.

Need more help deciding between wired vs wireless pet fences? Check out these key advantages below.

Advantages of a Wired Underground Dog Fence

There are five main advantages that wired underground dog fences have when compared to wireless GPS fences:

1. Precise Consistent Boundary

Hidden Fences with underground wires provide a consistent boundary that does not change unless the wire itself is moved. In particular, DogWatch’s patented SafeLink signal is highly resistant to interference, making it a secure and reliable choice.

GPS dog fences, however, do not provide the same consistency. GPS coordinates are more prone to shifting due to weather, trees, or nearby structures, and are not recommended for smaller yards or obstructed areas.

2. Longest Battery Life Available

Battery life matters when it comes to electronic dog fences. Why? Because a dead battery means no audible alerts or corrections. As a result, the pet is much more likely to run through the boundary.

Most wired electronic pet fences use a replaceable receiver battery, with a lifecycle ranging from 3 months to two years. DogWatch Hidden Fence receiver collars have the longest battery life in the industry, which means more protection for your pet and less hassle for you.

GPS pet fences typically use a rechargeable battery to power their receiver collars. These GPS collars need to be charged daily. The more often you need to charge the battery, the higher the likelihood of winding up with a dead battery, which in turn increases the chance that your pet will leave the yard.

3. Lightweight Collar

Most wired fence receiver collars are significantly smaller than the average GPS wireless dog fence collar. In fact, most GPS wireless collars are not suitable for dogs under 20 lbs.

DogWatch receiver collars fit dogs of all sizes. In fact, our R7mini receiver collar weighs only 1.1 ounces – perfect for small dogs and cats, too!

4. Lifetime Warranty

Most wireless GPS fences come with only a one-year warranty. Most wired underground pet fences come with a much longer warranty, and many customers report using the same fence system for over 20 years with minimal upkeep required!

DogWatch Hidden Fences are built to last. All Dealer-installed underground DogWatch Hidden Fences come with a lifetime limited warranty that is the best in the industry.

5. In-Person Training and Support from Local Dealers

Professionally installed underground wired fence systems come with personalized training from experienced pet professionals. In contract, many popular GPS pet fences come with only limited, online-only support resources.

Our DogWatch Dealerships are locally owned & operated by small business owners who live in your community. Our professionally installed hidden fences come with PetFriendly™ training that is customized for you and your dog. Our team will support you when you need it, even years or decades after your initial purchase. Check out our reviews for proof that our customer service is the best in the industry!

Why SkyShepherd is the Best Choice for GPS

If you meet the three requirements listed above, you may be a good candidate for a wireless pet fence system. DogWatch is proud to offer the SkyShepherd® GPS containment system along with full-service setup and personalized training from our experienced network of DogWatch Dealers.

There are six main advantages that SkyShepherd has when compared to other wireless GPS fences:

1. In-Person Training and Support: SkyShepherd comes with setup help and expert dog training from your local DogWatch Dealer.
2. Smallest GPS Fence Collar: SkyShepherd offers the smallest and lightest collar in its class for your dog’s comfort.
3. Patented Shepherding™ Technology: This exclusive, patented safety feature delivers smart, real-time feedback to gently guide your dog within their safe zone.
4. No Subscription Fees: Enjoy 24/7 yard monitoring, alerts, on-demand location lookup, and battery level notifications—without any subscription fees you’ll get with other GPS collars.
5. Extended Warranty: Every SkyShepherd GPS system purchased from a DogWatch Dealer includes a two-year warranty—double what the other brands offer.
6. Engineered in the USA: SkyShepherd is proudly designed, engineered, and assembled in the USA for top quality and durability. And it is sold and supported by local DogWatch Dealers in your community.

For more information about the latest in electronic pet fence technology, contact your local DogWatch Dealer. And if you’re ready to get started today, click here to request a free quote!

* Invisible Fence® and Invisible Fencing® are Brand names, products and registered trademarks of Radio Systems, Inc.