Pros
- Receivers are user-adjustable
- Use standard batteries
Cons
- Not available in every market
Product Features
First of all, unlike Invisible Fence products, DogWatch receivers are user-adjustable, which means that you can change the correction level your pet receives without intervention from your professional installer. Also, DogWatch receivers use standard batteries that you can purchase almost anywhere, saving you the expense and inconvenience of purchasing proprietary batteries from your installer. Additionally, DogWatch receivers have a two-year battery life; in my experience, that’s about four times longer than other brands. Finally, DogWatch transmitters have built-in and external lightning protection, and are capable of powering up to 200 acres.
Support
All DogWatch products include professional installation and training support. The level of training support varies with each installer — some installers include only the initial training sessions and charge for additional support, while others offer training support as a standard part of the package. Make sure you understand exactly how much free training support you will receive when you purchase your DogWatch fence. Ideally, you’ll receive at least 6 months of free, onsite support. DogWatch offers a lifetime hardware warranty and a limited 30-day money back guarantee if you are unsatisfied with your system.
Summary
In my opinion, DogWatch makes a fairly high-quality product that includes some nice features other pro dog fence companies don’t offer; for example, they use standard batteries in their receivers, so you don’t have to buy expensive proprietary batteries from your local installer. DogWatch is a pro line of dog fences, which means that the only way to buy this product is to contact the DogWatch installer who serves your local area. Pricing for DogWatch hidden fences varies by area, however, the DogWatch website lists the median price at $1450.
Pros
- Receiver is small and highly customizable
Cons
- Installation and batteries are expensive
- Receiver is not user adjustable
Product Features
To start with a negative, the correction levels on Invisible Fence receivers are adjustable only by an Invisible Fence installer. This means that you … must contact your installer for a service call. They also require custom batteries that you’ll generally purchase on an annual “battery plan” that is pretty expensive — usually between $60 – $100 per pet per year. (If you) buy Invisible Fence compatible batteries from sources other than your installer, … you may void your warranty. Invisible Fence has several different transmitter models that vary widely in price and features. Basic Invisible Fence transmitters power as little as 500 feet, while high-end systems power up to 100 acres. Invisible Fence transmitters do not include integrated lightning protection, so you should ensure that your installer includes supplemental lightning protection in your hardware package.
Support
All Invisible Fence products include professional installation and training support. The level of training support varies with each installer — some installers include only the initial training sessions and charge for additional support … Make sure you understand exactly how much free training support you will receive … Ideally, you’ll receive at least 6 months of free, onsite support. The standard warranty for Invisible Fence brand products is one year. Lifetime warranties are available but don’t necessarily come standard with every product, so you should contact your local Invisible Fence dealer to confirm pricing and warranty information.
Summary
In the past, I didn’t recommend Invisible Fence products; in my opinion, they were far too expensive and the hardware inferior to other pro brands…Since Radio Systems Corp. (the same company that makes PetSafe products) purchased the Invisible Fence brand in 2007, this product has markedly improved. The receiver (the device worn on the dog’s neck) is now smaller than it was previously … and it’s the only product that allows you to set different correction levels for indoor and outdoor use. On the downside, Invisible Fence receivers still require expensive proprietary batteries and the receivers are not user adjustable. Invisible Fence is a pro line of dog fences, which means that the only way to purchase this product is to contact the Invisible Fence installer who serves your local area. Each installer sets his or her own prices … but in my experience you should expect to pay anywhere from $1500 – $2500 for an Invisible Fence system.
This independent review is excerpted from www.dog-fence-guide.com. The review has not been updated since 2007, but the information remains generally correct. It was written by a former professional dog fence installer who has installed “every major brand of dog fence on the market.” The reviewer is not affiliated with either DogWatch® or Invisible Fence®. DogWatch is a registered Trademark of DogWatch Hidden Fences, Inc. Invisible Fence® is a registered Trademark of Radio Systems Corporation.
DogWatch® is not Invisible®
DogWatch “hidden dog fences” are often mistakenly referred to generically as “invisible fences” or “invisible dog fences.” Invisible Fence® and Invisible Fencing® are Brand names, products and registered trademarks of Radio Systems, Inc. Click the links below to learn more about how DogWatch products compare to Invisible Fence®:
Compare the DogWatch Hidden Fences® system to Invisible Fence® system.
Compare DogWatch® battery use and cost to other systems.
Trade-in your existing underground dog fence for a DogWatch system! It's easy and cost-effective.