Fortunately, this is not only possible but also easy to do if you have an invisible or wireless dog fence, which is also known as a GPS dog fence. That way, your beloved pet will have plenty of space for playing in without endangering their own life or becoming a nuisance to the neighbors.

The SpotOn Virtual Fence, or the SpotOn Collar as it is popularly known is one of the best wireless dog fences currently available in the market. If you want to keep your dog safe, you should seriously consider investing in this virtual fence and below is a detailed look into the product to help you understand why it is a must-have product for dogs and their owners.

What is the SpotOn Collar?

The SpotOn Collar or SpotOn Virtual Fence as it is also known is a wireless dog GPS tracking and containment system that allows you to take your beloved pets and virtual smart fence anywhere you choose to go.

The SpotOn collar allows you to program containment locations by simply walking a boundary with the device in hand. The entire system is a collar and companion smartphone application that links to 3 global navigation satellite systems and a variety of cellular networks.

How Does the Spot On Collar Work?

To activate your SpotOn Collar, you need to walk around the area where you would like the fence to be. If you want your dog to roam in your backyard only, walk around the backyard with the device turned on. The virtual fence is automatically programmed within the collar after your lap the perimeter. You can make a protected containment space of virtually any shape and size from ½ acre to 1,000 acres.

The SpotOn Collar utilizes 3 satellite systems (Galileo, GLONASS, GPS) to create a trusted containment location for your dog. The satellites are used by both the United States military and the FAA for navigation and are not the ones used to power satellite TV and radio.

Immediately you turn on the device, it will create an invisible barrier around the containment space. If your dog gets too close to the set boundary, the SpotOn collar lets out a quick beep that’s intended to discourage the dog from proceeding further. If they get closer still, a second louder beep goes off. The loud noise is often enough to scare off most dogs.

If your dog is not bothered by the noises, the collar will emit a painless static shock that will undoubtedly turn away the dog. Please note that the static shock is a completely optional feature. With a bit of extra training, it is possible to teach your dog to recognize the signals of the beeps, so that the static shock is not necessary.

If the dog unexpectedly breaches the containment space, the SpotOn system automatically tracks their location and gives updates every 6 seconds detailing where the dog is located, the distance away from you, and will even give you driving directions to where the dog is geographically located. If it is a quick sleep and the dog comes back immediately, he/she doesn’t get a correction for getting back.

Key Features of the SpotOn Dog Collar

• Easy Installation

The installation process is perhaps one of the best aspects of the SpotOn Collar. All you need to do to set up your device is to walk a perimeter with it while it is turned on. You don’t need to dig up your property, install markers, or even waste time trying to mess around with hardwire. It is actually so easy to do that you can probably do it on your first try.

• Simple Premise

The reliance on underground wires is an ancient idea that often never works as great as it should. The SpotOn Collar, on the other hand, uses virtual mapping to allow you to set up your own fences, which means that all the hardware is located in one place, which is on the dog. With this device, you don’t have to worry about having multiple set-ups for different dogs or even buying extra wires.

• Long Battery Life

The SpotOn Collar is ideal for dogs that spend much of their time outdoors. The battery charge lasts for about 36 hours, which means that you can let your dog wander all day and charge up the collar at night. A longer-lasting battery means less collar failure and lower chances of your dog getting out of the containment zone.

• Comfortable

All the protection in the world is actually not worth much if the dog doesn’t tolerate the system. The SpotOn Collar, however, is quite lightweight and designed with your dog in mind. Therefore, your dog will not only stop noticing the device quickly but also can still go around his/her day without being bothered.

• Tracking Ability

The SpotOn Collar has an optional plan that lets you track your dog to within 10 feet if he/she ever breaches the perimeter. This is a great feature for those that keep the device on their beloved pets even when the fencing solution is not attached because it allows you to easily determine where your dog has gone.

• Fully Wireless

The lack of wires makes the SpotOn collar a great fir for those that either don’t like the idea of digging up their yards or those unable to do so. The lack of wires is not just a set-up feature, but also a feature that will give you more peace of mind if your dog wanders after a storm or in situations likely to make a more traditional invisible fence fail.

• Customizable Parameters

The ability to customize where your dog can roam is another cool feature of this collar. You can not only set up a fenced-in area that gives your furry friend a lot of space, but you can also set up multiple other areas that will let you have better control over where your dog goes. The SpotOn Collar is ideal for those looking for a product that helps you set up precise locations where the dog can and cannot go.

• Made for Active Dogs

The SpotOn Collar is great for dogs that love to play. It doesn’t fall off easily and won’t break even if it gets a bit wet. Your beloved pet can run around, splash in the water, or even do for a swim without the need to take off the collar.

• Great Warranty

The SpotOn collar is supported by a 45-day money-back guarantee thus giving you plenty of time to determine whether or not you actually like it. If you do, you will enjoy another 1 year of coverage that will let you send back the collar and get a replacement if you ever run into any other issues. This shows that the manufacturer cares about the users and their pets.

• The Collar Itself

The collar is completely self-contained and all that you need is contained within: you don’t have any software, physical parts, or even extra wires to deal with. It is also completely rechargeable and contains sufficient power for a 24-hour charge.

Basic bumps and shocks aren’t an issue with this unit since it is made for actual, active dogs. If somebody finds your beloved pet before you do, the collar displays your phone number along with the dog’s name.

See more features at SpotOn website

App Overview

SpotOn comes with a companion iPhone app that can be quite helpful in times of crisis. If your dog unfortunately escapes the containment zone, or you lose your beloved pet in an area that isn’t one of your containment locations, the app can be of great help.

After a 60-day free trial, you can track your dog if he/she escapes a containment location for a small monthly fee. The app will send you a text message in case your beloved pet manages to break out of the set containment zone and will allow you to easily track his/her movements.

The companion SpotOn iPhone app offers several key benefits, such as:

• Updates every 6 seconds that shows the dog’s exact location
• Works across all cell signals or even without one
• Acts as a GPS that leads straight to your furry friend

The SpotOn Dog Collar is completely self-contained unlike other apps that either require a cell signal to function or are slow to work and can be used irrespective of the situation. It connects to 3 different satellites thus giving you accurate and real-time information regarding the exact location of your dog.

Is It Easy to Set Up and Get Started?

It is simply impossible to overstate just how easy it is to use this device. If you know how to put on a regular collar on your dog as well as how to use a basic GPS-based phone app, you can rest assured that you have all you need to use the SpotOn Collar. While you don’t need anything else besides the collar to create the perimeter, you can use optional flags as visual markers for the fence boundary.

Unlike most invisible or virtual fences that are currently available, SpotOn uses a completely virtual system, which means that there’s no need to dig up the perimeter of your yard and install an underground wiring system. The collar itself is all you need to create the fence. All the necessary technology is contained within the device.

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Since there’s no installation needed, setting up the containment zone is as simple as registering your system, turning on the device, and walking with it around the outside of the containment zone. You can easily save virtual fences, and each device can have as many as 10 unique perimeters programed.

How Do You Set Up Your Virtual Fence?

The first step is to decide exactly where you would like the boundaries of the fence to be. Ensure that those boundaries are at least 15 feet away from unwanted terrains such as a neighbor’s yard or a road.

You are free to use the optional boundary flags to help you physically outline this area. The flags should make it easier when you start to set up your containment zone, but you can remove them afterwards.

To start creating the containment zone, you must first be holding the device in your hand with a clear view of the sky. Next, turn on the device and navigate the menu to “create a new map”. The collar will need to first establish a GPS signal that can take anywhere from 30 seconds to 3 minutes.

Once the GPS signal is established, the collar will ask whether you prefer a custom map or a circle map. Next, walk to the start point for the containment zine, and click on the “custom” option to start creating your map.

From that point, all you have to do is walk your preferred boundary line yourself. Keep holding the collar up and in your hand to ensure the best GPS signal possible while you do this.

Finally, walk the entire length of the boundary until you return to the starting point. If you encounter any obstacle that’s impossible to physically pass, pause the GPS mapping function and resume on the other side of that obstacle.

Is the SpotOn GPS Dog Fence Effective?

The quick answer is Yes.

The SpotOn Dog Fence is a highly effective, highly customizable, and considerably more affordable than a regular fence. If you are looking to make sure that your furry friend stays on your property without getting lost, this device is an excellent investment. It has helped numerous other pet owners and can help you too.

What Happens When Your Dog “Breaks” the GPS Barrier?

The SpotOn Collar uses 2 correction methods to help prevent breaches of the barrier and train the dog:

The first method is purely audible. There are 2 warning areas within 10 feet of the designated boundary. The audible feedback becomes harsher as the dog proceeds into the warning areas. After proper training, the audible warnings should be enough to prevent him/her from leaving the containment zone.

Dogs, however, can be hardheaded at time. If h/she does leave the area, the collar can provide a mild static correction. You have the option to choose from multiple levels of static correction based on the age and size of your pet. The static correction should be sufficient to encourage your beloved pet to turn around and get back home.

Other collars apply a second static shock when the dog crosses the boundary to get back home. Obviously, this is not ideal for training purposes since it simply confuses the dog. Fortunately, the SpotOn Collar is designed such that it doesn’t provide a second static shock when the dog is crossing the barrier to get back home.

Is the SpotOn Collar Waterproof?

Yes.

Dogs love playing in water and mud and this is something the SpotOn team considered when designing this collar. In fact, the collar was tested under extreme conditions to ensure maximum durability and it has earned an IP67 waterproof status.

What We Love About SpotOn Collar

• Fences work on GPS meaning that poor cell coverage won’t affect your containment locations
• It is the most accurate GPS fence solution that connects with 3 satellite navigation systems and can pinpoint the location of your dog to within 10 feet
• It is very easy to adjust and allows you to really set up amazing play and exercise for your beloved pet no matter your location
• You don’t need to dig up your yard to install underground wires or even check on physical boundaries
• It works perfectly with dogs of different temperaments and sizes, which means that you never have to worry about its efficacy
• It is well-engineered, even when it is compared to some of the best virtual fences currently available in the market
• It provides great flexibility and allows for multiple fences in the same location, which means that you can fence just the back, just the front, or the whole yard.

Any Negatives?

• If you plan to track your dog, you must have decent cell coverage and this makes it incredibly difficult to use if you live in an area with spotty coverage
• It is quite expensive compared to other virtual fences.

Price: How Much Does SpotOn Cost?

The SpotOn Collar costs $1,495. However, you will need a personal system for each of the dogs in your household. Still, the price won’t increase depending on the size of your home. If you buy 2 or more devices at a time, you will receive an automated 15% discount rate.

Funding alternatives are also provided with month-to-month plans for 12-months, 18-months, or 24-months. Optional Connection expenses after a 60-day free trial are $6.95/month that lets you track your dog, get escape alerts, status updates, and manage your maps from your phone.

*Price current at the time of publication – see most up-to-date pricing at SpotOn website

Summary: You Should Buy the SpotOn if…

Your personal needs are the right match. Are you the kind of person that wants a highly accurate GPS fence so that you may feel safe allowing your beloved pet roam around? If so, are you a person that has no problem paying a premium to guarantee that kind of safety?

If you have answered ‘yes’ to either or both of these questions then you are definitely the kind of person that should consider buying this product. It was intended for people that really want their dogs to roam, but live in a place where building a physical fence is a realistic possibility.

The SpotOn Collar is an excellent investment for any dog owner even those that have physical fences. The fact that it uses 3 satellites and inertial tracking sensors make this device one of the most accurate location trackers currently available.

It is a great training tool and offers far more customizable features than any of the competitors. If you are looking for the best GPS collar for your dog, then you cannot go wrong by choosing the SpotOn GPS fence.

To sum up all the reasons why you should consider buying this product:

• It uses 3 satellites to ensure precise tracking of your dog
• It is easy to use and set up the virtual fence
• It is backed by a great warranty
• You have a virtual fence everywhere you go
• The companion app is easy to use and offers great value

Some statistics claim that roughly 10 million pets are lost each year in the United States and only a small percentage of those are ever reunited with their families [1].

Electric fence products are a great way of ensuring your pet stays close to home if you do not have a physical boundary around the property. Some, like the Invisible Fence brand, utilizes wires buried around the border to create a precise boundary.

Other brands, like SpotOn, use GPS technology to pinpoint the dog’s location within a virtual outline. Both of these brands have their strengths and weaknesses and either one could be used to keep your dog safe and at home where they belong.

Feature Compare: What SpotOn and Invisible Fence Have To Offer

Let’s start with the major similarities that these two products share. Both are designed to provide an invisible boundary around a specified property. When a dog approaches that boundary perimeter they receive a mild static shock that encourages them to turn around. Both brands have also implemented a feature that prevents the collar from shocking the pet a second time when they return back across the boundary line. With that in mind, there are some major differences in how these two electric fence products work.

1. SpotOn Collar Key Features and Benefits

The SpotOn True Location feature uses a combination of GPS technology and motion sensors to provide real-time tracking. Unlike similar GPS collars, SpotOn pulls information from three different satellite systems with a total of 24 different satellites. These are some of the same satellites used by the United States military. This allows you to pinpoint the animal’s location with an accuracy of three feet. It also ensures that poor weather or environmental conditions do not impact the accuracy of the collar.

One of the best features available with SpotOn is its ability to create customized fence boundaries on the go. You can store several of the fences and adjust the dog’s boundaries based on location. For example, if you take your pet with you on vacation or to a family member’s you can create and save a virtual fence at that location. SpotOn automatically places virtual fence posts when creating a new post and allows for up to 1000 posts per fence. By comparison, other leading brands only allow for 20 virtual posts per fence.

SpotOn is also capable of fully tracking your pet even when they travel outside of the designated boundary. If your dog ever does wander away from the property you will be able to safely and reliably track them down. This feature does require an additional monthly service charge after the first year, but we believe it is worth every penny to know where your dog is at all times.

Here are a few more impressive SpotOn features:

• Forest Mode: Increases the GPS sensitivity when in close proximity to heavy tree coverage.
• Long Battery Life: A Fully charged battery has a lifespan between 18 and 24 hours.
• Noise-Resistant Antenna: Their antenna boasts the highest degree of noise immunity in the market.
• Correction Options: You can choose to use the static correction or an alternative audible-only correction.

2. Invisible Fence Key Features and Benefits

The Invisible Fence brand doesn’t rely on GPS technology at all, but rather short-range radio signals. The signal is sent from a transmitter along a wire that is buried in the yard. The pet wears a collar that will emit a warning sound as they get closer to the wire. If they reach the wire, then they will receive a static shock. With a bit of training, they will eventually learn where the boundaries are and will turn around when they hear the audible warning.

The utilization of the wire does come with some advantages. Most notably, there is no discrepancy in the distance. That allows the collar to only activate when the dog is physically at the boundary. However, the SpotOn collar activates several feet prior to the boundary line to allow for slight errors in GPS location. With the Invisible Fence, your pet will actually have more room and more freedom.

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Another useful feature of the Invisible Fence brand is that they have collars designed specifically for cats. These small, lightweight collars make it possible to train cats to stay within designated boundaries in the same way that you would train a dog. The SpotOn collar is designed solely for use with dogs.

Other notable brands features include:

• Perfect Start Plus Training Program: A training program that is customized for each pet and comes recommended by veterinarians and professional trainers.
• SmartShields Solution: A virtual fence variation that can be used to keep your pets indoors and even within specific rooms.
• Smart Fence App: A single powerful app that allows you to manage your collars, virtual fences, and other training options like SmartShields Solution.
• Doorman Electronic Pet Door: The Invisible Fence brand has been around for a while and released a handful of different electronic training and safety products. The automatic electronic pet door is only one example of this.
• Equipment Comparison: What’s Needed To Make SpotOn and Invisible Fence Work?

In terms of equipment required to function, SpotOn comes out ahead by a long shot. The only equipment that SpotOn requires to work is the GPS collar itself. There is a companion app designed to work with the collar and provide real-time tracking information, but it is not required to use the collar.

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To set up a new virtual fence with SpotOn you simply need to activate the collar, connect to the GPS system, and select “create new map”. You will slowly walk along the intended boundary line and the collar will collect data along the way. You can pause the collar if you need to move around physical boundaries along the way. The collar also comes with physical flag markers that you can use to easily outline your intended fence.

Invisible Fence requires significantly more equipment. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing because it does provide some additional accuracy with the correction limit. As we mentioned earlier, there is no buffer zone required with Invisible Fence because it activates when the collar is in physical proximity of the buried wire. There is also a required transmitter that is usually stored in a basement or garage and needs to be powered to operate.

The complexity involved with installing the Invisible Fence requires a professional team of installers. The professionals at Invisible Fence are very informative and can help you outline the ideal fence boundaries for your property. They are also required if you need to adjust the static correction level of the collar itself.

Equipment Comparison: What’s Needed for Invisible Fence and SpotOn

Here’s a quick breakdown of the equipment needed for both products:

• SpotOn: Collar and optional companion app.
• Invisible Fence: Collar, a physical wire buried on property, transmitter, and optional companion app.

There is also the matter of the battery. The Invisible Fence uses a proprietary batter that requires professional installation. Most users report needing to replace the battery once every 12-to-18 months. SpotOn uses fairly standard rechargeable batteries that can be replaced without professional assistance. You can purchase your batteries directly from SpotOn or from aftermarket sources.

GPS Dog Fence vs Wired: Does SpotOn or Invisible Fence Work Better?

First, it’s important to point out that both fences work exceptionally well. You can rest assured that the fence can safely contain your pet regardless of which fence you choose. But each fence does have its own strengths and weaknesses. Which you ultimately choose will depend on your unique situation.

Invisible Fence may require significantly more equipment and installation time, but the added freedom and accuracy are noticeable. If you live somewhere with very limited lawn space, then the five feet you would lose with SpotOn may simply be too much. Invisible Fence also has options for indoor containment with additional equipment.

The SpotOn fence has the advantage of providing real-time tracking even if your dog leaves the boundary. While very uncommon, there may be a situation where the dog leaves the virtual fence boundary. This typically occurs if the animal has not been properly trained to understand the fence and is instead immediately left outdoors after installation. Regardless of the reason for escape, you can use the SpotOn GPS technology to track down your pup immediately and return him home.

Price Comparison: Which Option is Cheaper?

Both fences are similar in upfront costs but differ over the long term. The cost of installing the Invisible Fence brand is going to vary based on the size and layout of your property. It may also differ depending on which model of collar you choose. SpotOn requires a flat fee regardless and includes an optional monthly subscription.

• Invisible Fence Cost: $950 – $1500
• SpotOn Fence Cost: $1495
• SpotOn Cellular Tracking Service: $6.95/month after one year free
• *Prices current at the time of publication – see current SpotOn prices at their website.

You Should Pick SpotOn If…

1. You do not want to install any equipment.
2. You want to have multiple virtual fences for different properties.
3. You want to be able to track your dog’s location in real-time.
4. You want to easily swap between audio and static correction options.
5. You want the best GPS collar on the market.

You Should Pick Invisible Fence If…

1. You want to give your pet more space to roam inside of the fence.
2. You want your electric fence to work with both cats and dogs.
3. You want the option to install virtual boundaries inside the home with added equipment.
4. You want a lower upfront cost (depending on the size of your property).
5. You want a professional training program recommended by veterinarians.

Reference

1. https://www.americanhumane.org/blog/every-day-is-tag-day-is-your-pet-protected/

A large fence around your property is one way to solve this problem, but not necessarily the best way. A physical fence is expensive and has its limitations. Over time, the fence may wear down or the dog may dig a hole beneath the posts. You also cannot take the fence with you if you travel with your animal.

But there is a fence that you can take with you on the go

The Spot On GPS dog fence is a virtual fence and dog tracking system that you’re sure to love…

But Does the SpotOn Wireless Dog Fence actually work?

The quick answer, is yes.

It is highly customizable, highly effective, and considerably more affordable than a traditional fence. If you want to ensure your favorite pet stays on your property and doesn’t get lost, then this is a great investment. This virtual fence has already helped countless pet owners and it can help you too.

How Does The Spot On GPS Fence Work?

This is not the first virtual fence we’ve seen on the market. Electronic dog fences have been in use as far back as the 1970s. But this is the first virtual fence to combine several highly accurate tracking methods and correlate their results using a one-of-a-kind patented AI system.

The technology uses this location information in addition to the customizable virtual fence outline to keep your pup where he belongs. Should he wander close to your designated fence boundaries he will be reminded with a series of loud beeps. If the noise does not turn him around, then a mild static shock can be used to turn him around. However, the static shock is entirely optional.

The complete system has several working mechanisms all contained within the collar itself. There is no extra physical equipment or wires needed to utilize the system. Let’s start by looking at how Spot On tracks your dog’s location within the fence boundaries.

• Location Tracking

The collar relies heavily on GPS tracking to create the fence outlines and track your dog’s location. Spot On does not use one specific GPS satellite system. Instead, they pull data from three different global positioning satellite systems: Galileo, GLONASS, and GPS). By pulling data from all three systems and comparing them internally, the software is able to remain extremely accurate regardless of weather conditions. These are not the satellite systems used for satellite TV, but rather the same ones used by the United States military.

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GPS data alone is not enough to consistently determine your dog’s location with a high level of accuracy. For example, GPS drift is a common problem that can result in inconsistencies up to fifteen feet. The Spot On tracking AI compensates for these inconsistencies with an internal set of sensors located in the collar.

Each collar contains inertial sensors that are used to track the speed, acceleration, and trajectory of the animal. This information, combined with the location data from all three satellite systems, is enough to paint a very accurate picture of the dog’s location. This is referred to as Spot On’s True Location technology and it is far more reliable than competing GPS collars.

• Noise-Free Antenna

GPS noise is a significant problem for most virtual collar systems. If you live in a location near tall buildings or trees, then the signal can be obstructed, which greatly reduces its accuracy. The Spot On GPS collar currently has the greatest noise immunity of any GPS collar on the market.

The collar’s noise-resistant antenna is placed on the backside of the neck. It is not a large or bulky antenna, yet it’s still enough to cut through the noise with a clear view of the sky. The noise-free antenna helps improve the collar’s accuracy tremendously. So much so that the collar is capable of pinpointing the dog’s location within three feet even in unfavorable conditions.

• Companion App

While not necessary for use of the GPS fence, the companion app includes a lot of features that most pet owners will find very useful. One free year of the cellular app is included with the original purchase of the collar. Afterward, it will require a monthly fee of $6.95. The 12-month access is more than enough time to determine whether the app is useful enough to continue payment.

One of the best features of the companion app is that it will send you notifications if your dog leaves the fenced-in area. No matter where you are at you can be immediately notified and take action if the dog does not return to the fenced area.

The companion app also provides you with real-time location tracking of the collar at all times. You can see exactly where your dog is and where he is moving, whether it is inside or outside of the boundary. The displayed location is accurate up to three feet.

Finally, the app is also useful for storing and sharing custom maps. You can save and name up to ten different maps in the app. This feature is incredibly useful if you travel frequently with your dog. You can create a fence boundary at each location and use the map to quickly change fence settings on the go.

How Do You Set Up Your Invisible GPS Fence?

Set up with the Spot On virtual fence is extremely simple. There are no wires to bury or post holes to dig. All that you need to create the fence is the collar itself. All of the necessary technology is inside of the device. Though, there are optional flags that you can use as visual markers for your fence boundary.

The first step is deciding exactly where you want the fence boundaries to be. These boundaries should be at least fifteen feet away from unwanted terrains, such as roads or a neighbor’s yards. You can use the optional boundary flags to physically outline this area. The flags will make it easier when you begin setting up the virtual fence but can be removed afterward.

To begin creating a barrier you need to be holding the collar in your hand with a clear view of the sky. Turn on the collar and navigate the menu to “create new map”. The collar will first establish a GPS signal, which can take between 30 seconds and 3 minutes. After the GPS signal has been established the collar will ask whether you prefer a circle map or a custom map.

Walk to the start point for your fence and click the “custom” option to begin creating a map. From this point, all that you need to do is walk the intended boundary line yourself. Continue to hold the collar up and in your hand to ensure the best possible GPS signal.

Walk the full length of the boundary until you have returned to your starting point. If there is any obstacle that you cannot physically pass you can simply pause the GPS mapping function and resume on the other side of the obstacle.

What Happens When Your Dog “Breaks” The GPS Barrier?

The collar uses two correction methods to help train the dog and prevent breaches of the barrier. The first method is purely audible. There are two warning areas within 10 feet of the designated boundary. As the dog proceeds into these warning areas, the audible feedback will become harsher. Once the dog is properly trained, these audible warnings are typically enough to prevent the dog from leaving the designated area.

However, dogs can sometimes be rather hardheaded. If they do leave the area, then the collar can provide a mild static correction. There are multiple levels of static correction that you can choose from based on the size and age of your pet. The static correction should be more than enough to encourage the dog to turn around and return home.

Some collars apply a second static shock when the dog crosses the boundary to return home. Of course, this is bad for training purposes and confuses the dog. The Spot On GPS dog fence is designed so that it does not provide a second static shock when the dog is crossing the barrier to return home.

What Else Can You Do With The Spot On GPS Collar?

Aside from containment, the collar is an excellent tool for continually tracking your dog’s location. You’ll need to invest in the monthly cellular plan to fully utilize this feature after the first year. But it is highly recommended if you are worried that the animal might leave the containment area. And even if you are not, it will provide comfort and peace of mind knowing you can always view exactly where your animal is at.

Summary: Should You Buy Spot On?

We believe the Spot On virtual collar is a great investment for all dog owners even if you already have a physical fence. The use of multiple satellite systems and inertial tracking sensors make this one of the most accurate location trackers available. It is an excellent training tool and comes with far more customizable features than any of its competitors. If you’re looking for the best GPS collar for your favorite pet, then look no further than the Spot On GPS fence.

Unfortunately, that’s oftentimes easier said than done. With over 10 million pets lost in the United States yearly, it’s a widespread problem among dog owners [1]. If you are looking to alleviate your worries, you might be considering investing in a wireless GPS dog fence. However, before doing so, you might be interested to learn what they are and whether or not they work.

Do they live up to the marketing hype?

By the end of this article, you’ll know the answer to these questions which can help you decide whether or not it’s worth investing in yourself.

Do GPS Dog Fences Work: What the Research Says

GPS dog fences are extremely hot in the marketplace nowadays. With more pet owners recognizing the benefits of having GPS fencing technology, a lot more dog owners are investing in these systems. GPS technology has widespread usage. It’s become the norm for everyday consumers. After all, your mobile device uses GPS technology every time you search for restaurants nearby or even when you are looking for directions to a new place.

GPS stands for “Global Positioning System.”

The good thing about GPS is the fact that it can track regardless of whether or not a single satellite is being blocked. This makes it extremely accurate in different weather conditions and virtually anywhere you go.

How Does a GPS Dog Fence Work?

The beauty of a GPS as mentioned above is the lack of a need for an active connection. There is a common misconception that GPS requires a wireless connection to work and function. A lot of the GPS fence products only require a connection if activating a new fence or if you are looking to leverage the automatic tracking features. The fence technology will be using GPS for location tracking. Therefore, the fence will work no matter if you’re in a dead zone or you have a full wireless signal. GPS technology has become so reliable. After all, you rely on the same technology daily to get you where you need to go.

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Key Things To Know About How a GPS Dog Fence Works

• No Internet Connection Required

As mentioned, there is no Internet connection required for the GPS to work. You don’t have to worry about your dog getting out because the Internet connection is disrupted. These systems use satellite technology to create the boundaries for your dog. They are the same satellites the US military uses for navigation and not the ones that you would normally be used for radio or TV. Therefore, you can count on them being very reliable. You will only require an Internet connection for live tracking, notifications, and other Internet-required features.

• You Create Custom Boundaries

This fencing system works through a mobile application. Systems like the Halo Collar and SpotOn Virtual Fence will require you to download an application and set up your first virtual fence. You’ll have the ability to create multiple virtual fences in different locations by simply tapping on a map. Thus allowing you to have peace of mind knowing your dog is protected anywhere.

• Accurate Tracking

One of the biggest worries people have about wireless GPS fence technology is the perceived inconsistencies with GPS accuracy. The GPS will be accurate at determining your dog’s location within 10 feet of error. Therefore, you can create your boundaries using that as a guide to err on the side of caution.

Benefits of a Wireless GPS Dog Fence

• Installation Free

One of the main benefits you’ll get with a wireless dog fence setup by GPS is the ability to do so anywhere with zero installation. The installation process involved with a wired fence is not only cumbersome, but it’s limiting and it requires professional supervision. The wired fencing can get damaged and it can be costly to install. With a GPS, you can install the fence and set up boundaries in a few minutes by yourself.

• No Limitations

As mentioned, a wired install is going to have several limitations that might make it unideal for a lot of dog owners. You’ll have a difficult time installing the fence on hilly ground and other suboptimal areas. When the fence is controlled through GPS, you don’t have that same issue. You can install a boundary wherever you go. Best of all, you can create virtual fences on the go. The portable nature of a wireless GPS fence makes the technology extremely adaptable and useful for dog owners. If you go to multiple properties or you find yourself taking your dog outdoors a lot, this technology can offer the peace of mind you need as a dog owner.

• Activity Tracking

A lot of the wireless GPS fence products you’ll find in the marketplace include activity tracking as a feature. This can be a major advantage for a dog owner because you’ll be able to tell how much physical activity your dog is getting daily. It can also give you pertinent information if you are someone who routinely has your dog walked by a professional dog walker. You’ll know how long they went on a walk and where they went. The ability to get live notifications about your dog is another key benefit. After all, you are increasingly likely to keep your dog out of danger the sooner you notice they are outside of your perimeter. With a physical fence or another fencing solution, you don’t get live notifications that can keep you on top of things as a dog owner.

How Much Do they Typically Cost?

There are a lot of different wireless GPS fencing products in the marketplace. With this technology being in the early stages, you’ll find these solutions to be more expensive than other fencing technology. However, with the various benefits you get from a wireless GPS-based system, it’s more than worth it for pet owners.

Examples:

– Halo Collar = $999 MSRP
– SpotOn Virtual Fence = $1,495 MSRP

Which Wireless Dog Fence System Works Best?

This is a tough one to answer. As mentioned, there are plenty of different options available that offer their unique value propositions. The key is finding one that offers all of the features that you require as a dog owner. Think about why you are getting a wireless GPS fencing system and look for something that fits your use case the most. Two of the standouts in the marketplace right now are Halo Collar with Cesar Millan and SpotOn Virtual Fence. Both of these wireless GPS fencing solutions offer a lot of value to any dog owner. They both include the most innovative and reliable GPS technology that you would want to keep your dog safe.

SpotOn Virtual Fence Highlights and Benefits (Our Top Pick)

• Smart Fence Technology

With SpotOn, you get top-of-the-line GPS smart fencing technology. One of the benefits you get from SpotOn over Halo Collar is the ability to use up to 1,000 automatic GPS fence posts. This makes for better customization options when crafting smart fences. You also get unlimited acreage coverage. Whereas, Halo limits you to a total of 6,400 acres. You can also take advantage of overlapping fences. With Halo, you cannot.

• No Subscription Required

You can use SpotOn without paying for a subscription. With Halo, you’ll need to pay for a subscription if you want to use the system at all. For SpotOn, you only need to sign up and pay for a subscription if you want to take advantage of tracking.

• More Static Correction

With SpotOn, you get a total of 30 levels of static correction. This can offer better feedback customization than the 15 levels you get with the Halo Collar.

Halo Colar Highlights and Benefits

• Smart Fence Technology

The Halo collar is one of the top options available because it includes smart fence technology that you can count on. It uses state-of-the-art GPS technology for accurate location tracking and the ease of use at creating smart fences is excellent.

• Training Included

The Halo Collar is much more than a smart fencing solution for your dog. It’s also a full-blown expert training system. The Halo Smart Collar was designed with Cesar Millan who is a well-known renowned dog behaviorist. It offers custom feedback that you can use to train your dog on a variety of things.

• Activity Tracker

Along with smart fence technology and expert training, you get a full-blown activity tracker. You can check up on your dog’s fitness metrics and get detailed feedback that you might want to know as a pet owner.

RELATED READING: Halo Collar Review

References

1. https://www.americanhumane.org/blog/every-day-is-tag-day-is-your-pet-protected/

What’s even more, a whopping 55.8 percent of all dogs are classified as overweight [2]. A few companies have set out to give dog owners the peace of mind they need by introducing smart technology into collars. The results have been impressive, to say the least. If you find yourself in the market for a product that is sky-rocketing in demand, you aren’t alone.

However, with companies racing to provide the best product, it can be difficult to pick one. Two of these smart collars are fi and Halo, but which one is going to be your best fit?

By the end of this article comparing Halo and fi, you should be able to pinpoint which smart collar is right to help you tackle the problem of keeping your dog safe and healthy.

Features Compare: What Fi and Halo Offer Your Pups

1. Fi: Notable Features and Benefits

• GPS Tracking

This is one of the things every dog owner is going to want to prioritize when choosing a smart collar. After all, your mission is to know where your dog is at all times and to be able to locate them if they get lost. The Fi collar uses three constellations of satellites to improve the speed and accuracy of the GPS locator.

Thus, it is capable of performing well nearly everywhere your dog goes. The makers claim it can be as accurate as providing a 7-foot radius in open skies.

• Battery Life

The battery life is something that should be an important feature for those buying a smart collar because you don’t want the collar to die repeatedly when you need it the most. The Fi collar offers some of the best battery life you’ll find in any smart device. Fi advertises that they were able to achieve such optimal battery life through using low-powered communication LTE-M networks.

This technology is said to reduce battery consumption because it reaches 30 percent further than traditional mobile networks [3].

When it’s not using LTE-M, it is said to use little to no battery consumption because Fi integrated smart power management into the hardware. The collar is ‘smart’ enough to dynamically connect to local WiFi points or Bluetooth beacons to maximize its battery life.

• Escape Detection

The key to finding your dog once your dog gets lost like anything is the speed you can detect they are missing in the first place. After all, they won’t get as far if you are notified instantly. The Fi collar is said to use proprietary technology and algorithms to detect when your dog escapes from your backyard. That way, you can get an instant notification that can help you get a head start on finding your furry friend.

• Activity Tracking

The Fi Collar is not only a good collar for detecting if your dog gets lost, but also to keep your dog in peak physical shape. It has a built-in activity tracker that can count your dog’s steps, customize step goals, compete with other dogs, and even see where your dog went on walks. This can be very useful if you have a dog walker who regularly walks your dog. This will give you precise information on what happened during the walk and how much activity your dog got.

• LED Light

The Fi collar has a built-in LED light that has the capability of displaying any color. This can make it much easier to see your dog in poorly lit situations.

This can be a good feature to use when walking your dog at night or when you let your dog out in your backyard in low-light conditions.

That way, you can easily spot them or a driver can see your dog.

2. Halo Collar Notable Features and Benefits

• Smart Fences

The Halo collar has a lot to like as a pet owner. One of the major features that make the collar stand out in the marketplace is the smart fence feature. This is a feature that allows you (the dog owner) to instantly create your smart dog fences that leverage Halo’s built-in GPS.

This gives you the potential to fence your dog into a specific area in any situation. You could be at the park and fence your dog in from an area under construction or even keep them from reaching the water.

The integration of smart fencing technology makes the Halo collar a gamechanger.

• Expert Training

Another great thing about the Halo collar is the integration of Cesar Millian’s dog training. The Halo Collar was designed in cooperation with Cesar Millan, a renowned dog behaviorist. Therefore, you are not only getting the other ‘smart’ features that come with the collar, but also expert-level dog training with custom feedback built right into the collar.

• Activity Tracking

As mentioned, one of the biggest issues with pets is the fact they are so unhealthy. We’ve managed to bring the obesity epidemic to our furry friends. This is due to our pets not getting enough exercise daily and because of what we are feeding them. The folks at Halo recognized this and integrated a smart activity tracker into their smart collar.

The Halo Collar provides daily metrics for safety, walks, activity, and feedback logs. This makes managing your dog’s exercise a breeze. You’ll know how much exercise he or she is getting and whether or not you need to ramp up his or her activity levels for optimal health.

The collar provides the same activity feedback you can get from a fitness wearable device.

App and Design Compare

1. Fi Collar

• Built For The Outdoors

As with any collar, it needs to be built to withstand the elements of the outdoors. This smart collar has an IP68 waterproof rating. Therefore, it can withstand being submerged into the water at 1.5 meters deep and it also can resist saltwater exposure.

Therefore, you don’t have to have a panic attack if your dog enjoys jumping into the water and doggy paddling.

Along with being waterproof, it is made out of armored aluminum faceplate and reinforced internal metal armor for bite resistance and more.

• LED Light

As mentioned, the collar has a prominent LED light that can make your dog more visible in low light conditions.

• Easy Activity Tracking on The App

You can do everything from customizing your dog’s fitness goals to checking where your dog ranks among other dogs in their breed. This can keep you as informed as possible on your dog’s activity levels and help you design fitness activities to keep your dog in optimal shape.

2. Halo Collar

• One Size Fits All

This collar offers a flexible and comfortable fit. It’s a one-size-fits-all collar for dogs with necks over 11 inches and up.

• Built For The Outdoors

The Halo Collar features an Ip67 rating. This means it is capable of withstanding exposure to water which can be a major advantage if your dog enjoys swimming.

RELATED READING: Does the Halo Collar Work?

• LED Logo

You’ll find there is a color-coded LED that matches the color you set within your dog’s profile. This can be helpful if you have more than one dog.

• Save 20 Different Fences At a Time

Within the Halo app, you can configure and save as many as 20 different fences at a time. The app makes it as easy as dragging your finger to detail the specifications of the fence with complete accuracy.

• Track Activity In The App

With the Halo Collar app, you’ll be able to easily track progress. You can monitor your dog’s activity levels and give you all of the pertinent details you would want to know.

You’ll get the number of walks your dog had per day, the total time spent active, and logs of your dog’s location throughout the day.

• Prevention Tracking

This is where Halo Collar can offer excellent peace of mind to dog owners. The collar will use Artificial Intelligence to prevent emergencies before them even happening. It will track prevention feedback warnings including emergency prompts, boundary issues, and a lot of other things. This can help you identify smaller issues before they result in larger problems or even emergencies.

• Training

The app includes help with training for both indoor and outdoor activities. This can be a major help considering Cesar Millan helped design all of the training methods in the app.

Price Compare: Which Collar is Cheaper?

• Fi Collar = $149
• Halo Collar = $799

Summary: Final Tips for Picking the Best Collar for Your Dog

Overall, both of these collars offer a lot of value for the money. The Halo Collar is a much more feature-rich collar that is meant to be an invisible fence substitute and it even helps with training. Because of this, it is much more expensive. For the right dog owner, it could be the right choice. However, if you aren’t necessarily looking for fence technology built into your dog’s smart collar, you wouldn’t want to pay the added cost for a feature you won’t be using often.

You Should Pick Fi If…

• You want an affordable smart collar
• You want an affordable Geofencing collar
• You want the collar with the best battery life
• You have more than one dog

You Should Pick Halo Collar If…

• You want an invisible fence alternative along with a smart collar
• You want the best smart collar in the marketplace no matter the price
• You’re constantly going to places where you’ll use the smart fencing technology
• You want a smart collar that helps with training

References:

1. https://www.americanhumane.org/blog/every-day-is-tag-day-is-your-pet-protected/
2. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/03/12/pet-obesity-majority-us-cats-and-dogs-obese-overweight/3129342002/
3. https://tryfi.com/learn

For one, they aren’t good in climates that have a lot of extreme temperatures and weather. If your home is located in an area with extremely cold or hot temperatures, it could malfunction. Also, they have the potential to be cut and manipulated by anyone who enters your yard. Most of all, they are inherently expensive and difficult to install. The Invisible Fence is a big investment to make and with so many drawbacks, it’s worth considering alternative options.

Luckily, there are plenty of different alternatives you can consider.

By the end of this article, you should have a lot of more feature-rich and even more affordable options that you should be considering to keep your dog safely contained.

Top 5 Alternatives to the Invisible Fence

1. SpotOn

SpotOn is touted as a ‘next generation’ virtual fence. Once you look at the features it comes equipped with, it’s easy to say this is no exaggeration. You could say they are “Spot On” with their marketing material. There is a lot to like about SpotOn’s virtual fencing solution.

Key Features

• Custom Perimeters

Like some of the better Invisible Fence alternatives, SpotOn comes with the ability to set custom perimeters. With SpotOn, you’re able to create and save up to 10 different virtual smart fences no matter the shape or size. This means you’re able to use it in a lot more situations than you would a fixed virtual fence. You can continue to add or remove fences as needed. The ability to customize your fencing solution at the touch of a few buttons is incredibly valuable for any dog owner that wants flexibility.

• Holds Up in All Weather Conditions

The SpotOn Collar is rated at IP67. Therefore, it is fully capable of being used in and holding up in both mud and rain. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about the fencing solution malfunctioning or getting damaged by allowing your dog to have fun in the rain.

• Works On Any Terrain

Not only does SpotOn give you the ability to set custom perimeters, but it works on virtually any terrain you can find. Some solutions might struggle on hills or other uneven terrains. Whereas, this one doesn’t. It offers containment on any terrain no matter how uneven. This makes it a much more viable option for those who don’t live on flat land or who aren’t always using the invisible fencing solution on optimally flat terrain.

• Automatic Tracking

With SpotOn, you have the ability to pay for a subscription service that gives you automatic tracking. This is something that a lot of dog owners would gladly pay for. With automatic tracking, you are able to get updates as little as every 6 seconds. This means you’ll be able to stay updated on where your dog is at all times when you need to. When you purchase the SpotOn system, you get the first year of automatic tracking included for free.

2. Halo Collar

The Halo Collar (read review) is one of the best alternatives to the Invisible Fence. While it’s certainly not the cheapest alternative, it is one of the most feature-packed. The Halo Collar does a lot of things differently that solve some of the biggest flaws associated with a fixed Invisible Fence system.

Key Features

• Smart Fences

This is one of the things any dog owner would absolutely love about the system. With an Invisible Fence, you’re pretty much stuck with your initial installation. This is something that doesn’t appeal to a lot of homeowners because it doesn’t offer the flexibility a lot of them are looking for when buying something to keep their dogs safe. With the Halo Collar, you don’t have this same drawback. You have a smart fencing system that is built into the product. This alone makes it worth making the switch because the smart fencing system delivers more flexibility than ever before. With the help of an easy-to-use app, you get to set the specific perimeters of your fence with the touch of a button. This means you can alter it whenever you want. With accurate GPS packed into the Halo Collar, you can allow your dog(s) to walk around without having to worry about anything.

• Portability

As mentioned previously, one of the drawbacks associated with the Invisible Fence is the lack of portability. Because the system features a fixed installation, you don’t have a lot of freedom when you are using it. With the Halo Collar, you don’t have this problem, at all. In fact, the system is designed to be used on the go. Because the fences are integrated with GPS, there is no installation to worry about. This means you can use it when you take your dog to a friend’s house, when you go to the dog park, or virtually anywhere else. Best of all, it’s easy to use while on the go. This makes it easier than ever to keep your dog safe no matter where you go. Whether you are hiking and you want to keep your dog from venturing into the water or anywhere else.

• No Setup

When you are dealing with an Invisible Fence, you have a complex installation to worry about. This is why you need to schedule a consultation with professional installers. The entire system is too complex and too demanding for those to handle on their own. That’s the exact opposite of the Halo Collar system. When you buy the Halo Collar, you get something that is incredibly easy to install. In fact, there is no installation to worry about. This makes it the ideal option for dog owners that don’t want to have to worry about installing a fencing solution to keep their dogs safe.

• Much More Than Just a Smart Dog Collar

The Halo Collar is much more than the standard e-collar you’ll find in the marketplace. Not only will this collar effectively contain your dog wherever you want, but it will track your dog’s activity. It can show you how much activity your dog is getting and I can even help you train your dog. Cesar Millan was involved with the design of the Halo Collar which means you can expect to get some of the most effective training benefits from this collar using real-world dog psychology.

3. PetSafe Stay and Play Compact Wireless Fence For Dogs

This is a good option for those who are looking for a much more affordable solution. If you aren’t necessarily looking to spend hundreds or close to thousands of dollars on the fencing solution for your dog, you’re going to want to consider PetSafe Stay and Play. There is a lot to like about this fencing solution for dog owners who find themselves on a budget.

Key Features

• No Complex Installation

Unlike the Invisible Fence, this fencing solution is much easier to install and use. You don’t have to worry about digging around in your yard trying to bury wires. Nor do you have to worry about the hassle and unappealing solution associated with building a fence. With this affordable solution, you can get the fencing solution you need without a complex installation. You simply set it up in as little as one to two hours and start using it. It offers a good ¾ acre of circular coverage which should be sufficient for many homeowners’ needs.

RELATED READING: Spot On vs Halo Collar

• Portability

While this fencing solution might be affordable, it doesn’t lack portability. With this fencing solution, you can get the portability that you need. Because it doesn’t require you to bury any wires, it’s much easier to pick up and travel with than some of the other options. The system itself is relatively compact which means you’ll be able to use it when you go camping or whenever you need to take the system with you on the road.

• Purchase Additional Collars

With this system, you’ll be able to contain multiple dogs. You can purchase additional collars to ensure you are able to contain all of the dogs you have. This can make it a viable solution for those with multiple pets. Having the ability to contain multiple pets with an affordable fencing solution like this is a big benefit because you don’t need to worry about purchasing expensive systems for each pet.

4. eXtreme Dog Fence MAX Grade Ultimate Performance System

This is another good option that you might be considering as a practical alternative to the Invisible Fence. This system is built for those who want and need the ability to customize the coverage they get. With this system, you have a lot of customization options you can go with. While you have to pay for more coverage, the ability to add more coverage is good to have. Best of all, the installation process is incredibly simple. This is a viable option for anyone seeking a DIY alternative. You get everything you need with the system to begin using it to contain your dog.

Key Features

• Durability

One of the key selling points of this system is its durability. Extreme Dog Fence is touted as being so durable and strong that you don’t have to worry about burying it if you don’t necessarily want to. This is something that can prove to be very useful for anyone who is looking to have a fencing system that they can count on lasting a long time. In fact, they claim that their system should be capable of lasting as long as 25 or more years whether it’s buried or not.

• DIY Installation

This gives you a lot of the same features and benefits that you get from the standard Invisible Fence without a complex installation. As mentioned, you can either bury it or allow it to stay above ground. This can make it much easier for the Do-It-Yourself enthusiast to tackle on their own. With this system, you’ll be in control as to whether or not you want to have an above or below-ground installation. The fact that this system can be successfully installed by yourself can make it much more affordable for someone who isn’t looking to spend too much on a professional installation.

• Customization

This is a solution that offers consumers a lot of freedom by which to handle the installation. As mentioned, there is a lot of customization you can get during the initial buying process. The ability to customize the system allows you to tailor it to your respective needs. As a homeowner, this can be advantageous because you can order exactly what you need. Thus, you won’t end up spending money on extra components that you wouldn’t be able to use. This can make it much easier to get the optimal fencing solution for your respective property. A lot of the other options available in the marketplace are going to come with standardized components. Thus, you will likely end up spending more on the wire you might not necessarily ever use.

5. Free Spirit In-Ground Fence

This is a good alternative for the pet owner who is looking for a viable and affordable in-ground alternative to the Invisible Fence. The Free Spirit In-Ground fence is certainly an affordable alternative. You’ll be able to find this fencing solution for under $150. This can make it a good value-packed offering as long as it’s capable of offering you everything you want and need.

Key Features

• In-Ground

This is an in-ground fencing solution. While it’s not going to be a benefit for everyone, it can be a good feature and benefit for those who are specifically looking at in-ground solutions. It comes included with enough wire and markers to contain as much as 1/3 of an acre.

• Waterproof

The included collar is waterproof. Therefore, you will find that it can withstand all of the outdoor elements that your dog might be exposed to.

• Multiple Collars

This system can be synced with numerous collars which can help if you have multiple pets that you want to keep contained and safe.

• Easy Installation

This system comes with everything you would need for a flawless installation. It includes 500 feet of boundary wire, 20 boundary markers, and all of the mounting equipment you need for a proper install.

Why Might You Need An Alternative To The Invisible Fence

• Pricing

One of the main reasons a lot of people will want to consider their options has to do with the high price associated with the Invisible Fence. You need to schedule a consultation and get a quote based on your setup. With other options, you’ll pay a fixed price. Generally, you’ll find alternative options to be much more affordable and easy to swallow than the price of an Invisible Fence.

• Fixed Placement

Another issue with the Invisible Fence that you don’t have to deal with when you choose alternatives is having something that is in a fixed location. After all, you’ll be investing in the fencing solution to be installed for your home. Thus, if you ever wanted to get the benefits you would get from the fence installation elsewhere, you’ll need to buy something else. Having a fencing solution that can keep your dog safe anywhere they go is much preferred given the products are readily available in the marketplace.

• Weather Concerns

If you are located in an area that gets extreme temperatures, you’ll want something that is much more reliable than an Invisible Fence. Unfortunately, your fence can start to malfunction in certain climates. Also, you need to factor in whether or not your home has access to power. While you could always get the optional battery backup offered by Invisible Fence, you’ll end up paying more for that feature. With other alternatives, you can get the same battery convenience and assurance without having to pay for an additional product.

Summary: Tips for Picking the Right Option for You

As you can see, there are plenty of different Invisible Fence alternatives that you might want to look at when buying one. The key to finding the optimal alternative comes down to figuring out what you need out of the system. You must consider what you want and what you need. Each of the alternatives you’ll find above has its own pros and cons. If you want the most feature-packed system, you’ll need to pay more for it. For those who are willing and able to pay for the best, the Halo Collar is the ideal solution. There are a few reasons the Halo Collar stands out as the best alternative for most dog owners.

Reasons The Halo is Our Top-Rated Invisible Fence Alternative:

• Up To 20 Virtual Fences

With the Halo Collar, you have the ability to set up 20 different virtual fences. This is something that cannot be ignored. With some of the other solutions, you are increasingly limited. With up to 20 fences, you won’t have to continue to set up and take down fences as you take your dog to new places. This can save you a lot of time and energy.

• Includes Cesar Millan’s Dog Training

This collar was designed in collaboration with Cesar Millan. This alone should give you the confidence you need to know that you are getting the best possible training mechanism in the marketplace. With Cesar being such a trusted and reputable name in dog training, there is no better association you can find.

• Portability

With the Halo Collar, you are getting one of the most portable fencing solutions for your dog(s). This can make it extremely valuable if you are someone who ventures out with your dog. That way, you have a system in place that can keep your dog(s) safe and out of trouble whenever you need it.

While it might not be your pet’s intention to run away from home, this is a situation that many dog owners find themselves in. Each year, about 10 million pets go missing in the U.S. alone, and a fraction of them end up in animal shelters.

The emotional distress of a pet going missing is unbearable, especially if the dog and the owner have a very close connection. And while microchips can be scanned at a vet’s clinic or at the pound, they won’t necessarily prevent your dog from getting lost. They also don’t have an in-built tracking system that keeps them from running away in the first place, and can’t tell you how far off they’ve gone.

To help solve this problem, there’s a new smart dog containment device that promises to help pet owners have an easier time keeping their dog from harm. As enthusiastic dog lovers, we were pretty excited to test Halo Collar out and find out if it really holds up to its promises.

Read on for our full Halo Collar review and see if it’s worth it.

What is Halo Collar?

Halo Collar was developed to serve as a contingency for whenever your dog strays further away from home. It’s essentially a next-gen wireless fence system that enables you to create fences via your smartphone, and the instructions are sent and stored in your pet’s collar.

The fences work autonomously with the collar as a self-driving car would, to help guide your dog to stay within the fence perimeter you’ve set up. Halo Collar will then notify your dog whenever they’ve wandered too far, which ultimately guides them to stay within the fence you created

This should help give you the peace of mind by knowing that your pet is within the safe zone you’ve set up for it, and will also alert you whenever your furry buddy is skirting close to the edge of the designated area. This makes it much easier to go with your dog anywhere, whether it’s the park, beach, camping, or even office.

The intuitive design of Halo Collar is a culmination of the digital tracking experience of two brothers: Michael and Ken Ehrman, combined with the extensive experience of the canine behavior expert, Caesar Millan, who is also called The Dog Whisperer. Together, these founding partners developed an effective smart collar system, ideally combining smart boundary training and intelligent fencing technology for dogs.

Does It Work?

You might be wondering how a virtual, wireless fence would work and how it would keep your dog within the fence. Well, Halo Collar essentially works by connecting to a Halo app on your phone, through which you set up the fence wherever you are – at home or the outdoors. You can set it up by either walking around the perimeter of the fence with the collar in hand, or by tapping specific points on the map provided in the app to create the boundaries. Halo app lets you set 20 custom wireless fences wherever you go to keep your pet safe.

How it Works

Feedback and Encouragement

After setting up the wireless enclosure, the app also lets you set personalized prompts to alert your dog that you’re aware they are about to leave the fenced area. Leveraging GPS technology, the Halo Collar system will essentially activate the feedback settings to correct the behavior of your pet.

The training feature also comes with three levels of feedback:

• First-time feedback
• Warnings
• Escalated feedback

Each of these levels is customizable and is designed to guide your pet to stay inside the boundaries of the area via prompts they can easily respond to, which in turn helps keep them from wandering off. Halo Collar also features settings to laud good behavior via different forms of encouragement to remind your pup that they are a good dog!

Your Pup Can Roam Safely

Most dogs will require freedom to roam around to stay healthy, with most needing 1 to 2 hours of exercise per day. When you let your dog wear the Halo Collar, you can mind your own business as the collar tracks of where he/she is within the fence. In the app, you can see what they have been up to via the activity tracker. Just as with the fitness trackers made for humans, the Halo app will provide you with data on how much time your dog has spent walking, resting, or running.

But we are getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s look at the main features and benefits of Halo Collar.

Key Features and Benefits

Smart Fences

Halo Collar comes with pre-set smart virtual fences that you can easily customize via the app to set up the perimeters of the fence you want. This gives you the security and freedom of letting your dog roam off leash without the anxiety of them wandering too far off without your knowledge.

Safe Boundaries

The smart virtual Halo Fences are usually saved into the collar itself. Keep in mind that the Fences feature is integrated with Halo Collar’s internal GPS and logic. This translates into less worries for you as the dog owner, since this allows the system to work even without a data connection or Wi-Fi.

Natural Guidance

The boundaries are specifically designed to communicate with the Prevention Feedback system intuitively and automatically. The use of the Encouragement Feedback system is quite effective in guiding and commanding your pet to come back to you.

Limitless Locations

Since the Halo Fences feature is integrated with GNSS and GPS, you don’t need to invest in anything else to set up a secure area for your dog to play in. You can just use the Halo App to map the location in which you want to create a fence, or just walk around the perimeter of the area’s boundary to set up the fence.

Portability

Halo Collar provides you with true portability in creating fences compared to building your own fence. The portability feature essentially has your back and should help keep you at ease about the safety of your pup no matter where you go, as the app can be used to set up fences anywhere in the world. The device can also track the location of your dog within 10 feet with a pretty high accuracy level. You can also create up to 20 fences as needed.

Usable in All Terrains

Since Halo Fences is integrated with GPS, Halo Collar has the capacity to be used in all forms of terrain, including driveways, streams and rivers, and other kinds of elevation and surfaces.

Safety Statuses

Halo Collar also features Safety Statuses, which ideally show you the locations and activities of your pet in real time. This is possible due to the integration of the GPS and GNSS systems as well as the Wi-Fi and Cellular technologies into the Collar itself. This means less worries for you.

Prevention Tracking

The Prevention Tracking feature is designed to track the frequency of the prevention your pup has received, such as with the warning, boundary, and emergency prompts. This data will be helpful in recognizing any changes or patterns in your dog’s behavior that might need more attention during training.

Activity Tracking

Halo Collar also lets you track the activities your pup gets into. This feature allows your device to be able to track activities and create reports about how many hours your pup spent resting and doing activities, the number of steps they’ve made, and many more. These will all be available on the app’s dashboard.

See more features and benefits at Chewy.com

Set Up and Use

Although Halo Collar is quite an innovative containment and safety product for your pup, it’s not exactly a plug-and-play gadget. It actually requires some level of patience on your part to train the dog on how to respond to the stimuli produced by the collar.

If you were to set up a physical fence around your home, you probably would think about training your dog about the fence as it already creates a boundary for your pup’s play area. However, a fence is just half the solution. You need to train your dog with certain prompts that make them know going past the fence is dangerous, and they should always turn around and come back to safety. Neglecting this boundary training ends up causing pets to wander through narrow openings in the fence and head out into the unknown.

RELATED READING: Halo Collar vs Invisible Fence

Halo Collar essentially provides you with the portability and convenience of setting up a wireless fence just about anywhere, and even comes with a 21-day training program to get you and your pup accustomed to using the device. This is where the trusty Caesar Millan’s canine behavioral training comes in.

In the 21-day training program, you teach your furry friend about Halo Collar’s encouragement and feedback system, while also getting yourself acquainted with how to become a trusted pet parent that your pup can depend on.

Caesar Millan’s Built-In Training: What To Expect

The Halo Company collaborated and partnered with Cesar Millan, a renowned dog expert trainer, to integrate his Behavioral Psychology Training methods into Halo Collar. This involves boundary training for 21 days, where you will only need to follow 4 detailed steps that are easy to comprehend.

The 21-day training program is considered one of the safest and most effective training methods. We can attest to it as we were able to train our pretty stubborn pup really well.

The first two steps include the Day 1 and Day 2 training, which involve the Introduction of Halo Collar to your pup and User Training and Setting Up. This means the first two days of training are all about familiarizing yourself and your pet to Halo Collar. This is quite easy and straightforward, as it features step-by-step guidance.

We liked that it’s quite easy to follow through the training because it will track your pup’s progress through the app. You also get access to exclusive videos from Cesar, which show you the tricks he uses to train his dogs. These are also easy to follow as they also feature step by step instructions. The platform is practically heaven-sent for the visual learners.

The 3rd and 4th steps include the Days 3 to Day 10, where the focus is Indoor Training, and Days 11 to day 21 which focus on Outdoor Training.

Setting up the Custom Feedbacks

Halo Collar feature 6 different forms of feedback:

• Encouragements: Boundary, warning, and emergency feedback
• Prevention: Come home, good dog, and whistle feedback

We liked the feedback feature as it does its job automatically. For instance, the “come home” feedback has the system intuitively sending out feedback to your pup to let it know when it needs to come back to you. Cesar’s famous “TSCH” command is included, and you will be guided through the process of selecting the best feedback for your pet. This actually helped us find the best feedback for our pup.

There is also an in-built feature called Indoor Halo Beacons, which ideally communicates with the Halo Collar to produce perfectly-timed feedback in order to guide your pup to stay away from the boundaries you’ve created. This helped us a lot when training our pup as it gives positive associations and boundaries rather intuitively.

We found the GPS and GNSS systems to work quite accurately in locating your pup. The good thing about it is that in case your pup tries running away, you will be warned at least 10 to 15 feet leeway before the boundary is reached.

Is it a Shock Collar?

Hallo Collar provides three types of customizable feedback:

• Vibrations
• Static
• Sounds

There are a total of 15 levels of static and volume signals, along with a variety of different vibration types, tones, and sounds. This ideally covers nearly every pet owners’ parenting style.

Is it Safe?

The Halo team aims at enhancing the safety of your pup and giving you the peace of mind you deserve with Halo Collar. They are aware of the fact that the only way to keep your pup safe is through prevention, and pets who love to roam around can do so safely inside the boundary you create.

RELATED READING: Halo Collar vs SpotOn

To help you get familiarized with the device, Halo Collar comes with a 21-day training program from a dog expert, so that you can not only use the product to keep your pet safe wherever you go, but also ensure that you’re using the product safely and as intended.

In general, from our experience using the product, we can comfortably say that Halo Collar is safe to use.

Pros and Cons of Halo Collar

Pros

• Naturally intuitive guidance and protection for dogs
• Comprehensive training on how to use the product effectively
• Smart fences are stored in the collar
• Adjustable collar to fit dogs of all ages and sizes
• The built-in Halo App supports both Android and iOS devices
• Suitable for all types of terrain
• Portable and flexible design
• Has a water rating of IP-67
• Multiple positive Halo Collar reviews online
• Different plans available to choose from as per your budget
• The collar is good for dogs above five months
• Relatively easy to use

Cons

• Not ideal for small puppies (younger than 5 months)
• The device is not free to use as you need to buy plans
• You need to train your pup manually with the provided training program for best results
• Premium features are not provided in the basic plans, meaning you need to spend more to make the most out of it
• The battery drains relatively fast

How Much Does It Cost?

Halo Collar comes neatly packed in a cardboard box, featuring all of the components inside it.

Each package comes with:

• Halo Collar
• Collar strap
• Wall charger and a USB-C charging cable (used to recharge the built-in battery)
• Blank contact nodes
• 2x pairs of contact tips
• 1x Beacon (can be used to create a local boundary to create a specific “off-limits” area or room within a house?

The package normally costs $999, though the prices are regularly discounted to about $799 every now and then.

Keep in mind that there is a small monthly subscription fee that’s necessary if you need to use Halo Collar with its advanced GPS tracking and LTE capabilities. The Basic plan will cost you $2.70 a month, which will provide you with the basic features.

Upgrading to the Silver Plan will mean paying $9.99 a month, which will give you access to Weekly and Monthly activity reports and access to any premium features and future releases. For those looking for the complete and premium experience, you can upgrade to the Gold plan at $29.99 a month. This gives you access to an Expanded behavioral training (from the standard 21-day program), training from certified experts, special monthly updates to train your pup better, and exclusive online sessions.

*Price current at the time of publication – see most up-to-date pricing at Chew.com

Summary: Final Tips for Deciding if Halo Collar is Right for Your Dog

We like the Halo Collar and it’s quite easy for us to recommend it to any dog owner who is considering buying a smart collar. We liked that it works autonomously in training and guiding our pup to be better, in our efforts to keep them safe.

However, we feel that the price is too expensive for the product. The battery also drains too fast especially when using GNSS and GPS, which are essential in locating your dog more accurately.

Nonetheless, it’s still an effective product and if you can afford it, go right ahead and buy it.

A lot of people don’t think about the finer details when it comes to training a dog and that includes the use of a high-quality dog collar.

With the market offering a unique set of options, it’s time to look at two that continue to stand out – SpotOn and Halo.

These are two collars that are the real deal according to professionals and offer a long list of fascinating features to use to your advantage. Here are the key details to look for in these products and whether or not they are a good fit for your dog.

Features Comparison: What Halo and SpotOn Have to Offer

SpotOn Key Features & Benefits

1. Customizable Fence Points

It starts with the fence points with any technology of this nature.

In essence, SpotOn offers something powerful and engaging. For example, you will set up the collar and then have the opportunity to go through 1,000+ points that can be set up using the integrated platform.

Having the ability to do this is fascinating and allows you to monitor every element of the dog’s movement. It is a lot easier when you are going to have the dog walking around and want to make sure they are not running off.

It is these customizable fence points that are empowering when you are trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t. The best part is it is going to be easy to integrate into what you are doing and how you are doing it.

A solution such as this is versatile enough for it to be a unique addition to your dog’s routine as soon as it is set up.

2. Easy Map Management

Map management is critical if you are going to be using something of this nature.

There is nothing worse than not knowing how the fence points are going to be set up and/or where the dog will have the opportunity to move around. This is the real beauty of an invisible fence and why it has to be handled with a lot of care.

The reason SpotOn tends to work well comes down to the built-in map.

The benefits include:

• Up-To-Date Information
• Continuous Tracking
• Personalized

You are going to have no trouble at all going through this data and picking out fence posts that are perfect for your needs. Having the ability to do this is wonderful and is going to allow you to fully personalize what you are doing over the long-term.

3. 24 Hours of Containment Per Charge

The containment is what you are going to care about the most.

However, it is essential to go with something that will sustain itself for a long time and isn’t going to lose charge while the dog is walking around.

By having a full-day charge, you are going to feel in control of how everything works. This is just as important as anything else that you are going to be utilizing for training your dog.

4. Portable Design

Another advantage that comes along with this has to do with the portable design.

It is easy to set up on the dog and you are not going to have an issue with managing the invisible fence. This is just as important as any other element of the dog collar.

Having a solution that is as versatile and unique as this is empowering. You are going to know it will not let you down as soon as it is set up.

The dog is going to respond well and it is going to improve their quality of life too.

Halo Key Features & Benefits

1. Activity Monitoring

One of the core benefits that come along with this collar would have to do with the activity monitoring. You are going to want as much information about where the dog is for as long as the collar is on.

This is the premise of putting on the dog collar and making sure it doesn’t go where it isn’t supposed to.

With this in mind, you are going to enjoy the powerful activity monitoring that comes along with the Halo collar.

It offers pinpoint precision when it comes to the underlying data that you are going to gain access to. Just having the ability to do this is great and is going to allow you to see where the dog is with the help of your smartphone or mobile device.

The integrated platform is a joy to use and is going to ensure you are always on top of where the dog is at any point of the day. All it takes is a few seconds for you to toggle through the map and figure out where the dog is.

This is as simple as it gets and allows you to keep the dog safe.

2. Built-In Training from Cesar Millan

Using a dog collar the right way is all about knowing what to look for and making sure you are implementing the right strategy too.

The only way of doing this is by focusing on built-in training with the help of Cesar Millan.

He is noted for being among the best dog experts on the planet and will ensure you are maximizing this technology over the short and long-term.

The benefits include:

• Up-To-Date Methods
• Easy to Follow
• Certified Tips

Go through the advice and make the most of it.

The best part about this premium content is learning more about what not to do. You are going to have a set way of doing things but Cesar is going to teach you along the way.

This allows you to make appropriate adjustments throughout the year as you need to.

3. Limitless Locations

It is important to think about how you are going to set up the invisible fence with the use of this collar.

The beauty of using this solution is knowing you are going to have the opportunity to fully personalize how the fence points are set up.

It is not going to be restrictive and you are going to have a tremendous range at the same time. This is a win-win for those who want to do things the right way.

4. All Terrains

The terrain that you are going to be working on will vary.

You are not always going to be on flat grounds and that is something to think about as you are figuring out what to do with the collar.

The reason this collar tends to work well comes down to these different terrains. You are not going to be restricted whether you are on hilly grounds or somewhere that is flat.

This is empowering and something that is going to bring a smile to your face over the long haul. You will know it is going to adapt to where you are and that is powerful.

Get Halo Collar best price at Chewy.com

Set-Up and Use Comparison

1. Halo

The integrated platform is easy to use with this dog collar.

As long as the size is right, you can have this ready to go within a few minutes. Just integrate everything, make sure the dog collar is fully charged, and you are going to be on your way.

RELATED READING: Halo vs Invisible Fence

This is something the team behind this dog collar has made sure to focus on.

Plus, the usability of this collar isn’t going to disappoint either. You will know it is going to work the way you want it to.

2. SpotOn

Once you have the right plan, you are going to be ready to go.

This is going to include the integrated platform, the collar, and everything else that comes along with it. In a matter of minutes, you can have this collar ready to go the way you want.

It is just as easy as anything else on the market.

Collar Design & Size Comparison

1. Halo

Includes three sizes (small, medium, large) and tends to work well when it comes to a wide array of dogs.

RELATED READING: Halo Collar Reviews

It is well-built offering a flexible fit that is perfect when it comes to a beautiful blend of rubber and plastic.

2. SpotOn

The collar design is good and it is measured at 4″W x 1.9″H x 1.4″D and has a weight of 8.3 ounces.

This is not bad for a modern-day dog collar and works well for all types of dogs.

Price Comparison: Which Collar is Cheaper?

1. Halo Pricing Details

• Collar: $799

2. SpotOn Pricing Details

• Collar: $1,495 *Price current at the time of publication – see current price here.

Summary: Final Tips for Picking the Best Collar for Your Dog

Both dog collars bring something unique and are well-designed for sustainable results. It comes down to what you prefer as a dog owner both over the short and long-run.

You Should Pick SpotOn…

If you want something that includes automated tracking, custom parameters, fast charging, and robust build quality.

You Should Pick Halo Collar…

If you want something that includes affordability, remium training, separate collar straps, and works in all terrains.

Get Halo Collar best price at Chewy.com

Dogs require an invisible fence to ensure they remain within a pre-determined area. This can ensure they don’t get lost and/or injured during the day. With the help of a well-engineered collar, it’s possible to keep your dog safe over the short and long-term.

The two leading options right now are – Halo Collar and Invisible Fence.

Here is a look at what both dog collars are all about, how they work, and which one is a good option for your dog.

Features Comparison: How Halo Collar and the Invisible Fence Work

Halo Collar Key Features and Benefits

1. GPS Monitoring

It all starts with GPS monitoring as that is where your mind is going to be.

You will want something that is refined, easy to use, and accurate. With that in mind, you can’t go wrong with the Halo Collar as it is specifically engineered to offer seamless GPS monitoring.

As soon as the dog collar is on, you are going to feel in control of the situation right away. This is what makes it one of the more intriguing invisible fence options on the market right now.

The GPS monitoring is accurate down to the last centimeter.

This allows you to feel in control of what you are getting and knowing where your dog is at all times. If that is what you are worried about then you should take the time to start right now. It will offer the type of control that is going to keep you happy.

2. Premium Training From Cesar Millan

When it comes to training, Cesar Millan is noted for being among the finest dog specialists on the planet. He is a renowned name and one that is associated with the Halo Collar.

It is not just association by name.

He has taken the time to offer premium support through the collar to ensure you are properly managing your dog’s needs every step of the way.

The benefits include:

• Experienced Advice
• Constant Updates
• Ideal for All Types of Dogs

You can go through all of this premium content as soon as you buy the dog collar.

This is great as you are thinking about customizing the dog fence and ensuring it works the way you want it to.

3. 1000+ Fence Points

It is the fence points that are going to set the tone.

You will want to look at your space and make sure all of the areas are covered to ensure your dog doesn’t leave the region that you want it to stay in.

If that is the case, it is these accessible fence points that will make it a joy to use.

The benefits include:

• Easy to Personalize
• Responsive

Perfect for Larger Spaces

The fence points can be accessed through the smartphone.

It will essentially allow you to map out where you are going to want the boundary to be set up. It is as simple as this.

4. Portable Design

A lot of people fret about putting on a dog collar and then not knowing whether or not it is going to be easy to move around wherever you go.

In this case, it is a completely portable design.

This is going to offer the type of control and usability that is needed in this day and age. You shouldn’t have to settle for less and you won’t have to as long as you are starting here.

As soon as you set everything up, it will be easy to move around.

Invisible Fence Key Features and Benefits

1. Extensive Range

With this dog collar, the first key feature would be the range that you are going to get.

Putting on a high-grade dog collar is all about the range that is on offer. You want the type of range that will be easy to monitor and is going to offer tremendous control.

If that is what you want, you will adore the range that you are going to get.

It will cover a significant distance without having potential flaws in the boundary. This is accompanied by the visual cues that are set up for the dog around the area.

RELATED READING: Halo Collar vs SpotOn

2. Multiple Fence Points

The one thing that you are going to have an eye on will be the fence points.

There is nothing more frustrating than putting on a dog collar and then realizing there are specific weaknesses in the fence points that can’t be fixed. This is when you start hoping for the best and in most cases, the dog collar doesn’t work.

The reason Invisible Fence is renowned for doing a good job has to do with these fence points.

The benefits include:

• Easy to Set Up
• Refined Flags
• Great for All Terrains

They partner with the boundary flags that are set up around the area. You can have these flags in unison with the dog collar making it easier to have a two-pronged strategy. By doing this, you will know the dog is going to be under control and won’t run away.

3. Robust Design

It is the design that is going to catch your eye as soon as it is in your hands.

It will look impressive and is going to be easy for the dog to put on as well. A lot of dog owners worry that their dog’s quality of life will go down when the dog collar is put on.

In this case, you won’t have to worry because it is remarkably comfortable.

The benefits include:

• Comprehensive Build Quality
• Easy for All Types of Dogs
• Can Handle Water

It is a robust plastic and metal design. You will know it as soon as it is in your hands and you notice how compact it is.

This has been designed with a purpose and isn’t going to let you or the dog down.

Even if they are running around, the robust design is going to be a plus point every step of the way. That’s what makes it a great fit in the first place.

4. In-Depth Control Panel

The control panel is a major plus point and it is a key part of how the Invisible Fence dog collar works.

The idea behind the control panel is to make sure you integrate everything into the dog collar. This includes how the fence points are managed.

You can go through the control panel and make adjustments on the fly. It is that simple and this is what makes it such a well-renowned invisible fence solution in the first place.

You can feel confident in what you are going with.

Required Equipment

1. Halo

• Halo Collar
• Beacon
• Wall Charger
• USB-C Cable
• Collar Strap
• Contact Tips
• Contact Blanks

2. Invisible Fence

• Visual Cues (Boundary Flags)
• Dog Collar
• Smartphone
• Charger

How Well Do They Work?

1. Halo

Going with a well-built solution will always matter and it is something you should think about as you are looking at different options.

Halo is not only well-designed but also offers a premium set of features including Cesar Millan’s training.

RELATED READING: Is the Halo Collar Worth it?

It is responsive, affordable, and easy on the eyes without compromising on quality. You will know as soon as it is set up, it is going to work like a charm. This is where the Halo Collar continues to shine when it comes to overall performance.

If you want a high-quality solution then this is a good option with refined GPS monitoring.

2. Invisible Fence

When it comes to Invisible Fence, you are going to be getting a more refined installed product. This means it is going to be installed by an authorized dealer and they are going to have everything ready to go for you.

This can cost a pretty penny but you also get a more premium product.

It is going to come with specific boundary flags that are great as visual cues. This makes it a more thorough solution for keeping the dog in place especially as it learns more about the fence that it is in.

Just having something like this means it performs well.

Price Comparison: Which Option is More Affordable?

1. Halo

• Halo Collar: $799
• Price current at the time of publication – see current pricing at Chewy.com

2. Invisible Fence

• Price Can Vary (Customized Design)

Summary: Final Tips for Picking the Best Option for You

When you are thinking about investing in a high-quality invisible fence, it’s important to consider both the physical and technological features on display.

Both the Halo Collar and this one are robust, well-performing, and offer a long list of positives.

You Should Pick Halo Collar if…

You want a collar that has built-in training advice, a robust dog collar, affordability, a sleek design, and doesn’t cost a lot to install.

You Should Pick Invisible Fence if…

You want a fully customized dog collar, don’t mind paying more, require visual cues, and want a more refined solution.

Dog activity monitors have grown in popularity in recent years. They’re able to tell you how much of the day your favorite furry friend spends walking, running, playing, or sleeping. Some versions of the activity monitor even provide a “GPS dog” function so you can quickly find your dog on your phone if they somehow manage to take an unsupervised walk around the neighborhood.

Many of these smart dog collar trackers are also waterproof, so you don’t have to take the fitness tracker off your dog if you need to bathe them or if they want to go for a swim. Many of the pet tracker devices also have a battery lifespan that lasts for a year. Battery longevity is a major plus since you won’t have to go through the hassle of remembering to charge the dog activity monitor.

The dog activity monitor is also extremely convenient because it connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth, and then you can view all of your dog’s stats in your specific pet tracker app. Most of the smart dog collar apps will work with both iPhone or Android devices.

Why Buy A Dog Activity Monitor?

• To Make Sure Your Dog Is Getting Enough Exercise
  There are many benefits that the dog activity monitors can provide for both you and your pet. The first involves knowing if your dog is getting enough exercise throughout the day. Understanding your dog’s activity level is especially good for dogs who tend to be overweight. They could be overweight because of what they’re eating, but they might also be overweight due to lack of exercise.
• The GPS Dog Function
  Another reason that many owners want a smart dog collar is due to the GPS dog function. Not all owners want to put a GPS tracker into their dog’s body, so the GPS dog function that comes with most activity monitors allows owners to track their dog if they were to get loose. The tracker provides real-time GPS data about your dog’s movement, so you can easily follow them on your phone. You can have peace of mind knowing that you’ll be able to track your dog’s location if they ever leave the yard.
• Help You Reach Your Own Fitness Goals
  One main benefit that many people don’t think of when they think of having a dog is how owning a dog can help you reach your own fitness goals; if you’re out walking your dog every day, you’re also getting in a higher number of steps each day. Many people who have bought a pet tracker for their dog have found that they’re also raising their average number of daily steps by ensuring that their dog is getting enough steps each day.
• Ability To See Changes To Your Dog’s Health Overtime
  It isn’t easy to quantify your dog’s health without data to back it up. You might feel like your dog has suddenly become less active, but you can’t say for sure.

This is where a dog activity monitor is beneficial. It allows you to compare long term data. It could help you establish a baseline for your dog’s activity metrics, and then you can more easily pick up on any early-onset health or behavior changes.

What Makes A Good Dog Activity Monitor? Essential Features to Look For

When you’re looking at a dog activity monitor, you’ll want to keep an eye out for a couple of these key features.

• How Accurate is it?

You’ll want to pick an activity monitor that is known for its accuracy in giving you more information about your dog’s activities throughout the day. This will help you have more confidence in the data the device collects.

• Durable

You can’t watch your dog every second of the day, so you won’t know when your dog will play with one of its toys or roll on the ground. Having an activity tracker that can’t withstand a dog’s usual activities isn’t much help to you. (Pro tip: If you have a dog that’s an incredibly rough playmate, consider buying a tracker that has a longer warranty).

• Waterproof

You’ll also want to pick a waterproof activity monitor. A water resistance device will be helpful if you occasionally take your dog on walks while it’s raining. You don’t want to have an activity monitor on your dog’s collar that you have to remember to remove each time it’s raining outside (you also don’t want one that could short circuit just from your dog drinking sloppily from their water bowl).

Many of the activity monitors listed below are water-resistant up to a couple of feet, so your dog will be able to wear it into the pool or lake if they’re a fan of swimming.

Top 6 Dog Activity Monitors

1. FitBark

If your main focus is your dog’s health, then this could be the activity tracker for you. FitBark attaches to your dog’s collar and then gives you information on your dog’s activity and sleep patterns. It also is a stylish accessory since it looks like a dog bone.

Many dog owners like this fitness tracker because of it’s ability to set customizable health goals for their pet. If your dog isn’t on track to reach its goals for the day, then you’ll receive a notification through the app.

On top of all the other information that the app will provide about your dog, you’ll also receive a weekly update on your dog’s activity. You’ll be able to compare the amount of exercise your dog received in the most recent week vs. the week before it.
The app also features an online community where you can see how your dog’s activities compare to other dogs of the same breed.

Pros of FitBark

• Activity
• Sleep quality and sleep time
• Distance your dog traveled in a day
• Calories burned
• Overall health
• Behavior
• Licking, sleeping, and scratching
• Weekly wellness reports
• Waterproof up to one meter for 30 minutes. You’ll just need to ensure that you keep the rubber piece covering the charging point completely closed before your dog goes into water.
• Has GPS dog location abilities.
• You can compare your dog’s activity to other dogs from the same breed.
• Give your dog’s health activity to your veterinarian.
• Risk-free trial. You can try out FitBark for 30-days. If you don’t love it, you can send it back through the company’s money-back guarantee policy.
• No monthly subscription fees. This is a massive benefit for many dog owners since so many dog activity monitors have a monthly fee associated with them.
• 14-day battery life.
• Free iOS and Android apps.
• One-year limited warranty
• Weighs 0.32 ounces. Lightest dog collar tracker.
• Has an online community.

Cons of FitBark

• Some users have found that the activity tracker is not as waterproof as advertised.
• There have been some issues with data synchronization automatically connecting between the device and your smartphone app.

Pricing

FitBark costs $99.95. This puts the FitBark in the middle range for its cost. It isn’t the most expensive GPS pet tracker on the market, but it also isn’t the cheapest. One thing that helps many dog owners save money is the lack of a monthly subscription too.

2. Whistle Go Explore

This dog activity monitor does three things at once: it acts as a GPS tracker, provides details about your pet’s activities, and gives you a way to update your dog’s pet care history. The activity monitor also lets you see what your dog has been doing in the past 24 hours, so you can always know what parts of the house or yard your dog wanders in when you’re not at home.

This activity monitor is unique because it allows you to pinpoint your dog’s location with both WiFi and cellular data instead of using only Bluetooth or cellular data. Since the GPS tracker uses cellular data, you’ll track your dog for up to 3000 miles, instead of the 50 feet that a Bluetooth connection provides.

You also can set a “safe area” with this app, so you’ll know as soon as your dog wanders too far away from home. The tracker sends out your dog’s location every 15 seconds, so you’ll know instantaneously if your dog has left the safe area.

The activity monitor is also unique in the activities it can track and provide detailed information on. The monitor will tell you if your dog is scratching more often than usual, which could mean that it has a skin allergy or infection. It’ll let you know if your dog is drinking more water than usual, which could be a result of disease or diabetes. It tracks excessive licking that could be happening due to discomfort, pain, or dietary issues.

It’ll even track sleep disruptions in your dog’s sleep cycles that could take place because of a sleep disorder or insomnia. Knowing about a change in your dog’s behavior early on can help you prevent a health issue before it worsens.

Pros of Whistle Go Explore

• Activity
• Location of your dog
• Sleep quality
• Distance traveled on a walk or hike
• Calories burned
• Overall health
• Waterproof for splashes, rain/snow, dog shower
• Keep track of medications, a food log, or make notes of things you noticed that day
• Nightlight (in the Go Explore version)
• 90-day money-back guarantee (most extended of the risk-free trials)
• Utilizes both WiFi and cellular data
• Free iOS and Android apps
• One-year warranty

Cons of Whistle Go Explore

• Must have an AT&T cellular network plan
• More expensive than other activity monitor options
• Can’t be used with dogs that weigh less than 8 pounds

Pricing

• $129. 95
• Requires a $7.95 per month subscription fee

3. Link AKC Smart Dog Tracker

The Link AKC fitness tracker is the tracker you’ll want to get for your dog if you’re working on training them. It’s the best dog tracker for training because it’s the only one with a remote turn-on LED light. It also has a beeper associated with it, so you’ll be able to emit sound from the Link AKC Smart Tracker to help you train your dog and enforce positive behavior.

The dog activity monitor uses artificial intelligence to learn what counts for your dog as “intense” activity. Once it has that baseline established, you’ll receive a notification that lets you know if your dog has gotten enough intensity minutes that day or not. Link AKC will provide personalized recommendations based on your dog’s age, breed/ mixed breed, behavior, and size. This takes the guesswork out of the equation for you if you’re unsure how much activity your dog should be getting each day.

You can set a “safe zone” for your dog and receive a notification when the pet tracker realizes that your dog has left the safe zone. These real-time notifications can help to give you peace of mind about your dog’s safety. Since Link AKC uses an AT&T cellular connection, you’ll also be able to locate your dog if they wander further away from the safe zone.

A unique feature that Link AKC offers is the ability to record adventures with your furry friend. You can quickly start an adventure in the Link AKC app and then edit photos you take during the walk or hike. You can then sort your photos into separate adventures that allow you to store an unlimited number of pictures. If you forget to take pictures, the app will also track your dog once you start the app’s adventure and then show you a map after completing the activity with timestamps connected to it.

The Link AKC smart dog tracker also stores vet information within the app. You can quickly access your pet’s vaccination records and set reminders when your dog needs to have its next appointment.

Last but not least, the Link AKC device will notify you if your dog’s environment is too hot or cold for them. The temperature gauge can be critical if you’re someone who tends to leave their dog in their car while running a quick errand. It is also a nice feature if you and your dog have been outside for an extended period.

Pros of Link AKC

• Activity
• Location
• Sleep quality
• Distance traveled
• Overall health
• Water-resistant up to 3 ft.
• Durable and impact resistant.
• Temperature alerts (if it’s too hot for your dog, it notifies you)
• 24/7 access to vet professionals in case of emergency
• 90-day money-back guarantee
• iOS and Android apps
• Three-year limited warranty. More extended warranty than some of the other dog trackers.
• Virtual scrapbook capability.

Cons of Link AKC

• Has a shorter battery life than other dog trackers. Battery life lasts up to three days maximum.
• Comes with an associated subscription plan. The lowest price per month comes with the biennial plan, but not everyone will want to commit to a two-year subscription plan.

Pricing

• Costs $86
• Subscription price varies. Monthly it’s $9.95 per month. An annual plan is $7.95 per month, but you pay annually. The lowest price point per month is $6.95, but it’s for two years, and billing is biennial.

4. PetPace

PetPace activity monitor tracks your dog’s activity the same way that the other dog trackers on this list do. However, PetPace has a larger focus on the heart rate of your dog. It’s constantly checking your dog’s vitals and will let you and your vet know if something’s wrong.

Although this dog activity monitor and GPS tracker costs more than others on this list, it also provides a very long battery life. This GPS tracker can last up to three weeks on one charge, making it the dog activity monitor with the longest battery life out of the options mentioned here.

Unlike the other dog activity monitors, PetPace isn’t placed on your dog’s collar. Instead, the device comes attached to its own dog collar. Once you put it on your pup, you’ll be able to track your dog.

PetPace is the best dog activity tracker for small dogs because it also sells a device marketed for cats. If you have a tiny dog, this may be the tracker you want to choose.

Another unique thing about this dog activity monitor is its ability to track your dog’s positions throughout the day. It can identify your dog’s body posture and then tell you about trends that could help you prevent pain or allow your dog to recover from an injury.

You can also access your dog’s activity levels in a web browser instead of on your phone. This can be a significant advantage for dog owners who have at-risk dogs and want to look at a larger screen to assess all of the data.

Pros of PetPace

• Activity levels – determine if there are changing trends in your dog’s daytime activities. You can also set goals.
• Pulse – find low or high heart rates. Can also identify irregularities.
• Respiration – can find any unhealthy changes that take place in your dog’s breathing patterns.
• Heart rate – can find changing patterns that indicate pain, stress, or underlying disease.
• Calories burned and consumed – track these to help prevent obesity or help your dog in a weight loss program.
• Positions – provides information on your dog’s posture.
• Overall health
• Water-resistant
• Temperature alerts (if it’s too hot/cold for your dog, it notifies you)
• Alerts you and your vet if it detects a problem
• Share your dog’s activity report with your vet
• Weight: 1.5 oz
• Risk-free trial: You can try this GPS pet tracker for 30 days and know that the company has a money-back guarantee.
• Free iOS and Android apps
• One-year limited warranty.

Cons of PetPace

• More expensive than other dog activity monitors and is the most expensive option on this list.

Pricing

The cost of the tracker depends on the exact package that you buy. There are currently four main packages, and they don’t all provide the same thing. The main difference in the pricing is how often the trackers check your dog’s vital signs and whether or not they provide access to the dog’s web portal.

Below are the current PetPace prices. Occasionally they’ll offer up to 40% off.

• $199.95 – includes a one-year subscription for health monitoring. No web portal. Vitals checked every 120 minutes.
• $249.95 – includes a one-year subscription for health monitoring. No web portal. Vitals checked every 30 minutes.
• $319.95 – includes a one-year subscription for health monitoring. Access to a personal web application. Vitals checked every two minutes.
• $499.95- a lifetime subscription is included. Access to a personal web application. Vitals checked every two minutes.
• The health monitoring subscription is $60 a year after the first year.

5. PETKIT P2

If you’re not entirely sold on buying a more expensive dog activity monitor, then the PETKIT P2 makes for a great starting point. At $44.72, it’s the least costly fitness tracker on this list. Like the other dog activity monitors, it’ll record your dog’s steps and activities throughout the day while also keeping a record of your dog’s sleep cycles. It’ll also connect to your phone via Bluetooth, and you can check out your dog’s activities in the app.

Part of the reason this fitness tracker costs significantly less than some others on the market is because it lacks a GPS tracker. You can still keep track of your walks around the neighborhood, but the app will only show you the amount of time you were walking your dog, not the distance the two of you covered. The time tracking could be a positive or a negative, depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for an activity monitor that will fit a dog collar and track both your dog’s activities while also providing real-time GPS tracking, then this isn’t the dog activity monitor for you. However, if you’re looking for a simple fitness tracker while cutting costs, then this is the activity monitor for you and your furry friend.

Another pro of this activity monitor is its long battery life. It can last up to six months without being charged or replaced. This is a major plus for people who don’t want to take their dog’s collar off every couple of days to charge their fitness tracker.

A unique feature that this fitness tracker provides is its ability to automatically update the calories your dog has consumed if you also purchase PETKIT’s smart dog bowl. Although you can manually input your dog’s calories into the apps of the other fitness trackers listed here, this is the only tracker that updates the calories for your dog’s official meals. The app tracks your dog’s meals when the user enters a baseline for the number of calories the dog has consumed. Once the dog’s food information is entered, the smart bowl will track the number of calories your dog consumes every day based on the amount of food you place into their bowl.

Users can connect with other dog owners by posting their dogs’ pictures to the online community in the app itself. You can also comment on, like, or share other owners’ posts or photos.

The app also offers a calendar function that allows you to set important dates and reminders. Some of the main notes you can add to the calendar include medical appointments, feeding, grooming appointments, deworming, vaccination appointments, deflea, and more.

Pros of PETKIT P2

• Activity
• Sleep
• Moods
• Calories burned and consumed (only with the PETKIT bowl, which is sold separately)
• Water-resistant
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Most extended battery life – 6-month battery life
• Compatible with iOS and Android
• Most affordable dog activity tracker
• No monthly subscription required
• Weight: 0.34 ounces
• One year warranty

Cons of PETKIT P2

• No real-time GPS tracking function, so you can’t track distance traveled on a walk or locate your dog if they leave the yard.
• Data storage only lasts a week.

Pricing

• $44.72 – least expensive dog tracker listed here.
• No monthly subscription required

6. Tractive

Tractive could be your top choice for a fitness tracker if you’re most interested in the dog GPS to track your dog. This dog monitor doesn’t have a range limit on how far it can reach. As long as your dog’s activity tracker has access to a 3G signal, then you can see your dog’s real-time location on your phone.

Tractive is also extremely durable and lightweight. You can easily attach it to your dog’s collar without them noticing.

This activity tracker is also unique because it has the capability for you to create a “virtual fence”. This feature allows the user to pinpoint a specific area that your dog needs to remain inside of. If your dog leaves that area, you’ll then receive a notification on your phone.

Pros of Tractive

• Location
• Distance traveled per day
• Immersive waterproof up to one meter
• Free iOS and Android apps
• One-year warranty
• Tracks temperature of the environment so you can see how an external temperature affects a dog’s behavior. This can be an excellent feature for dog owners who like to take their dog’s hunting or hiking.
• Has the ability to create a virtual fence.
• Weight: 1.28 ounces

Cons of Tractive

• Not ideal for small dogs. The dog needs to be at least nine pounds for the tracker to work.
• Requires a monthly subscription
• Battery has to be changed every 2-5 days
• No WiFi connection functions.

Pricing

• Costs $49.99. There’s an added cost of a $4.99 per month subscription plan that has a five-year commitment.

Features to Look For When Buying the Best Dog Activity Monitor

With all of the dog activity monitors on the market, it can feel overwhelming to know which one is the best dog monitor for you. When you’re looking at buying a dog activity monitor, you’ll want to think about you and your dog’s lifestyle to help you determine which activity monitor is the one you wish to purchase.

• What Features Does That Specific Activity Monitor Offer

Although many of the activities monitors seem like they’re similar fitness trackers, each of them keeps track of information differently, and some of them have niche offerings that might be perfect for you and your dog.

Keep these main offerings in mind when you’re looking at a dog activity monitor.

• Tracks Activity Levels

Each of the activity monitors will keep track of your dog’s health parameters to a certain extent. However, some of the trackers offer more data than others. If your dog is relatively young with few health issues, then tracking their playtime and sleep cycles might be enough. Suppose your dog is a little older and has begun to show some signs of aging. In that case, you might want to look at an activity monitor that will provide even more in-depth information, such as the number of calories burned, your dog’s heart rate, and even their body posture.

• GPS Dog Tracker

Many people purchase a dog activity monitor because it acts as both a fitness tracker and a GPS tracker. A GPS dog tracker can be beneficial if your dog tries to escape the yard often or has a habit of running out the front door as soon as you open it to greet someone.

All of the GPS trackers will connect to your phone via your app. Many of them use cellular data, while some others use a radio frequency.

Cellular Dog Tracker – you can track your pet’s location in real-time as long as their activity monitor can access a cell signal. Although this will give you a more accurate location for where your dog wandered off to, you’ll also have to recharge their battery more often. Suppose you live in an area where you don’t have fantastic cell service, or you tend to take your dog hiking or hunting in a fair amount of remote places. In that case, you’ll struggle to track your dog if they wander away from you because no cell tower will be able to access your dog’s activity monitor.

Radio Frequency Dog Tracker – with these types of trackers, you’ll be able to track your dog through the radio that points you in the direction that your dog ran in. The radio can be helpful if you’re in a remote location without any other way to track your dog. It’s less useful if you live in a city where you have access to a cell tower to pinpoint your dog’s exact location.

However, of note is that radio trackers (typically) have a longer-lasting battery life, which is extremely helpful if you forget to charge your activity monitor often or don’t have access to a lot of electricity.

Ultimately, you’ll have to decide which type of GPS dog tracker is best for where you live.

• Notifications When Your Dog Wanders Too Far

Some of the trackers offer the ability to set a safe area around your yard, and you’ll receive a notification if your dog wanders from that space. This is best suited for people living in an apartment building or house without a fenced-in yard. Pet owners who get a notification about their dog’s location will be able to catch their dog before they have the chance to wander too far away.

Does The Activity Monitor Require A Monthly Subscription?

Even though most dog activity monitors don’t have an expensive monthly subscription, you need to keep it top of mind when looking into buying one. Many of the GPS dog trackers have a monthly cost associated with them because they require cellular data. You’ll also want to pay attention to the amount of time you may have to commit to a subscription. Some of the subscriptions drop significantly in price if you pay on an annual or biennial basis. Still, you’ll want to know if you’re going to stick with the dog activity monitor for an extended time.

Either way, take a look at your monthly budget and determine if a subscription cost is feasible for you to pay for each month.

• Information Easily Transferred To Your Veterinarian

Some of the apps will also allow your vet to upload your dog’s health record directly into the app itself. That means that pet owners will be able to look at their dog’s medical history while also checking on their dog’s prescriptions if they need a reminder about what pills to give to their dog each day.

Many of these trackers will also send information to the vet about your dog’s activities. At your next vet meeting, your vet will be able to review the data and make recommendations for your dog’s lifestyle based on the data the activity monitor has collected.

• Simplicity of Using the App

Let’s be honest: technology comes easy to some people while it’s a struggle for others. However, part of the reason that some people struggle to understand technology is due to a particular app’s product design.

When looking at a dog activity monitor, realize that you aren’t just buying the monitor itself- you’re also purchasing the app. Look at the app and its ratings in the app store. Review what others have liked (or not liked) about the app itself. Check screenshots of the app and its appearance. Everyone’s mind works differently, so some people will love the specific layout while others will hate it. Looking at the app’s appearance ahead of time will help you make a more informed purchase.

Summary: Why You Should Get a GPS Pet Tracker & Dog Activity Monitor

Many people’s dogs are like family members: you take care of them from the time they’re young, and you watch and support them as they grow. If you have children, many memories of your child’s early years may be intertwined with your family dog. Dogs bring a sense of happiness and company to many people, which is why they’re such a popular pet. They’re also a popular pet because they force people to get outside to enjoy the great outdoors by taking their dog on a walk or playing with them in the yard.

Many people worry about their own fitness goals, along with their family’s fitness goals, so why would your furry family member be left out of that equation?

Pick a dog activity monitor that’ll track all of the essential things that your dog needs to lead a happy and healthy life. You can worry less about your dog’s health, knowing that you have a baseline for their everyday activities and can detect if anything quickly changes. You’ll even be able to share the data with your vet, so they can provide you with more insights on why your dog’s behavior has suddenly changed.

Last but not least, monitoring your dog’s fitness goals could help you monitor your own fitness goals. If you’re worried about how many steps your dog is getting each day, then you’re more likely to take them on long walks and explore new parts of the neighborhood.

So, pick out a dog activity tracker today and get started on ensuring your dog is leading its best life!