PetSafe Wireless Dog Fence Review – Why You Should Buy One In 2023

I was never really a fan of dog fences, but when my dog went wandering off for the third time in a week, I had to do something. I researched quite a lot before settling on the PetSafe Wireless Dog Fence. 

I ordered a PetSafe Wireless Pet Fence Pet Containment System from Amazon. The list price of this product was $319.99, but it got it for just $289.95. Apart from this complete dog fence kit from PetSafe, you can also buy Receiver Collar Only or Extra Transmitter if you have more than one dog or a huge lawn. 

The online reviews of this product were quite impressive but what finally pushed me to try this fence was the affordability and quick installation process.

Now that I have finally tried and tested this product, I want to share a detailed PetSafe Wireless Dog Fence review to help other pet owners make the right buying decision. 

While it’s not totally perfect, the few flaws don’t really affect the overall performance of the fence and can be easily fixed.

So let’s take a look at my PetSafe Wireless Dog Fence review, why I would recommend this product to anybody looking for a dog fence to prevent their dog from wandering off in the neighborhood. 

PetSafe Wireless Dog Fence Review

The PetSafe Wireless Pet Fence Pet Containment System is an excellent solution to keep your dog within the designated zone. It can keep your pet in its yard while you’re away from home. This invisible fence helps you to set up boundaries without burying wires.

It is one of the simplest and safest forms of pet containment. With this product, you can easily create an invisible fence around your house and prevent your dog from leaving the designated area. The installation process is extremely easy and takes on 2 hours. 

With this complete kit, you will get a transmitter, a receiver collar, flags, and various other accessories. It will help you to cover up to ½ acre of land. This product is suitable for dogs over 8 pounds of weight. You can use it for all breeds of dogs. You have to install the transmitter inside the house and put the collar around your dog’s neck.

When your dog goes near the boundary, the transmitter will send a signal to the receiver collar. The collar will then send a tone or static correction, reminding your dog to stay inside the boundary. You have to train your dog on how to use the PetSafe Wireless Pet Fence, so they will be more likely to follow your instructions.

Using a PetSafe Wireless Dog Collar is simple and easy. The collar is adjustable so that you can use it for different breeds of dogs. Unlike traditional fences, these devices can be used for multiple pets. It also offers adjustable static correction. With this kit, you will get 50 flags to help you create a visual of the invisible boundary.

The PetSafe Wireless Pet Fence Kit Includes

I ordered the complete PetSafe Wireless Pet Fence Kit from Amazon for my dog. Here are all the things I received in the kit. 

• Transmitter with Power Adapter

The transmitter is the heart of your PetSafe wireless fence system. It is grey in color and has a cylindrical shape. The transmitter will send and receive signals from a receiver collar. Unlike other systems, the transmitter is portable. This means that it can be easily packed into a vacation rental or RV for travel. However, you will need an outlet near your home to power it up. It comes with a power adapter which you need to plug into an outlet.

There are two control settings on the transmitter, one for boundary control other for power control. Apart from that, there is a red button for power. You need to keep the transmitter in the center of the house as it creates a circular boundary.

• Receiver with Adjustable Collar

You will also get one receiver with an adjustable collar in this kit. A receiver collar is a device that keeps your pet within its yard. It receives a radio signal from the transmitter and creates a boundary zone around the perimeter of the yard. The receiver comes with a battery that lasts for about two months. The battery is replaceable, so you can easily change it.

The receiver is equipped with a collar, which is adjustable. It will fit any adult dog with a 6″ to 23″ neck size. You need to put this collar on your dog’s neck for the system to work. The collar offers five different levels of static correction, including a tone-only mode. This collar is waterproof and features a short contact point. You can replace it with a long contact point for maximum effectiveness. 

• 50 Training Flags

The PetSafe Wireless Dog Fence system comes with 50 white training flags with the PetSafe logo, which can be placed anywhere along the perimeter of the containment area. These training flags are meant to create a visual perimeter. They are installed on the perimeter at intervals of between four to six feet and also mark exclusion zones.

The training flags are installed for the entire training phase, and you’ll gradually remove them as your dog becomes familiar with the boundaries. When you set up the system, you need to use these flags to mark the boundary. It will help you to train your dog. 

• Test Light Tool

In order to test the system and set up the boundary, you will get a test light tool with this kit. Basically, this tool helps you to test the collar and the transmitter. You need to attach the tester cables to the contact point to check the receiver. This way, the test’s light will flash each time you approach the boundary with the collar. It will help you to check the boundary.

• Long and Short Contact Points

With the PetSafe Wireless Dog Fence kit, you will get two contact points, i.e., long and short. It is the core part of the receiver collar that stays near your dog’s neck area. The receiver collar comes with a short contact point. However, if your dog’s hair is long and thick near the neck area, you need to replace the short contact point with a long one.

These contact points are also compatible with many different PetSafe systems. For small dogs with thin and short coats, use a small contact point and for large dogs with a thick and long coat, use a long contact point. 

• Contact Point Wrench

To change the contact point in the dog’s receiver collar, you need to use a wrench. This tool is used to tighten the contact points of the transmitter to the collar. When you first use the device, you might get some resistance when screwing the probes in. The wires may also loosen after a week or two of use or from the dog’s activity. So make sure you use the wrench to tighten the contact point in the collar for effectiveness. 

• User Manual/ Guide

This system comes with an easy-to-follow user manual. This manual usually contains all the important information you need to know about the product and how to use it. Regardless of whether you are a first-time user or you’re a seasoned professional, it’s always better to follow the manual when installing the system. There are step-by-step instructions given in the user manual to help you set up the system and follow safety protocols.

Setting Up The PetSafe Wireless Pet Fence

When I received the kit, the installation procedure seemed like a hassle and hours of hard work. Fortunately, it is way easier than it looks. It took me nearly 2 hours to set up the entire system. Make sure you follow the steps given in the manual to set up the invisible fence. It is best to start with the transmitter, followed by the collar and then the flags. 

• Step 1: Transmitter Installation

The first thing you need to do is install the transmitter inside the house. You can either mount it on the wall or place it on a table. It is best to wall mount it near an outlet so that you can easily connect the adapter. The transmitter is large, i.e., 9″ (L) x 9.1″ (W) x 8.9 “(D), so make sure you have ample space on the wall. Install it 4 to 5 feet from the ground. It is best if you install it on the first floor of the house for better range. 

You also need to keep metal or other objects that can interfere with the range at least 5 feet away from the transmitter. Once you install the transmitter on the wall, connect the power adapter and press the power switch. The red light will turn on, and the transmitter will start working. Now, you need to set the boundary signal strength.

There are two options, i.e., Low or High. If you want to create an invisible fence with a diameter of 90 feet or less, choose the Low option. For 90 to 180 feet diameter of invisible fence, choose the High option. Next, you need to use the boundary control dial. 

There are a total of eight options, from 1 to 8. For a large containment circle, you need to choose a higher value. As you change the settings from 1 to 8, the circle will keep on expanding. You can use it to set the perimeter. The transmitter range chart is given in the manual. Use the information to set up the invisible boundary. For the highest range, you can choose High Setting and Number 8 Dial Position. 

• Step 2: Setting Up Receiver Collar

The PetSafe PIF-300 receiver collar requires a battery to work. Fortunately, the receiver collar is already equipped with a battery. To set up the collar, you need to first make sure that the battery is in place. After that, you need to tighten the contact points with the help of a wrench. You can either use long or short contact points depending on the coat of the dog. Once you tighten the contact point, you need to set the static correction level. 

There are a total of 6 correction levels, i.e., 1 is the beep, and the rest five levels are beep plus static intensities. You need to remove the plastic cover from the settings button with the help of the test light tool. After that, you need to long-press the button and count the series of flashes to set the correction level.

You can check the function and response table in the user manual to choose the static correction level. Level 1 is only flash, whereas static correction increases from Level 2 to Level 6. 

• Step 3: Adjust the Pet Area and Set Boundary Flags

After you set up the collar, you need to adjust the pet area as per the size of your backyard and set boundary flags in place. Remember that the transmitter will create a circular signal, so you need to adjust the pet area accordingly. Measure the distance from the transmitter and then adjust the dial settings. 

After that, use the test light tool with the collar to create the desired boundary. Once you set up the distance and the area for the invisible fence, use the test light tool and the collar to put flags in place. Move around the area with the collar, and when the light flashes, set up the flag. It will help you to train your dog. 

• Step 4: Fit the Receiver Collar

Now, you just need to fit the receiver collar on your dog’s neck. Make sure the contact point actually touches your dog’s skin. You also need to avoid leaving the collar on your dog for more than 12 hours a day. Adjust the collar around your dog’s neck and make sure it fits perfectly.

You also need to trim the collar as per the size of your dog’s neck. Lastly, put the battery in place and train your dog using the flags to stay within the invisible boundary.

Pros of the PetSafe Wireless Dog Fence

Here are some things that I like about the PetSafe Wireless Pet Fence Pet Containment System. 

• Decent Circular Coverage with Reliable and Strong Signal

The wireless PetSafe Containment System has a 1/2 acre circular coverage area. I have an average size house with a yard, so one transmitter was enough. For bigger houses and extra coverage, you can buy one additional transmitter. It will help you to cover more areas and give more freedom to your dog.

Apart from that, the transmitter provides a reliable and strong signal throughout the set perimeter. You can adjust the area coverage up to 180 feet in diameter using the control dial in the system. 

• Completely Wireless and Reliable Mechanism

The best thing about this product is that it is completely wireless. It doesn’t require burying wires and works by placing a transmitter on your lawn. You don’t have to worry about setting up boundary wires or digging the lawn for the in-ground fence. It helps you to save time as well as improve the effectiveness of the system. Apart from being wireless, the system is extremely reliable and offers a stable signal irrespective of weather conditions. 

• Static-Free Re-entry for Your Pet

One great thing about this fence is its Static-Free Re-entry feature. It allows re-entry without having to worry about the system sending a shock to the pet. If your dog accidentally breaches the boundary, the system will not correct them when they try to re-enter. This way, your dog will not be discouraged from re-entering the yard. 

• Quick Installation and Simple Setup

The installation of the PetSafe Wireless Dog Fence is fast and simple. You just need to follow a few steps to set up the complete system. For a newbie like me, it took 2 hours to install the transmitter as well as set up the collar and flags. The user guide helps you to easily set up the system as well as adjust the settings. Instead of wasting days on setting up wires on the ground, you can easily set up this wireless system in a few hours. 

• Comfortable and Waterproof Receiver Collar

The PetSafe Wireless Dog Containment System comes with a waterproof collar for your pet. The collar is made of waterproof material and can be used in all seasons. It is designed to keep your pet contained in the yard. The collar is adjustable to fit dogs of different sizes. It can fit neck sizes ranging from 6 inches to 28 inches. The collar is comfortable as well as safe for your dog. You will get two contact points to adjust the static correction as per the type of dog.

• Decent Battery Life

The receiver collar in the kit works on the battery to receive a signal from the transmitter. Even though it doesn’t have a rechargeable battery, the battery life is good. A single RFA-67D-11 battery is required for the collar, which lasts for about two months. You will also get one battery with the collar.  

• Adjustable Collar Settings

The collar comes with six adjustable settings to set the correction level from 1 to 6. Level 1 is only beep sound, whereas Level 2 to 6 is beep + static correction. As you increase the level, the intensity of the static correction will rise. So if you don’t want to use static correction, you can use only tone mode. The adjustable settings give you full control over the electric stimulation your dog feels. 

• Add Unlimited Pets

The best thing about this product is that it is perfect for people with more than one dog. If you have multiple dogs, you just need to purchase additional collars. The transmitter will work with all the collars and help you to keep all the dogs inside the invisible fence. You can add unlimited pets to the system.

• Completely Portable

This wireless dog fence system is extremely portable. The transmitter comes with a power adapter and can easily be transported from one place to another. This makes it perfect for renters. If you are living on a rented property, this system will come in handy to prevent your dog from wandering off. When you shift to another house, you can easily take the transmitter with you.

• Automatic Shut-Off

One great thing about this product is the over-correction system and automatic shut-off, which makes it safe to use. In case your dog approaches the boundary and doesn’t go away even with static correction, the receiver will stop after 30 seconds. This way, it will not stress your pet or cause them any harm. The system is designed to shut off after 30 seconds of correction automatically. 

• Alert Warning Indicator

Apart from static correction and light flashes, the receiver collar beeps with an alert tone to let you know that your dog is approaching the boundary. There is another alert indicator in the collar that lets you know when the battery needs to be changed. 

• Best Choice for a Budget

The main reason why I bought this wireless fence system is that it is extremely affordable compared to other products. This product offers the best features on the budget and comes with a PetSafe warranty. It is a trusted company with more than 30 years in the industry. The products offered by PetSafe are safe and reliable, so you don’t have to worry about the safety of your dog. 

Cons of the PetSafe Wireless Dog Fence

Here are some pain points of this product that I encountered when using it. 

• Hills and Slopes Affect Signal Strength

This product is not for yards with hills and slopes as it affects the signal strength. As the shape of the yard is not consistent, your dog can easily go undetected through the gaps. While the transmitter is effective, you can encounter signal interference if there is any metal or electronic object nearby. You need an open surface inside your house to install the transmitter to get a better signal. 

• No Custom Boundary Shape

Another drawback of this product is that you cannot customize the boundary shape. Unlike wired fence systems, you cannot create a custom boundary shape. This wireless system only offers circular boundaries. So if the shape of your yard is not round, it will not offer the best results. Apart from that, there will be limited space only available for your dog to move freely as it doesn’t offer much coverage area. 

• Limited Coverage with Single Transmitter

If you have a huge backyard, a single transmitter will not be enough for you. It only offers coverage up to 180 feet in diameter. In order to cover more area, you need to purchase an additional transmitter. Comparatively, in-ground fences offer better coverage with a single system. 

• Not a Solid Barrier

This system is not a solid barrier to keeping your dog inside. If your dog is aggressive, it will not work for them as they can easily breach the invisible fence. Apart from that, the dog can harm others if static correction is used. So this system is not for everyone. In order to use it, you need to give proper training to your dog. 

• The fit of the Collar is Important

If the collar is not properly fitted on your dog’s neck, this system will not work. The contact points need to touch your dog’s skin to deliver a static correction. If the collar is loose or if the contact point is not in place, your dog will be able to easily breach the boundary.

• Unnecessary Static Corrections

One biggest drawback of this product is that the receiver collar can sometimes give unnecessary static corrections to your dog even when they are within the zone. It can happen due to signal interference and a defective collar. In such a case, you need to troubleshoot the problem. 

Is The PetSafe Wireless Dog Fence Safe to Use?

The PetSafe wireless dog fence is safe to use if you follow the instructions. This system sends out a radio signal boundary to limit the space your dog can access. There are five different levels of correction available. You can also set the unit to be on a sound-only mode to avoid any static correction. 

The static correction doesn’t cause any harm to your dog. You can adjust the settings as well as contact points to ensure safety. Apart from that, it comes with an auto shut-off feature which automatically shuts off the correction after 30 minutes. All these things make it safe for your pet, provided you follow the instructions given in the manual and give proper training to your dog. 

Is The PetSafe Wireless Dog Fence Worth Buying?

The PetSafe Wireless Dog Fence is an effective solution for both new and seasoned pet owners, and it comes with enough features to correct your pet’s bad behavior. You can spend nearly three times as much on similar products offered by different brands and not get as many features. It is easy to install and set up and can be used for an unlimited number of pets. 

You will get 1/2 acre circular coverage with adjustable correction levels with the system. I have been using this product for a month now, and there haven’t been any problems so far. With proper training, you can easily keep your dog within the boundary. The products come with PetSafe safety assurance and warranty as an added benefit.

So yes, as per my PetSafe Wireless Dog Fence Review, this product is totally worth buying.

Alternatives to the PetSafe Wireless Dog Fence

If you’re not convinced about the PetSafe Wireless Dog Fence, here are some alternatives to the PetSafe Wireless Pet Fence Pet Containment System. 

• SportDOG Brand Rechargeable In-Ground Fence Systems

The SportDOG In-Ground Fence System is suitable for dogs over 10 pounds and can cover one and a third acre of land. The system comes with 1000 feet of wire and 100 training flags. 

• Extreme Dog Fence Max Grade Electric Dog Fence

Extreme Dog Fence Max Grade Electric is an in-ground fence kit that comes with 500 feet of wire, and you can expand it to cover up to 1/3 acre of land. The wire used is 14-gauge, with a 60-millimeter polyethylene jacket, and the collar offers five correction levels. 

Some of My Favorite Products For Dog Owners

I hope this article has helped you just a bit in everyday life as a dog owner. Being a dog owner for more than 25 years, I’ve tried many different products with varying success, but these products below are some that I can highly recommend to every dog and their owner without hesitation!

These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. But it’s products that I use daily myself, and I have the utmost praise for.

Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. But since 2015 when the company was founded, I’ve been using Ollie Petfood. With their product being tailor-made to suit every dog’s specific needs, and as my dogs love the product, I’m pretty sure I’ve found a product I will continue to use for many years more. If you use my link you can get 50% off your first order.

Dog Training: If you’ve ever owned a puppy, you know that it requires a lot of training to grow into a well-behaved adult. Brain Training for Dogs has helped me immensely with the mental training part of raising a dog, and it’s something I strongly recommend you consider.

Grooming: If you have a dog in your home, you’re going to need a brush, and for this, I recommend a Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. For that price, you simply can’t beat this brush for everyday grooming.

If you’re looking for the most up-to-date recommendations, check out my recommended products section that I’ve created to help every dog owner!