6 Best GPS Dog Fences (I Tested it All in September 2023)

Last Updated on September, 2023

The reason for me to piece together this content was because of the cheapskate charlie, that is my friend. He went through a nightmarish ordeal when his dog was hit by a car right in front of him due to an unreliable GPS dog fence he had bought from Amazon. 

Fortunately, the dog survived the incident unscathed, but it’s a stark reminder of how such incidents can happen to anyone….

So getting a GPS Fence that is cheap or seems fishy from the get-go is like you putting your dog’s life on the line, and it’s simply not a risk worth taking.

If you want the best GPS dog fence, hopefully, you can get that here. However, if you’re still unsure whether or not to trust me, keep on reading.

Why Trust Me?

Best GPS Dog Fences 

1. Halo 2+ (Editor’s Choice)

That said, what are the features that make it the perfect GPS Fence?

Simple, I’d say everything, especially the technology that powers Halo, so powerful some might even consider it overkill.

But hey, anything can be done to keep our furry friends safe, right?

Since GPS is one of the essentials, here’s how Halo excels compared to the competition. 

It straight up sports the world’s most ADVANCED GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems), which provides The Best location tracking accuracy among any other collars available! 

That is also the technology used in all the modern drones and even on autonomous cars like the Mercedes-Benz EQS… 

A car’s navigation system is a dog collar, as mentioned above, Overkill, but I’ll take it…

Not just that, Halo’s GPS technology is far more powerful than your phone.

That makes its location tracking much more accurate, even within a few feet, which in turn will help make tracking your dog a breeze, instant location updates will be sent to your phone no matter where it is. 

Like I said, a GUARDIAN ANGEL…

To make things even more accurate, Halo downloads satellite data every night. That enhances the GPS location accuracy and is ready for tracking the second your dog steps out of the house. 

No GPS Fence does this, and most will take several minutes to actually connect to the satellites, which means your dog is not protected when it’s outside.

Most other fences only provide periodic updates when the dog moves out of the fence, which can make location tracking a big hassle since it’s not real-time. Halo is in a different league here. 

It does not end there; you can create up to 20 virtual fences with Halo. Each of them can be of any shape and can be as big as 6.2 miles; it’s adjustable though. That’s versatility for you which no other GPS Fence offers. 

Plus, the fences can be created wherever you want. The creation of the fences in Halo is also far better; you can take out your phone and draw the fences the way you like in seconds. 

This is different in many other devices though. You will need to carry the collars in hand and walk around where you want to create the fences. This can take a considerable amount of time.

For containment inside the fence, Tone, Vibration, and Shock is built into the collar, you can set the feedback to your liking, and that’s it; the collar will take care from there. 

Another feature that just separates Halo from its competition is the encouragement feedback. In case your dog slips out the fence, the collar will use the built-in commands and get your dog back to safety.

You’ll also receive notifications on your phone during that time so that you can take action. 

This is a question that I get asked the most from dog owners, for Halo collar mostly; 

Will the collar use static feedback on my dog when heading toward the fence after leaving it?

No, Halo or most collars in this list will not use any type of negative feedback on your dog when they’re heading toward the boundary. Instead, most of them will use encouragement like feedback when heading back.

Literally, there is not a single area in which Halo struggles with. If you want the best, you’ve got it here.

Key Specs:

Learn more about the Halo smart collar here.

We’ve only looked at half of what Halo GPS dog collar has in store; you need to get your hands on it to experience everything it offers. However, being the best at everything comes at a cost, price, Halo 2+ is $699.

But if you consider the competition’s prices and what those offer, this is much better; I wouldn’t even say it’s expensive. 

Also, it’s better to stay away from cheap fences as most are unreliable and plagued with issues like unnecessary shocks, leading to stress and anxiety, plus half-baked containment, which’ll let your dog escape into dangerous situations.

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2. SpotOn GPS Dog Fence (#2nd Best Choice)

This 6-second connection accuracy and your dog’s location will be consistent throughout without fluctuations.

That’s thanks to SpotOn’s patented True Location™ technology. It’ll balance the GPS shift that occurs on GPS devices and allows for a more accurate and stable connection. 

A stable connection is the most important thing to look for in a GPS collar.

Connections that are not stable can, more often than not, give you a false sense of security, where you’ll be thinking that you are tracking your dog’s movements when, in reality, the collar is not working correctly.

And thankfully SpotOn virtual fence is spot on in that regard, no issues with connection. 

Moving on to the containment, it’s precisely what you can expect from a top-end dog GPS Fence collar. First of all, the fences are highly customizable, any size, any shape, zero problems.

On top of that SpotOn has the ability to set up over 1500 fence posts, allowing you to cover a vast range with every nook and cranny of your yard.

That’s exactly what you need from a containment system to contain your dog. Compared to Halo’s 20, 1500 on SpotOn is way too much, I mean, in a good way, and it is, from all the GPS Fences I’ve seen, the highest. 

SpotOn dog collar also supports overlapping fences that allow for the creation of multiple fences in a single property. It’s similar to the light and dark modes on your phone, a different fence for the day and a different fence for the night. 

Overlapping fences can be pretty useful when restricting your dog’s access to areas permitted during the day but not at night.

Similar to how Halo operates, SpotOn will also use the encouragement tone to prompt your dog to return to the fence if they have wandered away from it.

A nice little addition to SpotOn is its quick fences. While you’re out and about, you can efficiently create circular fences with just your phone; no need to carry the collar and walk around the perimeter. 

Regarding phones, SpotOn is wholly operated via the SpotOn app, available for Android and iOS. 

SpotOn, being the very first to the game of GPS Fences, gets all the essentials right for a GPS dog fence, from location tracking to containment; all of them are top-notch and precisely what you’d expect from a system like this. 

An excellent system to keep your fur bud safe and sound. 

Key Specs:

Click here to check out the review of SpotOn dog GPS fence if you want to learn more.

SpotOn provides everything to keep your dog safe, literally everything; you can no doubt rely on it. Since its job is related to keeping your dog safe, it does it perfectly, so you can’t expect it to be cheap, and to be honest, none of the GPS Fences are affordable, and compared to those SpotOns $1,295 is rather reasonable.

Get 100$ off using coupon code: iPet100 (Exclusive for IPetGuides readers)

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3. Wagz Freedom Smart Dog Collar (#3rd Best Choice)

Unfortunately, this product has been discontinued.

That does not mean that the systems with static are harmful; most, if not all, come with adjustable intensities, making them safe options too. 

Anyways, moving on, when it comes to Wagz’s GPS capabilities, it cannot be understated. This GPS Dog Fence connects to 3 global satellite systems. Those 3 satellites are able to send location updates to you on your dog every 10 seconds.

That is a solid third place out of all the systems I tested. 

Stability-wise, it was almost as good as Halo and SpotOn. I did not encounter any stoppages or issues with stability during my time with the collar. It was solid overall. 

That said, containment capabilities are impressive in Wagz. 

Creating a fence is just like Halo; download the Wagz app on your phone and draw the fences right from where you are, the size and the shape can be according to your liking.

That is the process I’d like to have in all the collars; it’s just too simple and quick. 

Wagz also supports multiple fences, but a specific number isn’t given, and it is not something that can be tested. However, I made 4 fences, and the collar worked just fine in all of them, no issues. 

You can also create fences inside the fences in Wagz, also known as “Keep out Zones” these allow you to create a small fence around a place that you consider is off limits for your dog, such as your garden. 

Those are all the tracking and fencing capabilities of Wagz, but there’s an extra. 

Activity tracking, Wagz has the most advanced out of all. You’ll be able to see the number of calories burnt, the number of steps, walk mapping, and even temperature alerts.

But most importantly, you can track your dog’s sleeping time too. Activity tracking may not seem that beneficial until you use it. 

These can help identify changes in a dog’s activity levels which can be an early indicator of health problems, such as arthritis or other joint issues. By monitoring activity, you can catch these issues early and seek veterinary care.

That makes Wagz an excellent activity tracker too.

All in all, Wagz, like I said earlier, is a solid third place in my book; it’s not the best out there with cutting-edge technology like Halo and SpotOn; it does what’s needed in a way that most will be satisfied with.

Key Specs:

You can learn more about wagz freedom collar here in this review.

If you can bear the 10-second location update, this can be an excellent system for you to keep your dog safe. There’s nothing better in its price range; at just $299, this is a system you can’t go wrong with.

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4. Tractive GPS Tracker

This smart collar is shockproof too. The Tractive GPS dog collar brings seven days of battery life; mine lasted for 5 and a half days with moderate use.

With one of the best GPS systems, this pet containment system delivers 2-3 seconds of location updating rate, with worldwide unlimited GPS tracking. 

You can store and export the GPS data too. Not only that, but you can also share the pet’s location with family and friends.

All you need is the free Tractive app installed on your mobile.

You can’t customize the shape of Tractive’s wireless fence. The minimum radius of a circular, wireless fence is 160 feet. If it’s rectangular, it is 330 feet by 330 feet. You can define wireless fences as safe or no-go zones.

While the collar has no corrective feedback, you will receive real-time alerts if your dog crosses the boundary.

This tracker lets you track your dog’s activity in terms of calories burned, time spent at a location, and even sleeping time.

Since it uses GPS data, you need a subscription plan to use the Tractive dog’s collar.

Key Specs:

Read more about tractive GPS tracker and fence here.

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5. Garmin Alpha 100 Bundle

The Alpha 100 comes with 2.5 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches and a weight of 8.8 oz, including the standard antenna and battery. Its waterproof rating is IPX7. Maximum battery life is 20 hours, and mine ran for 17 hours and 30 mins with intense use.

The TT 15 collar is 3.5″ in width, 1.75″ in height, and 1.85″ in thickness. It weighs 10 oz with the collar. The waterproof rating is 1 ATM. The expected maximum battery life is 40 hours.

The screen resolution of the handheld is 240 x 400 pixels with a TFT touchscreen.

The location update speed is 2.5 seconds, and that’s because of the GPS and GLONASS receiver. You can track multiple dogs(up to 20 at once) in a range of 9 miles.

The virtual fence is equally impressive; you can set custom wireless fences using multiple points. If the dog crosses the boundary, you will receive alerts on the handheld, and the collar will emit either sound or vibration. With 18 levels of intensity, you can choose what suits your dog.

You also use rescue mode to find a lost dog easier.

It requires no monthly subscription.

With advanced features such as a compass, auto-routing, and custom maps, the Garmin Alpha 100 bundle is a pet GPS tracker for hunting dogs with invisible fence features.

Key Specs:

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6. Pawious GPS Wireless Dog Fence

With 2 hours of charging time, the maximum expected runtime is 36 hours; mine worked for 32 hours with continuous use.

The GPS system is impressive since the accuracy is up to 5-10 yards. Pawious recommends using the tracker in medium or large yards. 

The Pawious shock collar does a magnificent job regarding the dog fence features. All you need to do is set the origin and position the invisible boundary. 

However, the virtual fence has no custom shapes; it’s circular and has a maximum radius of up to 1000 yards. The collar will give out beeps when your dog comes near the boundary.

If it crosses the boundary, you can have vibrational corrective feedback in 6 levels or static shock in 6 levels in this GPS e collar.

Either way, your furry friend is certified to be safe.

But what’s interesting is that this dog fence tracker requires no mobile phone or handheld device; the collar controls everything. So, there is no monthly subscription because of that. 

Overall, the Pawious dog fence is very reliable.

Key Specs:

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#1 Tip to Make Maximum Use of a GPS Dog Fence

It is none other than training your dogs to know what they need to do for each corrective feedback; sound, vibration, or shock. The better the dog training, the better the results will be.

Related article: Are GPS dog fences effective?

Factors to Consider When Buying a GPS Dog Fence

Location Accuracy and Updating Rate 

The location accuracy must be within at least 50 feet; the lower the number, the better. You’re unlikely to find a GPS tracker with real-time updating GPS technology. So, even if it comes to 2 seconds, you should remember that you’re buying a GPS dog fence, not just a GPS tracker.

The Durability of the Collar 

Most high-end dog collars, which enable virtual dog fences, are designed to be resilient. So, it’s better if the dog collar also has an IP waterproof rating. There also should be at least 1m of impact resistance. Other than that, the better the design and the quality, the longer it will last.

Battery Life 

What’s the point of a dog fence that lasts longer as a product but drains the battery in an hour? So, ensure you’re okay with the runtime and charging time.

In addition, it’d be better to check whether you can operate the tracker in different modes. Typically, this allows you to elongate the battery runtime with one charge.

Type and Range of the Fence

Some invisible dog fences are circular; this means the range is radial. If so, you should know the maximum radius. Similarly, some trackers let you draw the fence, and the range matters in this case too. It’s up to you to decide which type you need.

Respond When the Dog Crosses the Boundary 

Dog fences are supposed to stop dogs from running away further. But how can they stop the dogs if the fence can’t be seen?

Ideally, there should be three features; alerting you via the phone, warning the dog, and emitting shock, vibration, or sound when the dog leaves the boundary. The response always matters.

Performance Dependence on the Location

GPS tracking technology theoretically shouldn’t be able to work without GPS signals. But some trackers work without cell service, too, just not in the same operational conditions.

So, you need to check whether the chosen GPS dog fence would work at the intended location. 

Whether it Requires a Buried Fence

A handful of GPS dog fences require you to bury a physical fence along the boundary. That way, GPS works separately, and the fence acts like an invisible dog fence. This might be a little difficult. So, make sure whether you need to bury a fence for the GPS dog fence to work.

Benefits of GPS Dog Fences

• Track your dog’s location accurately and remotely
• Protect your dog from leaving and entering specific areas
• Enjoy your camping adventures with your dog on board
• Save a little fortune you spend on dog daycare centers
• Free your dog from the feeling of being caged 
• Replace a space-consuming traditional fence in your yard and inside your house 
• Focus better on your work life 
• And much more!

In Conclusion

GPS dog fences are not cheap; if you find one for less than $50 or even $100, STAY AWAY FROM IT!

You can’t afford a collar that has GPS along with a fully-fledged wireless fence for that much; if you do, remember that you’re putting your pet’s life at risk.

That said, Halo 2+ becomes the best GPS dog fence thanks to all the outstanding features it brings to the table. That’s what my friend and I use right now. It does everything it needs to in the best possible way.

What matters is keeping our dogs safe in a financially sustainable way. That’s why I use and recommend efficient solutions.

At the end of the day, investing in the best GPS dog fences is an investment that makes pet parents feel relieved and proud.

FAQs