Best Rectangular or Square Invisible Fences That Actually Keep Your Escape Artist Pets Where They Belong

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Dog owners know the struggle of keeping their furry friends safely contained without blocking their own view of the yard. Traditional fences can be expensive, require permits, and might not fit your property’s layout. Invisible fences offer a smart solution that creates boundaries for your dog while keeping your landscape looking great.

Invisible fences work by creating an underground wire perimeter or wireless signal that communicates with a special collar your dog wears. When your pup gets too close to the boundary, the collar gives a warning beep followed by a mild correction if they keep going. Rectangular and square invisible fences are perfect for most yard shapes and give you flexibility to cover specific areas like gardens or pools.

The most important thing to consider when choosing an invisible fence is whether you want a wired or wireless system. Wired systems let you create exact boundaries and work better for larger or oddly shaped yards. Wireless systems are easier to install but create circular coverage areas that might not fit your needs perfectly. You’ll also want to think about your yard size, your dog’s temperament, and how much time you want to spend on training. We’ve tested the top rectangular and square invisible fence options to help you find the right system for your yard and your four-legged escape artist.

PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Fence

You’ll want this wireless fence if you love the idea of containing your pup without turning your yard into a construction zone, though your perfectionist neighbors might judge the circular boundary.

Pros

• Sets up in hours without any digging or buried wires
• Works great for travel since you can pack it up and use it anywhere with power
• Lets your dog come back home without getting zapped like other fence systems do

Cons

• Only makes a circular area, so forget about protecting your prize roses in the corner
• Boundary can shift around and isn’t as precise as wire systems
• Dogs need to wear a collar all the time, which some pups hate

This wireless system creates an invisible circle around your transmitter that keeps dogs from wandering off. The boundary stretches up to 105 feet in all directions, giving your dog plenty of room to run around. You can make the area smaller if you have a tiny yard or want to keep your dog closer to the house.

The collar fits dogs as small as 5 pounds and as heavy as your Great Dane. It charges up like your phone and can handle rain, mud, and whatever else your dog gets into. The LCD screen shows you exactly how big the play area is, so you don’t have to guess.

Setup is simple since you just plug in the transmitter and put the collar on your dog. No need to call the utility company to mark buried lines or spend weekends digging trenches. The system comes with training flags to help your dog learn where the boundary is located.

The circular shape works well for most yards, but it won’t follow your property lines or work around obstacles. Your dog might figure out they can run through the boundary if they’re determined enough. The collar needs to stay charged, or your escape artist might discover their newfound freedom at the worst possible moment.

PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence

This system is perfect if your dog treats regular fences like mere suggestions and you need something with more attitude than your average containment system.

Pros

• Offers four different correction levels so you can match your dog’s stubbornness level
• Works for dogs with hearing problems thanks to vibration and tone options
• Covers up to 25 acres if you buy extra wire, which is enough space for your dog’s wildest dreams

Cons

• Weekend DIY installation might turn into a week-long adventure depending on your yard
• Only comes with enough wire for 1/3 acre, so bigger yards need extra purchases
• Static correction might seem intense for sensitive dogs who just need a gentle reminder

Your particularly headstrong pup finally meets their match with this underground fence system. The collar delivers correction in multiple ways, starting with a warning tone that says “hey there, buddy” before moving to vibration that means “I’m serious now.”

The beauty of this system lies in its flexibility. You can shape the boundary however your yard demands, whether that’s around your prize-winning roses or away from the neighbor’s trash cans. Installation happens over a weekend if you’re handy, though some folks might need a few extra days and possibly some choice words.

Dogs weighing 8 pounds and up can use this system, and the collar adjusts for necks between 6 and 28 inches. The waterproof design means your dog can’t escape correction duty just because it’s raining. Plus, if you have multiple escape artists, you can add more collars to keep the whole gang in line.

SportDOG In-Ground Fence System

You should buy this fence if you want a reliable system that won’t make you want to pull your hair out during installation.

Pros

• Quick two-hour charging gives you months of battery life
• Works for tiny terriers and giant Great Danes with adjustable collar sizes
• Built-in lightning protection keeps your system safe from Mother Nature’s tantrums

Cons

• Only covers 1.3 acres without buying extra wire
• Seven shock levels might feel overwhelming when setting up
• Wire burial requirement means you’ll be digging trenches in your yard

This system takes the guesswork out of keeping your dog contained without turning your property into Fort Knox. The rechargeable collar means you won’t be constantly buying batteries like you’re feeding a very expensive electronic pet.

Your dog gets fair warning before any correction happens. The collar beeps and buzzes first, giving them a chance to back away before things get serious.

The wire break alarm will let you know if something goes wrong with your buried cable. This feature saves you from discovering problems the hard way when your dog comes home with muddy paws and a guilty expression.

Setting up the boundary takes some planning and elbow grease. You’ll need to map out where you want the wire and then bury it a few inches underground around your property.

Extreme Dog Fence Underground Electric System

You should buy this fence if you want a reliable underground system that won’t break the bank, but prepare for some weekend warrior installation work.

Pros

• Works with dogs from tiny 8-pound terrors to massive 120-pound gentle giants
• Comes with 500 feet of wire so you can create a decent-sized rectangle without buying extras
• The collar is waterproof because we all know your dog will find every puddle within a 5-mile radius

Cons

• You’ll be playing treasure hunter in reverse, burying wire all around your yard
• Setup involves seven steps that sound easier on paper than in your muddy backyard
• The collar needs battery changes, and your dog won’t remind you politely when it’s time

This underground fence system gives you a solid middle-ground option without fancy bells and whistles. The 500-foot wire length works well for most rectangular yard layouts.

Installation requires some patience since you need to test everything before burying the wire. Nobody wants to dig up their entire yard because they skipped the testing phase.

The system works with dogs of all sizes, which is handy if you have a pack of different breeds. Your Great Dane and your Chihuahua can both respect the same boundary, though they might have very different opinions about it.

The collar’s waterproof design handles rain and those mysterious wet spots dogs always seem to find. Just remember to watch for the blinking red light that means battery replacement time.

Buying Guide

Coverage Area

Your yard size matters more than your ego. Measure your space before shopping.

Wired systems can cover bigger areas. Wireless systems work better for smaller yards up to 2 acres.

Installation Difficulty

Wired systems need you to dig trenches. Hope you like getting dirty.

Wireless systems just need a transmitter plugged into the wall. Even your lazy neighbor could do it.

Pet Size and Stubbornness

Small dogs need gentler correction levels. Big dogs might ignore weak signals like they ignore your commands.

Look for adjustable correction settings. Your Great Dane needs different treatment than your Chihuahua.

Battery Life

Collar batteries die at the worst times. Check how long they last and how much replacements cost.

Some collars beep when batteries get low. Others just stop working when your dog decides to chase squirrels.

Weather Resistance

Rain happens. Snow happens. Your fence should keep working anyway.

Look for waterproof collars and transmitters. Your dog won’t stay inside during storms.

Budget Considerations

System Type	Initial Cost	Maintenance Cost
Wired	Higher upfront	Lower ongoing
Wireless	Lower upfront	Higher ongoing

Cheap systems often mean expensive problems later. But the most expensive option isn’t always the best.

Expandability

You might get more pets. Or move to a bigger house.

Check if you can add more collars or expand the coverage area. Future you will thank present you.

Frequently Asked Questions

People have lots of questions about invisible fences before buying one. The main concerns involve choosing between wireless and wired systems, keeping escape artist dogs contained, avoiding installation disasters, understanding costs, managing multiple pets, picking reliable brands, and finding gentler training options.

Wireless versus Wired versus GPS – which is best and when?

Wired systems work best for oddly shaped yards or when you need exact boundaries. You bury the wire around your property line, giving you total control over the fence shape. They’re reliable but require digging.

Wireless systems create a circular boundary from a base unit. They’re perfect for simple round or square coverage areas up to 90 feet in radius. No digging required, but you can’t customize the shape much.

GPS systems use satellite technology to create virtual boundaries on your phone. They work anywhere but need good satellite signals and regular charging. Battery life can be a real pain.

How can I keep my high-spirited hound from going on solo adventures with an invisible fence?

Start with the lowest correction level and increase gradually until your dog responds. Some dogs need higher settings than others to get the message. Consistent training sessions work better than hoping your dog figures it out alone.

Use flags to mark the boundary during training. Most dogs learn the visual cues faster than the beeping sounds. Keep training sessions short but frequent for the first few weeks.

Stubborn dogs might need professional training help. Some breeds are naturally more determined to roam than others.

What are the odds my yard’s going to look like a disco with the wrong choice of an invisible fence?

Wired systems require trenches around your entire property line. You’ll temporarily have dirt lines everywhere until the grass grows back. Most people see full recovery in 4-6 weeks during growing season.

Wireless systems won’t mess up your landscaping at all. The base unit sits inside your house or garage. No digging, no mess, no angry spouse.

GPS systems also leave your yard untouched. Your biggest installation challenge is downloading an app and charging the collar.

Will my wallet cry if I install the best invisible fence, and what are we talking ballpark?

Basic wireless systems start around $200-300 for single dog setups. Wired systems cost $300-800 depending on your yard size and wire length needed. Professional installation adds $200-500 to wired systems.

GPS systems run $150-400 for the collar plus monthly subscription fees of $5-20. The ongoing costs add up over time. Multiple dog households need additional collars at $100-200 each.

Replacement parts like batteries, collars, and wire sections cost extra. Budget for maintenance expenses every year.

Is there a magical barrier that can keep my whole pack of furballs safely in the yard?

Most systems handle multiple dogs with additional collar purchases. Each dog needs their own receiver collar programmed to the system. The base unit or wire loop works for all dogs simultaneously.

Wireless systems typically support 2-8 dogs depending on the model. Wired systems can handle unlimited dogs as long as you buy enough collars. GPS systems work per collar with individual app controls.

Different sized dogs might need different collar models. Small dog collars use gentler corrections than large dog versions.

If invisible fences were in a beauty pageant, which brand would take home the crown?

PetSafe leads in reliability and customer support for both wired and wireless options. Their systems rarely fail and replacement parts stay available for years. SportDOG makes tough systems for determined escape artists.

Halo leads the GPS category with accurate boundaries and long battery life. Their app interface actually makes sense unlike some competitors. eXtreme Dog Fence offers good value in wired systems.

Stay away from super cheap brands that disappear after a year. You’ll regret saving $50 when you need replacement parts.

Are there any invisible fences that won’t give my dog a surprise zap for sniffing a butterfly too close to the edge?

Most modern systems offer beep-only modes or vibration instead of static correction. Your dog learns the boundary through sound or buzzing sensations. These gentler methods work well for sensitive dogs.

Progressive correction systems start with beeps, then add vibration, then mild static if needed. Dogs usually respond to the early warning stages. You can often avoid the correction phase entirely.

Some GPS collars offer customizable correction types and strengths. You control exactly how your dog gets reminded about boundaries through the smartphone app.