Do you have a house on a hill and want to install an invisible fence? Worried that your hilly yard might interfere with a wireless signal? We’ll show you the best wireless fences for sloped yards and cover some frequently asked questions based on what we learned installing these systems.
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Table of Contents
- In a Rush? Here Are Our Top Picks
- The Top 5 Wireless and Underground Fences for Hills and Sloped Yards
- Top Pick – PetSafe Wireless Dog and Cat Containment System
- Best For Small Yards – PetSafe Stay & Play Compact Wireless Fence for Dogs and Cats
- Best For Large Yards – UTOPB Long Range Wireless Dog Fence
- Best For Yards with Cars, Metal Sheds, and Signal Interference – My Pet Command GPS Fence
- Best For Steep Downward Slopes – PetSafe Stubborn Dog Underground Invisible Fence for Dogs and Cats
- Do Wireless Fences Work on Hills and Sloped Yards?
- How To Choose
- Training
- FAQ Do Wireless Dog Fences Work On Hills?
- Which Is Better Wireless Or Wired Dog Fence?
- How Old Should A Puppy Be For An Underground Or Wireless Fence?
In a Rush? Here Are Our Top Picks
The Top 5 Wireless and Underground Fences for Hills and Sloped Yards
For a detailed item-by-item breakdown of what makes these products great and things to watch out for scan below.
Top Pick – PetSafe Wireless Dog and Cat Containment System
PetSafe is one of our go-to brands when it comes to wireless systems. They’ve been around. They’ve tailored their products to our needs. They get the job done.
Like all wireless fences, you will have some issues on steep downward slopes.
This system is also only good for 1/2 acre yards. That’s 90 feet radiating out from the unit or 180 feet in diameter.
For larger yards, you’ll want to go with a different system (see below). With larger yards comes the danger of weak spots in the signal at the edges so be careful with that.
This system requires training like all invisible or wireless fence systems. You can see our full training guide here.
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- 1/2 ACRE OF CIRCULAR COVERAGE: The adjustable circular range can cover up to 1/2 acres from the placement of the portable indoor transmitter, and can be expanded further with purchase of an additional transmitter
- MOST ACCURATE WIRELESS FENCE: Other wireless pet fences have unreliable boundaries that could correct your dog in his home
- NO DIGGING OR WIRE TO BURY: Sets up in just a few hours; a wireless boundary allows you to create a secure barrier around your yard to protect your pets without the time or hassle of burying wires
- STATIC-FREE REENTRY: Unlike traditional in-ground fences, this wireless fence allows your pet to return home without being corrected if your pet passes the boundary
- TRUST THE BEST: Our proprietary circular boundary gently guides your dog back to his play area
Compare price on Petsafe here.
What We Like
- Long-term reliable brand
- Allows re-entry without a static correction (shock)
- Easy to setup
- Up to 1/2 acre of coverage
What We Don’t Like
- Metal cars, sheds, and other dense metals can interfere with signal
- Takes days to weeks to train a dog
Best For Small Yards – PetSafe Stay & Play Compact Wireless Fence for Dogs and Cats
Another great model from PetSafe. This one is better built for smaller yards. Of course, you can dial the other model down to a 5-foot radius similar to this one. We just like the compactness of this set better.
This model is great if you have a flat area in your yard near the house and you want to define that as the boundary. Even if you have a steep slope nearby you can dial this back so they don’t go over there.
You can even get base repeaters to give the boundary a more rectangular shape. We haven’t fully tested that feature so be wary of jumping into that option. For rectangular yards, we recommend other options below.
Be warned that all the models on this page require training. You must teach your dog to learn the boundary and the boundary can’t change. That takes a few days minimum to a few weeks.
Another thing we love about this one – it’s great for RVs and taking your pet on the road.
- NO DIGGING OR WIRE TO BURY: Sets up in just a few hours; a wireless boundary allows you to create a secure barrier around your yard to protect your pets without the time or hassle of burying wires
- 3/4 ACRE OF CIRCULAR COVERAGE: Adjust the circular boundary range up to 3/4-acre (22-105 ft in all directions) from the placement of the indoor transmitter
- MOST ACCURATE WIRELESS FENCE: Our proprietary circular boundary gently guides your dog back to the play area
- TRUST THE BEST: Our proprietary circular boundary gently guides your dog back to his play area
- LCD DISPLAY: An easy to read display shows you how far your pet’s play area expands; the screen also has warning indicators to let you know if there is an error with the wireless fence system
Compare price on Petsafe here.
What We Like
- Again, we love the trusted PetSafe brand
- Smaller unit for small yards and travel. Due to the small-signal size, you can tailor this to the flatter parts of your yard.
- No static correction or shock on re-entry
What We Don’t Like
- Still requires training
Best For Large Yards – UTOPB Long Range Wireless Dog Fence
There are models out there that promise huge ranges. Of those that we tested, this is our top from the list. With a range up to 500 meters (nearly 1500 feet), this model crushes the competition.
Be warned again though:
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- You still have to train your dog on the boundary – bigger boundaries mean more training and more training flags to put in!
- Bigger boundaries have weaker signals at the edge. We don’t know for sure but we suspect this is why the PetSafe models have relatively smaller ranges.
Check price on Ebay here.
What We Like
- Huge range – Up to 500 meters (1500 feet)
- Covers over 100 acres
- Adjustable range setting for different sized yards
- Waterproof collar (for rain or sprays, not submersion)
- One transmitter can work with multiple dog collars (of the same brand)
What We Don’t Like
- More blind spots and weak points at the edges
Best For Yards with Cars, Metal Sheds, and Signal Interference – My Pet Command GPS Fence
If you’ve got a lot of metal in your yard (e.g. metal shed, lots of cars) then you may want to consider a GPS fence.
Why? Wireless systems get distorted by heavy metal objects. This can confuse or even scare your dog. The same thing happens at the edge of downslope boundaries where a wireless signal can be weak.
With a GPS unit, this isn’t a problem. The signal even goes through rain and weather cover.
This unit is easy to set up though it requires the same training you would have to do with any wireless unit.
The only thing we don’t like about this model is that it resets the boundary each time you change the collar batteries. A little annoying but you get used to it.
- Easy and quick Setup the GPS Dog collar Upgraded latest Model Mid Nov. 2020. This latest Wireless electric dog fence uses standard GPS radio signals to setup and position your boundary containment hidden fence for dogs. Unlike our competitors our wireless dog fence system does not require any Transmitter box or Boundary wire to setup your CIRCURAL containment boundary. Set up your Boundary within Minutes making your life SIMPLE and an effortless setup experience !
- This PORTABLE (Take it anywhere) electric dog fence wireless system can cover large OUTDOOR areas up to 3281 Ft radius and up to Max 0f 776 Acres allowing you to use for OUTDOOR use only. Please note This collar is most suitable for open field areas or farms Not Suitable for very small yards. Min 98 Ft Radius. Set it up once and latest model has full Memory Function, no need for daily setup but weekly reprogram is recommended due to GPS Drift
- In contrast with the traditional wireless dog fence system devices with a transmitter box, WITH OURS, you won't face any INTERFERENCE issues! This means that as long as your pet stays outdoor, the collar will keep on working, so you won't have to reset it all the time!! Collar Suitable for all Dog sizes (Small {Not suitable for very small dogs} Medium Large and XLarge) Breed Types with neck sizes 6.“-26” (16-67 cm)
- Hidden Electric fence for dogs with Advanced Training features with 3 levels of Tone, Vibrate and Stimulus shock settable levels. Customize levels settings on the collar. The Collar uses a safe and an effective way to warn and train you dog not to cross boundaries and keep them contained in the safe zone that you setup and require
- Includes (1 )Collar with Orange neck Strap (1) USB Power Adaptor with USA Plug and Charging USB Cable (1) pair of Long, Short and plastic Prongs (1) Test Bulb with Spanner (1) CLEAR User and instruction manual with contact support (1) For YOUR TRUST IN US - WE GIVE YOU a Free Bonus Ultrasonic Dog Training whistle in the kit
Check price on mypetcommand here.
What We Like
- Metal cars, sheds, and other interference isn’t a problem – It’s a GPS signal from the sky.
- Slopes don’t matter – signal comes from the sky
- Hugely expandable
- Truly waterproof transmitter (GPS signal comes from satellite and can go through clouds, trees). Most wireless transmitters must be plugged into a power source and often have to be inside.
What We Don’t Like
- Still requires training
- It may not be suitable for all locations – some areas have better satellite coverage and it can vary throughout the day
- This model requires redefining the boundary distance when you change batteries. We wish it would just remember!
Best For Steep Downward Slopes – PetSafe Stubborn Dog Underground Invisible Fence for Dogs and Cats
Got a weird yard with steep downward slopes, lots of cars parked here and there, and other obstacles (e.g. rocky boulders and outcrops at your boundary)?
You may be better off with an underground fence. This gives you the power to control the signal strength at the edge no matter where it goes.
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You can also make it in any shape you like.
You have to install it though. For smaller, weird-shaped yards that isn’t much of a problem.
For larger yards, you might want to go with the GPS option.
The other thing that can be tough about underground fences – they use static correction going out and going in. That means if your dog chases a squirrel over the boundary, they get a shock going out and then coming back.
That might sound bad. Wireless signals though can get weak at the edges and give intermittent signals. This causes the same problem – sometimes they get shocked at the edge, sometimes they don’t. If it’s bad enough your dog will just stop going out.
You don’t have that problem as much with a wired underground fence. You control the boundary and your dog knows where it is.
We left this option last as it’s not technically wireless. Some yards though, this is the only option.
- CREATE A CUSTOM-SHAPED FENCE: Create a safe 1/3-acre play area for your best friend with the included 500 feet of wire; Purchase additional wire to expand up to a 25-acre yard
- FOR PERSISTENT PUPS: Receiver collar has a tone plus vibration mode and 4 levels of safe, static correction that you can adjust based on how your determined dog responds during training
- GREAT FOR HEARING-IMPAIRED PETS: If you best friend has a hard time hearing, the tone plus vibration mode will help him learn his new boundary area and keep him safe in the yard
- DIY INSTALLATION: This do-it-yourself weekend project lets you create a fence that fits your yard’s shape and size
- COLLAR FIT: The Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence Receiver Collar is waterproof and comfortably fits dogs 8 lb and up and adjusts to fit neck sizes 6-28 inch; For dogs 6 months and older
What We Like
- Works for any shape yard
- Works on hills works on slopes get around interference (no cars on the line though!)
- Hugely expandable – Wired systems can get really big
- A more reliable signal at the edges
What We Don’t Like
- Requires underground fence installation
- Static correction on re-entry
Do Wireless Fences Work on Hills and Sloped Yards?
Sloped yards are a problem for wireless fences on the downward side.
Why? The signal can get weak and your dog can escape. Wireless signals are circular (spherical). They bend inwards on the downward slope making weak spots.
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On upward slopes, they aren’t a problem.
It’s best to illustrate this with a few pictures. First on downwards slopes and signal loss.
- Circular wireless signal losing signal on downward slopes
- The wireless signal goes into an upward slope but has a gap area on the downward slope.
Will this affect your yard? It depends on how steep your slopes are for the area.
We’ve given recommendations based on yard size and other features.
Just be careful with the long-range option. This is the one most likely to have weak signals at the edges of a downward slope.
How To Choose
So how do you choose which fence is best for you? Let’s see if we can break this down as simply as possible.
- Do you have a huge yard? Consider the UTOPB Long Range Wireless Dog Fence.
- Do you have a rectangular or unusually shaped yard? Consider the PetSafe Stubborn Dog Underground Invisible Fence for Dogs and Cats
- Do you have a small yard or use RVs a lot? Try the PetSafe Stay & Play Compact
- Have a 1/2 yard without too much slope at the edges? Use the PetSafe Wireless Dog and Cat Containment System
- Do you have a few cars parked in the yard, especially at the border? Wireless or even a wired underground system gets signal interference from large metal objects. Try the GPS instead of by My Pet Command.
Training
We have an entire article that covers how to train your dog on wireless fences, GPS fences, and underground fences. You can read that article here.
Training takes a few days to a few weeks depending on the dog. Bigger yards take more training as you have to show them the boundary wherever it is.
FAQ
Do Wireless Dog Fences Work On Hills?
Yes, wireless dog fences work on hills. The wireless signal can get weak on steep downward slopes. This can cause intermittent or changing static corrections which could scare your dog.
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Which Is Better Wireless Or Wired Dog Fence?
This depends on your situation. Wireless and GPS dog fences are easier to set up for large yards. They have a circular signal that can expand out to 500 meters on some units. Wired dog fences are better for rectangular or non-circular yards. Wired fences also have a stronger, more reliable signal at the boundary.
Both can get interference from large metal objects like cars or metal sheds. You can solve that by using a GPS-based fence that doesn’t care about metal interference.
How Old Should A Puppy Be For An Underground Or Wireless Fence?
Puppies should be at least 10 weeks old before training them on an underground or wireless fence (or GPS option). Those systems work by giving a static correction (shock) when your dog crosses the boundary.
You do not want to do that to a young puppy. Instead, you can start training them on the boundary without using the collar and just using treats. See the video and training here where we show you how to start the training of the boundary with rewards. Then later you can move into collar training with our guide here.
Our top pick wireless system for sloped yards…
- 1/2 ACRE OF CIRCULAR COVERAGE: The adjustable circular range can cover up to 1/2 acres from the placement of the portable indoor transmitter, and can be expanded further with purchase of an additional transmitter
- MOST ACCURATE WIRELESS FENCE: Other wireless pet fences have unreliable boundaries that could correct your dog in his home
- NO DIGGING OR WIRE TO BURY: Sets up in just a few hours; a wireless boundary allows you to create a secure barrier around your yard to protect your pets without the time or hassle of burying wires
- STATIC-FREE REENTRY: Unlike traditional in-ground fences, this wireless fence allows your pet to return home without being corrected if your pet passes the boundary
- TRUST THE BEST: Our proprietary circular boundary gently guides your dog back to his play area
My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.