Are you tired of constantly worrying about your dog’s safety while they’re outside? A GPS dog fence may seem like the perfect solution to keep your pet safe and contained, but does it work?
GPS dog fences use GPS Satellites to create a virtual boundary for your dog, but the effectiveness of this technology can vary. Some GPS dog fences may be prone to interference and changes in signal strength, which can cause the boundary to shift and become inconsistent. Additionally, training your dog to understand the boundaries of a GPS dog fence can take time and patience.
Before investing in a GPS dog fence, it’s important to do your research and consider all of your options. While this technology may seem like a convenient solution, it’s important to weigh the potential drawbacks and ensure that it’s the right choice for you and your pet.
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Table of Contents
How GPS Dog Fences Work
If you’re considering investing in a GPS dog fence, it’s important to understand how they work. In this section, we’ll break down the key components of GPS dog fences, including the GPS system, boundaries, flexibility, and two popular types of GPS dog fences: the SpotOn GPS Fence and the in-ground fence.
GPS System
GPS dog fences use a GPS system to create a virtual boundary around your property. The GPS system is in the actual dog collar that you control through an app on your phone. There’s no hardware to install so you can make fences at home, at a 2nd home, on the go, or if you move.
Boundaries
One of the key benefits of GPS dog fences is that they allow you to set boundaries that are specific to your property. This means that you can create a boundary that is tailored to the size and shape of your yard. GPS dog fences also allow you to set multiple boundaries, which is useful if you have a large property, multiple homes, or if you want to keep your dog away from certain areas, such as a garden or pool.
Flexibility
GPS dog fences offer a high degree of flexibility compared to traditional fences. With a GPS dog fence, you can easily adjust the boundary as needed. For example, if you want to expand the boundary to include a larger area, you can do so with just a few clicks. This flexibility makes GPS dog fences a great option for people who want to be able to change the boundary as their needs change, move to a new home or travel frequently.
SpotOn GPS Fence
The SpotOn GPS Fence is the original GPS dog fence powered by satellites. The most recent upgrade to wireless fence technology, GPS fences are completely portable and can be used anywhere there is a GPS signal (basically anywhere on the planet).
With the SpotOn GPS Fence, you can create a boundary by either walking around your property with the collar or drawing it on the app on your phone. This allows you to create a boundary that is tailored to the specific shape of your property.
In conclusion, GPS dog fences are an effective way to keep your dog safe and contained. With a GPS system, flexible boundaries, and options like the SpotOn GPS Fence you can find a GPS dog fence that meets your specific needs.
Training Your Dog for a GPS Fence
Training your dog to recognize the boundaries of a GPS fence is a crucial step in ensuring the effectiveness of the system. Proper training will help your dog understand where they can and cannot go, and prevent them from receiving unnecessary corrections.
Correction
When your dog approaches the boundary of the GPS fence, it will receive multiple warnings and either a vibration or static correction to remind them to stay within the designated area. It is essential to train your dog to recognize these alert tones and corrections and respond accordingly.
Static Correction
Static correction is the most common type of correction used in GPS fences. It involves delivering a small electric shock to your dog’s collar when they approach the boundary. These shocks are not harmful, but they can be uncomfortable for your dog. It is important to note that the level of correction can be adjusted to suit your dog’s size and temperament.
Vibrations
Some GPS fences also use vibrations as a form of correction. When your dog approaches the boundary, the collar will vibrate to remind them to stay within the designated area. Vibrations are less intense than static corrections and can be a good option for dogs who are sensitive to electric shocks.
Training your dog for a GPS fence takes time and patience, but it is worth the effort. Proper training will help your dog understand the boundaries of the system and prevent them from receiving unnecessary corrections. Remember to adjust the level of correction to suit your dog’s needs and always use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.
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Benefits of GPS Dog Fences
If you’re considering a GPS dog fence, there are several benefits to keep in mind. Here are some of the most significant benefits:
Freedom
One of the biggest benefits of a GPS dog fence is the freedom it provides for your dog. With a traditional fence, your dog is confined to a limited area, but with a GPS dog fence, it can roam freely within flexible designated boundaries. This can be especially beneficial for dogs that love to run and play.
Cost-Effective
Compared to traditional fences, GPS dog fences are often more cost-effective. Traditional fences can be expensive to install and maintain, but with a GPS dog fence, you only need to purchase the equipment once. Additionally, GPS dog fences don’t require any physical upkeep, which can save you money in the long run.
Location Tracking
Another significant benefit of a GPS dog fence is the location tracking feature. With a GPS dog fence, you can track your dog’s location in real-time, which can be especially helpful if your dog ever gets lost. Additionally, some GPS dog fences allow you to set up alerts if your dog leaves the designated boundaries, which can provide peace of mind.
Overall, a GPS dog fence can be an excellent option for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with freedom while still keeping them safe. With benefits like cost-effectiveness, location tracking, and freedom, a GPS dog fence is worth considering.
SpotOn GPS Dog Fence
If you’re looking for a reliable GPS dog fence, the SpotOn GPS Fence is a great option. This fence uses advanced True Location™ technology to create a virtual fence that keeps your dog safe and secure. Here are some key features of the SpotOn GPS Dog Fence.
Models
The SpotOn GPS Fence comes in a range of sizes and has two options for cellular carriers. The SpotOn Collar comes in three different sizes, ranging from ten to 26 inches, so you can find the perfect fit for your dog.
True Location™ Technology
The SpotOn GPS Dog Fence uses advanced True Location™ technology to create a virtual fence that keeps your dog safe. This technology allows you to set up multiple fences without needing wires, and it works with sizes ranging from ½ an acre to over 1,000 acres. The collar connects to 25-30 GPS satellites at a time and has access to 128 satellites in total, ensuring accurate location tracking and boundaries.
GPS Antenna
The SpotOn GPS Fence features a powerful GPS antenna that provides precise boundaries that pinpoint your dog’s location. Unlike other GPS collars, they don’t use a combined GPS/Cell antenna because it degrades accuracy. SpotOn is the only geo fence dog collar with a dedicated GPS antenna strategically placed where it has a clear view of the sky.
This antenna is designed to work in even the most challenging environments, so you can be sure that your dog is always safe and secure. The antenna is also waterproof, so it can withstand rain, snow, and other harsh weather conditions.
SpotOn Collar
The SpotOn Collar is a lightweight and comfortable collar that your dog will love to wear. It features a long-lasting battery that can last for up to 22 hours on a single charge, and it’s easy and quick to recharge using the included charging cable. The collar also features a durable design that can withstand even the toughest conditions.
Issues with GPS Dog Fences
When it comes to GPS dog fences, there are a few issues that you should be aware of. These issues can affect the performance of your GPS dog fence and may require some troubleshooting to resolve. Here are some common issues that you may run into:
Obstructions
GPS dog fences can also be affected by obstructions, such as trees or buildings. This can cause the boundary line to be inaccurate, resulting in your dog unintentionally crossing the boundary line. To avoid obstruction interference, make sure that you use a GPS dog fence like SpotOn that has a dual-feed antenna that dynamically filters out the noise. Inferior GPS signals affected by trees, buildings, or the horizon – which generates more reliable fence boundaries
Errors
GPS dog fences can also experience errors, such as software glitches or hardware malfunctions. This can cause the boundary line to be inaccurate, resulting in your dog unintentionally crossing the boundary line. To avoid errors, make sure that your GPS dog fence is regularly maintained and updated.
GPS Drift
GPS dog fences are prone to drift which means that the boundary line may not always be accurate. This can result in your boundary shifting a few feet depending on the technology you’re using. To avoid the margin of error, make sure that your GPS dog fence is installed with a wide enough boundary line to accommodate for any inaccuracies.
Intruders
Lastly, GPS dog fences can also be affected by intruders, such as other animals or people. To avoid intruder interference, make sure that your GPS dog fence is installed in a secure area.
In conclusion, GPS dog fences can be affected by a few issues, including technical errors, GPS drift, and intruders. To ensure that your GPS dog fence is working properly, make sure that it is installed correctly and regularly maintained.
My name is Danny Jackson and I’m the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.
Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.