GPS & Wireless Dog Fences
vs Hidden Electronic Fences

GPS & Wireless Dog Fences
vs Hidden Electronic Fences

Here is What You Need to Know

Choosing the right fence system is essential to keep your dog or cat safe while allowing them the freedom they love. While GPS and wireless dog fences might sound appealing at first glance, they often come with serious limitations. Here, we explain how these systems work, their common pitfalls, and why DogFence’s hidden electronic fence is the most trusted choice for UK pet owners.

How Do GPS Dog Fences Work?

GPS dog fences use satellite signals to create an invisible boundary. In theory, they offer flexibility, but in practice, they present significant challenges:

  • Signal accuracy issues: GPS accuracy can vary from 1–3 metres. While this might seem minor, it can lead to unfair or inconsistent corrections and potential escape points if the virtual boundary shifts.
  • Environmental interference: Dense woodland, buildings, and the natural layout of UK gardens often interfere with satellite signals, causing drift or failure.
  • Heavy collars & poor battery life: Most GPS collars are large and heavy, making them unsuitable for small dogs and cats. Batteries require frequent charging and often have unreliable performance.
  • Inconsistent and unfair corrections: For a system to be humane, it must deliver corrections only when the dog truly crosses a boundary. GPS systems often fail to do this reliably.

What About Wireless Dog Fences?

Wireless dog fences transmit a circular radio signal from a central base station. They are marketed as easy to install, but they also come with notable drawbacks:

  • Fixed circular shape: Most systems can only create a round boundary, which rarely fits UK gardens. While a few systems (like Havahart) claim adjustable shapes, they still rely heavily on ideal terrain, and the reviews are usually poor, and the collars are generally not robust.
  • Vulnerable to interference: Trees, slopes, hedges, metal fencing, and buildings can all disrupt signals, leading to “wobble” zones or complete boundary failure.
  • Not CE approved: Many wireless systems on the market are not CE marked, meaning they do not meet European safety and electromagnetic compliance standards.
  • Inconsistent corrections: Signal disruptions often cause false corrections or allow pets to cross boundaries without warning, compromising safety.

Why Choose a Hidden Electronic Dog Fence Instead?

DogFence’s hidden fences use a discreet buried wire and a lightweight receiver collar to create a completely secure and reliable boundary. Here’s what sets them apart:

  • Lightweight, pet-friendly collars: Our collars are the smallest and lightest worldwide, making them suitable for small dogs and cats.
  • Unmatched battery life: Depending on the model, batteries can last 6 or even 24 months, meaning far less maintenance and maximum reliability.
  • Pinpoint accuracy and consistency: No signal drift, no lag. Corrections are immediate and precise, making the system safe and humane.
  • Custom-shaped boundaries: We tailor the boundary wire to match your garden’s shape perfectly, whether it’s sloped, irregular, or wooded.
  • Professional training included: Our system comes with a containment promise, supported by professional training to ensure your pet learns their safe area confidently and happily.
  • Lifetime warranty & ongoing support: We back our professional-grade equipment with a lifetime warranty, providing total peace of mind.

The Most Reliable Hidden Dog Fence

Comparison Table

FeatureGPS FenceWireless FenceHidden Fence (DogFence)
Boundary accuracyLowMedium100%
Custom shapeNoNo (some partial)Yes
Signal reliabilityPoorInconsistentExcellent
Suitable for slopes?NoNoYes
Collar size/weightLarge & heavyMediumSmallest worldwide
Battery lifeShort (recharge frequently)ShortUp to 24 months
Professional trainingNoRarelyYes
CE approvedVariableOften noYes
WarrantyLimitedLimitedLifetime

Compare our System Features

Not all pet fences are created equal. Here’s why DogFence stands out from GPS, wireless, and DIY alternatives.

Our DogFence System
  • 🐾 Fast reaction time – prevents run-throughs
  • 🐾 Suitable for all types of terrain and property sizes
  • 🐾 Installed by experts with full pet training included
  • 🐾 Lifetime warranty and containment guarantee*
  • 🐾 Safely contains dogs and cats of all sizes and breeds
  • 🐾 Uses FM radio signal – more precise than AM or GPS
  • 🐾 Lightweight, waterproof collars with adjustable settings
  • 🐾 Longest battery life available worldwide
  • 🐾 Harmless static correction like a TENS machine
  • 🐾 Pro-grade heavy cable
  • 🐾 Proven to work for both cats and dogs of all sizes

*Conditions apply. See warranty terms for details.

DIY, GPS & Wireless Fence
  • 🐾 Slow reaction time – allows run-throughs
  • 🐾 Signal affected by trees, slopes, buildings & weather
  • 🐾 Self-installed – no professional training or setup
  • 🐾 Limited warranty – no containment guarantee
  • 🐾 Bulky, heavy collars – unsuitable for cats
  • 🐾 Uses GPS or AM radio – less accurate than FM
  • 🐾 Poor battery life
  • 🐾 Prone to boundary fluctuation
  • 🐾 Cable 70% thinner – prone to breakage
  • 🐾 Not DEFRA approved for humane containment

Common Questions About GPS & Wireless Fences

Can a GPS dog fence work reliably in the UK?

In most cases, no. Dense trees, buildings, and the UK’s hilly terrain can cause significant signal issues, making them unreliable.

Is a wireless fence suitable for small or awkward-shaped gardens?

No. Wireless fences need an open, flat area for a round boundary, making them unsuitable for most UK gardens.

Can I use these systems for small dogs or cats?

Most GPS and wireless collars are too bulky and heavy for small dogs or cats. DogFence collars are designed to be the lightest worldwide.

Do these systems come with professional support?

Typically not. DogFence provides full professional installation and hands-on training, ensuring safety and success.

Ready to Give Your Pet True Freedom and Safety?

Choosing the right fence is one of the most important decisions for your pet’s safety and your peace of mind.

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Want to learn more about the differences between GPS, Wireless and Wired Dog Fences? Read our blog here: