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.

Wired (DogFence FM Systems)
Our system uses a buried wire, providing an instant and consistent signal that doesn’t rely on satellites or WiFi. Collars are lightweight, and the system is 100% stable.

No monthly subscription: Comes with professional installation and lifetime warranty.

CE Approved: Our Systems are both CE and DEFRA approved (having been tested as part of the EPTA study by DEFRA).

Consistency: No confusion for you dog or cat, the collar always activates at exactly the same point no matter how fast your pet is running.

Lightweight Collars: Our collars are suitable for both dogs and cats and weigh in at either 30g or 48g.

Long Battery Life: 6 months or 2 years because when the battery runs out the pet can run out!

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.

Comparison Table

Feature	GPS Fence	Wireless Fence	Hidden Fence (DogFence)
Boundary accuracy	Low	Medium	100%
Custom shape	No	No (some partial)	Yes
Signal reliability	Poor	Inconsistent	Excellent
Suitable for slopes?	No	No	Yes
Collar size/weight	Large & heavy	Medium	Smallest worldwide
Battery life	Short (recharge frequently)	Short	Up to 24 months
Professional training	No	Rarely	Yes
CE approved	Variable	Often no	Yes
Warranty	Limited	Limited	Lifetime

Why GPS and Wireless Systems Reviews:

Imagine your dog bolts after a deer. A GPS system is slower and may react seconds too late, allowing your dog to cross the boundary.

With DogFence’s millisecond-fast response, your dog stays safely inside your property.

Read real life reviews on GPS Systems:

One user on Amazon shared a concerning experience:

“The device worked 1/2 the time. My dog kept getting out. The boundary seemed to shift. One time the boundary was past the patio.” Reddit+10Technobark+10Sypnotix+10Amazon

Read a review for Dog Wireless Fence:

“First of all, the collar, it’s not waterproof or even resistant … a mere splash can put the collar … to waste.”
“Battery … downright awful … cannot even last a full 10 hours … consistently died at the 6 to 7 hour mark.”
“The claimed coverage … up to 25 acres, but in reality … difficulties to even cover 1.5 acres.”

They conclude: “I wouldn’t recommend you to buy it.” Dogs Academy

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

GPS, Wireless, and Wired Dog Fence FAQs: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

Can a GPS dog fence work reliably in the UK?

In most cases, no. Dense trees, buildings, and the UK’s hilly or wooded terrain can cause significant signal drift or interference, making GPS dog fences unreliable.

Is a wireless dog fence suitable for small or irregular-shaped UK gardens?

No. Wireless dog fences require an open, flat space to create a round containment area. They are not ideal for narrow, awkward, or irregular-shaped gardens common in the UK.

Are GPS and wireless dog collars suitable for small dogs or cats?

Most GPS and wireless collars are too large and heavy for small dogs or cats. By contrast, DogFence collars are lightweight and specially designed for pets of all sizes, including cats.

Do GPS or wireless fences include professional installation and training?

Typically not. GPS and wireless systems are usually DIY and lack professional setup. DogFence systems include expert installation and in-person training for you and your pet, ensuring consistent results.