Traditional fences sometimes can’t just cut it for dogs, especially if you have a cunning, large breed. They will always find a way to penetrate the physical fence and escape out of your yard, which can be a big risk for your pup.
Installing the best in-ground dog fence for large dogs can help contain your pet without having to spend huge sums of money in installing and repairing a physical hedge every few days.
Also known as underground fences or invisible fences, these complete pet containment kits often come with training flags, a collar receiver, wire to bury under the ground, probes, and a digital transmitter.
After training your pooch for a couple of weeks, you can leave the fence to administer mild static correction whenever your dog goes beyond the set boundaries. Below is our list of the best in-ground dog fences for large dog breeds:
Quick Comparison of Top 5 Customizable Inground Dog Fences
Brand | Product Name | Editor's Pick | Price | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Extreme Dog Fence – Second Generation -2020 (Professional Grade) | Best For Sloped Yards | $$$ | 4.5 |
![]() | Extreme Dog Fence – Second Generation -2020- (Standard Grade) | Best For Reliability | $$ | 4.3 |
![]() | SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence Systems | Best for Large Yards (100 Acres) | $$ | 4.5 |
![]() | PetSafe Rechargeable In-Ground Fence For Dogs And Cats | Best For Quick Training | $ | 4.5 |
![]() | PetControl HQ Combo Electric Fence System | Best For Customization | $ | 4.0 |
1. Best Overall: Extreme Dog Fence Underground Fencing System
The Extreme Dog Fence is a great choice if you are looking for an underground fencing system. This underground system provides the largest area coverage for your pet. This containment system covers 6 acres, whereas some other above-the-ground fencing systems may not cover up to ½ an acre.
The most important thing about the Extreme Dog Fence is that many of its features have been improved upon; it now offers a completely water-proof and submersible underground system. Although you can extend the warranty period to 5 years by registering, it comes with a 1-year warranty. There is also availability for multi-level corrections while the transmitter can cover up to 25 acres of range.
Quick Features:
- Large area coverage of up to 6 acres.
- It comes with a control system, collar, and flags.
- It features about 1000 feet of wire.
2. Best Runner Up: SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence System
One great feature of the SportDOG Brand In-Ground Fence System is its large wiring range, which can be up to 100 acres. This large wiring will cover a wide area and allow for the easy addition of other dogs into the containment system. There are flags that you can use to mark the territories above the ground, and it contains good instructions on how to install the product.
Another advantage is that you can use it for two dogs that are not over 20 pounds in weight. You will always be warned by this fence system whenever your dog is trying to invade its boundary because it has a distinct boundary challenge system.
Quick Features:
- It comes with a water-proof collar.
- Installation is easy.
- It comes with a rechargeable battery made of lithium ions.
3. Best Budget: Earlyhights Underground Electric Outdoor Dog Containment Fence
The Earlyhights Underground Electric Outdoor Dog Containment Fence is a 2-dog system, which may be used by medium and large dogs, especially those that weigh more than 5 pounds. The collar can get fully charged within 2 hours, and your dog can often make use of the fenceless yard for their play.
Quick Features:
- It has two collars that can be adjusted to fit your dog even as they grow.
- An advanced system that covers a large space of up to 5 acres
- It has an easy and quick collar charge.
Types of Invisible Dog Fences
There are two common types of “Invisible Dog Fences:” the wired underground fences and the wireless fences. The wired underground fences are dug beneath the ground and connected to a transmitter inside the house and tuned in with the dog collar (receiver).
The wireless fences use a transmitter inside the house to send radio waves to the dog collar (receiver), setting the boundaries as desired.
Related Reading: Best Custom Shape Wireless Dog Fences
The decision on which type of invisible dog fence system to select depends on your individual situation and preference. Here are the pros and cons of wired dog fences and wireless dog fences to help you make an informed choice:
Pros of Wired Dog Fence Systems
- You can define and customize the size and shape of your boundary
- The boundary remains stable as long as you can bury a continuous wire
- Stable signal transmission
Cons of Wired Dog Fence Systems
- You need to dig up your garden to bury the wire
- It’s a permanent installation – It’s difficult to move the boundary once installed
Pros of Wireless Dog Fence Systems
- Easy to install – You simply plug it in and define the boundary parameters
- Portable – You can take it with you whenever you move houses or go camping
Cons of Wireless Dog Fence Systems
- Only circular boundary, although customizable designs are now coming into the market
- Environment-dependent – Trees, bushes, or hills can make it difficult to create an effective boundary since radio waves travel in a straight line.
In terms of costs, wired systems are cheaper for a small installation, especially if you are doing it yourself. But if your property is expansive, wired systems can be more expensive since you’ll need to hire someone to dig up a trench, and the cost of purchasing extra wires can soar.
A wired system is also costlier to maintain. If there is any fault, you will need to dig up the garden each time to retrieve the wire. So, there are several reasons why many dog owners are turning to wireless dog fences for restraining their pets.