Depending on where you live, it may be hazardous for your dog to go past your own home’s boundaries, whether it be from the dangers of a busy street, getting in a fight with other dogs, or getting caught by the pound.Â
There are many ways to keep your dog in your yard, you can place a physical barrier like a traditional fence, or keep them strictly inside the house until it’s time for their routine walk.Â
But there will be a time when your dog manages to jump or slip out, and when some dogs get a taste of the outside world, they often go all out and potentially get themselves in trouble.Â
Another solution is to train them not to cross your yard. You can either do this manually with positive reinforcement training or through the use of automatic devices like proximity shock collars or devices that operate using underground fences.Â
They each have their own advantages and here we’ll give you five of the best shock collars to keep dogs in yards along with an explanation of their features.Â
1st Method: Doing it Manually using Shock Collar Training
- Pros
- Doubles as an Automatic Bark Collar
- Suitable for Stubborn Dogs and Large Dogs
- Can be Paired with up to 3 Collars
- Cons
- Not Suitable for Dogs Below 15 lbs
- Does not Have an Automatic Standby Mode
Keeping dogs in yards with shock collars will always require effort, such as teaching them proper behavior that can drastically reduce any unwanted behavior you may encounter.
For example, teaching and reinforcing them to sit down on command can help you control them if they jump on visitors, rough-housing, or when they are displaying aggressive behavior.
Pet Resolve’s training device has all the features most modern shock collars have, making it suitable for training but also for hunting. The built-in bark limiter also keeps your dog relatively quiet, but not enough to hinder their barking completely.
Features:
- 10 Levels of Static Shock and Vibration Mode
- Hearing-Safe Beep
- 3/4 Mile Remote Control Range
- Built-In Bark Limiter Mode
- Supports Up to 3 Receivers per Remote
- Remote Remembers Shock level of Each Receiver
- Remote Activated Receiver Tracking LEDs
- 50-Hour Battery Life
- Uses a Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery
- Waterproof Collar Receiver
- Rainproof Remote Controller
- Includes Extra-Long Prongs for Furrier Dogs
- Free Plastic Clicker
This training collar is jam-packed with powerful features and given its price, it makes one of the best remote training devices in the “Mid-Price” category.
If you don’t know what kind of shock collar you need, but you want to use one, this is one of the better choices due to its flexibility, both on what you can use it for, and the variety of dogs you can train.
It has static shock and vibration to use for training and 10 levels of stimulation to adjust both of them. The shock is on the stronger side, making it effective for stubborn and larger dogs.
It’s not advisable to use it on dogs below 15 lbs though, not because it could be too powerful for them, but because the receiver prongs may not align well for it to work.
The remote has a range of 3/4 miles which covers a very wide range. Even behind the walls of your house, the remote will still have a 500-yard range reach.
You’ll quickly find this range beneficial when you’ve properly taught your dog to approach you when they hear the beep on the receiver, and when you’re managing multiple dogs.
The remote can be paired with up to 3 receivers, and each receiver’s LED will blink a different color depending on which number it’s paired with, making it easier to spot who’s who in the dark.
When you turn the Anti-Bark mode on, the receiver will stop responding to the remote and start detecting the vibrations that occur when your dog barks, (hence it won’t trigger when another dog barks beside your dog).
When it does detect barking, it will start beeping. If your dog keeps barking for 1-2 seconds after the beep, it will deliver a static shock based on the level it was on when you switched it.
This simple but effective program will still let your dog bark a little, and slowly but surely reduce excessive barking after 1-2 weeks of use. The remote is lightweight and rainproof, and the receiver is waterproof for 1 meter.
This kind of water protection is standard for almost all shock collars and is more than enough for any normal dog activities including hunting near bodies of water, heavy rains, and swimming in pools or lakes.
Both devices have a battery life of about 50 hours. Unlike some electronic collars, this one does not go to standby mode to save battery charge.
It’s designed to be like this so that the receiver will always respond, especially in situations where you could be far from your dog for more than fifteen minutes, like when you’re out hunting or camping.
The free plastic clicker is an almost indispensable tool for pet owners and professional dog trainers alike.
It gives you a consistent way to signal your dog for a variety of reasons, such as catching their attention, telling them that they performed the correct positive behavior, or a signal to do the next task in a complex command.
- Pros
- Lets you build a custom-shaped boundary
- Hub can support as many collars as needed
- Only 1-3 Inch Digging Required
- Cons
- Mild Delay Before Electric Shock
- Receivers Require Batteries
If you want to set a custom-shaped boundary within your yard and would like to keep certain areas off limits, then getting an in-ground invisible electric fence is ideal.Â
With this kit, you’re given 500 ft of boundary wire to be buried about 1-3 inches underground. If that’s not enough to cover your entire space, you can either purchase more wires from the company or ask them what kind of wire you can buy to connect it.Â
Once you have made a wire loop around the hub, any collar that goes near the edges of that shape will cause the collar to trigger, training them to stay away from the ends.Â
Features:
- Uses 4 Adjustable Levels of Electric Shock
- Soft but Audible Warning Beep
- Covers up to 1/3 Acre of Land w/ 500 ft of Wire
- Hub Supports Unlimited Receivers
- Waterproof Receivers
- The Receiver uses Replaceable Batteries
- Battery Life of up to 2 Months
- Includes Marking Flags
In case you want a collar that uses a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, you can avail of them in their store, and will be compatible with the hub. They also have a version of this receiver that delivers a higher shock for more stubborn dogs.Â
Setting the system up requires some planning, so before you buy the kit, crank out your measuring devices and figure out how much length of wire you actually need, and where you can bury the wire.
You only need to bury the wires around 1-3 inches deep so no need for heavy equipment.Â
Once you have it set up, it’s time for some mild training. It’s advisable to supervise them during the first 1-2 weeks of boundary training.Â
You have to place the included flags or any other marker exactly where the collar will start beeping, that way, your dog has a clear idea of where they should stay away from.Â
The system works by warning the dog with a beep when they are close to the wires. If they keep going and the receiver and the wire align, it will trigger a shock based on the level you set it on.Â
It’s worth mentioning that if your dog manages to go past the wires, it will act the same way when they try to go back into the boundary line, so make sure you teach it not to go past the flags.
The receivers are waterproof for about 1 meter of water, so you don’t have to worry about the receivers if your dog likes to take a dip in the pool.Â
They also use a replaceable RFA-67 Battery that they also sell in their shop. It will cost you in the long run, but each battery can last for 2 months before they need to be replaced.
- Pros
- Includes High-Grade Rechargeable Receivers
- High Receiver Waterproofing
- Hub can support as many collars as needed
- Cons
- Requires a lot of preparation and set-up
- No Straightforward Way to Adjust Levels
This electronic fence is more suited for larger and more stubborn dogs but will work all the same with smaller and gentler breeds.Â
The included receiver uses a Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery and there’s nothing that needs replacement.Â
If you believe that you need a more robust system for an equally stubborn dog, you can either take this or if you have the time and effort, consider manual training instead.Â
Features:
- Uses Beep, Vibration, and 7 Adjustable Levels of Shock
- Covers up to 1 and 1/3 acre land with the included wire
- Hub Supports Unlimited Receivers
- High-Grade Receiver Waterproofing
- 2-Hour Quick Charge Batteries
- 2-Week Average Battery Life
- Includes Marking Flags
One con this kit has over a manual training collar is changing levels. Refer to the kit’s manual to find out how to change the stimulation levels.Â
It has 7 static correction levels along with a vibration-and-beep-only setting. The simulation is on the stronger side so if you believe you have a dog with higher sensitivity, set it first to the lower levels.
If you have a smaller dog around 10 lbs, consider trying out the vibration first to see if it’s enough.Â
Technically, systems like this work on positive punishment, but your dog is warned first by the beep, so they know when the stimulation is coming.Â
Once they learn to stop upon hearing the beep, they will avoid the stimulation entirely. The only problem now is if they are stubborn enough to pass the line. If they go to the other side, they will be shocked if they attempt to cross it again.Â
The best practice with these invisible fences is to provide positive reinforcement when they do stop at the markers, which this kit gives you, to further cement the behavior.Â
Once they properly understand that the flags are the no-go zone, you can stop the boundary training and let the invisible dog fence do its job. After a month or two, your dog may not need the collar anymore.
Since this uses an underground wire, you will need plenty of planning before you set up the system. It includes 500 feet of wire, so determine first if it’s enough or if you need to purchase additional wires.Â
If you cannot purchase them from the store, you can ask customer service what gauge wire will suffice as all the hub needs is for the cable to close the loop.Â
SportDog has excellent waterproofing with all its wireless collars, being able to withstand up to 25 feet of water before any water damage occurs, so even if the receiver accidentally falls into your pool, there’s a very good chance that the only trouble you’ll get is retrieving it.Â
Since it includes rechargeable collars, you don’t have to buy extra batteries. On a full charge, the receiver lasts around 1-2 weeks depending on how often the receiver is triggered. Â
When you’re out of charge, it only takes 2 hours for the receiver to charge back to full.Â
Wireless Dog Fence Systems
- Pros
- Includes the "Stubborn Receiver"
- Projects up to a 3/4 Acre Wireless Signal
- Static Free Re-Entry
- Cons
- Cannot Make Custom Boundary Shapes
- Signal Can be Affected By Obstacles
If you can’t bury wires or set them up for any reason, getting a wireless fence is definitely an option. It has its pros and cons and one such con is that you can’t set up a custom boundary shape.Â
You can, at least, adjust the signal range and if you need help figuring out how far the signal should go, they have a handy website that connects to Maps that can give you a visual of how far the wireless signal will reach.Â
Features:
- Uses Beep and 5 Adjustable Shock Levels
- Maximum Range of 3/4 Acre
- Hub Supports Unlimited Receivers
- Includes High-Power Receiver for Stubborn Dogs
- 2-Hour Quick Charge Batteries
- 1 Week Average Battery Life
- Includes Marking Flags
This is the wireless version of Petsafe’s wired fence. Since it’s wireless, you don’t have to worry about digging or buying additional wires.Â
You can set the hub to have a minimum distance of 20 feet and you only need to worry about where to place the hub to maximize the signal. Â
Like the wired hub, it can support as many receivers as you need it to and the included receiver here is designed for larger and more stubborn dogs.Â
Even though it’s for stubborn dogs, the lower levels are still suitable for the average pooch because as intense as the shock is advertised, the overall effect still depends on your dog’s traits like their skin dryness and temperament.Â
Once you have the range set up, it’s advisable to place markers where the receiver will start beeping.Â
You’ll have to do some trial and error, but once you’ve placed the markers, it will be easier to train them not to cross the flags. It’s also best to supervise them during their first time doing this and give them positive reinforcement when they stop at the beep.Â
The difference between this and manual training is that you don’t need to spend as much time with the reinforcement as long as your dog understands what to do when they cross the lines.Â
The included receivers are rechargeable and last at least a week on a full charge even with constant use. It takes about 2-3 hours to fully charge the device based on the temperature.Â
Due to the chemical nature of lithium batteries, colder temperatures will slow the charging process. To preserve overall battery health, make sure the device is always carrying a charge.Â
- Pros
- No Hub Needed, Virtually No Set Up
- Maximum "Halo" Range of 776 Acres
- Halo Collar uses GPS w/ no Sim Required
- Cons
- Cannot Make Custom Boundary Shapes
- Not Effective Indoors
If you’re a pet owner with plenty of yard space but do not want to set up boundary flags, and are looking for a minimal but effective solution to keep your dog close by, then a halo collar might be a great fit for you.Â
It connects to a GPS satellite without the need for sim cards or subscriptions and the only con is that it’s not effective indoors.Â
The reason is that it can potentially lose the connection when indoors and when your dog goes outside, it may not connect back to the satellite as fast as it should which could make your dog go past the “halo” if the range is short enough.Â
Features:
- Uses Beep and Shock
- Has 10 Levels of Vibration and Shock
- Maximum Halo Range of 6500 Ft Diameter
- 2-Hour Quick Charge Batteries
- Up to 5 Days of Battery Life per ChargeÂ
- No Hub Required
It is as simple as it looks. As soon as you turn the device on, it will connect to the GPS satellite and establish the halo based on the distance setting on the receiver.Â
Once it’s fully connected, the GPS will track the device in real-time, and like a wireless invisible fence, it will cause the device to beep when it’s close to the edge of the halo and will trigger a continuous shock outside the barrier until they return back to the halo.Â
To reset the area, simply turn the device off, go to where you want the halo’s center to be, then turn it back on. Give it time to connect before placing it back on your dog, and carry on.Â
Placing markers is completely optional, but it never hurts to supervise them from the first few days, so you can also signal them when they are getting too far. Rewarding them when they go back after the beep or the shock will further reinforce that behavior.Â
If it can still get a good signal indoors, then it should work. As long as the indoor area is well beyond the edges of the halo, it shouldn’t be a problem.Â
It may also have trouble when the dog is around an area with lots of trees for the same reason. If you have a place with wide open areas, then you’re going to love this product.Â
It’s waterproof for about 1 meter, but according to the shop, you should avoid immersing the collar in water as much as possible. The collar contains a communication device that could be irreparably damaged if the collar falls into water deeper than 1 meter.Â
Finally, the battery life can last anywhere between 3-5 days. It’s much shorter compared to other electric fence collars as it constantly communicates with a satellite. It charges back to full in 2 hours, so it doesn’t take much to charge it back to full. Â
Conclusion For "Best Shock Collar To Keep Dog In Yard"
There are many tools and ways to keep your dogs within your yard and they are indeed, just tools, it’s still up to you how you can make those tools work.Â
How you pick your tool depends on what you have and what you need. If you can spare both the time and effort, go for manual training.Â
Your dog will likely appreciate spending time with you during training. If you cannot spare the time, then go for the automatic approach.Â
As long as you still spend the same time with your dog, it’s no different than building a physical fence to keep them inside.Â
In the end, as long as you treat them with the love and respect they deserve, no matter which path you pick, you and your canine companion will always come out on top.Â
Last update on 2024-05-02 at 18:07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
