5 Best Invisible Fences for Large Dogs: Tested & Ranked

Last Updated on September, 2024

Imagine an invisible fence strong enough to contain your large dog.

Simultaneously, it doesn’t hurt them and fits perfectly.

This is what I was looking for. Unfortunately, almost all invisible fences weren’t either strong enough (in a safe way), or just didn’t fit.

I did my research knowing I’m not the only person – it’s your lucky day too.

All you need to do is read through and pick your preference. This list has 5 of the best invisible fences engineered specifically for large dogs.

But, hang on, why trust me?

Why Trust Me?

I bought 10 invisible fences with a money-back guarantee and tested them with my dog. That’s why some of the details you find in this review are unique.

Because I discovered them.

Eventually, I shortlisted the best five, making it even easier for you to choose.

Without further ado, let’s start with the one I use now; the SpotON Gen 2.

Editor’s Choice
Spoton Gps dog fence Product image
SpotON Gen 2
Durability
Coverage
Price

5.0

5.0

4.8

Overall Score

4.9

SAVE $50 USING THE CODE: IPET

#2nd Best Choice
halo 3 fence
Halo 3
Durability
Coverage
Price

4.9

4.9

4.9

Overall Score

4.9

#3rd Best Choice
petSafe guardian collar
PetSafe Guardian
Durability
Coverage
Price

4.8

4.8

4.8

Overall Score

4.8

5 Best Invisible Fences for Large Dogs

The invisible fences that have made this list all have brilliant pros. However, the deciding factor may be the cons that make one system better than the other. 

Keep reading, and you will surely have a good idea of which invisible fence system works best for you at the end of this article. 

Hence, without further ado, here is our selection of the best invisible fences for your big pooch.

1. SpotON Gen 2

Get 50$ off using coupon code: IPET (Exclusive for IPetGuides readers)

Did you know that SpotOn was the brand that introduced the world’s first GPS dog fence?

That’s why they are the true pioneers in invisible fences for dogs.

In fact, their brand purpose justifies why their product is feature-packed. SpotOn started their brand focusing on allowing dogs to follow their noses as the owners keep them safe.

The best thing is that it has become a reality for all dogs with the Gen 2 wireless fence.

SpotOn Gen 2 comes in three sizes, the collar size for large dogs is between 17’’ to 26’’. The other two sizes are:

  • 12’’ to 18’’ for medium dogs
  • 10’’ to 14’’ for small dogs

The biggest issue I encountered with these invisible fences was that their intensity was never strong enough.

I have a Bullmastiff, and I’ve had the first-hand experience.

That’s why SpotOn Gen 2 gives you 30 intensity levels for vibration and static stimulation. For me, 8–10 levels and 6–8 levels were more than enough in vibration and shock correction respectively.

Additionally, SpotOn also has tone correction, although it doesn’t have any levels adhering to industry standards.

Then comes the fenced area.

SpotOn Gen 2 offers a limitless fence area whose shape you can customize with 1,500 fence points. You’ll realize the sheer scale of value for money when we discuss the next two options.

Not only that, you can draw up to unlimited custom-shaped invisible dog fences. It doesn’t matter if they overlap; all fences will work perfectly.

That’s not all.

Keep Out Zones feature of SpotOn is particularly notable, allowing you to designate specific areas where you’d prefer your dog not to enter, like the garden, pool, or other potentially hazardous spots in the house.

The smart dog collar is 100% waterproof with an IP67 certification, ensuring durability and your dog’s adventurous needs.

As you may already know, products like these are integrated into free mobile apps; SpotOn has one too – it’s sleek, user-friendly, and makes everything fun.

Remember that your dogs won’t automatically know that they’re supposed to return to safety when hearing or feeling correctional measures. 

This is why you need boundary training. 

SpotOn has a comprehensive boundary learning system that’ll help you train your dog faster, increasing their intelligence too.

It’s amazing that the features I’ve mentioned so far don’t need a subscription plan. You can opt for an optional one where you can also know your dog’s real-time location and alerts based on that.

With about 90 minutes of charging time, the SpotOn collar will run as long as 25 hours.

SpotOn Gen 2 is also a risk-free investment, as it comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year company warranty.

All things considered, SpotOn Gen 2 really is the best invisible fence for large dogs.

Pros

Suitable for large dogs with a collar size of 17’’ to 26’’
30 intensity levels of vibration and static shock correction
Unlimited fence area and fences
Highly customizable fence shape with up to 1,500 fence points
Can draw fences inside fences, multiplying the safety of large dogs
IP67 waterproof safety
Can draw fences over water
Needs no cell service to work
Charges in 90 minutes and lasts up to 25 hours
90-day money-back guarantee
1-year warranty

Cons

Works only in Canada and the US

Get 50$ off using coupon code: IPET (Exclusive for IPetGuides readers)


2. Halo 3

Halo got massive attention when they first launched the product in 2017, thanks to one of their celebrity founders; Cesar Millan. 

Fast forward to late 2023, Halo 3 was launched, and it is an amazing invisible fence for large dogs.

The collar comes in two sizes,

For medium and large dogs: 15’’ to 30.5’’ neck 

For small dogs: 11’’ to 15’’ neck

So, you never have to worry about the correct fit for your large dog.

How about the correctional features?

Halo 3 offers tone, vibration, and static stimulation for correction. There are 15 intensity levels for vibration and static shock to ensure your large dog can be contained conveniently.

In my experience, I needed at least 1-2 intensity levels more than the SpotOn to manage my dog.

This invisible dog fence is connected to Halo’s free mobile app where you can draw the fence boundaries inside 1,200 square miles which is equivalent to 768,000 acres – that number is very impressive even if it’s not limitless like SpotOn Gen 2’s.

Additionally, the collar also comes with a small device named the Halo Beacon, this Bluetooth-based device lets you create fences indoors. 

What about the shape customizability?

When SpotOn gives you up to 1,500 fence points without a subscription, Halo has a different approach.

Halo runs exclusively in three subscriptions,

  • Bronze
  • Silver
  • Gold

A key difference between the three plans is the number of fences for each plan. The bronze plan has 5, the silver has 20, and the gold has unlimited virtual virtual fences. That can be a downside considering it’s an important feature. 

What about its resilience?

The Halo 3 collar is IP67 waterproof and made from rugged thermoplastic elastomer (i.e. highly durable rubber) and metallic plastic components.

You can also charge this collar in 2 hours, and it will last for a full day; 24 hours. It has magnetic charging to make things easier for you.

That’s not all.

Activity tracking is also available on the subscription plan; it lets you track your dog’s resting, on-drive, and moving times by the hour. 

You’ll find these stats useful to track its health and behavioral patterns too. With that, you can anticipate health complications much earlier 

You also get a DIY fence training program, and it is done by none other than Cesar Millan,. This competitive advantage skyrockets Halo 3’s value for money.

All Halo collars, including the Halo 3, come with a one-year limited warranty. You can also opt for Halo Care for an additional cost that covers the product from theft and severe damages.

Before we wind up, remember that you can get the Halo 3 collar in four colors; yellow, pink, grey, and white.

If not for the SpotOn Gen 2, Halo 3 would have been the best invisible fence for large dogs.

Pros

Size suitable for large dogs
15 intensity levels for vibration and static shock correction for better control
Up to unlimited fence points for the highest fence shape customization
Vast fence area up to 768,000 acres
Has sound correction too
Return whistle to grab attention quickly
Beacon fence that can be used as indoor fences
Safety from the built material and IP67 waterproof nature
Takes 2 hours to fully charge the battery
24 hours of battery life
Detailed activity tracking
A one-year limited warranty that can be extended with Halo Care

Cons

Subscription is a must
Not made for small dogs

3. PetSafe Guardian GPS

The best alternative for SpotOn Gen 2 and Halo 3 is the PetSafe Guardian GPS.

This invisible fence’s collar is built for dogs weighing over 30 pounds with neck sizes between 15 to 28 inches.

In other words, it fits your large dog pretty nicely.

PetSafe Guardian GPS is also designed for larger properties over ¾ acres. The downside of this is that you won’t be able to draw invisible fences for smaller areas. 

Within these boundaries, you can use tone, vibration, or static correction. Unlike the SpotOn and the Halo collars, this collar only has 10 intensity levels, and that’s only for static shock.

Location tracking is present in the PetSafe invisible fence with AccuGuard™ Technology that elevates accuracy. The secret to this is the combination of GPS data, AI, and real-time motion detection.

PetSafe allows you to have 20 custom invisible dog fences that can be drawn on their free mobile app. I’d say it’s very user-friendly and sleek that anyone can use easily.

The app also sends you real-time fence and pet alerts.

If you haven’t guessed already, the PetSafe Guardian GPS fence runs with a subscription service. But it doesn’t have multiple plans; just the monthly or the annual subscription. Usually, you can get 25% off for the first year with the annual plan.

Similar to all invisible fences, PetSafe also has its own fence training program. It is designed to finish in just 2 weeks and works pretty swiftly.

You can also charge the device in just 2-4 hours and the battery lasts for 48 hours.

Oh, I almost forgot, PetSafe is also waterproof!

All these features come together with a 45-day money-back guarantee and a one-year limited warranty. It’s another way to say that this was a risk-free investment to keep your large dog safe.

Pros

Suits large dogs comfortably
10 intensity levels for static correction on large dogs
Manage your large dog with a one-level vibration and sound correction app
AccuGuard™ Technology for more accurate location tracking
Integrated AI for overall location accuracy
Easier 2-week DIY training program
2-4 hours charging and lasts for 2 days
Suits bigger dogs that weigh over 30 pounds
45-day money-back guarantee and one-year limited warranty

Cons

Can only set up one fence at a time 
Most effective on larger properties

4. PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Pet Fence

This is yet another invisible dog fence system that doesn’t require digging. There are no underground cables to install. 

It uses a wireless transmitter to designate a circular safe zone with a coverage of ¾ acres. 

This wireless fence system is great for dogs of all sizes, including larger dogs with bigger neck sizes (6 to 28 inches neck size). 

The features of this system are impressive yet simple.

It doesn’t use a fancy mobile app and can be great for those more technologically challenged. 

Petsafe Stay Play Compact Wireless Dog Fence

With five levels of static correction and a tone-only mode, this system will work great for HARD TO TRAIN DOGS.

The device is EASY to install and use. All you have to do is place the collar and turn on the transmitter, and a ¾ acre circular area will be designated as the safe zone.

Since there is no underground wire to bury, there is NO DIGGING involved.

The system is EXTREMELY PORTABLE, making it great for when you go camping or to the park. 

The receiver collar is RECHARGEABLE and WATERPROOF. You can also adjust the CORRECTION LEVEL based on preference. 

The collar battery charge time is 2 to 3 hours, with a single charge lasting 3 WEEKS!

You can also add more dogs to the system, which means if you have MORE THAN ONE DOG

This system can create a safe zone for all of them.

The system is NOT TOO EXPENSIVE.

However, the signal coverage at ¾ acre may not be enough for some people. This is the primary drawback of this system compared to others. 

The PRE-DESIGNATED safe zone is LIMITED to a circular dome. Though there is an option to purchase a smaller range of ¼ acre, the system does not work with larger than ¾ acre areas. 

The PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless System is a great, inexpensive piece of technology which is easy to install and use. This makes this system one of the more favorable systems of invisible fences.

Key Specs:

  • Area of coverage – ¾ acres
  • Breed size – small, medium, and large
  • Tone and static correction
  • Low battery indicator
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Waterproof
  • Wireless
  • Neck size – 6″ to 27″
  • For dogs weighing 5 pounds and up
  • Plug-in power

Learn more about PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Pet Fence Here.

Pros

Static and tone correction
Easy to install
No digging
Extremely portable
Rechargeable and waterproof collar
Great battery life
Affordable

Cons

¾ acre coverage
Limited protection

5. Extreme Dog Fence – Max Grade

The Extreme Dog Fence gives your dog the freedom to roam within a defined boundary.

The system uses underground wiring, which transmits signals to a receiver collar. 

Though some digging is involved in installing this system, the Extreme Dog Fence works excellently for those looking to designate a safe space for their dogs within their property. 

Though this system requires you to install a wire, it provides a permanent solution to your fence needs.

eXtreme Dog Fence System - Max Grade

Let’s look at the pros and cons of this system to understand where it stacks amidst competitors.

The collar is intended for dogs weighing 8 to 120 pounds. This means it’s a great product for LARGE DOGS

This system is EASY to install and train your dog with, and the collar fits perfectly COMFORTABLY around your pooch’s neck. 

The underground wire is extremely DURABLE, expected to last 25+ years.

MULTIPLE collars can be added to the system; so if you have more than one dog or want to get more dogs, this can be an excellent option. 

What’s great is that the system is still on the more AFFORDABLE end of the spectrum.

The collar is WATER-RESISTANT, and the TUTORIALS that come with the system become a valuable resource when training your dog for an invisible fence.

Finally, the SURGE PROTECTION feature will work to keep the system and your dog safe during lightning storms and power surges.

The Extreme Dog Fence system is a worthy product that has excellent customer reviews. Apart from a few cons, this product delivers for the price you pay. 

Key Specs:

  • < 15-acre coverage
  • Seven static correction levels and a tone-only mode
  • 6 Volt replaceable collar battery
  • 60 mil jacket boundary wire
  • Surge protector for lightning and power surges
  • Can add unlimited dogs to the system
  • Coverage of 10 years

Checkout the review of Extreme Dog Fence if you want to learn more about this device.

Pros

Easy to install
Comfortable and durable
Affordable
Water resistant
Training tutorials
Power surge protection

Cons

Non-rechargeable collar
Collar damageable
Vibration feature not reliable
Not portable

How Does an Invisible Fence Work?

a dog wearing invisible fence collar and lying on the ground

An invisible fence uses GPS or radio signaling to designate a safe zone for your dog. The safe zone is defined by installing an underground wire or using a mobile app or transmitter. 

The invisible fence keeps your dog safe and uses tone and/or static correction to achieve this. 

For more stubborn dogs, the static correction feature will help you train them better.

Once installed, the receiver collar will trigger every time your dog leaves the designated boundary. 

The concept is simple and attractive. It takes away the hassle of having to build a physical fence.

Read our complete guide on how invisible fences work.

If you have a small dog too, checkout the best virtual fences for small dogs.

Types of Invisible Fences

There are three main types of invisible fences.

The first type uses an UNDERGROUND WIRE, which should be installed along your boundary line for the system to work. The Extreme Dog Fence is an example of this type of invisible fence. 

The second type uses an IN-GROUND TRANSMITTER, which doesn’t have to be buried. Systems like the PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Pet Fence work using this technology (designating a circular dome safe zone.)

The third type uses GPS, which lets you track your dog using a mobile app. Systems like the Halo 2+ dog collar are great examples of GPS-enabled systems.

Checkout other types of fences here.

Worth reading: Do Electric Fences Work for Big Dogs?

How to Pick an Invisible Fence System

a human touching halo collar box

When out in the market for an invisible fence, PRICE, FUNCTIONALITY, and DURABILITY should be the points worth considering.

Location tracking, correction levels and the coverage of the fence are amidst the other things you have to consider when picking an invisible fence. (You should also check to see how many fences the system allows you to create.)

You don’t want to pay too much for a product that doesn’t function as you need. For instance, if you would like the system to work on the go, like in the park or when you go camping, you have to consider the PORTABILITY of the system.

Look for the product with the best customer reviews, features matching what you need; offered at a price within your BUDGET.

Related articles:

Final Words

The invisible fence system can be a great way to keep your dog safe when you don’t really want to go through the hassle of building a physical fence. 

The SpotOn Gen 2 Dog Collar is by far the most advanced and effective wireless invisible fence on this LIST. It is TRUSTABLE and RELIABLE, and comes with unrivaled features in comparison to other invisible fences in the market. 

We hope you found the information in this article useful and you are ready to consider which invisible fence system you would like to purchase for your adorable pooch.

That’s all from us. We hope we made your job easier and you have the information you need to make an informed decision!

FAQs

There are a variety of options in the market which provide collars that fit large dogs. Such as the Halo 2+ Dog Collar. 

The Halo 2+ Dog Collar has the best features and comes at a collar size which is perfect for large dogs.

OUR #1 RECOMMENDATION
SpotOn Gen 2
Spoton Gps dog fence Product image
Durability
Coverage
Price

5.0

5.0

4.8

Overall Score

4.9

visa-master-amex-paypal
Pros
Suitable for large dogs with a collar size of 17’’ to 26’’
30 intensity levels of vibration and static shock correction
Highly customizable fence shape with up to 1,500 fence points
Can draw fences inside fences, multiplying the safety of large dogs
90-day money-back guarantee
1-year warranty
Get the BEST PRICE valid until the end of September
Cons
Works only in Canada and the US

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Author
Thomas Villalpando
Thomas Villalpando is the main author of Dogs Academy. He spends his time reading, training, and working with several Dogs' behaviors. He has been featured in MSN, Yahoo Finance, The Sun, Entrepreneur & More. You can find more about him here.

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