Best Invisible Fence For German Shepherd

Sometimes, you just want to let your dog outside in the yard to run leash-free.  However, if you don’t have the money for an actual fence an invisible fence (or wireless fence) is a great alternative to keep your GSD in the yard safe and sound.

This article will explore the best invisible fence for a German Shepherd as well as key things to consider before making a purchase.

*This article may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of the links I get a small commission at no additional cost to you ? .

Things to Consider Before Purchasing an Invisible Fence

Coverage Range

Probably the most important factor to consider in the range of an invisible fence. 

If your yard is ½ acre then you probably want to buy an invisible fence that covers that entire area.   Unless there is a reason you specifically don’t want your dog in certain parts of the yard.

Collar size

Another key component of an invisible fence is the collar receiver. Most collars will fit a variety of dog neck ranges. 

To be certain, measure your dog’s neck and then make sure the collar will fit comfortably.

Ease of Installation

There are two main types of invisible fences: wireless and wired/in-ground. With a wireless fence, you don’t have to bury any wires underground. However, the wired variety involves installing the boundary wire underground.

As you might have guessed, installing an in-ground fence requires more effort and time. Depending on the area, the setup can take anywhere from 1 to 2 days.   By comparison, wireless fences can be installed within an hour or two.

Reviews of the Best Invisible Fence For German Shepherds

PetSafe Wireless Dog Containment System

Next, connect it to an outlet, adjust the dial to specify the size area and you’re good to go.  The manufacturer also recommends placing the transmitter away from big metallic objects.

This invisible fence provides coverage for up to ½ an acre. If you want coverage for a larger area, simply purchase additional base unit transmitters.

The PetSafe fence comes with a receiver collar that fits neck sizes ranging from 6 – 28 inches.  The collar is suitable any dog weighing over 8 pounds which would include German Shepherds.

PetSafe also provides an array of accessories. These include the PetSafe RFA 67 battery, power adaptor for the transmitter, a test light tool, 50 training flags, a product manual and contact points for both short and long-haired pets.

What I Love:

• Backed by a one-year warranty
• Easy setup
• Comes with numerous flags to train your German Shepherd
• Offers 5 levels of static correction
• Waterproof collar with an impressive battery life
• Contact points for long or short-haired German Shepherds

Cons:

• Collar receivers can need to be replaced after some time of use.

And the verdict is…

The quick, easy setup with a ½ acre range makes this a great option for many German Shepherd families. 

SportDOG Brand In-Ground Invisible Fence System

This is an in-ground fence, meaning that it consists of a wire that has to be buried underground around the perimeter of your yard. But once you’re done installing the wire, the rest of the setup is pretty easy. Simply position the transmitter and put the corresponding collar on your German Shepherd and you’re all set.

A key highlight of the collar is that it offers 4 levels of static correction. This makes it a great fit for dogs with different kinds of temperaments. The collar is recommended for pets weighing 10 pounds and more.

The collar is also waterproof meaning it can function in any weather condition. Plus, it’s powered by a 9V battery that can last for 6 to 12 months.

The advanced transmitter is another feature that makes SportDog Invisible Fence stand out. Unlike conventional models, this one is equipped with a break alarm and a lightning protector.

The break alarm notifies you when there’s an issue with the boundary wire. The lightning protector protects the transmitter from damage due to lightning strikes.

What I Love:

• Provides a big coverage – up to 100 acres
• Comes with a waterproof collar
• Cutting-edge transmitter with lightning protection and break alarm
• Backed by a 2-year warranty
• Offers 4 levels of static correction

Possible downsides:

• Battery on the collar makes it a little bulky

And the verdict is…

SportDog in-Ground invisible Fence is an excellent investment for GSD owners who have large properties.

Extreme Dog Fence

This system keeps dogs contained on up to 1/3 acres.  If you need more acreage, just purchase additional dog fence wire for up to 6 acres of coverage. 

The collars are waterproof and submersible.  According to the manufacturer, your dog can swim while wearing this collar, and not cause any damage.

This collar includes a long and short set of contact probes.   What we like most is that the probes are encased in rubber covers to prevent your dog from experiencing any discomfort on their neck.

When it comes to size, the collar’s strap is ¾-inches wide and can fit neck sizes ranging from 10 to 30 inches.

Also included in the package is a digital transmitter. This is the element that you’ll use to adjust the signal field width and the correction level. You will also be able to change the transmitter’s AM radio frequency in case of interference from a neighboring fence.

What I Love:

• Collar is waterproof and submersible up to 10 feet
• Comes with 1-year warranty
• Fence system is scalable to 6 acres
• Training flags and waterproof splice kits provided
• Can purchase the fence for up to 5 dogs

Possible downsides:

• The collar battery needs to be replaced frequently

And the verdict is…

Whether you have 2 or 5 German Shepherds this dog fencing system can be customized, to include more collar receivers, contact probes, and transmitters; hence meeting the needs of a multi-dog household.

PetSafe Stay & Play Compact Wireless Fence

The PetSafe Stay and Play is another highly-effective invisible fence that we recommend. It’s an above-ground system meaning it doesn’t require any burying of wires.

If your GSD is a little more stubborn, you can always choose from the 5 levels of static correction.

You’ll also be impressed by the fact that it can be used on small dog breeds as well. The waterproof collar is designed to fit dogs that weigh 5 pounds or more. In terms of size, it can be adjusted to fit neck sizes 6 to 28 inches.

Also, this containment system has a static-free re-entry feature. This means that if your pet exits the boundary, they’ll be able to return home safely without getting shocked.

What I Love:

• Completely wireless; hence easy to set up and portable
• Has static correction and a tone-only mode
• Ideal for both small and large dog breeds
• Sports a static-free reentry
• Backed by a 1-year warranty

Possible Downsides:

• Transmitter requires some improvement to provide a consistent performance

And the verdict is…

PetSafe Stay and Play is an excellent containment system if you have both large and small dogs or prefer a static correction to a shock. 

Other Important Considerations

• An invisible fence is merely a tool.  If your dog isn’t properly trained on how to respond to the fence, don’t expect it to work.  Once your new fence is installed, you will need to take some time training your dog so they know what the fence means.

• Some dogs are more stubborn than others thus, and invisible fence won’t work for every German Shepherd.  If you know your dog doesn’t care about getting shocked, they are going to chase that deer regardless, then an invisible fence may not work for you.  Or your dog may need more training first.

• Even though the fence will help keep your dog in your yard, you still need to supervise your dog to make sure it is working properly and there aren’t any mishaps.  Safety first!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for a way to keep your German shepherd in your yard without investing in a physical fence, an invisible fence could be a good option for your family. 

As long as you are willing to provide the time for setup and training your dog how to respond to the fence, it will be a worthwhile investment.

Do you have an invisible fence?  Let me know in the comments.