If you’re considering an underground electric dog fence to safely contain your furry friend, you’re likely looking at the two top brands – Dog Guard and Invisible Fence. Both offer high-quality containment systems, but there are some key differences that can help determine which is the better choice for you and your pet.
This in-depth brand comparison examines important factors like warranty, training, customization, safety features and more across Dog Guard and Invisible Fence products. Read on for an unbiased look at how these two industry leaders stack up.
What Are Underground Electric Dog Fences?
Underground electric dog fences, also known as in-ground containment systems, use a buried wire to create a safe perimeter around your yard where your dog can roam freely, instead of needing physical fences. See our reviews of top systems from PetSafe, Extreme Dog Fence, and more. This keeps your pet safely contained without unsightly above-ground fences that can obstruct views and impact aesthetics. Electric fences are convenient, customizable to your unique yard, and enable your dog to enjoy more freedom outdoors.
Now let’s take a closer look at how the two top brands, Dog Guard and Invisible Fence, compare.
Dog Guard Brand Overview
Dog Guard is a leading US-based brand that has specialized in underground containment systems for over 30 years. Their systems are designed and manufactured in the USA.
Some highlights of Dog Guard systems:
- 32 correction levels – From low to high, lets you customize to your dog’s sensitivity level.
- AM radio frequency – Provides a more stable signal that won’t be impacted by power outages.
- 100+ acre capacity – Can contain large rural properties.
- Waterproof collars – Collars are waterproof up to 30 minutes at 1 meter depth.
- Safety features – Run Through Prevention and more.
- Limited lifetime warranty – Warranty includes coverage for dog chews.
Dog Guard also offers professional installation and training services through their network of authorized dealers across the US and Canada.
Popular Dog Guard systems:
- DG10XT – Best-selling model, 1 dog system.
- DG5 – Budget-friendly choice, 1 dog.
- DG14MA – Multipet model contains up to 14 dogs.
Invisible Fence Brand Overview
Invisible Fence is the pioneering brand that first introduced underground containment systems in 1973. They have installed over 3 million pet fences worldwide.
Some highlights of Invisible Fence systems:
- 5 correction levels – Allows customization to your pet’s temperament.
- Digital radio signal – Provides consistent coverage without AM/FM interference.
- 1 warning zone – Emits a beep to alert your pet before a correction.
- Waterproof collars – Collars are fully waterproof.
- Safety features – Computer collar, battery life indicator.
- 1 year money back guarantee – Satisfaction guarantee and 1 year limited warranty.
Popular Invisible Fence systems:
- Boundary Plus – Best selling model for 1 dog.
- Stay + Play 7 – Multipet system contains up to 7 dogs.
- Boundary Smart – Upgraded system with remote adjust.
Now let’s take a detailed look at how Dog Guard and Invisible Fence compare across some of the most important factors for pet containment systems.
Dog Guard vs Invisible Fence Feature Comparison
Correction Levels
Having multiple correction levels to choose from is important so you can tailor the stimulation intensity to your dog’s temperament and sensitivity.
Dog Guard offers 32 correction levels so you can precisely match the right setting for your pet. Levels range from just a faint tingling sensation on low settings to more substantial corrections on high.
Invisible Fence systems have 5 correction levels to choose from. This provides less fine-tuning capability, but the multiple settings do allow customizing based on your dog’s personality and stubbornness levels.
For the most precise correction customization, Dog Guard’s 32 levels provide more refinement. But Invisible Fence still provides the ability to adjust intensity based on your needs.
Field Width and Distance
The size of the containment field, both width and distance from the wire, determines how much area your dog can roam. A larger field grants more freedom.
Dog Guard advertises a containment field up to 16 feet wide, extending up to 12 feet from the boundary wire. This allows a generous space for your pet while still discouraging boundary approaches.
Invisible Fence does not provide exact specs on their containment field width or distance from the wire. Based on customer reports, it appears to be in the 10-15 foot width range.
For containing large rural properties, Dog Guard states their systems can cover over 100 acres. Invisible Fence does not provide acreage ratings, but is also capable of containing large spaces.
If an especially wide containment field is important to you, the Dog Guard system may provide slightly more space. But both brands offer ample area for your pet to roam safely.
Customization and Adjustability
The ability to adjust settings yourself is important for customizing the system to your unique needs and troubleshooting any issues.
Dog Guard transmitters are fully adjustable using the dials on the device. This allows homeowners to fine tune the range, customize corrections, change frequencies and more without requiring a service call.
Invisible Fence transmitters cannot be adjusted manually and require a certified technician to make changes. However, the Boundary Plus Smart system does offer remote adjust via an app for convenience.
Overall, Dog Guard systems offer the most convenience and customization for the DIY homeowner. But Invisible Fence’s app control provides some remote adjustment capability depending on the model.
Warranty and Coverage
A strong warranty with good coverage is important for peace of mind and protecting your investment in an underground fence system.
Dog Guard provides a limited lifetime warranty covering the full system. Notably, Dog Guard’s warranty also covers damage from dog chews – a common culprit of malfunctioning collars.
Invisible Fence offers a standard 1 year limited warranty on parts. They also include a 1 year money back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied with system performance.
For the longest and most comprehensive coverage, Dog Guard’s lifetime warranty provides superior protection and even covers dog chew damage.
Training Support
Proper training is essential for your dog to understand and respect the underground fence system. So training resources are an important consideration.
Dog Guard provides complete training manuals along with access to the local dealers who installed the system and can offer one-on-one guidance.
Invisible Fence also provides training manuals and video resources. You have access to the support line for any questions, but hands-on guidance will be an additional cost. For alternatives, check out our reviews of Petsafe wireless fences.
Both Dog Guard and Invisible Fence provide helpful training materials. But Dog Guard offers the advantage of more personalized guidance from your local dealer-installer included.
Safety Features
Key safety features like run-through prevention help make underground fences safer and more reliable.
Dog Guard collars include Run Through Prevention which increases correction intensity if your dog continues running past the boundary to deter them from leaving the contained area.
Invisible Fence does not highlight any run-through prevention capabilities, but some models may include this safety feature.
Dog Guard’s clear inclusion of proven Run Through Prevention technology gives them the advantage for reliable safety.
Dog Guard vs Invisible Fence: Which is Better?
Now that we’ve compared these two leading underground fence brands across a number of important factors, let’s summarize which comes out on top:
Overall, Dog Guard systems edge out Invisible Fence if you’re looking for the most robust features and customization. Dog Guard offers more correction levels, wider containment field, lifetime warranty coverage against dog chews, and automatic run-through prevention.
Invisible Fence still provides a quality containment system that serves most pet owner’s needs. The digital signal avoids AM/FM disruptions, the mobile app offers some remote control capabilities, and waterproof collars provide added peace of mind.
Ultimately, Dog Guard beats Invisible Fence on customization, warranty, and key safety features. But Invisible Fence still delivers solid, time-tested performance.
For most pet owners, either brand can suit your wireless fence needs. But for the most control and personalization, Dog Guard comes out as the winner in this head-to-head comparison.
If you’re interested in exploring alternatives, see our reviews of other top systems like Wagz and SpotOn.
The Bottom Line
Investing in an underground electric fence is a major decision – and a major investment. Choosing the right containment system the first time will save you headaches and ensure your pet’s safety.
Both Dog Guard and Invisible Fence offer reputable, highly effective wireless fence systems with pros and cons. For the widest feature set and customization capability, Dog Guard ultimately edges out Invisible Fence in this detailed comparison.
But either brand has decades of expertise containing pets safely at home. Follow training protocols, shop for the features that matter most to you, and you can trust these leading brands to give your dog more freedom while keeping them secure.
The peace of mind of an wireless pet fence is priceless. Do your research to pick the perfect system that fits both your needs and your dog’s personality. Then get ready to sit back and relax as your companion enjoys your yard safely for years to come.
