If you’re considering installing an underground dog fence system, two of the most popular brands you’ll come across are Pet Stop and Invisible Fence. But which one truly offers the best features, technology and overall value?
As someone who has installed and worked with both Pet Stop and Invisible Fence for over 5 years, I’ll compare these two underground fence leaders in this comprehensive guide.
We’ll look at the key factors that set Pet Stop and Invisible Fence apart when it comes to containment performance, correction methods, boundary flexibility, cost, training, and more. By the end, you’ll know which underground dog fence is right for your needs.
Key Differences Between Pet Stop and Invisible Fence
Pet Stop and Invisible Fence take quite different approaches when it comes to their underground containment systems. Here’s a quick rundown of how they compare:
- Technology – Pet Stop utilizes more advanced tech like tri-directional antennas and progressive static correction. Invisible Fence has improved but still uses older technology.
- Correction – Pet Stop collars offer 100+ adjustable stimulation levels. Invisible Fence has fewer correction settings to choose from.
- Collars – Pet Stop uses patented rubber contacts for comfort. Invisible Fence sticks with metal prongs that can irritate.
- Boundary control – Pet Stop provides superior flexibility in boundary width and layout. Invisible Fence boundaries are more fixed.
- Customization – Pet Stop allows for greater customization of correction settings for each dog’s needs.
- Training – Both brands provide professional installation and training. However, Pet Stop focuses more on positive reinforcement methods.
- Cost – Pet Stop systems are 25-40% more expensive than Invisible Fence upfront. But you get what you pay for in terms of features and performance.
Now let’s take a more in-depth look at how Pet Stop and Invisible Fence wireless dog fences compare across these key factors.
Underground Fence Technology
The proprietary technology used in the dog collar receiver and main transmitter is where Pet Stop and Invisible Fence differ the most.
Invisible Fence Technology
Invisible Fence systems utilize collar receivers and transmitters powered by the company’s own radio frequency technology.
Some of the tech features include:
- Radio frequency boundary control
- Adjustable static correction levels
- Battery powered collars
- Lightweight, waterproof receivers
- Anti-linger correction to deter dogs from waiting at the boundary
Drawbacks are the limited flexibility in boundary width and shape, and less customizable correction settings. The collar design also still relies on metal contact points.
The circular transmission range from the buried wire is fixed at around 70-90 feet radially. So the boundary width can’t be readily widened past that.
The correction levels only provide about 8-10 settings to choose from. And it corrects dogs the same way every time when approaching the boundary.
Overall, Invisible Fence utilizes proven but older technology that restricts flexibility.
Pet Stop Technology
Pet Stop integrates several patented innovations that make their systems more advanced.
Some of Pet Stop’s key tech features include:
- Omni-directional antennas pick up boundary signals from all directions
- Customizable boundary widths from 5 feet out to 90+ feet
- Progressive static correction levels increase the longer your dog stays out of bounds
- Highly customizable correction settings for each dog with up to 100+ levels
- Safer rubber collar contacts
The tri-directional antennas in Pet Stop’s collar receiver eliminate signal blind spots. This allows greater flexibility in boundary shape and width.
Pet Stop also offers a wider spectrum of correction levels to choose from. The levels automatically intensify the longer your dog remains outside the allowed area.
This progressive correction helps reinforce the training. And you can finely tune the settings for each dog’s containment needs.
The rubber collar contacts provide improved comfort and safety compared to metal prongs.
Altogether, Pet Stop’s technological innovations facilitate greater customization and effectiveness for your property and dogs.
Products like Tabcat and Whistle offer GPS pet trackers to help locate lost dogs or cats. Or check out our comparison of the best GPS trackers for cats.
Correction Levels
How the dog collar receiver administers the static correction stimulus is another key difference between these two brands.
Invisible Fence Correction
Invisible Fence collar receivers provide around 8-10 static correction levels to choose from. Most models have settings ranging from 1-5, with 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest.
You manually set the stimulation level for each dog based on their size and temperament. Larger or more stubborn dogs often need a stronger correction.
The same setting is activated every time the dog nears the buried wire boundary. There is no change in correction intensity based on distance from the wire.
This simpler approach works well for many dogs. However, it does not allow for very customized training.
Pet Stop Correction
Pet Stop systems offer a much wider spectrum of correction levels, typically ranging from 1-100+.
You can precisely calibrate the correction strength for each dog’s needs. The levels can be tuned in increments of just 1 or 2 at a time.
Pet Stop’s collars also utilize progressive static correction that automatically adjusts based on the dog’s distance from the boundary wire.
The further outside the allowed area your dog goes, the higher the correction level applied by the collar. This helps reinforce the training and containment.
Dogs get a lower level warning as they first approach the boundary. But if they keep running past it, the correction intensity increases.
This progressive correction approach is more customized and effective for training each dog on their new yard boundaries.
Boundary Control and Flexibility
How much control you have over the boundary layout and width is another essential factor when picking an underground dog fence system.
Invisible Fence Boundary Control
With Invisible Fence systems, your flexibility is relatively limited when it comes to boundary shape and width.
The transmitters have a fixed radial transmission range from the buried wire of about 70-90 feet maximum.
So if you want the largest possible boundary distance, you have to bury the wire 70-90 feet from any permanent barriers like fences.
You can reduce the boundary width down to say 30 feet, but you can’t easily expand it past the max radial transmission range.
This makes it harder to tweak the layout after initial installation if your needs change. Expanding the width means moving or burying more wire.
You also can’t create irregular boundaries that extend further out in certain sections of your yard with Invisible Fence systems. The circular signal range is fixed.
Pet Stop Boundary Control
Pet Stop provides you with much more flexibility in how you control boundaries. You can set the width anywhere from just 5 feet out to 90+ feet from the buried wire.
Wider boundaries from 30-90 feet are possible without having to bury more wire. Just dial up the width setting on the transmitter.
Narrower boundaries are also easily configured by lowering the width setting.
Pet Stop’s wider settings do require using thicker gauge boundary wires. But the benefit is greater flexibility after installation to contain your yard space.
You can also create customized, irregular boundaries that extend further in certain sections as needed. The “blob” mode allows tailoring the boundary shape based on your property.
Overall, Pet Stop delivers superior adjustability for your boundary compared to the more limited options from Invisible Fence systems.
Collar Comfort and Safety
The comfort and safety of the receiver collar worn by dogs is another important consideration when picking an underground fence system.
Invisible Fence Collar Design
All Invisible Fence collar receivers utilize metal contacts to deliver the static correction stimulus. These are stainless steel posts that touch the dog’s neck when activated.
The posts are configured in pairs called probes. Center post pairs serve as the contact points. Side posts pick up the radio signal.
Over time, the metal prongs can irritate a dog’s skin. Contact points may need to be rotated or the collar relocated regularly.
The metal probes also pose a potential injury risk if the collar electrodes penetrate the skin when activated. Getting the proper tightness is crucial to avoid excessive pressure.
While designed to be safe, the metal collar points have inherent risks of discomfort and wounds.
Pet Stop Collar Design
Pet Stop collar receivers integrate patented rubber contacts called Comfort Contacts. These are made from flexible, pliable rubber rather than metal.
The gentle rubber contacts prevent irritating a dog’s skin like metal prongs are prone to do. They remain comfortable even with daily wear.
The flexible nature also virtually eliminates the risk of puncture injuries if the collar probes activate on the dog’s neck. Safety is drastically improved.
Pet Stop collars do cost more than Invisible Fence collars, partly due to the proprietary rubber contact points. But for many owners, the added comfort and safety warrant the extra investment.
If keeping your dog’s neck comfortable is a priority, Pet Stop has a clear benefit over Invisible Fence’s metal contact points.
Training Process
Proper training is essential for any dog to learn the new boundary system and behave reliably within it. Pet Stop and Invisible Fence take different approaches to training dogs on their systems.
Invisible Fence Training
Invisible Fence dealers handle the professional installation and training process for you. The typical training program consists of:
- Fit the dog with the collar receiver to test static correction levels
- Walk the dog on a leash around the buried wire boundary, allowing them to receive corrections
- Use the “flags on the line” method to mark the new perimeter
- Repeat for 2-4 sessions until the dog stops entering the boundary area
There are usually 2-4 training sessions spaced over 2-4 weeks. The goal is to use progressive corrections to teach the new yard edges.
This can work well, especially when introducing corrections carefully. However, some dogs respond better to more rewards-based techniques.
Pet Stop Training
The Pet Stop training system relies more on positive reinforcement, not corrective learning. A typical program includes:
- Get the dog comfortable wearing an inactive collar through praise and treats
- Use treats, toys and praise to encourage staying within the safe zone, away from the boundary
- Introduce static correction later in training using leash guides and prompts
- Keep sessions short, upbeat and positive
- Utilize “flags on the line” to delineate the new border
Pet Stop trainers aim to avoid over-correcting dogs during introduction. More rewards and positivity gets most dogs engaged and quick to pick up the new rules.
The emphasis is on showing dogs where to go, not just correcting them for leaving the allowed space. For many dogs, this approach reduces fear and confusion about the system.
Both Pet Stop and Invisible Fence provide professional installation and training. But Pet Stop’s philosophy focuses more on positive reinforcement for more effective, stress-free containment.
Underground wireless fences from PetSafe and Extreme Dog Fence keep your dog safely confined. Smart collars like the Garmin Delta use remote training. And no-shock collars like the Halo offer correction without electric stimulus.
Cost and Value Comparison
The final key factor to consider is cost and the overall value you get between Pet Stop vs Invisible Fence.
Invisible Fence Pricing
Invisible Fence is the more affordable priced underground dog fence option upfront.
System prices typically run $1500 – $2500 on average.
This includes:
- All wiring, transmitter and collar receivers
- Professional installation
- Training assistance
- Lifetime warranty on boundary wire and transmitter
Any extra collars or features cost extra. Most systems come with 1 collar for 1 dog.
The lower initial price makes Invisible Fence a popular choice. However, the value lags behind Pet Stop’s premium offerings.
Pet Stop Pricing
Pet Stop systems cost about 25-40% more than comparable Invisible Fence systems.
Expect to invest around $2000 – $4000+ on average.
However, here is where you get the return on investment:
- Superior TriScanTM technology
- Wider and more flexible boundaries
- More correction levels and customization
- Training focused on positive reinforcement
- Rubber collar contacts for comfort and safety
- Lifetime warranty on all components
The advanced tech, customization, training methods and premium features warrant the higher price for serious dog owners.
Overall, Pet Stop delivers a greater long-term value proposition despite the steeper upfront investment. You get what you pay for.
Key Takeaways – Pet Stop vs Invisible Fence
To recap the critical differences between Pet Stop and Invisible Fence:
- Technology – Pet Stop provides patented innovations like tri-directional antennas, wider boundary control, customizable correction levels and progressive stimulation.
- Correction – Pet Stop collars have up to 100+ adjustable correction levels that automatically increase based on distance from the boundary wire.
- Collar design – Pet Stop utilizes rubber contacts that are more comfortable and safer than Invisible Fence’s metal prongs.
- Boundary width – Pet Stop allows superior flexibility in boundary shape and width compared to Invisible Fence’s fixed radial range.
- Training philosophy – Pet Stop trainers use more positive reinforcement and less reliance on static correction.
- Cost – Pet Stop systems are 25-40% more expensive upfront but deliver greater features and value over time.
While both are reputable underground dog fence brands, Pet Stop outperforms Invisible Fence for the latest technology, safety, and quality of experience – for both you and your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions people have when comparing Pet Stop and Invisible Fence systems.
Does Pet Stop make better fences than Invisible Fence?
Yes, Pet Stop offers superior technology, customization options, safety features and training methods compared to Invisible Fence systems. The advanced digital tech and wider range of correction settings lead to more flexible and reliable containment.
Is the Pet Stop warranty better than Invisible Fence?
Pet Stop provides a limited lifetime warranty covering both parts and labor on all system components. The Invisible Fence warranty only covers the boundary wire and transmitter, not other parts. Both warranties are good, but Pet Stop gives more comprehensive coverage.
Is Pet Stop more expensive than Invisible Fence?
Yes, the initial purchase and installation of a Pet Stop system runs about 25-40% higher than for a comparable Invisible Fence system. However, Pet Stop’s extended flexibility, customization and safety features justify the price premium for serious dog owners.
Does Pet Stop use positive reinforcement training?
Yes, Pet Stop trainers rely more heavily on rewards-based positive reinforcement, not corrective learning through collar stimulations. This gentler approach works very effectively for many dogs.
Can you customize Pet Stop more than Invisible Fence?
Absolutely. Pet Stop allows far greater customization when it comes to boundary layout, correction levels tailored to each dog, avoiding landscape obstacles, and more. You can refine the system over time as needs evolve.
Which Underground Dog Fence is Right for You?
While both Pet Stop and Invisible Fence make quality underground dog fence systems, Pet Stop is the superior brand when it comes to the latest technology and real-world performance.
If you want the best containment that flexibly suits your property and dogs within your budget, Pet Stop earns my recommendation. Their premium systems take wireless dog fences to the next level.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m happy to provide guidance to help you choose the ideal underground dog fence for your needs. Your pet’s safety and security are our top priorities.
