SpotOn featured in USA Today by Product Experts at Reviewed

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REVIEW: SpotOn GPS Fence: A Smart Solution for Dog Containment and Tracking


The SpotOn GPS Fence offers a revolutionary approach to pet containment, blending advanced technology with an intuitive app, designed for pet owners with spacious properties who seek reliable ways to manage their pets’ outdoor boundaries. In a comprehensive review by
USA Today's Reviewed team, seasoned product tester Nick Woodard explored the product's performance and utility, diving into its setup ease, training support, and tracking accuracy. Here’s a look at what makes the SpotOn GPS Fence stand out from traditional options, as well as considerations for those with limited yard space. . 

Setting Up the SpotOn GPS Fence: Intuitive and User-Friendly

A key strength of the SpotOn GPS Fence system is its easy setup, designed to be approachable even for first-time users of virtual fence technology. Woodard highlighted how straightforward the process is, allowing pet owners to set up boundaries in one of three ways: by walking the perimeter, drawing a customized boundary on the app, or creating an automatic circular boundary with adjustable parameters. According to Woodard, the setup offers flexibility for owners based on the level of accuracy they desire. He adds: 

“It’s as intuitive and hassle-free as you would hope.”
- Nick Woodard, Contributor,
USA Today Reviewed


The flexibility in creating fences is particularly beneficial for those looking to establish multiple containment zones, whether for regular backyard play or camping excursions. For pet owners with expansive properties, this adaptability ensures that the boundaries can meet the needs of each unique environment. : 

Dog with SpotOn collar.

Courtesy photo: Nick Woodard

A Thoughtful, Guided Training Plan 


One standout feature that sets the SpotOn GPS Fence apart from competitors is its well-structured training program. Woodard, testing the product with his Jack Russell Terrier mix, Watson, noted how effective the four-step plan was in easing his dog into understanding and respecting the boundaries. The app guides owners through gradual steps, introducing sound and vibration cues before implementing any static correction. This gradual approach aims to make training stress-free for both dog and owner, even allowing older dogs to pick up new habits with ease. Woodard shares: 

"The training isn’t rushed. SpotOn encourages you to take your time, ensuring your dog fully understands the boundary before relying on it entirely."


Overall, Woodard found the training program easy to follow. He appreciates that the app provides helpful tips for handling challenges during training, making the process less overwhelming for pet owners. 


Real-Time Tracking for Added Peace of Mind 


Beyond containment, SpotOn functions as an efficient GPS tracker, allowing pet owners to monitor their dog’s location. This feature is especially useful for owners with dogs known for wandering off or escaping. According to Woodard: 

"The real-time GPS tracking gives me peace of mind, knowing that I can always see where Watson is, and I’ve found the alerts helpful in letting me know if he gets too close to the boundary."


This tracking capability is ideal for active, outdoor-loving dog owners who take their pets on camping trips or other excursions. The app allows users to set up multiple boundaries and switch between them, making it easy to set a temporary boundary in new locations. Woodard remarked that SpotOn’s tracking feature “would be huge in mitigating” the challenges of managing a pet’s location during such trips.

SpotOn is Designed for Large Acreage 

One limitation noted in the review is that SpotOn performs best on larger properties. SpotOn recommends at least a half-acre of land for optimal performance, as the system requires space for dogs to comfortably navigate without constantly hitting the boundary. When tested in a smaller, suburban yard, Woodard observed that the system’s effectiveness was somewhat limited due to space constraints, as his dog would quickly reach the boundary. 

SpotOn acknowledges this need for space and offers potential buyers a property assessment, helping them determine whether the system is suitable for their specific yard. This transparency about the product’s suitability underscores SpotOn’s commitment to ensuring that customers make an informed decision before investing in the system.

Is SpotOn Right for You? 

For dog owners with plenty of space, SpotOn is an innovative, high-tech solution that allows for both effective containment and reliable tracking. The thoughtful design of the training process, coupled with real-time tracking capabilities, offers pet owners a peace of mind unmatched by traditional fence options. As Woodard concluded: 

"The SpotOn GPS Fence puts all the tools to successfully set up a virtual fence and train your dog to understand it in your pocket, all while giving you the peace of mind to let your furry fellow explore within the parameters you have put into place."


However, it’s important for potential buyers to consider their yard size and the specific needs of their dog before committing. Interested in SpotOn, but not sure if it will work for you? Take their quiz to see if it will fit your needs. 

SpotOn’s Competitive Edge


SpotOn’s GPS Fence is more than just a dog containment system; it’s a multi-functional tool that combines customizable boundaries with a user-friendly app and robust GPS tracking. For pet owners with sufficient space, it offers a unique blend of safety, convenience, and innovation. As Nick Woodard’s review in
USA Today attests, SpotOn’s GPS Fence is an investment worth considering for owners who value both functionality and peace of mind.   

SpotOn is Tested and Proven by the experts USA Today and Reviewed 


With its cutting-edge technology and commitment to user experience, SpotOn stands out as a leader in the virtual dog fence market, giving dog owners a reliable, efficient solution to keep their pets safe and secure. 

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