Do GPS Dog Fences Work? Choosing the Most Accurate GPS Dog Fence

March 25, 2024

GPS dog fences have gained popularity among pet owners seeking an invisible boundary to keep their pets safe within a designated area without the need for physical fences. These high-tech systems use GPS coordinates to define the boundaries of the area where your dog can roam freely. When the dog approaches the boundary limit, the collar receives a signal, which can trigger a warning sound, vibration, or a static correction as a deterrent.

This technology ensures your pet stays within the confines of your set perimeter, offering peace of mind and flexibility. However, the effectiveness of GPS dog fences can vary based on factors such as the geographical area, signal strength, and the dog's behavior.

Addressing Common GPS Dog Fence Concerns

When making the choice to invest in a GPS dog fence, you’ll want to research the facts versus myths so you won’t have to wonder, do GPS dog collars really work. Let's address these common doubts to shed light on why Accurate Fence stands out as the most accurate GPS dog fence choice.

Inconsistent Boundaries:
One common concern is the potential for GPS coordinates to shift, leading to inconsistent boundaries. It’s true: GPS drift is natural and inherent in all GPS-based products. While some companies may hide or minimize this effect, SpotOn Fence tackles this issue head-on with patented GPS technology that has been proved and tested in field tests versus competitors. Our systems are designed to minimize signal interference and maintain precise boundary lines, ensuring reliable containment for your dog.
Shorter Battery Life:
Another concern revolves around the battery life of GPS pet fences. While it's true that these systems rely on rechargeable batteries, a fully charged SpotOn collar lasts 25+ hours if you use tracking and 35+ hours when you activate Extended Battery Life Mode. For those who use SpotOn without a tracking subscription, you'll receive 40+ hours on one charge. Plus, by following expert tips, you can learn how to maximize your SpotOn collar’s battery life with ease.
Limited Uses:
Some may hesitate to adopt GPS dog fences for smaller properties due to potential boundary line variations. However, SpotOn Fence's flexible design capabilities allow you to customize virtual fences of any shape or size. Whether you have a sprawling estate or a cozy backyard, our GPS technology adapts seamlessly to meet your containment needs. Cost Considerations: Cost can be a significant factor in choosing a GPS pet fence. While GPS fences are known for their premium pricing, SpotOn Fence offers unparalleled value when compared to other dog fencing options, especially for those with larger properties. Want to compare costs? Use the slider below to indicate how many acres you have, and we'll automatically calculate how much you can save when you choose SpotOn!
Cost Considerations:
Cost can be a significant factor in choosing a GPS pet fence. While GPS fences are known for their premium pricing, SpotOn Fence offers unparalleled value when compared to other dog fencing options, especially for those with larger properties.

Why is SpotOn the Most Accurate GPS Dog Fence?

As the original GPS dog fence, SpotOn has been testing, learning and optimizing dog containment since January 2019. Our multiple patents power SpotOn’s True Location™ technology which provides the most accurate GPS dog fence. Unlike other systems, this AI-enhanced GPS shows your dog’s true location, rather than relying on satellite data alone.

With SpotOn GPS Fence, your pup can roam free in all locations without you having to worry about checking for a good GPS signal before training or letting him loose — or having the boundaries fail once outside. SpotOn GPS fences and collars work to give your dog the freedom they need while keeping them safe and contained.

REVIEW: BEST GPS DOG FENCE REVEALED

In a review of three popular GPS dog fence options, dog experts at The Pampered Pup Dog experts at The Pampered Pup compared SpotOn versus the most common GPS dog fence options and shares the following:

“As someone who strapped these collars on my neck and tested them from a four-legged perspective, I feel pretty confident that the SpotOn GPS dog fence offers the best GPS dog fence technology out there.”

How does True Location™ technology make SpotOn the most accurate and reliable fence?

True Location™ technology enhances the effectiveness of SpotOn products, ensuring that our GPS dog collars and fences work seamlessly. Access to more constellations, combined with the GPS antenna’s quality and location, affects how many satellites can be connected at once. Better connection to more satellites means boundary accuracy and static correction are not impacted by cloudy weather or tree coverage. Your dog can freely move within the boundaries you set without being falsely corrected or not corrected at all.

Constant communication with more Satellites

SpotOn taps into 128 satellites across four global satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo & BeiDou).

ADVANCED ANTENNA/RECEIVER SYSTEM

This system, combined with SpotOn’s intelligent adjustment algorithms, pinpoint your dog’s location to typically within three feet and ignores GPS signals partially blocked by buildings or trees.

OPTIMAL ANTENNA PLACEMENT

GPS works best when it has an unobstructed view of the satellites. SpotOn’s antenna is set on the back of your dog’s neck where his body can’t block it, to maintain more accurate boundaries and a better overall connection.

POWERED BY GPS

The SpotOn collar uses GPS alone to create, activate and maintain fences. GPS is always available, everywhere (even in remote areas) so the signal will not get spotty.

BALANCES GPS DRIFT (A NATURAL SHIFT THAT OCCURS WITH ALL GPS PRODUCTS)

It auto-corrects your dog’s location, so his boundaries and his position are more accurate.

WORKS UNDER DENSE TREE COVER

SpotOn automatically adjusts to increase GPS sensitivity when the signal is inconsistent. This means that your fence boundaries are more reliable.

KNOWS THE DIRECTION YOUR DOG IS TRAVELING BASED ON PATENTED ALGORITHMS

It never issues a correction to a dog that has left his boundary and is on his way home.

Provides 1,500 fence posts for a more precise and CUSTOMIZABLE FENCE

More posts means more precise boundaries, and the ability to customize your fences to your property (and across water or tricky terrain). Plus, you can add Keep Out Zones to create off-limits areas within your fence.

How did we create the most accurate GPS dog fence?

SpotOn gathered a team of engineers that created GPS devices for the US military and applied that knowledge to invent the first GPS containment system for dogs that really works. We hold multiple patents, have been in the market since January 2019, and have thousands of dogs who rely on SpotOn. We have tested our GPS fence system with thousands of dogs, including independent livestock guardian dogs, rough and tumble farm dogs, and wandering suburban dogs. We’ve worked through challenges with durability, technology, and bugs to identify and resolve problems to deliver the best GPS dog containment experience.

But how do real-world dog owners feel?

An advanced, innovative, high-tech product is only as good as the user's experience. Technology can be intimidating for some and SpotOn's goal is to make its virtual fence and collar as easy-to-use and effective as possible.

Sadie Cornelius, a dog parent to a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and contributor at LoveYourDog.com, was impressed with how easy it was to get started with SpotOn.

“Overall the collar’s responsiveness and user experience are both excellent in my experience. After completing the detailed training program, I feel positive he’ll get the hang of the collar in no time, and am confident in the technology behind this product. I walked the perimeter of the park going around obstacles like benches and trees as I watched the app draw the fence in real-time. I was impressed at how detailed the fence line was, and I was eager to test the boundaries. It’s amazing how accurate the invisible fence lines were. When getting close to the “edge,” it makes a loud beep. As you get closer to the boundary, there is a two-tone alert. And if you cross the boundary, the collar vibrates.”

Getting Started with SpotOn

SpotOn Fence functions for 1/2 acre to 1000's of acres, so it is a great solution for large acreage. With our easy-to-use app, you can create virtual fences any size, any shape, and nearly anywhere! Try SpotOn and find out for yourself how effective SpotOn’s GPS fences really are!