Your dog management problems can be easily resolved with the help of portable dog fences, allowing her to safely roam a space off-leash.
We’ll outline some scenarios in which a portable dog fence may be useful, offer some tips for buying one, and list our top picks for products below.
Situations In Which A Portable Dog Fence Can Help
While traditional dog-proof fencing options that completely enclose your yard are ideal for dog care, most puppy parents find use for portable dog fences. In fact, they can make a lot of life’s experiences easier (and more enjoyable) for both you and your dog.
Common situations where a portable dog fence can help are:
- Traveling: A portable dog fence lets your dog roam freely without a lead wherever you are, including visiting family who don’t have a fence or traveling by car. This frequently translates into more frequent bathroom visits and more effective exercise.
- Moving: Maybe there isn’t a permanent fence around your new house, or maybe the one you have needs repair. In addition, it might not yet be puppy-proof, in which case your dog might try to eat anything she can get her mouth on off the floor. You can feel secure when you’re in a strange place thanks to a portable dog fence.
- Working/Relaxing/Entertaining Outdoors: Whether she has a habit of pleading for table scraps at barbecues or biting the hose when you’re watering the flowers, your dog occasionally needs her own space to stay out of trouble when you’re outside. She is able to remain outdoors and breathe in the fresh air thanks to a portable dog fence.
- Landscape Maintenance: Your dog won’t typically be allowed to explore the area for a set period of time if you maintain a lawn with grass seed and other treatments. This can be a hassle when it comes to potty breaks, but a portable fence can give her a place to go potty in the interim.
- Camping: While taking your dog on vacation is enjoyable, she occasionally needs some time off-leash to play in a secure setting. She is given this space with the help of a portable fence, which won’t disrupt your camping site or take up much space.
- Puppy Management: Keeping a new puppy safe from harm is part of life with her. She can be stopped from chewing on wires, rocks, and other dangerous objects around your house and yard with the help of a portable pet fence. This can also avoid accidental poisoning or choking. On a more positive note, some can help with indoor house training because your dog can’t get lost and poop under things that are hidden from view. In fact, one of the key lessons in our Puppy Raising Blueprint is having a safe puppy pen.
- Outdoor Potty Training: Using a temporary barrier in the desired location forces your dog to relieve herself there, creating a scent and habit that you want your dog to develop. When the pen is later taken away, she will be more likely to relieve herself there.
- Injury Recovery: Movement is constrained while recovering from surgery or an injury. A confined space keeps your dog from exerting herself excessively while still allowing her enough freedom to relieve herself outside without tripping over a leash.
- Separating Dogs: Giving two dogs some space while they get used to each other is possible with the aid of a portable fence. A portable fence can give multiple dogs some breathing room, regardless of whether your home dog dislikes dog visitors chewing her toys or if your adult dog needs a break from a new puppy. They work well for separating kids and dogs as well.
What Is The Operation Of A Wireless Invisible Dog Fence?
The invisible and wireless dog fence is typically used in conjunction with a collar that alerts the dog when they have left the designated area where they are allowed to roam by either giving them an electric shock or another signal.
When you set up the wireless and invisible dog fence system, a system that defines boundaries and lines that you designed controls how it works. Additionally, it has a receiver paired in your dog’s collar or collar attachment, as well as a monitoring and transmitting component built into the unit’s base.
A good invisible and wireless dog fence should ideally have a warning system that alerts the dog not to go past any set point. This warning system could take the form of a tone or vibration.
Are Invisible Dog Fences Effective?
Long-standing research in the field of behavior has shown that either internal or external stimuli can have an impact on a domestic dog’s behavior. The dog will quickly learn and adapt this behavior, making it less likely for them to stray outside of their designated invisible fence area, if we condition the dog enough to understand the difference between an external action that results in slight pain or irritation.
But you can’t give your dogs invisible dog fences and expect them to master it right away. There are a lot of exercises and training sessions required, particularly when using a wireless invisible fence for large dogs.
There will be exercises for the owners and the dogs before everything runs smoothly when owning and maintaining an invisible and wireless dog fence.
The 10 Best Portable Dog Fences
Basics Foldable Metal Dog & Pet Exercise Pen
Price: $35.69
Pros:
- Light and easy to transport
- Ground anchors included
- Best for small or toy dog breeds
- Two sets can be combined for bigger play space
Cons:
- Too light for large dogs
- Lower fences don’t have doors but a stepover panel
- May be too flimsy if it’s moved around a lot
A high-end containment for your dog is the Basics Foldable Metal Dog & Pet Exercise Pen. This sturdy portable fence will allow your dog to enjoy the outdoors while you go camping. This dog fence is simple to assemble, comes in any number of panels you desire (up to 8), and is ideal for taking on your adventure.
This rust-resistant best portable dog fence for camping has sturdy door latches that make it simple for your dog to enter and exit the enclosed area. Additionally, because this fence folds flat, it is simple to transport and store in the home, garage, or the trunk of the car. The j-shaped latch on this portable dog fence for RV camping prevents your dog from escaping. This temporary dog fence can be disastrous.
Paws And Pals Portable Camping Dog Fence
Price:$189.99
Pros:
- High-quality fence that is incredibly durable.
- robustly constructed for rust-resistant metal.
- 24 to 48 inches of height adjustment.
- 30 square feet or so on the inside.
Cons:
- None, as this is among the best products for a portable fence.
Owners of large dogs should consider the Paws and Pals dog fence for camping because it is not only incredibly sturdy but also fits an area of 30 square feet. For the purpose of preventing your pet from leaping over the top of the fence and escaping, it is offered in three different sizes and stands tall. Puppies are also prevented from escaping this camping fence by the half-inch wire.
It is simple to travel with, fold up, and set up this portable dog fence for camping. Setup takes a few minutes and requires no special tools. It is made of sturdy, rust-resistant metal that is built to last. Your dog will feel safe and secure with the help of this camping dog fence.
Bestpet Dog Extra Large Portable Dog Fence
Price: $95.99
Pros:
- Easy to put up or take down
- Extra kits can be added for a larger play-area
- Rust-resistant coating
Cons:
- May have some pointy wires – check carefully when assembling the first time
- Large dogs may be able to leap the panel
Step over door design may be hard for some to access
Any dog owner is aware that a temporary dog fence cannot take the place of a permanent one, but this BestPet Dog Pen is substantial in size and built well. You can quickly construct a nice-sized play area using the eight 38-inch-tall panels that come in the kit. It can be assembled in any shape that best suits your needs, whether square, rectangular, or octagonal, and multiple kits can be combined for a bigger space. The best portable dog fence is made of sturdy, rust-resistant metal, and neither assembly nor disassembly require the use of any tools. It can be easily stowed in a car or camper because it folds flat.
Maginels Pet Playpen For Small Dogs & Pets
Price: $59.99
Pros:
Especially good for smaller docile pets
Can be used as a barrier to protect furniture
Several kits can be combined for larger play-area
Cons:
- Not very solid
- Do not step over or lean on
- Adding zip-ties to secure the panels is a good idea
- Indoor use only
This lightweight, portable dog fence is not designed to contain a growing litter of adorable, boisterous puppies or even a small but active dog. However, it is ideal for keeping curious dog noses away from your Christmas tree or for controlling dog traffic, such as to block off the kitchen so you can prepare meals in peace. The 28-inch-tall by 20-inch-wide plastic and metal panels can be combined to form a wide range of imaginative shapes. The top and bottom portions of the panel connect with tiny plastic caps, making it simple to raise the pen.
Zampa Portable Dog Popup Nylon Playpen
Price: $39.95
Pros:
- Comes with carrying case
- Works indoors and outdoors equally well
- Weather resistant – a brief shower will not hurt it
Cons:
- For small dogs only
- Fabric may rip or tear
- Only suitabel for toy breeds
Therefore, this best portable dog fence is a little different: there are no bulky metal panels here, and it requires no assembly because it just pops up. This is the best option if you go camping with a smaller dog and need a secure location to keep it outside of your tent or camper. The Zampa Portable Dog & Pet Pen is made of nylon and has a solid bottom so there won’t be any muddy paws (!!) and it’s weather-resistant and super easy for travel use. It is available in four stylish colors, including light pink for the princess dog in your life, and has an open design with lots of ventilation panels. Due to its ability to be set up inside and the fact that it measures 36 inches in diameter and 24 inches tall, it is also ideal for small dogs who stay in hotel rooms. comes with a carrying case, so you can use it right away.
Giantex 48-inch Dog Playpen For Tall Dogs
Price: $319.99
Pros:
- Metal panels have rounded edges
- Two doors for easy access
- Put up and takedown without using tools
- Very sturdy design
- Can be used outdoors and is rust-resistant
Cons:
- The doors are narrow
- Not so stable on uneven ground
- Best suited to stay in one place for longer time preriods
Owners of big dogs are all too familiar with the challenges they bring: how to find a bed that’s big enough, how to fit them in the car or find a cute collar, or even a raincoat. The Giantex 48 Inch Dog Playpen appears to fit the bill as we looked for a reliable portable dog fence for taller dogs. It is a favorite among campers who have large dogs because it is very sturdy and of high quality, and the kits come with either 40-inch tall panels or 48-inch tall panels.
The best portable dog fence is made entirely of rounded, rust-resistant steel, and it’s very simple to set up without the use of any tools. It can either be set up as a run outside your camper or has two doors that are easy to access. Larger, well-trained dogs who won’t try to jump the fence will be kept in place.
Iris 34 Inch Dog & Pet Plastic Playpen
Price: $129.99
Pros:
- Non-skid Rubber Pads Protect Flooring
- Two models: with our without a door
- Panels are 34 inches tall and more kits can be easily added
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Should be secured to the ground when used outside
- Plastic may be prone to chewing
- Large dogs may be able to push this around
This lightweight, heavy-duty molded plastic portable dog fence and playpen is guaranteed to last forever and will never rust. The modern style blends well in any setting, and it is offered in two variations—one with and one without a door—the latter of which is the most durable. It is simple to match your decor if you use it inside. The panels are strong but lightweight, and they interlock all the way to the ground, preventing any openings for pups to get out of. The rubber pads that protect the bottom of the panels prevent them from sliding around and scratching your wood floors. Eight panels can be made with one kit, and a second kit can be added on easily. This playpen is spacious because each panel is 24 inches wide.
Dreambaby Retractable Nylon Mesh Gate For Indoor & Outdoor Use
Price: $65.87
Pros:
- Two sets of hardware included for mounting in two locations
- Very sturdy mesh fabric
- Easty to clean
- Can be used outside for instacne to secure deck
- opening
Cons:
- Must be mounted on wall
- At 35 inches tall some dogs may jump it
- Can’t be used without hardware installation
Therefore, perhaps all you need is a gate to keep Bowser and his begging ways outside the dining room while dinner is being served instead of a sizable playpen. In this case, a baby gate is the ideal solution, and the sturdy Dreambaby Retractable Gate is an excellent choice. It’s made of plastic and metal and comes in gray or black. The great thing about this one is that you can use the same gate in two different locations because it comes with two sets of installation hardware. Even if your dog decides to jump up on it, the mesh of this best portable dog fence is incredibly strong and lightweight. The gate can be opened with one hand once it has been mounted to a wall or doorframe; this gate option is very well made.
Freestanding Four-Panel Wooden Dog Fence
Price: $69.99
Pros:
- Free standing – no holes in your walls
- Easy open and close gate included
- Secure support feet that will not scratch flooring
Cons:
- Indoor use only
- Free standing so can be pushed aside
- Bars may be too far apart for very small pets
If you need an indoor portable dog fence and you want something nice, here is a cool and fashionable solution. Four wood panels make up this free-standing dog fence. The wood stain is completely safe and environmentally friendly, and it is 31.5 inches tall in case Fido decides to start chewing his way out. The fence is incredibly stable in a Z or a C shape because the panels are free-standing and include two supporting feet. You won’t ever forget to lock it behind you because one panel has a walk-through door with a suspension latch. A restricted one-year warranty from the manufacturer is included with this roll-up dog fence.
Cumbor 43.3 Inch Metal Dog & Baby Gate
Price: $108.24
Pros:
- Tension fit in most standard doorways
- Bars are close enough that dog can’t wiggle through
- Solid construction for larger dogs
Cons:
- Gate does not fit a space between 35 inches and 37.8 inches
- Works best in even door frames – measure both top and bottom
- Lock takes some time to get used to
If all you need is a dog gate inside your home, here is another choice. One of its best features is that it automatically closes so you never forget to close the gate. This one swings open like a typical fence gate. It’s fantastic for stairways, deck openings, and door openings outdoors. Due to the tension rods that are already built into it, it is made of high-quality metal that is also lightweight. When necessary, the gate is very simple to remove. Even the most boisterous dog cannot accidentally unlock the lock because it is a two-point pressure lock. It’s ideal for protecting your dog from harsh chemicals in the garage or laundry room.
FAQs Of Portable Dog Fences
Why Does My Dog Keep Attempting To Flee?
Let’s face it, some dogs are destined to roam. They have never encountered a fence, lock, or yard they didn’t want to scale, pick, or otherwise gain access to. Life can be a little challenging for you and your dog if you have one of these adorable escape artists living in your home.
It should go without saying that scaping is risky for your dog. She might run into traffic, get into a fight with another dog, or decide to take a ride in a stranger’s car. The possibilities are endless, and the sad results could be devastating. Therefore, wherever you are, you should always make sure that your dog is securely confined behind a fence when she is not wearing a leash.
The Humane Society of the United States gives a long list of reasons why your dog may roam – or turn into a hairy Houdini as they call it – and some reasons are perfectly preventable:
Make sure your dog gets enough exercise by taking her for several daily walks. Just letting her run around in the backyard is insufficient.
Because dogs are pack animals, they bond with their owners while walking together, and going on lots of walks together will strengthen your relationship with your dog. Keep you both in shape as well.
How Important Is It To Spay And Neuter Pets?
Spaying or neutering your dog is always a good idea because it is a quick, easy procedure that also reduces your dog’s desire to roam because they just sort of forget about the whole reproduction thing and are much easier to live with.
When Is A Portable Dog Fence And Kennel Required?
If you frequently travel and like to bring your dog along, portable dog fences or panels are a great solution. Some are simple to set up indoors, such as in your canine-friendly hotel room, and they pack compactly so you can transport them in your car. They might also make camping trips much simpler because you won’t have to keep your dog on a leash constantly.
Before making a significant purchase, do some research to determine your needs. If you never go camping, don’t get an outdoor fence, and if you want an indoor solution, be sure to measure every opening you want to close.
The right portable panels or roll-up fence will make all the difference in ensuring the safety of your dog and your peace of mind.
How To Choose The Right Outdoor Fence For Your Dog
You would never consider leaving your dog at home while you go on an outdoor adventure because camping with them is a bonding experience. Numerous pet owners frequently bring their dogs along on enjoyable and exciting camping trips.
Whenever you go camping with your dog, keep in mind that they have specific requirements, including access to plenty of fresh water, food, toys, and blankets. A portable dog fence is also very important.
Dogs must typically be kept on a leash at all times, or secured inside an RV or tent. You cannot go camping with your dog alone. Thus, maintaining their protection, safety, and health is of utmost importance. An excellent way to keep your dog contained in one area so they won’t wander off is with a camping dog fence.
You can continue to abide by the campground rules and keep your dog contained and by your side at all times if you install a dog fence. To keep your pet safe and secure and still allow them to enjoy the outdoors, you can install a fence from the options on the list above.
When you need to prepare food, light a fire, or grill, a portable dog fence for camping is ideal. It allows you to concentrate while cooking some camp meals while keeping your pet safely away from the flames.
Consider the terrain of the campground where the dog fence will be placed when selecting the best option for your pet. While campgrounds, where tents are pitched, are a great place to use a dog fence with a similar installation design that requires poles to be placed in the ground for security, if you typically camp in an RV, chances are there is a cement or flat surface to set the fence on.
Your dog’s height will determine the fence’s dimensions. Measure your dog from the top of their head to the tip of their paw, and then from the tip of their nose to the end of their tail. These two measurements will provide you with the bare minimum required for the size of a dog fence for camping.
In general, you want to purchase a portable dog fence for camping that has plenty of panels that you can add or remove so you can alter the size and shape to suit the particular grounds. Since you can’t predict how each campsite will be, it’s best to choose the most panels possible so you can easily adapt to the surroundings without worrying.
The amount of assembly required should be taken into account when selecting a dog fence for camping. Numerous items on the list are lightweight, strong, and long-lasting designs that you can use for many years to come.
Once you get home, most dog fences can be used inside as well. For your dog to stay secure at home and while camping, a dual-purpose dog fence is a necessity.
Does your dog require lots of room to run around in? If a dog feels trapped or bored, they may become restless and attempt to leave the fenced-in area. Ample space for your dog to move around, eat, drink water, and play with toys should be provided by your portable camping dog fence. Make sure there is enough space for both of your dogs to live comfortably together if you have more than one.
The tall dog fence design with latches and locks is the best option if your dog enjoys escaping from their enclosed space. Bear in mind that wild animals may be dangerous to your dog in some campgrounds. Choose the covered fence and playpen option from the list to ensure your dog’s safety if you have a small toy breed that could be preyed upon by wild animals.
What Does A Invisible Dog Fence Cost?
Any wireless dog fence system seems somewhat pricey given the amount of technology it incorporates. What is the price of an invisible dog fence? Depends on what you consider to be expensive, I suppose. Depending on the number of dogs it must track and the area, an effectively invisible dog fence could cost anywhere from $100 to more or less $500.
How Should I Teach My Dog To Use An Invisible Fence?
Naturally playful animals are dogs. Being canines, they would undoubtedly be running around the edges of the earth without any boundaries, and this innocent playfulness of dogs could result in tragic accidents that harm your dogs or other people.
Thanks to invisible fences, you can fool your dogs into thinking they have complete freedom to go wherever they want without being constrained while actually protecting them with these fences. Since invisible fences cannot be seen, they require a lot more patience, time, and effort on the part of dog owners to train their dogs to feel secure inside their boundaries as opposed to conventional fences, which are visible to the naked eye of anyone who can see. Due to the fact that invisible fences cannot be used to contain dogs, signals are usually sent to their collars via radio to stimulate them. Even though your pets may eventually find this comfortable, it would take time and effort on your part and theirs to get used to this restriction.
How Is A Dog Fence That Is Invisible Installed?
An underground or buried wire or system that detects your dog’s location via the collar and sends the appropriate signal when it notices the dog has moved to pass its designated area is the typical component of an invisible and wireless dog fence. The amount of text required to fully describe the process would be excessive. Most dog owners are deterred from purchasing wireless dog fences by the difficulty of installation. This is the reason I switched to Halo 2’s virtual fence solution.
For those who do not have much time to replay videos, such as dog owners or mobile users. Here, I’ll demonstrate how to set up the technology for an invisible dog fence. You can simply read this, or better yet, print it out and highlight or encircle the text for quick access.
Two different kinds of invisible dog fences exist before we move on. These are both wireless and wired.
- Wired: On the area where you want your dog to stay, you will dig and partially bury the dog fence wire underground. The benefit of a wired fence is that you can customize the wire to fit the shape of your lot, depending on your lot’s dimensions. If you want to make the process easier, you can tape the wire to the fence, but this may make it more likely for animals or strong winds to rip it out of the ground or remove it altogether. A moving mower could tangle up wires.
- Wireless: There won’t be a real fence put up. Transmitters will simply be placed on your lawn. Although convenient, the strong winds could cause transmitters to become lost or cease to function over time. Not adaptable to the location where you really wanted to place the pet containment.
Whether wired or not, here are the tips on how you install the invisible dog fence:
#1 Measure Your Backyard
How long should your wire be, in your opinion? How big or how little is your dog’s freedom area? Plan where to put the wires or transmitters by sketching a blueprint or just outlining your dog’s location on a piece of paper.
Consider purchasing twisted wires so that your dog can pass through certain areas without being stimulated by his dog collar.
#2 Choose A Thick Wire And Get A Power Backup
A lower gauge indicates thicker wire, regardless of the brand you purchase. To make the dog security fence last longer and prevent the need to dig up and replace the wires again, purchase professional-quality or graded wire. You can estimate your wire to be 1/3 acre = 500 feet since you already know the dimensions and basic perimeter of your outdoor dog play area. to 25 acres = 5000 ft. long.
A surge protector is necessary to ensure that your dog’s invisible fence will last longer during power surges brought on by lightning storms or power outages. Power surges can harm your transmitters and the actual product.
Dog invisible fences can also be used with UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply), which is also used for desktop computer power backup. Imagine that the power goes out and your dog is still outside; he might run away and not arrive home on time. To be able to control and train your dog around the clock, you must have UPS.
#3 Bury The Wire, Test The Dog Collar, And Mark It
Use gardening tools to dig a trench or garden area that is at least 3-5 inches deep, then bury the wire to create an invisible dog fence. A strip test or other test kit that comes with the product should be used to check the wire before burying it, and the product should be tested once more after burying. Get a dog collar if you don’t already have one, then turn on the product to see if the collar blinks. The wires should be mounted on a PVC pipe before being buried for better installation.
We would recommend watching this amazing video from “The Handyguys”, where they amazingly explained everything you need to know about wireless dog fence installation.
- A thicker wire is required to install the wire above the ground and on the fences in order to prevent electric shocks and burns.
- Use tools or screwdrivers to remove the debris from the joints of concrete floors. Place the wire and caulk it to seal it.
- You can install the wire on driveways by making a good crack in the surface with a saw blade.
- You can mount the transmitters to the walls or plant them on the ground to create a wireless invisible dog fence.
- Put flags, signs, or any other markers where the wires or transmitters are located after installation so you won’t have trouble checking the wires again.
- The most practical way to watch over and protect your dog while attending to other important tasks is to invest in a dog fence.
Conclusion
In addition to offering your dog a secure, enclosed space while you’re camping, a portable dog fence also offers them some protection from potential predators. A camping dog fence will also enable your dog to enjoy some fresh air outside rather than being chained to a tree or confined to the tent. You have access to a large selection of portable dog fences for camping. Personally, I would choose a sturdy metal one to prevent the dog from moving it and escaping.