Friendly Pet Products Wireless Dog Fence Review
Sportdog Brand Yardtrainer 350
Your dog ended up in the neighbor's yard for the fifth time this month and no matter what you do he always finds new creative ways to escape your yard. It's time you think about getting a containment system that will keep your daredevil from wandering off and potentially getting hurt.
In-ground wired systems offer some advantages compared other methods and are completely customizable to your yard layout. While initially, these systems require you to invest some effort into setting them up, the wires are usually buried shallowly so it's fairly easy and won't cost you a lot of time.
Today we are looking into a product that is by no means perfect, but it managed to end up on our list of top rated invisible long-range dog fences.
So let's see how well it performs...
Specifications
- In-ground system
- 5 levels of static simulation and a warning tone
- Supports multiple collars
- Collars use a standard non-rechargeable 9V battery
- 500 ft cord included
Collar fits dogs that weigh 8 pounds or more
5 -22 inches neck size
Eight levels of static stimulation and tone-only mode
Waterproof and submersible
300 yards of range
Fits neck sizes 6-23 inch
Compatible with PetSafe PIF-300 wireless fence
Fits dogs weighing 5 pounds or more
Five levels of correction as well as a tone-only mode
Rechargeable batteries
In-ground system
Waterproof collar
Four levels of stimulation plus vibration
Utilizes a conventional 9V battery
Low battery indicator light
System supports multiple collars
Friendly Pet Products Wireless Dog Containment System – The Basics
Sportdog Brand Yardtrainer 350 – The Basics
Petsafe Stay and Play Fence Receiver – The Basics
This is a fast setup, in-ground wireless dog containment system. Wireless implying that it utilizes a transmitter that communicates wirelessly with the collar on your dog's neck while the underground wires are placed beforehand to determine the boundary line. It's going to do wonders if you have an energetic dog that loves chasing those cute little squirrels. It's very easy to install and the manufacturer includes a quick start guide that shows you some of the layouts and a huge instruction guide that explains in detail how the system works. The package comes with an included collar but you can expand and buy additional ones which makes this system great if you own more than one dog.
The included cord is 500ft long which is enough to cover a property the size of 1/3 of an acre, but you could always add more, expanding even to 5 acres using just one transmitter. The main benefit of having an invisible fence that utilizes the in-ground wire method is the fact that you can tailor the boundary zone to your liking. This will be especially great for rectangular- or square-shaped properties.
We recommend getting this unit if you own a medium- to large-sized dog breed because of the level of intensity (even on low levels the jolt is pretty strong) and the size of the collar.
This particular model is designed for owners with particularly stubborn and feisty pets. Now, that doesn’t mean you can’t use it on dogs without behavioral issues, but the sole purpose of it is to deliver a somewhat uncomfortable static signal which is responsible for toning your pet’s behavior down.
As you can tell, it has eight levels of correction. Most other models on the market usually don’t have more than four or five. Those three more levels are what makes this collar so effective when restless pets are in question. The 300 yards of range gives you more than enough time to react properly if something goes wrong. In other words, you can rest assured that it won’t go out of signal range before you press any of the buttons on the controller.
The first thing you need to know is that this isn’t a fully functional system but a collar. That means it won’t work without a proper transmitter. In this case, if you have the PetSafe PIF-300 system already installed, this particular collar won’t have any issues when synchronization is in question.
This model offers five different levels of static correction and a tone-only mode for training. Five levels offer more than enough variety for you to fine-tune the unit and find the one that doesn’t over-stimulate your pet. It fits on any breed as long as they weigh more than five pounds. Therefore, if you own a particularly small breed, you might want to look for something with less correctional intensity.
The batteries are rechargeable, and the charger is included with the unit. You have the choice of buying the collar without the charger, but do that only if you already own one. In case this is your first PetSafe product, we recommend buying the whole set in order to avoid unpleasant surprises and additional costs.
The Features
The Design
The collar that comes with the Friendly Pet Products Platinum Pet Fence is what we like to call a stubborn dog's collar. The receiver is bulky, has 2 large contact points and a nylon strap. The collar fits great on medium- to large-sized dogs, but we would not recommend using them on a smaller breed. Not the most comfortable collars out there, but definitely not a deal breaker.
The wireless unit is pretty straightforward. It has an indicator light that notifies you that everything is working as intended. It comes with everything you need to mount it on the wall, just make sure there are no metal objects in the proximity.
The collar is pretty neatly designed. The biggest upside of it is the fact that it isn’t bulky or cumbersome. That being said, we did find the two contact points on the collar a bit peculiar and invasive, but it’s not a massive concern as it is more of a matter of your pet getting used to it. The on/off button might not seem like a big deal, but many other models simply don’t feature one. When you have a battery powered gadget, an on/off button is of utmost importance when it comes to efficiency and energy saving.
The transmitter works well and it’s quite easy to get the hang of it. It features two buttons of which one sends a short-timed signal whereas the other sends a continuous signal. On top of that, you can choose between eight different levels or even select the tone-only mode if you’re just getting started. Keep in mind that you need to find the optimal level of correction as soon as possible because not all dogs react the same to respective impulses.
The Battery
Probably the biggest downside to this product is the battery. It utilizes a standard non-rechargeable 9V battery that goes flat in about a week, even less if you don't turn the collar off every night(which you should be doing anyway). To make things worse, when you actually want to turn the power off it makes the same warning tone it usually does when your dog is in the proximity of the boundary line making the whole process kind of frustrating for your canine pal.
Replacing the battery every week or so will put a strain on your wallet so the solution we recommend is buying some rechargeable ones and rotating them every few days. This way you will save money and also make sure that you always have a full battery inside the collar since it doesn't have an indicator light to tell you if it's on low power.
This model features rechargeable NiMH batteries that last about 40-60 hours per charge. The biggest complaint most people have is the fact that this model does not feature Li-Ion batteries which are more efficient and offer better performance.
Both the collar and receiver feature a low-battery indicator and can be charged at the same time thanks to the included split-end charger. Make sure to keep them charged at all times and you shouldn’t run into any major issues.
While many people consider this feature pretty irrelevant, the difference between rechargeable and switchable batteries does exist and it’s worth mentioning. As far as the advantages go, the biggest one is the fact that you don’t have to stack on batteries and plan ahead. Instead, all you have to do is plug it into the charger and let it recharge. The cycle lasts only about two or three hours, meaning there isn’t much downtime in the first place.
The drawback of this system is that the battery is built-in. In other words, if anything happens to the battery itself, the whole unit becomes more or less worthless. Luckily, these batteries aren’t prone to failing and breaking often.
The correction levels are excellent. The difference between levels isn’t massive which allows you to adjust the collar quite precisely. Furthermore, if you don’t want to use the correction system right away, there is a tone-only mode which is designed to help your pet get used to wearing and using its new accessory. The fact that everything is wireless makes this model perfect for parks, camping, RVs, and etcetera.
One of the great features is the vibration mode. It allows the owner to train their pet without having to use the electric stimulation. It helps you to gradually train your faithful companion instead of making you use progressive methods immediately.
Other features
While most pet collars look pretty similar to each other, some crucial differences need to be pointed out. As far as the advantages go, the biggest one is the build quality. One can easily tell that this unit is made to last, even in case you have a particularly feisty furry friend. The gadget isn’t too bulky or cumbersome, but it’s not the most comfortable thing on the market either. The collar features a plastic clip which does its job relatively well.
The system box is pretty straightforward, and there’s not much more to it. It comes with an adapter which can be a nuisance for some people due to its somewhat short wire. Therefore, make sure you plan the positioning thoroughly and install the box near an electric outlet to avoid issues with the length of the adapter wires.
While most pet collars look pretty similar to each other, some crucial differences need to be pointed out. As far as the advantages go, the biggest one is the build quality. One can easily tell that this unit is made to last, even in case you have a particularly feisty furry friend. The gadget isn’t too bulky or cumbersome, but it’s not the most comfortable thing on the market either. The collar features a plastic clip which does its job relatively well.
The system box is pretty straightforward, and there’s not much more to it. It comes with an adapter which can be a nuisance for some people due to its somewhat short wire. Therefore, make sure you plan the positioning thoroughly and install the box near an electric outlet to avoid issues with the length of the adapter wires.
PROS:
• Good investment
• Huge range if you buy additional wire
• Can support multiple dogs with waterproof collars
• Easy to use
• Affordable
• Good coverage
• Easy to setup
• Good build quality
• Smooth correction levels
• Easy to use
• Affordable
• Good build quality
CONS:
• Battery life
• Bulky collar is not fit for smaller dogs
• Underwhelming battery
• Batteries are built-in
• No on/off switch
• Batteries don’t last long
• No OFF button
While some cordless systems offer more versatility and are portable, you're stuck with that circular boundary that just won't cut it for most properties. We can all agree that having an in-ground system is a huge advantage, allowing you to precisely blueprint your perimeter layout and we are definitely a fan of this. Also, it's much more affordable compared to products that utilize the cordless method.
As long as you put in the time and effort to train your pet, you will absolutely love this product. Remember to put flags 5 to 10 feet apart along the line you buried the cord. This will help you and your pet with the training process tremendously, giving a visual cue where the boundary line is. The flags are included in the package.
The best thing about this particular model is its portability. In other words, you don’t have to set up any invisible fences or hassle with miniature flags. All you have to do is put the collar on your pet and start the training. Also, the user manual is well-written, and it contains quite a bit of useful information on how to start the training process if you’re a complete novice.
The other thing we liked is the price. Many people expect it to be more expensive than the wireless containment system, but it’s not. In fact, it comes at an affordable price meaning that most pet owners can indeed plan on investing in such a gadget without having to think about their budget too much. However, it may not be as versatile as some containment systems that are available on the market nowadays.
The overall versatility and build quality are the things that we liked the most. In the sea of cheap and underwhelming dog collars, this stands out as one that’s worth investing in. As we already said, if you own the PIF-300 system, this particular unit is one of your safest bets.
The fact that it’s very easy to use makes it ideal for beginners and inexperienced pet owners. It’s also an affordable piece in comparison to some other models that offer similar capabilities and features. It isn’t the best thing on the market, but it’s certainly a piece that’s worth checking out.
People who are searching for high portability combined with great efficiency should find this collar interesting, to say the least.
What We didn’t Like
What We didn’t Like
Like we already mentioned, the battery is the biggest downside to this product. If the manufacturer included a charger and an internal rechargeable battery this product would be almost perfect. Also, the build quality of the collar could be better, and the size of the receiver limits it's reliability if you are planning to use it on a smaller dog.
The system works great as long as you understand it's drawbacks, we were generally happy with it and had no problems whatsoever. Make sure to go through the Step-by-step instruction manual before setting it up, also you can always contact their customer service for further questions.
The batteries are probably the weakest point of this product. While they aren’t bad per se, the engineers could have implemented Li-Ion batteries without a problem. The included ones may be considered obsolete and subpar in comparison to Li-Ion. While 40-60 hours seems long and sufficient, you may run into battery issues occasionally.
The other thing a lot of users complained about is the inconsistency of the signal. In other words, if you select the level seven, the device might output a level four signal. It’s not a frequent occurrence, but it can happen. If you’re worried about consistency, consider checking some other models out, this one might give you troubles in the long run.
The battery is okay, but the fact that it cannot be changed might be a deal-breaker for some people. The recharging cycle doesn’t last long, but it can catch you off-guard. However, there is a low-battery LED light on the collar, meaning you should keep an eye on the levels.
The pet area cannot be changed into a square or rectangular shape. While this is usually typical for most wireless containment systems, it’s still worth mentioning. If you have anything against a circular shape of the area of effect, you might want to look into wired units as they offer more adjustability.
The lack of the OFF button is a major issue for many pet owners. Even though the process of changing the batteries is incredibly simple, it’s not uncommon for people to forget about it. That means you’ll have to go to the nearest store in case you forgot to stack on batteries the last time you were shopping.
As we already said, this fence does not come with wire included. While it’s clearly stated in the description, you would be surprised by the number of people that oversee it. Therefore, if you don’t have wiring installed in the yard, make sure you purchase it separately.
Conclusion
Overall we gave this product a 3.5/5 because of its main drawbacks.
Would we still recommend spending your time and money on it? Absolutely yes.
While flawed, it still does a great job and works as advertised. The manufacturer even offers a lifetime guarantee. Considering the range you can potentially get from this unit just by using one transmitter, the flexibility you gain with an in-ground system and the simple setup makes it a
solid purchase. It's a great way to keep your pet safe and sound inside the limits of your property and will give you a much-needed piece of mind if you own an adventurous dog that
The Yardtrainer 350 is a decent remote trainer; there is no question about that. Is it the best one on the market? It certainly isn’t. Is it worth checking it out? Yes, it definitely is. In the end, it all comes down to your requirements and preferences. If its features and capabilities fit your idea of a perfect dog trainer, don’t hesitate to give it a chance. On the other hand, there are plenty of other models to choose from.
As far as the advantages go, the biggest one is its ease of use. If you’re an absolute beginner, this model won’t be much of a challenge thanks to its simplistic concept. As for the downsides, the battery and signal inconsistency should be your primary concerns.
This collar is a universal answer for most of your problems. If you have a feisty or disobedient pet, the Stay and Play Fence Receiver can help you when it comes to behavioral corrections. On the other hand, you have to be prepared for trials and errors because nothing happens overnight, especially when it comes to radical changes.
Beginners and inexperienced owners love the ease of use and simplicity of this unit. On the other hand, people who already trained their pets usually look for something with more features. In the end, it all comes down to your needs and preferences. As far as we are concerned, it’s definitely worth checking it out.
If you’re looking for a long-term solution when it comes to training your pet and correcting their behavior, an invisible fence is one of your safest bets. Now, make sure you fully understand your possibilities and responsibilities towards your furry friend. These things can easily become an instrument of abuse if you don’t use them correctly. That doesn’t always mean it’s the owner’s fault, but it does correlate with owner’s ignorance or lack of experience.
As far as your budget goes, you won’t damage it too much. As we said earlier, these fences aren’t cheap but are certainly a good investment, especially if you own a problematic dog. Many people spend hundreds of dollars on professional trainers, and they don’t always guarantee success. This way, you can take a role of a trainer even if you don’t have any experience, and train your pet according to your own preferences. It does take a bit of effort and time, but it definitely pays out in the end.