RADIO WAVE ELECTRIC DOG FENCE SYSTEM review
Sportdog Brand Yardtrainer 350
If you have a canine escape artist in your household and a physical fence is out of the question, maybe it's time to consider an in-ground invisible dog fence.
You might ask yourself how much will a containment system like that set you back?
In order to answer your question, we would first have to ask - what is your budget? How many pets do you own? What is the size of your property? What kind of features would you prefer?
If you're not quite sure and just want something that does the job and is cost-efficient, then maybe this product we're reviewing today is the perfect choice for you.
Specifications
- In-ground invisible fence system
- Warning tone mode and static simulation
- Supports multiple collars
- Rechargeable and splash-resistant
- 1000 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
Radio Wave Electric Dog Fence System by FunAce – The Basics
Sportdog Brand Yardtrainer 350 – The Basics
Petsafe Stay and Play Fence Receiver – The Basics
In-ground fences offer great flexibility when it comes to setting them up in a custom layout that perfectly fits your yard. This model, in particular, is super easy to set up. The included user manual covers all the steps from opening the package to putting the collar around your pet's neck. It also features a training manual which will guide you through the process, giving amazing results in no time. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of reading these before you get started. The system supports an unlimited number of collars and doesn't experience any kind of signal interference issues.
It was also pretty reliable even with a number of obstacles located in the boundary zone. The transmitter comes with included wall mount screws so you can easily set it up. We recommend using the garage or any other well-ventilated area that you can connect with your wiring without too much hassle. The package comes with 1000 feet of standard 30 gauge wire which is an added bonus since most products feature far less. The collar features a tone mode which warns your pet before triggering the static shock. It is powered by a rechargeable battery so you won't have to worry about spending extra money for a while.
So the bottom line is - you don't have to be an experienced handyman or a professional dog trainer in order to get this system up and running and have your dog completely trained. The price tag on this unit is significantly lower than of its competitors, so if you're looking to try out an invisible dog fence but don't want to spend a lot - the FunAce Radio Wave Electric Dog Fence System is probably the way to go.
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 has decent build quality, definitely not the best on the market but it will get the job done. Unfortunately, the intensity of the static simulation is not adjustable which is probably the biggest downside to this system and limits the usability when considering different sized dogs. The nylon strap is adjustable but due to the intensity of the jolt, we would not recommend using this collar on dog breeds that weigh less than 10 pounds.
The transmitter is pretty standard. Mount it on a wall and adjust the distance settings by using the dial button. By turning the dial you fine tune the desired distance at which you want the collar to let your pet know he's out of bounds. We highly recommend using a surge protector between the electrical outlet and the transmitter for safety precautions. This way you will make sure to prevent any hazards in case of a power surge or a lightning strike.
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.
How it Works
The way an in-ground fence works is pretty simple and straightforward. When plugged in, the transmitter communicates with the wires that are spread in a custom layout around your yard. This way it establishes an invisible boundary which makes sure to keep your canine family member out of harm's way. Then the collar around your pet's neck detects the radio signal coming from the wires and emits a warning tone, followed by a static shock depending on the distance you've set beforehand.
Make sure to go through the training process with your dog and give it some time to get used to the boundary line. Training flags help as a visual aid, also positive reinforcement is recommended whenever your canine pal does well and withdraws from the boundary line.
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:
• Easy to setup
• Affordable price
• Supports multiple collars
• Easy to use
• Affordable
• Good coverage
• Easy to setup
• Good build quality
• Smooth correction levels
• Easy to use
• Affordable
• Good build quality
CONS:
• Included cord is not the best quality
• Static simulation intensity is not adjustable
• Underwhelming battery
• Batteries are built-in
• No on/off switch
• Batteries don’t last long
• No OFF button
"Bang for your buck" is the expression that comes to mind when describing this in-ground invisible dog fence. The price is great compared to other products on the market, but don't expect top of the line performance. Using this containment system for multiple pets is also possible since the transmitter supports an unlimited number of collars and won't be an expensive venture either.
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
30 gauge wire that comes with this unit is too thin and susceptible to breaking if not handled with caution. While we didn't experience any issues, other customers complained about several problems when burying the wire in their yard. If you own a bigger property we would definitely recommend buying a thicker cord that is more reliable when it comes to long wire runs.
The level of intensity of the static correction that the collar emits is not adjustable which limits its versatility and is impractical when considering smaller dog breeds. While the jolt is harmless and won't hurt your pet in any way, the idea is not to terrify your canine pal but rather just grab his attention.
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
The Radio Wave Electric Dog Fence System by FunAce is by no means a perfect product. Still, it gets the job done. Due to the ease of use and the price tag we gave it a rating of 4.1 out of 5 and would definitely recommend taking a look at this product if you're considering installing an in-ground system without investing too much time or funds.
You might be looking for a completely wireless option that is more portable; if that's the case, we got you covered, but expect to pay way more than you initially planned.
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.