PETSAFE PIF00-12917 stay and play Review

Sportdog Brand Yardtrainer 350

Looking for a way to keep your pet safe within the limits of your property?

If you don't want to invest in a regular fence or set up a bunch of wires underground, maybe an invisible wireless method is best suited for your needs.

Today we are covering in more detail a new model from PetSafe, a well-known brand in manufacturing dog containment systems. This particular model has some great features and really takes advantage of what these wireless systems are good at - versatility.

So let's see how well it did on our test.

​Specifications

  • Wireless fence system
  • ¾ of an acre range
  • Tone-only mode and 5 levels of static stimulation
  • Upgradable, supports multiple collars
  • Fast charging battery
  • Fits dogs with a neck size of 6-23 inches
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

PetSafe 2-Dog Stay and play Wireless – The Basics

Sportdog Brand Yardtrainer 350 – The Basics
Petsafe Stay and Play Fence Receiver – The Basics

This unit should be your pick if you're looking for a portable option that you can use at your home, but also take with you to different locations. The way it works is that it acts as a deterrent for your pet, limiting its movement, and keeping it safe inside the wanted area. It establishes a ¾ of an acre invisible boundary zone which can be adjusted to your preference, no wires are needed. It emits radio signals in a circular shape which could be challenging for owners with odd-shaped properties. You could overlap two wireless units if you have a large front yard and backyard and sort of solve this problem.

When your pet approaches the boundary line (2-3 feet before the line) the collar around his neck will give him a warning tone before sending a static simulation. There are 5 levels to choose from, we recommend starting from the lowest one until you find the optimal level that works for you.

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

PetSafe collars are generally great and super easy to use, this one, in particular, is very comfortable and will fit even smaller dogs. You could use the collar on a different strap, just make sure it's a 3/4 inch non-metallic one.

It comes with two sets of different sized contact points, and the manufacturer included a wrench as well so you can easily swap between them depending on the length of your dog's coat. There is an on/off button located on the collar, also an indicator light that shows the level of correction you've chosen and the remaining battery life. When placing the collar around your pet's neck you want to make sure you're getting the right fit. The collar should be snug and the contact points should be touching your dog's skin.

The wireless unit is lightweight and portable compared to some other products in the same category. All you have to do is plug it into your power outlet and adjust the size of the containment area using the dial placed on the bottom of the unit. We recommend mounting the device on your wall and making sure it's at least 3 feet away from any metal objects. While the battery backup for the wireless unit can be bought separately, it comes with a power loss alarm which lets you know if there is a power outage.

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.
Dog playing with tennis ball

The Battery

The collar features a fast charging battery that takes about 2-3 hours for a full recharge. The battery life was decent and lasted 2 weeks while we were testing it, this will depend on frequency of use of course. You might have to charge it more often If you have a stubborn dog that challenges the boundary line all the time.

There is an indicator light located on the collar that shows the remaining battery life. If the light is yellow your battery is at approximately 60 %. You should be removing the collar from your pet every night and only recharge it if the light starts blinking red. This way you will avoid having a negative effect on the battery. For more indicator light instructions refer to the user manual.

Setting up your wireless fence and training your dog

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.

In order to set up the containment area accordingly, we recommend using two people where, one is in the yard with the collar checking the boundary line, and the other at the wireless unit, adjusting the zone using the dial button. When you're satisfied with your containment zone, put boundary flags in the ground in order for your dog to have a visual idea where the border is. 

Dog running with collar

Training your pet should be easy. At the beginning use the tone-only mode and then slowly introduce the static simulation levels. We found that short and more frequent training sessions were more effective than longer ones. Patience is key and most importantly, don't forget to have fun with your furry friend.

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:

• Lightweight and portable
• Supports multiple collars at the same time
• Fast charging battery

• Can be used for dog breeds of all sizes

​​• Easy to use
​​• Affordable
​​• Good coverage
​• Easy to setup
​• Good build quality
​• Smooth correction levels
• Easy to use
• Affordable
• Good build quality

CONS:

• The price

• Non-adjustable circular perimeter

​​• Underwhelming battery
​• Batteries are built-in
​• No on/off switch
• Batteries don’t last long
• No OFF button

What We Liked about It

We really liked the versatility this system offers. Being lightweight and wireless, you can take it with you and adjust the radio signal zone accordingly, all you need is a power outlet and you're set. Also, it can handle multiple collars at the same time which is great if you own more than one pet. 

Having five levels of static simulation at your disposal is also great since you can use the system on lower levels and be sure that your smaller breed dog will stay safe and out of harm's way. Later on, when your pet is fully accustomed to the system, you'll be comfortable in using only the beep mode.

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

While the wireless method is more flexible, owning a yard that's narrow and has an odd shape is going to give you difficulties while adjusting the circular zone to your liking. If that's the case we would recommend getting an in-ground wired fence system, allowing your dog to take full advantage of your yard.

This unit comes with a hefty price tag, while it does offer nice features and variety, we still wish it was little more affordable. The inconsistency with the signal due to obstacles can be an annoyance so make sure to pick a good spot when placing your unit.


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


All in all, this is a great way to keep your pet safe and let them enjoy your yard as their own playpen. While it might not be the best product on the market, it will cover all the basic needs of an average dog owner. Also setting it up is very easy and can be done by virtually anyone. Don't forget to have patience while acclimating your dog to the containment zone, check out the "Setting up your wireless fence and training your dog" part of this article for more thorough instructions.

If you have any more questions you can contact PetSafe by calling their Customer Care Center or visiting their website at www.petsafe.net.

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.