Petsafe Pawz Away Indoor Pet Barrier Review

Sportdog Brand Yardtrainer 350
PetSafe Pawz Away Indoor Pet Barrier for Dogs

Our pets represent a huge part of our family and we absolutely love sharing our private space with them. However, we often want to exclude some parts of the house and make them pet-free for various reasons. One would be to keep our pets out of harm's way - another valid reason would be that you don't want to find a "gift" your faithful companion left you on your brand new 3000 $ couch.

If any of these reasons concern you maybe you could find some peace of mind and create a safer environment for you and your restless animals by getting an indoor pet-proofing system.

Today we are reviewing a collar from a well-known manufacturer that is a regular on our lists of best pet products. Let's see if this particular model meets the high standards PetSafe Brand set.

Specifications

  • Indoor system
  • Fits neck sizes from 6 to 28 inches
  • Comes with a wireless transmitter
  • Effective on pets that weigh 5 pounds and above
  • Tone mode followed by a progressive static simulation
  • Powered by 2x PetSafe RFA-35-11 batteries
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 Pawz Away Collar – The Basics

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

If you're in the market for an indoor system and want to keep your pesky pooch away from your favorite chair - then the PetSafe Pawz Away Collar is your greatest ally. Unlike other dog collars and containment systems that are designed to keep your pet in your yard, this particular model acts as a barrier which discourages your pet from entering certain zones, effectively keeping them outside. Its main purpose is to be used indoors so problem areas such as trash cans, furniture, counters will be off-limits for your overcurious pet.

The collar comes with a wireless/cordless(powered by batteries) transmitter that establishes an adjustable circular barrier. The circular barrier can cover up to 5 feet in each direction. If your pet enters the unwanted zone while wearing the collar around his neck, he will hear an audible beep as a warning sign. The tone is followed by a progressive static simulation which gradually increases in intensity until your pet leaves the undesired area.

The system is absolutely harmless and features a safety shut-off that stops the collar from emitting electrical jolts after 15 seconds. The collar strap is highly adjustable and can fit neck sizes from 6 to 28 inches. The unit should be effective both on dogs and cats, but make sure they weigh at least 5 pounds so that the correction intensity wouldn't be too disturbing for them. The idea is to grab their attention and let them know that the area is off-limits.

Training your pet is fairly easy and most of them figure it out in no time. Place the receiver in the desired spot and try it out a few times. Don't forget to use positive reinforcement and give your clever pupil a treat every time he leaves the forbidden area.

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 features a pretty basic design that is perfectly sized and will sit conveniently around your pet's neck. The nylon strap is highly adjustable and has a quick release buckle which makes it super easy to put on and take off in a matter of seconds. Both the collar and the receiver are waterproof so you won't have to worry about the occasional splash or dash of water. The transmitter is pretty straightforward having only two buttons which are used to adjust the range of the circular barrier.

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.
Pet Proofing for Cats and Dogs

The Battery

Both the collar and the receiver use replaceable batteries. The 2x PetSafe RFA-35-11 are 3-Volt Lithium coin cell batteries and they come included with the collar. The battery life is decent and can last up to 3 months with moderate use. The transmitter is powered up by 3x standard AA batteries that are not included in the package. You can buy these at pretty much any local store in the neighborhood, but we recommend getting rechargeable ones so you will end up saving money in the long-run.

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:

• Fast setup, no wires required
• Portable, can be used anywhere
• Great price

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

CONS:

• Very limited range

• Not compatible with other PetSafe products

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

What We Liked about It

While it is a somewhat specialized collar, it's pretty good at what it does. The entire collar and the transmitter communicate wirelessly and they are both cordless so you can practically use them right of the box, just put in the batteries and you're set. The user manual is there if you have any queries.

The price is great, definitely fits into the category of the more affordable models we reviewed int the past.

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 cordless transmitter is very portable and gives you the option to move it around as you please, you are still limited to 5 feet of range at best. While this should be sufficient for a couch or a trashcan, don't expect it to cover an entire room.

PetSafe, being a company that is a household name in the dog containment system industry, is well known for its plethora of products being compatible with each other. It has various products on the market and you might even be an owner of one of them. Unfortunately, the Pawz Away Collar only works with a few. Besides the Pawz Away series, the collar is compatible with the YardMax Rechargeable In-Ground Fence. This kind of limits its usefulness if you were counting on using it with your existing fence 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


Overall the PetSafe Pawz Away Indoor Pet Barrier works as advertised and is effective at pinpointing small avoidance areas in your home. It's affordable so you can consider buying more units and cover an even larger area or maybe put them in separate rooms if you live in a bigger house.

Make sure to read the instruction manual and set aside some time to introduce your pet to the barrier. Your dog or cat will quickly learn to recognize the tone as a warning sign and will clearly know they are out of bounds without the need for a static correction.

Remember, this is a pet proofing device, it works opposite to a containment system. If you're looking to get something to keep your dog in your yard we recommend taking a look here.

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.