SpotOn GPS Fence Review: Will This Advanced Wireless Technology Keep Your Dog Contained?

We all want an easy way to keep our dogs safe in our yards while giving them room to roam free. But who wants the hassle of building a fence or burying a bunch of wires in the ground? Now, you have a simple solution to keep your dog contained. With no wires, an easy-to-use app, GPS tracking, and other fantastic features, the SpotOn GPS Fence Gen 2 could be the best fit for your needs. We’ll explore how this advanced system works, including our first-hand experience testing the collar.

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SpotOn GPS Fence Review

Product Name: SpotOn GPS Fence

Product Description: The SpotOn GPS Fence lets you create wireless virtual fences to keep your dog in your yard and get smartphone alerts if he goes beyond your boundaries.

Summary

While the SpotOn GPS fencing system may not be affordable for all dog owners, it is a great high end way to keep your dog safe.

We based our overall rating on this virtual fence’s features, technology, performance, pricing, and customer feedback.

Overall Score

4.5

Pros

• Can create multiple, overlapping wireless fences over 1,000s of acres
• Easy to set up
• Real-time alerts and accurate GPS tracking
• IP-67 waterproof rating
• Mobile apps get good reviews
• 1-year limited warranty
• 90-day money-back guarantee
• 10% discount on multi-collar purchases
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Very expensive
• Requires a minimum of 1/2 acre
• Likely won’t fit very small or very large dogs (10″-26″ neck sizes)

Key Features

• Ability to set up overlapping virtual fences (it can store up to 20 fences at a time) by walking the boundary or via the map in the SpotOn app
• Includes step-by-step training instructions plus a 30-minute training consultation with a certified SpotOn trainer
• Get instant alerts if your dog leaves the yard (requires their cellular subscription)
• Real-time tracking, which automatically updates every 6 seconds (requires their cellular subscription)
• Pulls GPS location data from more than 100 satellites across 4 dedicated global satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou)
• Forest Mode improves GPS reliability in areas with dense tree cover
• Customizable tone, vibration, and static correction levels (static is optional)
• Rechargeable battery lasts up to 22 hours in containment mode and 14 hours in tracking mode
• SpotOn dog collar comes in 3 adjustable sizes, ranging from 10″ to 26″ neck circumference
• Excellent portability for camping, vacations, visiting friends’ houses, etc., and can be used over any terrain
• U.S.-based customer support via phone, live chat, and email

How Does SpotOn Work?

The entire SpotOn system is contained in the collar and the user-friendly smartphone app.

First, remove the collar from the box and make sure it’s fully charged before starting setup. Before using the collar, adjust the size to fit your dog, and attach the contact points (it comes with 2 sets, one for short hair dogs and one for those with long hair). The collar is like a belt with rungs, and you can cut off any excess part of the flap to make it shorter.

Next, download the SpotOn app, create an account, and link the collar to the mobile app via Bluetooth. The app walks you through the process, including setting up your virtual fence. It also comes with a very in-depth user guide booklet that has instructions and QR codes to scan for assistance videos.

To set up a fence with your phone and collar in hand, walk the area where you want your dog contained. This process uses your location to drop fence posts and automatically creates an invisible fence with the collar and the app. You can set up barriers and “no go” zones, creating as many as 20 saved fences at a time.

When your dog comes within 10 feet of the boundary, the collar issues two sets of tones before producing a vibration or optional static correction. The first alert tone is a signal to your dog that he’s at the edge of the fence. (You’ll train him to return to the center of the fence when he hears it.)

If your dog continues to move toward the boundary, the collar issues the second warning tone, which is harsher, quickly followed by a vibration or optional static correction at the boundary or just beyond it. You can also use the app to adjust the vibration’s intensity level and your alert notifications.

If your dog gets out of your boundary, you can receive instant alerts and track his location using your app. Fortunately, SpotOn gives you excellent training tools to help you and your pup master boundary training. They also include a free 30-minute call with an expert if you need help.

Price

SpotOn offers a 90-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty.

• $999

Coupon

Use coupon code CANINE to get $50 off when you purchase via this link.

Subscription Plans For Tracking (Optional)

While a subscription isn’t mandatory, the system is limited without a plan. While the collar gives feedback to the dog via vibration and sound without a subscription, you must have SpotOn’s AT&T or Verizon cellular coverage service to receive alerts that your dog has left your yard and to be able to track his whereabouts on your smartphone. You can get a 90-day free trial if you sign up for the one or two-year plan.

• $9.95/month (monthly)
• $7.95/month (1-year plan)
• $5.95/month (2-year plan)

Our Firsthand Experience

We had the opportunity to try SpotOn’s collar with our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. We received a large, but a small would’ve been a better fit given his size (around 18-pound dog). The collar itself was easy to set up, attach the contact points, and adjust the size. The blinking light indicated if it was charging or ready.

I scanned a QR code to download the app and create an account. After adding my dog’s name, breed, birthday, and photo, I scanned the QR code on the back of the collar. It then used Bluetooth to connect my phone to the device (versus a WiFi connection). The collar was now activated, and it was time to create a fence.

I live in an urban area, so I used the dog park in our neighborhood as the fence. I walked the perimeter of the park going around obstacles like benches and trees as I watched the app draw the fence in real-time. I was impressed at how detailed the fence line was, and I was eager to test the boundaries.

After saving the dog park “fence,” I put the collar to the test. It’s amazing how accurate the invisible fence lines were. When getting close to the “edge,” it makes a loud beep. As you get closer to the boundary, there is a two-tone alert. And if you cross the boundary, the collar vibrates.

I haven’t had a chance to train our dog on how to react to the sounds and signals, but overall the collar’s responsiveness and user experience are both excellent in my experience. After completing the detailed training program, I feel positive he’ll get the hang of the collar in no time, and am confident in the technology behind this product.

See How To Set Up A SpotOn Fence (Video)

This video shows you how easy it is to set up a fence using SpotOn’s system by walking your property. You can also create fences via a map in their app.

What’s Our Final Verdict?

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Although the price for the SpotOn GPS fencing system is prohibitive for some dog owners, it’s an excellent way to keep your dog safe. The system is simple to set up and use, the apps and GPS tracking are reliable, and we love that you get free training materials and a consultation with a certified trainer.

See how SpotOn compares to Halo Collar in our review of the two systems compare head-to-head. You may also want to check out our reviews of the best wireless dog fences to see if there’s a better, more affordable fit for you. We also have reviews of the best GPS dog collars and smart collars, but these don’t include a wireless fencing feature.