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As a certified canine enrichment specialist who’s spent over a decade testing products that give dogs more freedom while keeping them safe, I was excited to try out the SpotOn GPS Dog Fence.
SpotOn is a GPS collar-based system that creates invisible boundaries for your dog anywhere, without digging trenches or installing physical fencing.
After several weeks of hands-on testing with my senior chocolate Labrador, Burt, I can tell you this wireless dog fence system delivers on its promise! But it’s not right for every dog or every situation.
With such a big price tag, I wanted to see if this system would truly keep my pup safe and give me peace of mind. Here’s my honest review based on real-world use at our vacation property and favorite off-leash hiking spots.
What Is the SpotOn GPS Dog Fence?
The SpotOn GPS Dog Fence is a premium virtual fencing system that uses GPS technology to create invisible boundaries for your dog.
Unlike traditional invisible fences that require digging trenches and buried wires, this system works through satellite communication and a specialized collar.
SpotOn includes a waterproof GPS dog collar, charging dock, and smartphone app that lets you create up to different fence zones. These virtual boundaries can be set up anywhere from your backyard to campsites, hiking trails, or vacation rentals.
Key features include:
- GPS-enabled collar with customizable correction levels
- Unlimited virtual GPS fences that work right out of the box – no subscription required
- Mobile app to create fences and monitor your dog
- Multiple feedback options: audible tones, vibration, and optional static correction
- Portable design that travels anywhere
- Real-time tracking with optional cellular subscription
- Suitable for dogs over 15 pounds
Setting Up Your Virtual Fence: Easier Than Expected
The initial setup was very simple. Everything came packaged in a way that felt premium from the start.
The quick-start guide was intuitive with a QR code that took me straight to the app download. From there, I scanned the box’s code instead of entering the serial number manually.
The easy setup is great when you’re eager to start training your dog!
Charging was straightforward, too. The docking station design makes it obvious how to position the collar, and it charges quickly.
Two Ways to Create Your Fence
The app offers two fence creation methods:
- Draw Your Boundary: Using the app’s mapping feature, you can draw your desired perimeter by dragging boundary points. This method is quick for initial setup, but the dragging can be tricky.
- Walk the Perimeter: The more accurate method involves walking your property line while holding the collar upright. This creates precise GPS coordinates for your fence boundary.
I initially tried drawing the fence but quickly discovered the walking method produced much better results for keeping Burt safe.
However, fallen trees, thick brush, and thorns made walking the exact property line too difficult.
The best solution is to combine both methods. Walk the accessible parts of your perimeter to create the basics of your fence. Then use the app to extend the boundary into areas you couldn’t physically access.
This way, your dog gets maximum safe space to explore.
Real-World Training: What to Expect
The SpotOn system requires consistent training with your dog using positive reinforcement.
You can’t just put the collar on and expect immediate results. It takes time for your pup to learn. For me and Burt it was a fun bonding experience!
The Training Process
The app includes helpful video tutorials and breaks training into clear steps:
- Collar fitting: ensure a good fit and comfort for your dog
- Alert tone training: 2-3 days of supervised sessions
- Vibration training: another 2-3 days of supervised sessions
- Boundary proofing: add distractions for 2-3 days
- Observation period: monitoring your dog for 2-3 more days
For your dog to safely use the system, it will take 8-12 days of training. That timeline may vary depending on your dog.
Training Reality Check
In our case, Burt needed significantly longer than the recommended timeframe for the initial alert tone training.
As a senior Lab who’d never experienced this type of training, he needed more than a week to master the tone recall reliably.
He got excited for training sessions because it meant time together. Plus, he started to figure out that hearing the tone meant good stuff was coming his way when he returned to me.
It’s important to really nail one level before moving on to the next. We’re not rushing. I want to feel totally confident that Burt understands the fence before letting him roam free.
Training Challenges and Solutions
There was another challenge we encountered early on in training. But this one was on my end!
- Challenge: The audible tone the collar emits when your dog gets to the boundary was difficult for me to hear. Especially training outdoors with wind and noisy leaves under our feet.
- Solution: This is where SpotOn’s customer support really shined! I messaged their support chat and they got back to me within 20 minutes with a solution.
The support person was incredibly helpful and explained that I could enable the tone to sound on my phone during training.
This was a game-changer! I could hear the alert and praise Burt right away when he came back to me.
The customer support person also explained that the collar tone volume is set to a safe level and can’t be adjusted. I appreciated knowing it was designed with dogs’ sensitive hearing in mind.
Performance in Real-World Conditions
I tested the system extensively at our vacation home (about one acre of wooded property with notoriously poor cell service) and at our favorite off-leash trail system back home.
The trails aren’t fenced and have roads nearby. Before SpotOn, I would have to leash Burt up in certain spots. But with the GPS boundaries set and working on our training, I can keep him safe while he still has the freedom to explore.
Despite challenging conditions in the woods, the GPS signal stayed strong and reliable everywhere I tested it. Burt could explore and be his natural self while I had peace of mind.
What Worked Well
- Accuracy: Even in dense woods, the GPS maintained consistent boundaries. It’s important to note that the fence may shift 3-10 feet during the day. It’s like when you’re driving and your GPS map thinks you’re on the next road over for a short time.
- Portability: Being able to set up fence zones for different locations was a huge win for Burt’s quality of life. I set up fences for our vacation home and hiking trails.
- Instant Alerts: When Burt did escape one day (he wandered to the neighbor’s yard), I got immediate notifications that kept coming until he returned to the safe zone.
- Battery Life: The collar holds its charge well, and the docking station makes daily charging easy.
- Comfort: The collar itself was very comfortable for Burt to wear. It’s not overly bulky, goes on easily, and the waterproof material means it won’t get stinky even after outdoor adventures.
Limitations I Discovered (And How to Work Around Them)
- Property Line Challenges: Our vacation home sits close to the road, which created some safety concerns with the GPS fence shifting. Some days we could exit the front door without triggering alerts but other days the beeping alert tone started immediately.
- My workaround: We started using the back door when Burt had the collar on. Or I put it on him after reaching the side yard. If your home is close to a busy road, this is something to keep in mind.
- Double Collar Setup: The SpotOn collar does not have a D-ring for to attach a leash or ID tags. Your dog will need to wear both their regular collar and the GPS collar together.
- Why this worked fine: Although I thought this would be bulky, Burt was completely unfazed by wearing two collars. The SpotOn collar is lightweight and comfortable, so wearing two collars didn’t bother him.
Comprehensive Pros and Cons
Pros
- No physical installation required – no digging, wiring, or contractor visits
- Super portable – works anywhere with GPS signal, perfect for adventurous pups
- Unlimited virtual fences for various locations your dog loves to explore
- Customizable correction levels that you can adjust for your dog’s sensitivity
- Outstanding customer support with quick response times when you need help
- Great training resources built into the app to support you and your pup
- Waterproof, rugged design built for active dogs who love outdoor adventures
- Real-time escape alerts with cellular subscription for immediate peace of mind
Cons
- Upfront cost – $999 plus optional monthly subscription fees
- Extended training period required, especially for senior dogs or training newbies
- GPS fence can shift 3-10 feet which makes it tricky for small yards or areas near hazards
- Minimum space requirements: boundary should be 80 feet at narrowest point and 15+ feet from roads
- Double collar setup is necessary for leash attachment and ID
Is the SpotOn GPS Dog Fence Worth the Investment?
After several weeks of testing, I think this system works really well for specific situations.
This system is perfect for your dog if you:
- Have a large property (half-acre minimum) where your pup can roam safely
- Travel frequently with your pup and want portable boundary control
- Live in rural or suburban areas with adequate space for the GPS fence to shift safely
- Already have decent basic recall skills with your dog that you can build on
- Love exploring various off-leash locations together
This system may not be ideal if you have:
- Small yards or urban properties where precision is critical for safety
- A home very close to roads or other hazards
- A dog with poor recall or significant behavioral issues
- Budget constraints that make the investment difficult
- No time to dedicate to training
This system also isn’t a good fit if you’re hoping for a “set it and forget it” solution. Even after going through all the training steps, your pup might need a refresher session here and there.
The Bottom Line
The SpotOn GPS Dog Fence is impressive technology that does what it promises: reliable, portable boundaries that let your dog be a dog while keeping them safe.
Creating multiple fence zones is great for families who travel or want off-leash freedom in different places. You can take this fence anywhere, and that’s awesome!
But success depends on training time and realistic expectations of how GPS works.
For dogs like my senior Lab Burt, who needed extra time to master the system, patience and positive reinforcement training were essential. This was a fun bonding experience for us.
At $999 plus subscription fees if you want to add on cellular service ($7.49-$9.95 monthly), this isn’t a small purchase.
But traditional buried invisible fence systems can run $1,300-$2,500 per acre, and they only work it in one spot.
With SpotOn, you’re getting something that can travel with you and your pup anywhere you go.
If you have an active dog who loves adventures, plenty of space for them to roam safely, and you’re excited about the training process (trust me, it’s actually fun bonding time), this system could be a game-changer for your family.
If you’re curious about whether SpotOn is right for your pup, take a look at their training guide or reach out to their team. They were incredibly helpful during my training journey with Burt.
A Final Word (Disclaimer)
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