SpotOn GPS Dog Fence Review: Reliable Containment for Active Dogs

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Copper, our Australian Shepherd, became a part of our family when we rescued him from a local shelter. He had been found in an abandoned house with nine siblings and a deceased mother. We already had two dogs, an Australian Shepherd named Miles and a pug named Rosie, but we couldn’t resist adding Copper to our family. Given Copper’s energy and love for running, I needed a reliable solution to keep him safe and contained in our large, unfenced yard. Enter the SpotOn GPS Dog Fence.

First Impressions: Build and Design

Collar Specifications

The SpotOn collar struck me as sturdy and well-constructed. It measures 7/8 inches at its widest part and weighs 7.0 ounces, which initially seemed a bit thick for Copper’s neck. However, after adjusting it, Copper didn’t seem to mind the bulk. The collar comes in different sizes, and I chose the medium, which fits neck sizes between 12 and 18 inches. The materials used in the collar, from the plastic clips to the silicone-like strap, feel durable and capable of withstanding the rough play of my three dogs.

Packaging and Accessories

The collar arrived well-packaged, including various sets of static contact points, a contact point tester/insertion tool, a charging base with a wall charger, and a quick start guide. The package dimensions are compact, making storage easy when not in use. The charging setup is straightforward, with the battery fully charging in about an hour and lasting up to 25 hours.

Setting Up the SpotOn GPS Fence

Creating Boundaries

Setting up the SpotOn GPS fence was surprisingly simple. The collar uses GPS to define boundaries, eliminating the need for physical fences or buried wires. I used the app to walk the perimeter of my yard, marking the boundary as I went. This process allowed me to create a custom-shaped fence that covered all areas I wanted Copper to have access to, while avoiding places like the garden or the neighbor’s yard. The app supports the creation of multiple fences, up to 1,500 different zones, which is perfect for frequent travelers or those who move homes.

Training Copper

Training Copper to recognize and respect the boundaries took some time, but the process was straightforward. The collar emits warning tones as Copper approaches the boundary, and he quickly learned to associate these tones with the edge of his allowed area. The SpotOn system includes optional static correction, but I chose to rely on the tones and vibration feedback, which were effective without causing any discomfort or anxiety for Copper.

SpotOn GPS Dog Fence: Performance and Features

GPS Accuracy and Reliability

The SpotOn GPS Dog Fence impressed me with its accuracy and reliability. The collar connects to a network of 128 satellites across four global satellite systems (GPS, Glonass, Galileo, and BeiDou), ensuring a precise location within three feet. This high level of accuracy is crucial, especially in areas with heavy tree cover or other potential sources of interference.

Battery Life and Charging

Waterproof and Durability

The App: User-Friendly and Functional

Interface and Usability

The SpotOn app is intuitive and user-friendly. The main screen displays the current fence setup, collar battery life, and the number of satellites connected. The app also allows for real-time tracking of Copper’s location, which is reassuring when he’s out of sight. Setting up and modifying boundaries is a breeze, and the app’s interface makes managing multiple fences simple.

Advanced Features

The app includes several advanced features that enhance the overall experience. These features include the ability to activate a light on the collar for added visibility at night and setting up a fence-inside-a-fence or keep-out zones. The optional tracking subscription provides real-time notifications if Copper leaves the virtual fence and allows me to call him home using the app. These features add significant value and functionality to the system.

Pros and Cons of the SpotOn GPS Dog Fence

Pros

Optional Static Correction

One of the standout features of the SpotOn GPS Dog Fence is the optional static correction, which can be adjusted from 0 to 30 levels. This allows dog owners who are uncomfortable with static corrections to rely solely on warning tones and vibrations. This feature ensures that the system is versatile and can accommodate different training preferences and philosophies.

Ease of Setup and Flexibility

Setting up the SpotOn GPS fence is quick and easy, with no need for physical construction or digging. The ability to create and modify boundaries on the fly makes it perfect for renters, travelers, and homeowners alike. The system’s flexibility allows for adjustments based on changing needs or new environments.

Independence from Cellular Service

The collar’s reliance on GPS rather than cellular service is a significant advantage, especially in areas with spotty cell coverage. This ensures that the fence operates reliably regardless of cell signal strength, providing peace of mind for dog owners in rural or remote areas. Additionally, it is nice not to have a monthly fee after paying for such an expensive collar. This makes the SpotOn GPS Dog Fence a cost-effective solution in the long run, as it doesn’t require a subscription for its core functionality.

Optional Subscription

The optional subscription service is a thoughtful feature, offering added functionalities like real-time tracking and escape notifications. However, the core functionality of the GPS fence does not require a subscription, making it a cost-effective solution for those who do not need these extra features.

Cons

High Initial Cost

The most significant downside to the SpotOn GPS Dog Fence is its high initial cost. Priced at $999.00, it represents a substantial investment. While it may be more affordable than installing a physical fence, the price can be a barrier for many dog owners. Additionally, households with multiple dogs will need to purchase additional collars.

Charging Requirements

The collar’s need for regular charging requires some adjustment. Although the battery life is adequate for daily use, forgetting to charge the collar can result in downtime. This necessitates developing a routine to ensure the collar is always charged and ready for use.

Potential Misuse of Static Correction

Despite being optional, the static correction feature could be misused by some owners, leading to potential harm or anxiety for their dogs. It is crucial for users to understand how to use this feature responsibly and consider the temperament and behavior of their dog before utilizing static corrections.

Boundary Drift

While the SpotOn system is highly accurate, the fence boundaries can drift slightly (3 to 10 feet) throughout the day due to factors like buildings, hills, and dense foliage. This requires some allowance in boundary setup, which might be challenging in tightly packed neighborhoods.

SpotOn GPS Dog Fence: Details & Specs

Conclusion: Is the SpotOn GPS Dog Fence Worth It?

The SpotOn GPS Dog Fence offers a robust, versatile, and highly accurate solution for dog containment. Its ease of setup, independence from cellular service, and optional subscription service make it a standout choice in the market. However, the high initial cost of $999.00 is a significant consideration.

For dog owners who prioritize their pet’s safety and require a reliable containment system, the SpotOn GPS Dog Fence is worth the investment. Its flexibility and advanced features provide peace of mind and allow for customization to suit individual needs and environments.

Overall, I found the SpotOn GPS Dog Fence to be an excellent addition to our home, providing Copper the freedom to explore safely while giving us the confidence that he is secure within our yard. To learn more or check one out for your pup, visit www.spoton.com or www.amazon.com.