DogWatch vs. Invisible Fence®: Which Hidden Dog Fence Is Better for Cleveland Homes?
The Quick Answer
DogWatch and Invisible Fence® both install buried-wire hidden dog fences, but they are separate companies. The biggest practical differences are battery life, signal technology and who services your system. A DogWatch R9 or R12 collar battery lasts up to two years, while Invisible Fence recommends replacing its Power Cap® battery every three months. In Northeast Ohio, DogWatch systems are installed and serviced by DogWatch Hidden Fences of Cleveland, a family-owned dealer based in Chagrin Falls.
Are DogWatch and Invisible Fence the Same Company?
No. DogWatch is an independent manufacturer that sells through locally owned dealers like ours. The Invisible Fence® brand is owned by Radio Systems Corporation of Knoxville, Tennessee. People often say "invisible fence" to mean any underground dog fence, so the two names get mixed up. If a neighbor tells you they have an invisible fence, it could be either brand.
DogWatch vs. Invisible Fence at a Glance
| Feature | DogWatch® Hidden Fence | Invisible Fence® Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Company | Independent manufacturer sold through local dealers | Owned by Radio Systems Corporation, Knoxville, TN |
| Cleveland installer | DogWatch Hidden Fences of Cleveland, family-owned, Chagrin Falls | Varies by dealer |
| System type | Buried boundary wire and receiver collar | Buried boundary wire and receiver collar |
| Signal | Patented digital FM SafeLink® | Proprietary Invisible Fence® signal |
| Collar battery life | Up to 2 years (R9, R12) | Brand recommends replacing every 3 months |
| Batteries per dog over 5 years | About 3 | About 20 |
| Correction settings | Owner-programmable (7 levels on R9) | Ask your provider |
| Warranty | Lifetime equipment warranty, including chewed receivers | Varies by dealer |
| Training | Professional training included with every install | Offered by dealers |
| Switching brands | Existing wire reused in most cases, trade-in discount | Not applicable |
User-friendly System
User Adjustable
DogWatch® Hidden Fence systems are user-programmable, meaning you can adjust your hidden fence settings yourself. To adjust an Invisible Fence system, a customer must request an in-person service call from a company representative - that means an expensive service fee and extra wait time.
Reliable Lithium Batteries
Longest Battery Life
DogWatch® Hidden Fence collars have the longest battery life in the industry. Invisible Fence batteries last only 3-4 months, while DogWatch® batteries can last up to two years! Fewer batteries are good for your wallet, better for the environment, and, most importantly, safer for your pet. See how much you can save with DogWatch®!
SafeLink® technology!
Patented FM Signal
All electronic dog fences use radio frequencies to transmit the signal from the transmitter or wire to the receiver worn by the dog. Only DogWatch® uses digital FM SafeLink® technology. The FM signal is less prone to interference and stray signals than the AM systems used by all other brands, including Invisible Fence®.
Worry-free Pet Fence
Lifetime Warranty
Every hidden fence from DogWatch® comes with a Lifetime Equipment Warranty. You never need to worry about replacing your system in case of a lightning strike (we provide the best lightning protection, too!) or other mishap. We’ll even replace the receiver if your dog chews on it!
Locally owned & operated
Locally Owned and Operated
DogWatch® Hidden Fences of Greater Cleveland is locally owned & operated by small business owners who live in your community. Only DogWatch® is 100% local! Our team will support you when you need it, even years or decades after your initial purchase. Check out our reviews for proof that our customer service is the best in the industry!
Why Choose DogWatch Over Invisible Fence® for Your Outdoor Dog Fence?
When it comes to ensuring the safety and freedom of your dog in an outdoor setting, DogWatch offers a superior alternative to the Invisible Fence® brand. DogWatch’s innovative invisible dog fence systems are designed with both the pet and the owner in mind, providing a reliable, customizable solution for outdoor containment.
Customization and Flexibility with DogWatch Outdoor Dog Fences
One of the key advantages of DogWatch over the Invisible Fence® brand is its flexibility in fence design. DogWatch allows for a highly customizable layout that can be adapted to any yard shape or size. This flexibility ensures that your dog has plenty of room to play and explore while staying safely within the boundaries of your property.
The system’s training program is also tailored to individual dogs, making it more effective at teaching pets to respect their new boundaries. This personalized approach is crucial for ensuring that your dog quickly and comfortably adapts to their new outdoor environment.
The Superior Choice for Outdoor Dog Safety
In summary, for pet owners considering an invisible dog fence, DogWatch offers a compelling combination of advanced technology, customization, and reliability. Its superiority over the Invisible Fence® brand lies in its user-friendly features, flexible design options, and commitment to pet safety and owner satisfaction. Choosing DogWatch means investing in a top-quality outdoor dog fence that will keep your pet secure and happy for years to come.
What Batteries Cost You Over Five Years
Here is a simple count for one dog over five years:
- DogWatch: about 3 batteries. At our current store price of $28.95 for the 3.6 volt battery and cap, that is under $90. Our Lifetime Battery Supply covers it for $119.95, one time.
- Invisible Fence: about 20 batteries, based on the brand's recommended three-month schedule.
Two dogs doubles both numbers. That is why so many Cleveland families who start with another brand end up calling us about batteries first. See our
battery plans
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DogWatch the same company as Invisible Fence?
No. DogWatch and Invisible Fence are separate companies. DogWatch is an independent manufacturer that sells through locally owned dealers. The Invisible Fence brand is owned by Radio Systems Corporation of Knoxville, Tennessee. Many people say "invisible fence" to mean any buried-wire dog fence, which is why the two get mixed up.
How long does a DogWatch collar battery last compared to Invisible Fence?
A DogWatch R9 or R12 receiver battery lasts up to two years. Invisible Fence recommends replacing its Power Cap battery every three months. Over five years, that is roughly 3 batteries per dog with DogWatch compared to about 20 on a three-month Invisible Fence schedule.
Can DogWatch replace my existing Invisible Fence system?
Yes. DogWatch Hidden Fences of Cleveland has upgraded more than 300 Northeast Ohio customers from other brands since 2021. In most cases we can reuse your existing buried wire and only swap the transmitter and collar. Our Competitive Trade-In Plan discounts the new equipment, and we add refresher training if your dog needs it.
Which hidden fence works better in wooded or snowy Northeast Ohio yards?
Both DogWatch and Invisible Fence use a buried boundary wire, so tree cover, hills and snow do not move the boundary the way they can affect GPS collars. The practical differences for Cleveland homeowners are battery life, the signal technology, and who services the system locally.
Who installs DogWatch hidden fences near Cleveland?
DogWatch Hidden Fences of Cleveland, a family-owned dealer based in Chagrin Falls, installs and services DogWatch systems across Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, Lorain, Medina, Erie, Portage and Ashtabula counties. Every installation includes professional dog training. Call (440) 307-0018 for a free in-home estimate.
Get a Free In-Home Estimate
Whether you are choosing your first hidden fence or tired of changing batteries every few months, we will walk your yard, answer your questions and give you a clear quote. Call
(440) 307-0018 for a free quote today!