Dogtra GPS Fence or Dogtra EF-3500 — which electronic dog fence should you choose?
A practical comparison of the wireless Dogtra GPS Fence and the wired Dogtra EF-3500 system: accuracy, installation, internal restricted zones, large properties and real-life use cases.
At first glance, it may seem that Dogtra GPS Fence is a newer version of Dogtra EF-3500 and fully replaces traditional wired systems. In practice, this is not the case.
Dogtra GPS Fence and Dogtra EF-3500 are two different types of electronic dog fence, designed for different conditions and different tasks. They are not direct competitors. Each technology has its own advantages and works best in specific situations.
The right choice depends not on which system is newer, but on the size of your property, the layout of the area and the zones you need to restrict for your dog.
Dogtra GPS Fence and Dogtra EF-3500: what is the difference?
Dogtra GPS Fence
A wireless GPS dog fence that creates a virtual boundary without installing an underground wire.
View Dogtra GPS Fence →
Dogtra EF-3500
A wired electronic dog fence with an antenna wire for precise property boundary control.
View Dogtra EF-3500 →How electronic dog fences work
Dogtra GPS Fence — wireless GPS dog fence
Dogtra GPS Fence is a wireless GPS electronic dog fence that allows you to create a virtual boundary without laying a cable. The system uses GPS navigation, and all settings are managed through a mobile app.
- no boundary wire required;
- control through a mobile app;
- multiple areas can be saved;
- suitable for large open properties;
- convenient for home, country houses, farms and travel.
Through the app, you can create virtual boundaries, adjust warning and correction zones, save different properties and quickly change the size of the area when needed.
The main advantage of a GPS dog fence is mobility. One system can be used at home, at a summer house, on a farm, at a country property or while travelling. No installation, digging or repeated wire placement is required.
Dogtra EF-3500 — wired electronic dog fence
Dogtra EF-3500 is a wired electronic dog fence that uses a stationary transmitter and a special antenna wire. This system is designed for permanent installation where high boundary accuracy is required.
- high boundary accuracy;
- internal restricted zones can be created;
- suitable for complex property layouts;
- a good option for permanent installation;
- useful for restricting flower beds, gardens, pools or vegetable areas.
The wire is laid around the property and forms a signal boundary. It does not carry electrical current to affect the dog; it works as an antenna. When the dog approaches the wire, the collar first gives a warning signal and then, if necessary, applies correction.
Accuracy of GPS and wired electronic dog fences
The main difference between the two technologies is how the boundary is created. Dogtra GPS Fence creates an outer virtual perimeter using GPS. Its accuracy depends on satellite signal quality, terrain, tree density and nearby buildings.
That is why GPS Fence works best on large open properties, where small coordinate deviations do not interfere with normal system operation. Wider warning zones help the dog understand in advance that it is approaching the boundary and calmly change direction.
Dogtra EF-3500 works differently. The boundary is defined by the position of the antenna wire, so the system provides much higher accuracy. This is especially important on smaller properties or near objects that the dog should not approach.
Dogtra GPS Fence is better suited for
- large open properties;
- farms and country areas;
- situations where you do not want to lay a wire;
- use in several different places.
Dogtra EF-3500 is better suited for
- smaller properties;
- precise boundary control;
- internal restricted zones;
- permanent installation in one location.
Dogtra GPS Fence vs Dogtra EF-3500 comparison
| Feature | Dogtra GPS Fence | Dogtra EF-3500 |
|---|---|---|
| Large open properties | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Small properties | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| No wire required | Yes | No |
| Fast setup | Yes | No |
| Control method | Mobile app | Stationary transmitter |
| Maximum boundary accuracy | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Outer property perimeter | Yes | Yes |
| Internal restricted zones | No | Yes |
| Use on multiple properties | ★★★★★ | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Changing the property layout | Quickly through the app | Wire must be repositioned |
Want to compare both systems in more detail?
The product pages include technical specifications, package contents and key features of each system. This will help you choose the right electronic dog fence for your property.
Which electronic dog fence should you choose?
Choose Dogtra GPS Fence if:
- you need an electronic dog fence for a large property;
- you want a wireless setup without laying a cable;
- you need to use the system in several locations;
- you want to quickly adjust the virtual perimeter;
- your area is open and spacious.
Choose Dogtra EF-3500 if:
- you need maximum boundary accuracy;
- your property is small or has a complex layout;
- you need to restrict access to flower beds, a pool, garden or vegetable area;
- the system will be permanently installed in one place;
- you need internal restricted zones.
Conclusion
If you need a wireless GPS dog fence for a large open area, the better choice is Dogtra GPS Fence .
If you need maximum accuracy, a wired installation and the ability to create internal restricted zones, the better choice is Dogtra EF-3500 .
Frequently asked questions
Which is more accurate: Dogtra GPS Fence or Dogtra EF-3500?
Dogtra EF-3500 is more accurate because the boundary is defined by the position of the wire. GPS Fence depends on the quality of the GPS signal.
Can Dogtra GPS Fence be used on a small property?
Technically yes, but for small properties Dogtra EF-3500 is usually the better option because it provides more precise boundary control.
Can internal restricted zones be created with Dogtra GPS Fence?
Dogtra GPS Fence is designed for an outer virtual perimeter. For internal restricted zones, Dogtra EF-3500 is the better choice.
Can both systems be used together?
Yes. GPS Fence can be used for the outer perimeter of a large property, while EF-3500 can provide precise restriction of selected zones inside the territory.
Which electronic dog fence is better for a large property?
For a large open property, Dogtra GPS Fence is often the better choice because it does not require laying a wire and allows you to create a virtual perimeter quickly.
Which electronic dog fence is better for a small property?
For a small property, Dogtra EF-3500 is usually better because the wired system provides higher boundary accuracy.