Pet Containment Comparison

7 Kilohertz Dog Fences
These systems are really unnecessary. First consider if your neighbor uses the same system that you do. If your neighbor does have the same system, manufacturer, as yours, just consider using a different manufacturer, each uses a different frequency. When placing the wire next to your neighbors wire, same manufacturer or not, 5 feet should be a sufficient distance between the wires. First lay out the wire, and then test the system with the collar and test light. If everything is working correctly, you can even consider moving the wires closer together. We do not offer a 7 kilohertz system as they are very seldom required.

Cats
Yes, dog containment systems can be used for cats. But there are a couple concerns: Collar size and degree of static correction. The RF-3005V and the SD-2000 have standard sized collar receivers and are thus too large for cats. In addition, the correction level of the RF-3005V is excessive. The RF-3006V, SD-2100 and SD-2200 offer lower correction levels. But the RF-3006V does not slowly increase its correction level as the cat approaches the boundary wire, hence it is not the best choice. The SD-2100 and SD-2200 have small collar receivers, low initial correction levels and slowly progress the correction level as needed.

Dogs
It can be a difficult decision as to which containment system is right for your dog. We represent the two best manufacturers available. Innotek and PetSafe systems are sold throughout the United States and are both respected by consumers and retailers alike. We will present each system below and point out the features that you need to know to guide you to a decision. It needs to be mentioned that you should consider the temperament of your dog as well.

Ultra-Smart Premium Containment Systems.

IUC-4100: “Editors Choice”. The IUC-4100 is the smartest and safest system available. It is by far the most advanced system made, even more advanced than “professionally installed systems”. The collar is the most light weight collar on the market and is designed to follow the contour of your dogs neck. The receiver no longer hangs off the collar but is integrated into the collar. The receiver features a rechargeable space aged Long Lasting Lithium Ion battery. This battery can recharge in 1-2 hours. This is the only collar that will automatically tell you if the collar fit to your dog is correct. That is important, because the number one reason that your dog leaves the containment area is poor collar fit. From a safety point of view this is the best system on the market. This collar also will perform an entire system check assuring you of proper collar operation. In addition to all of these features the IUC-4100 also has all of the standard Innotek benefits; run-through prevention, progressive correction, 24/7 battery back up, etc. If you are looking for the best and the safest system available for your dog, it is the IUC-4100. The IUC-4100 receiver collars are also compatible with the Innotek indoor Zones.

IUC-4200: The IUC-4200 is exactly the same as the IUC-4100, but includes 2 extra items. Also included is 100 feet of fast track wire. This is pre-twisted wire, used to go between the transmitter and the single strand wire that surrounds the containment area. Because the fast track wire is made of 2 wires twisted together it will provide a ‘dead zone” that your dog will be able to cross with receiving a correction. In our opinion this is a large Plus as it can decrease installation time by 25% - 50%. The IUC-4200 also comes with an External Lightening Protector. The external lightening protector will protect your system transmitter from lightening surges. This is a plus, especially if you live in a high lightening area. The IUC-4200 receiver collars are also compatible with the Innotek indoor Zones.

Smart Dog Deluxe Containment Systems.

SD-2100: This system used to be the most advanced containment system on the market. It now stands in second to the IUC-4100. It is still a great system, but does not feature the great features and benefits of the IUC-4100. The SD-2100 offers a microline collar and correction levels mild enough for a 15 Lb and smaller dog. Yet it will automatically advance to correction levels strong enough for a 220 lb dog, if needed. The microline collars are completely sealed so they are truly waterproof. This system has progressive correction with Run Thru Prevention. Its top levels are higher than that of any other system. The big plus is that the system uses a rechargeable battery in the collar receiver, hence you never pay money for batteries. That essentially makes this system the least expensive system over time. Added features are potted collar receivers, field adjustment, tone and / or light alerts, etc. Perhaps the best feature is the 24/7 battery back up. Although just released this year, customers have already found this feature invaluable.

SD-2200: This is the exact same system as the SD-2100, but comes with 2 extra items. The first is 100 feet of pre-twisted wire to run between the transmitter and the property line where you are placing your single strand boundary wire. Additional 100 ft lengths are available as the T-20WIRE. It also comes with an external lightening protector. The external lightening protector protects the transmitter from lightening strikes. If the external lightening protector is damaged, it has a lifetime warranty. This is a plus for those living in lighting prone areas.

Basic Containment Systems.

SD-2000: This is a basic introductory system. The only flaw in this system is that the collar receiver is not a small microline receiver. Hence we do not recommend it for dogs under 20 lbs. Otherwise, it does have Run Thru Prevention, with ramping progressive correction. It does have a battery replaceable collar receiver, but the batteries are commonly available. It does not have all of the extras that its big brothers the SD-2100 or IUC-4100 have. But when you consider all of the features and the low price it is a good introductory system.
NRF-3004V and RF-3004V: We offer this system with the old collar receiver, prone to leakage and electrical shorts the RF-3004V, and we offer the New NRF-3004V. The NEW NRF-3004V features the new PetSafe collar receiver which does not leak. If you are purchasing this system, we recommend that you purchase the new NRF-3004V. This is the most basic of containment systems. It has a small receiver collar, which is good, but it only offers one correction level, which is not good. There is no progressive correction. Single correction level systems are over 25 years old. The collar receiver uses a proprietary battery only available from a PetSafe dealer. So if you purchase this system, purchase a few extra batteries. Expected battery costs per year can be $30.00 over a 15 year life. Thus, the costs could be an additional $450.00. Hence, we do not recommend this system to any dog owner. If you are going to choose this system, do not use it for dogs under 25 Lbs or over 40Lbs, or for any dog who does not exhibit the mildest of temperaments.

NRF-3006V and RF-3006V: We offer this system with the old collar receiver, prone to leakage and electrical shorts the RF-3006V, and we offer the New NRF-3006V. The NEW NRF-3006V features the new PetSafe collar receiver which does not leak. If you are purchasing this system, we recommend that you purchase the new NRF-3006V. This system offers the option to set the initial correction at one of 5 different settings. Level one is a tone only. The system will increase the correction level if the dog gets too close to the wire, yet it is not consistently progressive, but a significant correction jump. The collar receiver is small, yet takes a proprietary battery only available from a PetSafe dealer. So if you purchase this system, purchase a few extra batteries. Expected battery costs per year can be $30.00 over a 15 year life. Thus, the costs could be an additional $450.00. This is a good system, and perhaps PetSafe’s best available model. Just be willing to live with the concept of proprietary batteries and the possible annual battery cost.

RF-3005V: This is the Stubborn dog system from PetSafe. The collar receiver is large, and the correction level is 3 times higher than the RF-3006V model, yet not as high as the IUC-4100, IUC-4200, SD-2100 or the SD-2200. It is a battery replaceable model, but the batteries are commonly available at almost any drug store which is a plus. It is designed for difficult to contain dogs. It is not easy to know which dogs will be difficult to contain. Some of the largest dogs are the most timid when it comes to a static correction containment shock collar. It is probably best to give your dog a chance with one of the other systems before progressing to this system. The stubborn dog collar can be added to the RF-3004V or the RF-3006V system at a later time if needed.

Contain and Train Systems.

These systems are growing in popularity. They allow owners to control their dogs from 150 to 300 yards. This remote control can be used to correct undesirable behavior, turning a bad dog into a good dog and great family member. Examples of bad dog behavior would include jumping, barking, digging, etc. Another great benefit of a remote trainer is that they can be used to control your dog off leash. This allows a dog the chance to be a dog, run in a park, field, open space, any wilderness area, etc. PetSafe Contain and Train systems have several flaws; they only work within the boundary wire, they can only be used with one dog, you cannot take the dog and the trainer out of the containment area, there is only one level of correction. But if these limitations are acceptable for you, the system will work. Innotek models work outside the wire containment fence, so they can be taken anywhere, camping, in-laws, vacations, or just for a walk, they can be expanded for multiple dogs, and they offer several levels of correction.

Ultra-Smart Premium Contain and Train Systems.

IUC-5100: “Editors Choice”. The IUC-5100 is the smartest and safest contain and train system available. It is by far the most advanced system made, even more advanced than “professionally installed systems”. The collar is the most light weight collar on the market and is designed to follow the contour of your dogs neck. The receiver no longer hangs off the collar but is integrated into the collar. The receiver features a rechargeable space aged Long Lasting Lithium Ion battery. This battery can recharge in 1-2 hours. This is the only collar that will automatically tell you if the collar fit to your dog is correct. That is important, because the number one reason that your dog leaves the containment area is poor collar fit. From a safety point of view this is the best system on the market. This collar also will perform an entire system check assuring you of proper collar operation. In addition to all of these features the IUC-5100 also has all of the standard Innotek benefits; run-through prevention, progressive correction, 24/7 battery back up, etc. The IUC-5100 has all of the features of the IUC-4100 plus a remote control. The remote control is pocket sized, so you can always have it with you. The remote features 9 different correction levels as well as tone only. This advanced system allows you to take your dog outside of the containment area, such as a park, hiking, camping, on a trip, or just anywhere. The IUC-5100 allows you to contain and train multiple dogs at one time, while providing independent correction for each dog. If you are looking for the best and the safest contain and train system available for your dog, it is the IUC-5100. The IUC-5100 receiver collars are also compatible with the Innotek indoor Zones.

Smart Dog Deluxe Contain and Train Systems.

SD-3000: This is a specialized unit for containment that incorporates a remote trainer as well. In typical Innotek style, it has progressive correction, Run Thru Prevention, field adjustment, etc. It does have a battery operated collar receiver, but the batteries are commonly available. Because it has a battery replaceable receiver, it is not truly waterproof. The remote trainer can communicate with the collar receiver for up to 150 yards, with 4 separate correction levels, and tone option. A great one dog unit.

SD-3100: This Innotek system is similar to the SD-3000. The differences are that the trainer can control up to two dogs from the same transmitter. There are still 4 separate correction levels for each dog. The system comes with one collar, but an additional collar is available for the second dog. The other difference is that this remote two dog trainer works up to 300 yards.

Basic Contain and Train Systems.

NPRFT-300: This PetSafe contain and train system is available with any one of the 3 different PetSafe collar receivers; single correction level receiver, 5 level deluxe receiver, and the 5 level stubborn receiver. We want to be specific that this system has some limitations. The remote transmitter and your dog can NOT leave the confines of the containment area (cannot go outside of the wire). The trainer has only one level of correction, or tone. You can only contain one dog. If you have multiple dogs and use the remote, all of your dogs will receive a correction. If you understand all of these limitations, and the system is still acceptable, it will work.

Ultra Smart Premium Contain and Zone System.

IUC-5200: This Innotek system is similar to the IUC-4200, with one exception, it comes with a Zone transmitter. A zone transmitter is used inside the home to keep your dog away from areas. These areas could be sofas, chairs, rooms, kitchen tables, front doors, back doors, garbage cans, the potentials are endless. All of the advanced premium Innotek system collars in the, IUC-4100, IUC-4200, and IUC-5100 are compatible with the Innotek Zones.

Collar Receiver
The largest break thru is the new Innotek collar receiver. These advanced small receivers are integrated into the collar. This collar receivers contour to the curved surface of your dog’s neck for a perfect fit, as opposed to all of the other receivers which are basically a square box. The new collars also perform an entire self diagnostic, fantastic. This is the only collar receiver which will let you know if it has been fit correctly to your dog’s neck. Hands down the number one reason that dogs walk over the containment wire and leave the safety of the containment is poor collar fit. That problem has now been corrected. This collar also features an advanced Long Lasting Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery, Not Cadmium, not Nickle Metal Hydride, but advanced Lithium Ion, so the charges are quick (1-2 hours) and they long lasting. The collar is recharged on a small recharging station, which can be placed anywhere. This collar receiver also features a battery indicator light; green is greater than half a charge, yellow is less than half a charge and red means recharge now.Over the past few years, collar receivers have been getting smaller. Large receivers are approx: 2 ½ inches wide by 1 ¾ inches high by 1 ½ inches deep. That makes them a bit large for dogs under 20 Lbs. The microline collars are approx: 1 7/8 inches wide by 7/8 inches high by 7/8 inches deep. That makes them suitable for dogs as small as 15 Lbs. However, many people are looking for containment systems for dogs under 15 Lbs. It is not fair to say that these collars are suitable for dogs under 15 Lbs. That is a decision that only the owner can make. Will they work? Yes. Will the collar receiver be too big? That is a judgment issue for the owner. Hence, we recommend that you use those measurements in comparison to your dog or cat and then make your own decision. But remember, there are no other systems available with smaller collar receivers. Is the weight of the collar receiver important, in practicality? No. These collar receivers weigh between 1 ½ ounce and 3 ounces. They are extremely light, so light that you will commonly see your dog carrying toys, bones or sticks that weigh many times more.

Receiver Perfect Fit
The number one reason that your dog walks over the wire and leaves the safety of the containment area if poor collar fit. Innotek has now fixed that problem. The Innotek Premium Ultra Systems IUC-4100, IUC-4200, IUC-5100, and IUC-5200 come with the new advanced collars. These collars will automatically let you know if the collar is kit correctly to your dog. This is the ultimate in safety for your dog. We highly recommend it.

Receiver Ready Test
It is important to know that your products are working properly, weather it is a car, a cell phone, an airplane, proper function is mandatory. The Innotek Ready Test feature is on the collars which come with the IUC-4100, IUC-4200, IUC-5100, and IUC-5200. Ready Test collars will automatically perform a self diagnostic assuring you that the collar is functioning properly. Ready Test when combined with Perfect Fit provides your dog with safety and you with comfort. We highly recommend that you review these 4 systems.

Rechargeable
The best thing to ever happen to containment systems. The best rechargeable batteries are Lithium Ion. Lithium Ion batteries last longer, and charge quicker than any other rechargeable battery available. Lithium Ion batteries do not develop a memory and will last well beyond the life time of your dog. Lithium Ion Batteries are only available from Innotek in the IUC-4100, IUC-4200, IUC-5100 and the IUC-5200 systems. The overall dollar savings are obvious, making these systems the most popular available, and least expensive, far outselling conventional battery replacement systems.
Proprietary batteries can be a huge pain as they are not commonly available. Frankly, any battery replaceable system requires that you pay almost $30.00 extra per dog per year, plus the time to get them, and the hassle of replacement. In this day and age, almost all household battery operated systems are rechargeable. Now containment systems are as well. The internal rechargeable battery never needs replacement and lasts beyond the life of your dog. These rechargeable containment systems, the SD-2100 and SD-2200, use Nickle Metal Hydride batteries (NiMH). NiMH batteries do not develop memory issues, and can be recharged as often as you want.

Waterproof Collar Receiver
Most collar receivers are now waterproof. Waterproof means that the collar receiver can be submerged in water and will not be damaged. If the collar receiver is not waterproof it is water resistant. Water resistant means that the collar will not be damaged if exposed to rain or snow, but it should not be submerged. Clearly waterproof collars are the best.

Run Thru Prevention
This is a patented technology by Innotek. If another system says it has Run Thru Prevention, ask again, it does not. All the Innotek models, IUC-4100, IUC-4200, IUC-5100, IUC-5200, SD-2000, SD-2100, SD-2200, SD-3100, SD-3100, have Run Thru Prevention. The RF-3004V does not. However, there is some run thru prevention built into the RF-3005V and RF-3006V systems. Both of these systems will progress the correction from a low setting to a high setting, yet the jump is quick and only to the highest level, and does not slowly ramp up as the Innotek systems do. Run Thru Prevention is as important for smaller dogs as it is for medium and large dogs. It offers the security that every pet owner wants.

Maximum Coverage
The SD-2000 and the SD-3000 can cover a maximum of 5 acres. All the other systems can cover up to 25 acres. This means that the systems have the power to cover and contain a dog in that maximum size. Is this important? Only if you are planning to contain more than 5 acres. All the systems come with 500 feet of wire, enough to do just under ½ acre.

24/7 Protection
24/7 Battery Back Up protection is only available on the IUC-4100, IUC-4200, IUC-5100, IUC-5200, SD-2100 and the SD-2200. It is powered by common AA batteries and can operate the system in the event of a power outage for up to 40 hours. Is it important? This feature was incorporated in these systems in early 2003, yet we have received numerous emails and calls from customers praising 24/7, stating how it helped contain their dogs in a power outage. It is one of those features that you only miss if you didn’t have it. From a safety perspective, you can never be too safe.

Lightning Protection
The PetSafe units do not come with internal lightening protection. Internal lightening protection is basically a breaker inside the transmitter that is blown if the outside wire is struck by lightning, hence protecting your household wiring. We recommend that with the purchase of a PetSafe system you use an external lightening protector. The Innotek systems all have an internal lightening protector. In the vast majority of cases, the transmitter will be destroyed if struck by lightning, and you will need a new transmitter. So for maximum protection use an Innotek system with internal lightening protection and an additional external lightening protector. Lightning strikes are not covered by the manufacture's warranty.

External Lightning Protector
This is a separate unit which protects the transmitter from damage if the system is struck by lightening. It is included in the Innotek IUC-4200, and SD-2200, but needs to be purchased separately with all other systems. It is recommended for all PetSafe systems and for all systems which are installed in high lightening parts of the country.

Warranty
All manufacturer warranties are the same. One full year of warranty and then lifetime on parts. Some of the Innotek Sport Collars have a 3 year full warranty.

Potted Collar Receivers
This refers to the electronic receiver box that is on the dog's collar. Potting refers to protecting the internal electronic components. This protection is done by injecting a soft foam when the collar is assembled. The soft foam then hardens, covering and "potting" the delicate internal components. This protects the internal components if the collars if dropped or heavily used.

FCC Approved
All Containment Systems operate on a citizen's band wavelength and therefore need to be FCC approved. All Innotek and PetSafe systems are FCC approved.

Miscellaneous
There are a variety of other features mentioned on a variety of Internet Sites, this site as well. By in large, most if not all of these features are incorporated into PetSafe and Innotek systems. Many of the features mentioned are of no direct use in choosing the correct containment system, and regretfully many of those features are more hype than practical. We have chosen to represent PetSafe and Innotek products. Between these two manufacturers there is not a need to hype. They are the two most respected manufacturers and account for almost 100% of all pet containment systems sold. Because of quality there products are proudly represented by the top retailers in the US. There are no other manufacturers that can say that.

	IUC-4100	IUC-4200	SD-2100	SD-2200	SD-2000	RF-3004V	RF-3006V	RF-3005V
Dogs in Lbs	15 - 220	15 - 220	15 - 220	15 - 220	20 - 75	25 - 40	15 - 60	75 - 200	Learn More
Run Thru Prevention	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Partial	Partial	Learn More
Collar Receiver	Microline Contoured Fit	Microline Contoured Fit	Microline	Microline	Medium	Medium	Medium	Large	Learn More
Automatic Collar Fit	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	Learn More
Ready Test Collar Receiver	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	Learn More
Rechargeable	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	Learn More
Collar Battery	Long Life Lithium - Ion, Rechargeable	Long Life Lithium - Ion, Rechargeable	Rechargeable	Rechargeable	6 Volt	Proprietary	Proprietary	9 Volt	Learn More
Max Coverage	25 Acres	25 Acres	25 Acres	25 Acres	5 Acres	25 Acres	25 Acres	25 Acres	Learn More
24/7 Protection	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	Learn More
Lightning Protection	Yes Internal	Yes Internal and External	Yes Internal	Yes Internal and External	Yes Internal	No	No	No	Learn More
Ext. Lightning Protection	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	Learn More
Warranty	1 Year - Limited Lifetime	1 Year - Limited Lifetime	1 Year - Limited Lifetime	1 Year - Limited Lifetime	1 Year - Limited Lifetime	1 Year - Limited Lifetime	1 Year - Limited Lifetime	1 Year - Limited Lifetime	Learn More
Potted Collar receivers	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Learn More
FCC Approved	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Learn More
Waterproof Collar Receiver	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes		Yes	Yes	Yes	Learn More

	IUC-5200	IUC-5100	SD-3000	SD-3100	NPRFT-300
	Contain and Zone	Contain and Train	Contain and Train	Contain and Train	Contain and Train
Dogs in Lbs	15 - 220	15 - 220	15 - 220	15 - 220	20-220	Learn More
Run Thru Prevention	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Partial	Learn More
Collar Receiver	Small	Small	Large	Large	Variable	Learn More
Automatic Collar Fit	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Learn More
Ready Test Collar Receiver	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Learn More
Rechargeable	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Learn More
Collar Battery	Long Life Lithium - Ion	Long Life Lithium - Ion	3 Volt	3 Volt	Variable	Learn More
Max Coverage	25 Acres	25 Acres	5 Acres	25 Acres	25 Acres	Learn More
24/7 Protection	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Learn More
Lightning Protection	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Learn More
External Lightning Protection	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Learn More
Warranty	1 Year - Limited Lifetime	1 Year - Limited Lifetime	1 Year - Limited Lifetime	1 Year - Limited Lifetime	1 Year - Limited Lifetime	Learn More
Potted Collar receivers	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Learn More
FCC Approved	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Learn More
Trainer Range	N/A	150 Yards	150 Yards	300 Yards	Inside Containment Field	Learn More
Trainer Levels	N/A	9 Per Dog - Plus Tone	4 Per Dog - Plus Tone	4 Per Dog	One	Learn More
Multiple Dogs	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No Only One Dog Max
Waterproof Collar Receiver	Yes	Yes	Water Resistant	Water Resistant	Yes	Learn More