Looking for the most secure and safest pet containment options? In this article we will review and compare dog tie out stake, fence, wireless fence or pen / kennel options. Each pet containment type has its pros and cons, so let's get started.
Dog Tie Out Stake
A dog tie out stake is great option if you are on a budget and need something immediately. Dog tie out stakes are generally inexpensive and quick to install. On the other hand, many dog tie out companies use composite metals instead of steel; or do not support the weight they say they do. Be sure to choose a dog tie out stake that has more than enough strength to hold your dog; and has real reviews to back it (not reviews paid for). If you have multiple dogs, there is only one dog tie out stake on the market patented to hold two dogs and keep them tangle-free: Double Dog Run System. Overall a Dog Tie Out Stake is a staple necessity for most dog owners and is perfect for travel and camping with your pets.
Fence
A fence can brig many benefits but requires a significant investment, planning, paperwork and time. On the upside a fence can give you and your pets complete privacy and security, keeping your dog in the yard and from others from coming into your area. Most of us know the upsides of a fence with regard to security, however some dogs like to dig, so look out for that if you have a digging dog. Remember, not all neighborhoods allow fences, so be sure to check if you have an HOA before deciding anything.
Wireless Fence / E-fences
A wireless fence can be a great option for difficult terrains that make it hard to build a fence. A wireless fence can provide longer distances to roam depending on the system you install. On the downside, these systems can be costly as well and will require additional costs for batteries, etc. Additionally, wireless fences may not be good for high traffic areas. If your dog is not trained properly on the boundaries, it can break the boundary line and could hesitate to come back into the boundary due to the "penalty" type the collar provides which is often shock, vibration or sound. You know your dog and what will work. If you have the commitment to train your dog on these wireless fences, then this may be a good option.
Pen / Kennel
A pen or kennel can be a good option if you need your dogs completely secure with zero worry of escape. Pens or kennels are entirely enclosed from bottom to top. The downside of these enclosures is that the size is limited. These can be as low as a couple hundred dollars into the thousands depending on what type you get.
That was a quick rundown on pet containment options. We know there are other factors and areas that need to be covered. We thought it best to put the rest of the information regarding these containment options into a comparison chart of each important point to consider when deciding between these options.
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Pet Containment Comparison: Dog Tie Out Stakes, Fence, Wireless and Pen |
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Dog Tie-Out Stakes |
Physical Fence |
Wireless/E-Fence |
Kennel / Outdoor Pen |
| Cost: |
Lowest Cost: Lowest initial cost option. Some dog tie outs offer a warranty for replacements and parts. As long as the tie out is of high quality, it should last for years with little to no extra costs. Dog tie outs are priced anywhere from $5 up to $150. Even on the highest end of the dog tie out stake prices, tie outs are still the most cost effective option.
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Expensive: High upfront cost. Requires investment and upkeep expense is necessary.
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Moderate - Expensive: Generally cheaper to install than a physical fence. However, depending on how many dogs you have, the keeping up with batteries and other accessories can add up in cost.
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Moderate to Expensive: Depending on the size and what the kennel is made up, these can range from a few hundred to 1000's
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| Setup: |
Simple and Easy: Easy to install anywhere with solid ground. Most dog tie out stakes can be set up within minutes.
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Construction Required: Fences require contracts, zoning and time. However, once the fence is up, your dogs don't need any training.
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Install, Time and Training Required: Most wireless and electric fence setups require installation, ranging and of course, training. Your dog will need to be trained on limits using sounds are warnings or electric shocks.
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Construction Required: Kennels need to be put together, but often come with easy instructions. As long you have the time, these can be built withing a few hours.
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| Security: |
Low to High Security: Due to the wide range of dog tie out stake types, it is best to go by the price and quality of the tie out stake to best ensure you get the highest level of security. Don't compromise the price of the dog tie out for security. Currently, Double Dog Run is the most secure dog tie stake featuring a shock absorbing design holding up to 1200 lbs of pull force. However it is the highest security tie out for up to two dogs.
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High Security: When first installed, a fence encloses the yard area entirely. As long as your dog can't jump or dig under the fence all should be secure.
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Mid to Low Security: Training is key as well as these system require the dogs to learn boundary lines. Without trainging there is nothing to secure the dog from the urge to chase in certain circumstances. However, with training and trust in your dog, these system can be perfect for certain situations.
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High Security: Pens are highly secure as they are entirely enclosed (usually all around) making jumping or digging a non-issue.
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| Durabilty / Longevity |
Low to High: Again, with the wide range of materials and quality of dog tie outs. Stakes made of cheap composite metals will not last more than a couple months. Look for all-weather dog tie outs with components made for all weather types. High quality dog tie out stakes can last over 5 years with minimal upkeep.
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Mid to High: Depending on what the fence is made of depends on it's durability and longevity. Upkeep is required.
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Unknown: Wireless and E-fences are newer and the longevity and durability of both need to play out. Wireless fences especially.
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Mid to High: Depending on the material used, the pen can keep for a long time with minor upkeep.
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| Safety: |
Mid to High: A proper dog tie out stake will keep your dog securely in your yard regardless of it's k-9 urges. In addition, having a tie out cable attached to your dog ensures others walking by that the dog is secured to something. Other animals will be able to see that the dogs has hit it's limit settling any anxious reactions. Dog tie outs do not keep other critters from entering your dog's area. Supervision is required if in an area where there is a lot of traffic.
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High: Fences offer the most safety for your pets and it also keeps other dogs from coming into your dog's area. Additionally, people and pets walking by know there is a barrier easing anxiety.
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Low to Mid: These systems can be reliable, again, with training. However, there is nothing restraining a dog should thier K-9 urge take over or in a need to protect itself. Which leads us to protection from other animals entering the yard. With no clear barrier that humans and other dogs can see, this can lead to anxiousness. Additionally, the dog may be hesitant to re-enter the areas due to fear of being zapped on their way back in.
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High: Simply put, this will keep your pet from wondering into other areas and other from wondering into theirs.
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| Portability: |
Highly Portable: Dog tie outs are able to installed and uninstalled. As long as you have solid ground and the right tie out stake, you can take your dogs camping or traveling anytime!
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Not Portable: Clearly, fences are not portable.
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Not Portable to Portable: E-fences need to be installed into the ground and can probably be dug up and reused. There are other wireless fences that feature a base station with a range it covers.
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Not Portable to Portable: Depends on the type of pen your buld and if it is meant a permanent structure or is comprised of sections you can take apart.
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| Training Needed |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
| Flexibility with Boundaries |
Mid to High Flexibility: Dog tie outs can be places anywhere there are no obstructions for the cables to tangle on. Most dog tie outs can be used with different length cables allowing for the area the dogs can move around in to be small or larger at anytime.
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Limited to None: Once its there it is there and sometimes certain terrain and areas aren't suitable for fence.
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Mid to High: Depending on the type of wireless fence your get and quality. These can be used to span large, oddly shaped, or sloped terrain where physical fences are difficult to build. For electric fences in ground they will be much more difficult to move versus the base with range type of wireless fence system.
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None: Whatever shape and size you buy is what you get.
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In conclusion, you ultimately know what will and won't work for your pets when it come to pet containment options. We hope this breakdown helped you to determine if a dog tie out stake, fence, wireless fence or pen is best for your needs.
Note: We did not include dog-trolley systems in this list. However, here is quick rundown. Dog trolley systems require two strong and fixed points set apart at the range you want your dog to run. If there are no trees or posts to support the overhead line, you will need to install posts. These systems are good for short term camping set ups for one dog. There are options for two dog trolley systems, but remember with one line and two cables if one dog wants to run after squirrel, the other dog has no choice but to go along with it. These systems are good for low tempered or older dogs who just like to lay and walk around a little.
