Neil’s Review
The highest quality wireless fence in Australia today. The Stay + Play Fence is an effective dog containment solution, though wireless signals are more prone to interference from surrounding metal structures and do not allow customised boundary shapes. Wired systems involve more work to set up, but generally it is worth the effort!
Quick, easy setup
The PetSafe Stay + Play Standard Wireless Fence creates an adjustable circular dog containment area without installing boundary wire. Place the transmitter near power and out of the weather, set the radius, mark the boundary with the included flags and train your dog to retreat when the collar sounds its warning tone.
It is convenient for open yards, rental properties and travel, but it is not suitable for every layout. The circular radio signal can be affected by metal structures and may not follow an exact fence line.
Important: check your property before choosing wireless
A wireless dog fence is a specialised convenience option, not a universal replacement for a wired containment fence.
The Stay + Play may suit you when:
- The usable dog area can comfortably fit inside a circle.
- The transmitter can sit near the centre in a dry indoor location.
- The area is open, flat and free from major metal obstructions.
- A boundary radius between 6.7m and 32m suits the property.
- You need a fast setup, portability or temporary containment.
- Fluctuation in the exact boundary position is acceptable.
Choose a wired fence instead when:
- You need to follow a rectangular, narrow or irregular boundary.
- Colorbond fencing, metal sheds, metal roofs, vehicles or similar structures are within the area.
- The dog must stop at a precise line before a road, driveway, gate, dam or neighbour.
- You need to exclude gardens, pools, sheds or other specific zones.
- The property requires the most consistent and accurate boundary possible.
- Your property is sloped or uneven.
A circular safe zone from one indoor transmitter
The base unit broadcasts in every direction. The receiver collar responds when the dog approaches the outside edge of the selected radio field.
Position the transmitter
Place it indoors near the centre of the intended dog area, connected to power and at least 1 metre from large metal objects.
Set and test the radius
Adjust the circular boundary from approximately 6.7m to 32m, then walk the full perimeter with the receiver to confirm where it activates.
Train with boundary flags
The collar gives a warning tone near the edge. If the dog continues, it delivers the selected static correction to encourage retreat into the safe area.
Designed for simple setup and low daily maintenance
Adjustable circular coverage
Set the signal between approximately 6.7m and 32m in all directions, covering up to about three-quarters of an acre in suitable conditions.
Waterproof rechargeable collar
The receiver charges in approximately 2–3 hours and can run for up to about three weeks per charge, depending on use.
Tone plus 5 static levels
Use the tone-only training setting or select one of five static correction levels to suit the dog's response.
Add as many dogs as required
Compatible PetSafe wireless receiver collars can be added for multiple dogs using the same containment area.
Useful for travel and temporary areas
Take the system to a suitable powered location, retest the new boundary and retrain the dog to the newly placed flags before off-lead use.
No correction while returning
If the dog leaves the containment area, the collar does not correct the dog as it moves back into the safe zone.
See the Stay + Play system in operation
The video explains the no-wire setup and circular boundary. Always test your actual property; advertised range assumes suitable signal conditions.
Understand the trade-off before purchasing
The Stay + Play removes the installation work of boundary wire. In exchange, the boundary is less flexible and more dependent on the layout and materials around the property.
| Requirement | Stay + Play wireless fence | Wired containment fence |
|---|---|---|
| Boundary shape | Circle only. The size can be adjusted, but it cannot accurately follow a rectangular or irregular yard. | Can follow the property, fencing, driveway, garden or other custom layout. |
| Installation | No boundary wire. Usually faster to set up and test. | Requires boundary wire to be installed, attached or buried. |
| Accuracy | The activation point can vary with placement, structures and signal conditions. | The activation area follows the installed wire and is generally more precise and consistent. |
| Metal structures | Colorbond, sheds, metal roofs, vehicles and other large metal objects can reduce or distort coverage. | A suitable wired system is generally the better choice around buildings and metal structures. |
| Best application | Simple, open, low-risk areas where a circular zone is acceptable. | Most permanent home, suburban, acreage and exact-boundary applications. |
PetSafe Stay + Play Wireless Fence FAQs
Will this wireless dog fence work with Colorbond fencing?
It is generally not recommended where the intended radio field must pass through or operate close to Colorbond or other sheet metal. Metal can block or distort the signal, reducing the safe area or creating an inconsistent boundary. A suitable wired containment fence is normally the stronger option.
Can the boundary follow my existing fence line?
No. The transmitter creates a circle around its location. You can increase or decrease the radius, but a single transmitter cannot form an accurate rectangle, narrow side yard or custom perimeter.
Can I put the transmitter in a shed or outside?
The transmitter must be kept in a dry location and connected to power. A metal shed is also likely to interfere with the radio signal and is not an appropriate installation location.
Can I expand the containment area?
Additional compatible transmitters can be used with overlapping fields to extend the usable area. This can make a broader zone, but it does not provide the same precise custom boundary as an installed wire.
How long does training take?
Allow a minimum of approximately 14 days and progress at the dog's pace. The dog should reliably retreat from the warning tone, including around distractions, before being trusted off lead within the containment area.
Is the standard collar suitable for a stubborn or highly driven dog?
The standard receiver provides five static levels and can suit many dogs. A highly driven escape artist may require the compatible Stubborn Dog receiver, although property layout and boundary reliability still matter. Where escaping presents a high risk, discuss a wired system before deciding.
Can I take the system camping or travelling?
Yes, provided there is a suitable indoor position, a compatible power source and an open area without problematic metal interference. Retest and flag the new boundary, then give the dog supervised refresher training before off-lead use.
Choose the fence type around the property—not just setup speed
Read the full wired, wireless and GPS comparison, or view wired systems when you need a custom-shaped and more consistent boundary.
Video
PetSafe PIF17-13478
- Fence typeWireless radio containment
- BoundaryCircular, approximately 6.7–32m radius
- Maximum areaUp to approximately ¾ acre in suitable conditions
- CorrectionTone-only mode plus 5 static levels
- ReceiverWaterproof and rechargeable
- Charge timeApproximately 2–3 hours
- Battery lifeUp to approximately 3 weeks
- Neck sizeApproximately 15–71cm
- Dog age6 months or older and trained to basic commands
- Number of dogsUnlimited with compatible extra collars
- Transmitter locationIndoor or dry area with mains power
Things To Consider
Colorbond/sheet metal, and traditional electric fencing will affect the radio signal of the PetSafe and SportDOG dog fences. Keep the transmitter away from any sheet metal or electrified tapes/wires when using PetSafe or SportDOG fences. Alternatively, consider installing the DogWatch Hidden Fence to avoid any interference.
Complete starter system for one dog
- Stay + Play wireless transmitter
- Transmitter power adaptor
- Rechargeable waterproof receiver collar
- Receiver charging adaptor
- 50 boundary training flags
- Short and long contact points
- Contact point wrench
- Test light tool
- Quick-start guide
- Fence training guide
