Innotek SD-2000 Basic Fence Review
Pros
- Non-proprietary batteries
- Cheapest reliable system
Cons
- No adjustable correction levels
- No low battery warning
- Not rechargeable
- No battery backup for the transmitter
Rating
Retail Price
$199.95
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$119.95
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Innotek, the child company of Radio Fence which also makes the gear for Invisible Fence and PetSafe, has a bare bones offering called the SD-2000 (pictured right). The SD-2000 is the cheapest reliable system on the market, but cuts a few too many corners to be really useful. This is the system to get if you are on a very tight budget.
At just over $100, the SD-2000 is the cheapest system that we would suggest anyone should use with their dogs. In terms of features the Innotek SD-2000 is similar to the more expensive PetSafe PRF-3004W. But, unlike some of the other cheaper systems like the Humane Contain, this one works consistently and reliably.
The main drawback of the SD-2000 is that it only has a single correction level. The correction level is progressive, increasing in intensity the nearer the dog gets to the boundary wire. But, there is still only one starting point. This starting point is set for the “typical dog” but is too much for small dogs or compliant dogs, and insufficient for large dogs or stubborn dogs. You really want something that you can adjust after you see your dog’s reaction to the correction.
The other basic feature that is missing is a low battery warning light. There is no decent way to figure out if your battery is getting low, other than regularly testing it on the fence to see if it is beeping. Since nobody ever does this, the battery inevitably goes flat without anyone noticing, potentially leaving the dog’s unsecured. Fortunately, the risks are relatively low since once the dog is trained on the system they tend not to test boundaries. Still, this is a basic safety feature that really should be on all systems.
The Innotek SD-2000 Basic Dog In-Ground Fence uses a generic 3V battery that you can get in any supermarket or drug store. These batteries cost around $5 and last about two months so do start to erode a bit of the SD-2000’s savings. They are less expensive and much easier to find than the proprietary batteries used by some systems like the PetSafe Small Dog Fence, but not as good as the rechargeable batteries on systems like the Innotek 4100.
The collar band is decent. It is a black cloth band, but lacks the reflective strip of the SD-2100. As you would expect, the SD-2000 lacks many of the frills like the base station battery backup and cannot be used with the Innotek wireless indoor pods. To get compatibility with the indoor pods, you need to trade up to the Innotek IUC-4100 or the Innotek IUC-5100.
Innotek offers a lifetime warranty on all it’s products, but that is a little misleading. This really means that they will replace the unit for free in the first year and offer you a discounted repair in subsequent years. Note, that on a unit this cheap, it is a close call whether to take them up on the discounted repair or simply buy a new unit.
Summary: The SD-2000 is a decent option for those on a tight budget with a medium size dog. But the lack of adjustable correction levels and the absence of a low battery warning light kill the deal for us.
If you find this site useful, please consider purchasing your Innotek SD-2000 Basic In-Ground system through our online store.
SD-2000 Collar
Brick The SD-2000 has a old-school brick style collar. It is rumored that the designer of this collar did not go on to design the iphone, ipod or imac. Like most bricks, this collar works well and is robust. The collar is a little bigger than the PetSafe PRF-3004W which is the unit’s main competitor. While the PRF-3004W could comfortably fit a dog down at 10lbs (although the correction level would be all wrong); the SD-2000 would only be comfortable on a dog double that size.
Disposable Battery The collar is powered by a regular disposable 3V lithium battery (this type of battery is sometimes used in cameras). You get about 2-3 months of life from each battery and they are widely available. The batteries cost around $5, not as cheap as an AA battery but cheaper than most proprietary batteries on the market.
No Low Battery WarningGlaringly, the collar has no low battery warning. So you have to test the collar regularly to make sure it is still working. This is something every system really should have, realistically owners are going to be lazy and not test the collar regularly, and not knowing if your collar is working when you put it on your dog is a significant safety issue. The low warning light is also not exactly new or expensive technology and we don’t understand why something so basic is missing from this unit and the competing PetSafe PRF-3004W.
One Progressive Correction Level The other disappointing omission from this unit is that there is only one correction level. This makes the unit a bit of a crapshoot. The correction strength may be right for your dog, but if it isn’t you can’t adjust it. The correction is progressive so will increase as the dog gets closer which gives it a bigger upward range than the PRF-3004W. The sweet spot of the unit is about 30-40lbs, but again this will vary a bit from dog to dog, so a better choice would be a unit with one correction level.
The collar is water resistant. It comes with a black cloth band and a snap-type closure making it easy to get on and off.
Control Box
The Innotek SD-2000 is one of the smallest units with just one basic functions, the Field Width Adjustment Knob. This lets you set how far on either side of the boundary wire the correction will apply.
You can wall mount the unit simply by putting one screw in each of the two “wings” that just out form the side of the system.
Boundary Wire Kit
The basic SD-2000 includes the following items standard:
- 500 ft boundary wire (20 gauge) – enough for about 1/3 of an acre
- 50 boundary flags – create a visual marker for the boundary
- 2 Waterproof wire splice – used to join sections of the boundary wire
Extra boundary kits to create a larger boundary can be ordered in our online store ($30 per 500 feet). You can also upgrade to the slightly thicker 18 gauge boundary wire (not necessary for most people)
Training DVD and Instruction Manual
The SD-2000 system comes with a decent training DVD from Innotek. Our approach to training is a little different, waiting till later to introduce the correction, but either way will hold you in good stead.
| Model | Innotek Basic In Ground Fence SD-2000 |
| Type | In Ground |
| Collar Battery | Disposable – generic (3 volts) |
| Correction Levels | 1 Level (progressive) |
| Beep Only Training Mode | No |
| Collar Warning Beep | Yes |
| Collar Vibration | No |
| Independent Correction Levels | n/a – only one correction level |
| Collar Dimensions | 1.5” (L) x 2” (W) x 1.25″ (D) |
| Collar Neck Size | 2″ – 21″ |
| Collar Water Resistance | Waterproof |
| Collar Fit Test | Yes |
| Maximum Number of Dogs | Unlimited |
| Minimum Dog Size | 20 lbs |
| Minimum Age | 6 months |
| Maximum Containment Area | 5 acres (3,000 feet) |
| Boundary Width | 0-10 feet (adjustable) |
| Control Box Dimensions | 3” (L) x 4.25” (W) x 1.25” (D) |
| Control Box Power Source | Wall Outlet (110V) |
| Control Box Battery Backup | No |
| Indoor Pod Compatibility | No |
| Outdoor Pod Compatibility | No |
| Included Boundary Wire | 500 feet + 2 wire Splices |
| Included Boundary Flags | 50 |
| Training Materials | Manual and DVD |
| Other | Boundary tester |
| Package Dimensions | 12” (L) x 8” (W) x 6″ (D) |
| Package Weight | 6 lbs |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
For the Innotek SD-2000 Basic In Ground Fence Manual click here. (PDF)
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
It sounds like she understands the boundary, but is deliberately going through to be with the kids. That can be a tough habit to break once established. I would try increasing the boundary width a bit to see if that helps, before you replace anything. You can also try a bit more training, where the kids come back every few minutes and praise the dog and give him a treat for staying on the right side of the boundary, and you use a long leash to stop her being able to run through – but still letting her get the correction if she tries running through.
But, if that doesn’t help I think you are going to need to upgrade to a system with multiple correction levels, so you can set it a bit stronger (or add a second collar to your existing system). Note that when you do increase the correction level, you are going to want to redo the final step of the training so she gets the new correction while you have her on a long leash and can control her movement to make sure she retreats rather than runs through.
I have an existing physical fence which my four large dogs climb over, dig under or tear down. I purchased the Innotek SD-2000 in February to work with the physical fence.
At first the dogs continued their evil ways, but after I replaced the batteries in the collars the escape attempts dwindled. As of May I can let the dogs outside even without their collars and they stay about two feet away from the fence. Not even restaurant scraps will entice the most stubborn of the four dogs to approach the fence to jump it.
I was worried when I bought this model since it was the cheapest and had the lowest rating, but it has worked out in the long run. I don’t know if it would be as good if the physical fence wasn’t there, but the combination of wire and electric contains the dogs where one barrier wouldn’t. Also, I attached the wire to the fence using plastic ties rather than trenching it in.
Finally, buying from Dog Fence DIY was a very easy experience. The prices were competitive and the shipping was super fast. I didn’t go wrong and neither will you.
ADMIN – Hi Holly,
Thanks for your feedback and congrats on the dog fence!
Hello. I am a student on a very tight budget and I own an escape artist Lab. I am dedicated to training him and I think that this system will work well for me. I plan on purchasing it next week. If it works out I’d be happy to leave a positive review.
What I am concerned about is whether or not the system is upgradable if need be? If the one correction level is ineffective, will I be able to upgrade the system without buying a new one?
Thank you for your help.
ADMIN – Hi Brandon,
Unfortunately the SD-2000 system is not upgradeable. If the set correction level is ineffective you need to replace the whole unit (i.e. you cannot replace just the collar)
I have a pug. He’s about 30 lbs. I was wondering if this system is the right one for him or would a small dog system be better. I really don’t want to spend a huge amount, so which is the best for both of us? Thank you.
ADMIN – Hi Josh,
If you’re looking for a great reliable fence that won’t break the bank, I’d recommend the Innotek SD 2100. It’s the older generation to the Innotek IUC 4100 and even though it’s an older model, it’s very reliable and will definitely get the job done. Plus, it’ll work great with your pug.