How to Install an Electric Dog Fence

The pros of having an electric underground fence to protect your dog definitely outweigh the cons. This is why some homeowners choose to purchase these items and install the fences themselves. However, there are many different things to keep in mind when learning how to install an electric dog fence, including where to buy the materials, how to properly install items, and how to go about training your dog. To have the entire process covered from start to finish, feel free to call Dog Guard at 1-800-865-0495.

Before starting this do-it-yourself project, first, the pet owner will want to consult a veterinarian. Ask for their recommendations on whether or not an electric fence would be right for your pet. Next is the purchasing of the materials. An electric fence comes in several different components. First is the transmitter, which is possibly the most important part of the system. It’s important to see where this component is made and what its rate of failure is. A poorly made transmitter might actually harm the pet, so extensive research is necessary to find which one is best. Note that Dog Guard’s transmitters are 100% made within the U.S. and that its systems are veterinarian-approved.

The next component is the high-quality wire that will be buried underground. Fence options are almost limitless; a homeowner will definitely want to plot out where they need to create boundaries. There are several different styles of perimeter design to choose, including double loops, interior loops, and pinch-offs, and a homeowner will need to buy plenty of wire to install in addition to the materials needed to bury the transmission wire.

Lastly, you’ll want to find collars of the right size and shape for your dog that go along with your choice of transmitter. For instance, Dog Guard has three different choices of collar depending on the size and strength of your dog or cat. This is another item that you’ll want to test to be sure that it’s safe before putting it on your pet. It’s also important to make sure the system has customizable settings for stimulus: Dog Guard’s system has 32 adjustable levels.

Once a homeowner has purchased the equipment, talked to a veterinarian, and plotted out where they want the wire to go, it’s time to test the system above ground and then install it. The out-of-sight areas will need to be dug up. Those with back problems may want to enlist the help of friends or simply hire a professional. Typically, one large loop is run around the area, and an area of twisted wire connects back to the control box and allows the dog to pass over it without receiving a correction. Note that transmitters should never be left outdoors. They are typically left indoors in a basement or shed. Also, be sure not to run wires along other telephone, electrical, or antenna wires. As with an electrical work, be sure to take the proper safety precautions.

After the “grunt work” is done, the real work starts. Training the dog to actually use the wireless fence is the most important part of this process. It is also the part of the process that many owners struggle with and that Dog Guard does extremely well. It’s a smart idea to use temporary flags so that the dog can have a visual representation of the boundary during training. First, the dog is typically walked along the boundary. The collar is worn, but only an audible correction is used. Every time a pet retreats from the boundary, it’s praised with attention and/or treats. The next step is to introduce a small correction stimulus, similar to the feeling of a small static shock. The same process continues, with reward systems in place.

A pet owner should take their time in these steps until they’re confident that the pet knows where the boundary is. Then, they can observe the dog while off the leash. The final stage is to purposefully introduce distractions like new people to see if the pet is tempted to cross the boundary. Some dogs many continue escaping from the yard, so at that point, it may be helpful to call a professional for training tips and help.

Training often takes between two and three weeks. Dog Guard provides as many training sessions as necessary to ensure that your pet knows how to observe and respect its boundaries. For some pet owners, buying the equipment, learning how to install an electric dog fence, and doing extensive training sessions on their own is less time- and cost-effective than simply having the professionals take care of these details. Why not get a free quote and talk to Dog Guard today?