Wiktor Wise
Electric pet fences are a great way to keep your furry friend safe and secure. They are an invisible alternative to traditional fences, giving your pet freedom to roam while providing you with peace of mind. Electric pet fences can be installed in a few hours and are a straightforward DIY project, but it's important to be aware of potential health and safety risks associated with them. This guide will take you through the process of building an electric pet fence, as well as some considerations to keep in mind before installing one.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Installation time | Depending on the size of the yard, an electric pet fence can be installed in a few hours or a day. |
| Cost | Retail options are available for as low as $400. On average, an invisible electric dog fence costs between $1,100 and $2,500. |
| Safety | Electric fences can be controversial as some believe they pose a health risk and cause behavioral issues. It is important to consult a vet before installing one. |
| Training | A hidden electric fence only works if the dog is trained to understand and obey the warning signal. This can be done in a week. |
| Design | There is no one way to design an electric fence. Multiple loops connected by twisted wire can create multiple 'no-go' zones. |
| Maintenance | The battery in the dog's collar receiver should be changed every three to six months. |
| Installation tips | Boundary wires cancel out the signal if they are within 4 feet of each other. Power lines and satellite hookups can also interfere with the fence. |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding the risks and benefits of electric fences
Electric pet fences are designed to keep pets within the bounds of their owner's property without the need for a physical fence. They are also known as invisible fences and usually consist of a buried wire, a transmitting box, and a collar for the pet. When the pet approaches the wire, the collar gives a beep, a vibration, or a shock.
While electric pet fences can be an appealing solution for pet owners, they also come with several risks and benefits that should be carefully considered.
One of the main benefits of electric pet fences is that they provide a hassle-free way to contain your pet within your property without the need for a physical fence. This can be especially useful if you are unable or unwilling to install a physical fence due to cost, zoning regulations, or aesthetic reasons. Electric pet fences can also be relatively inexpensive, with DIY options available for as low as $400, and they can be installed in a day, with pet training taking as little as a week.
However, one of the main risks associated with electric pet fences is the potential for negative behavioral issues in pets. Some pets may become afraid of the shocks and refuse to go outside, while others may not be affected by the shocks at all. There is also a risk of fallout behaviors, where the pet associates the pain of the shock with other stimuli, such as children or people walking by, leading to aggression or reactivity. In addition, there is a risk of failure or malfunction in the system, which could endanger the pet, especially if there is interference from nearby wires.
Another benefit of electric pet fences is that they can be flexible and customized to the specific needs of the pet and the owner's property. For example, wireless pet fence systems can be placed anywhere in the home and emit a circle radius around the base unit. However, this type of system may not allow for precise boundary measurements and may confuse the pet or increase the risk of escape.
Overall, while electric pet fences can provide a convenient and flexible solution for containing pets, they also come with significant risks to the pet's physical and psychological health. It is important for pet owners to carefully consider these risks and benefits before deciding to install an electric pet fence and to consult with a veterinarian or pet behavior professional if needed.
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Planning the installation
Assess Your Property:
Start by assessing your property and identifying areas where you want to allow or restrict your pet's access. Consider any buildings, sidewalks, driveways, gardens, and underground utilities. Create a rough sketch of your property on graph paper, marking these areas. This will help you visualize the layout and determine the placement of the fence.
Determine the Fence Type:
Decide on the type of electric fence you want to install. You can choose from various options, such as underground fences, wireless fences, or traditional physical fences. Consider factors like the size of your yard, the terrain, and your pet's specific needs, such as their tendency to jump or dig under fences.
Choose the Right System:
Select a fence system that suits your pet's size, temperament, and health. Electronic containment systems are not recommended for aggressive dogs, guard dogs, or dogs with health issues. Consult a veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet's suitability for an electric fence.
Consider Safety and Training:
Electric fences require training your pet to understand and obey the warning signals. Be prepared to dedicate time to this training process, which may take several days. Ensure you understand the potential risks and behavioural issues associated with electric fences, and discuss these with your veterinarian before making a decision.
Plan the Installation Process:
Decide whether you will install the fence yourself or hire a professional. If you opt for a DIY installation, carefully follow the instructions provided with your chosen fence kit. Consider the placement of the transmitter box near a power outlet and the grounding of the fence system to protect it from lightning strikes and power surges.
By carefully planning the installation of your electric pet fence, you can ensure a safe and effective containment system for your furry friend.
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Splicing wires
Preparing the Wires:
Start by stripping both ends of the wires you plan to join. This involves removing the insulation from each wire, exposing the conductive material underneath. Be careful not to cut too deeply, as you only need to remove a small portion of the insulation.
Connecting the Wires:
Take a wire connector and insert the stripped ends of both wires into it. Push the wires firmly into the connector, ensuring they are securely in place. The connector acts as a bridge, allowing the electrical signal to pass from one wire to the other.
Twisting the Wires:
After inserting the wires into the connector, twist the wires together. This step helps create a stronger mechanical connection between the wires and the connector. It also ensures that the wires remain in contact, facilitating signal transmission.
Testing and Securing:
Pull the wires gently to test the strength of the splice. Ensure there is no slack or looseness that could cause a weak connection. For added security, apply a small amount of silicone caulk or sealant to the wire connector and the exposed wire ends. This will protect the connection from moisture and corrosion. Once the caulk dries, you can also wrap the splice with electrical tape for further insulation and protection.
Creating Dead Zones:
If you need to create a "dead zone" or a safe area where the electric fence signal is cancelled, you can twist the boundary wire with a separate section of wire. This twisted section will cancel the signal, allowing your pet to cross without receiving a correction. You can also purchase pre-twisted wire to save time and effort.
Maintenance and Considerations:
It's important to periodically inspect your electric pet fence for any signs of damage, such as nicks or bad splices. Continuous pulling or movement of the wire can cause these issues, leading to potential breaks in the fence's functionality. Additionally, be mindful of the soil type and environmental factors that can accelerate corrosion, such as moisture and fertiliser application.
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Training your dog
Before you begin training, put a separate non-metallic collar on your dog's neck and attach a leash. It is also important to have tiny treats, such as hot dogs or lunch meat, as well as your dog's favourite toy. The goal of the first training session is to let your dog learn the boundary flags and the warning beep from the receiver collar, which defines its new containment area. Program the collar to the tone-only training mode and begin by calmly praising and talking to your dog as you walk it on a leash in the containment area.
Repeat this process at the same boundary flag, then move on to another flag. Aim to master 3-4 boundary flags per session. To test your dog's comfort level, spend at least 5 minutes of play time within 10 feet of the boundary flags at the end of each training session. Perform 3 x 10-15 minute sessions every day. The goal of this phase is to train your dog to stay in the containment zone and respect its new boundaries.
Once you feel secure that your dog understands its boundaries, begin removing every other boundary flag every 4 days until all the flags are gone. Save the flags in case you need to use them again in the future to train another pet or to help retrain your pet at a new home.
It is important to note that electronic containment is not recommended for guard dogs, vicious dogs, or dogs with health problems. Some dogs may simply refuse to respond to the signals from the transmitter. Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions about the suitability of an electric fence system for your pet.
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Troubleshooting and maintenance
To keep your electric pet fence in good condition, it is important to check it daily. Most chargers will include a voltage meter or an indicator light that will show if the fence is active. If you notice any issues, walk the perimeter of the fence and look for any grass or shrubs that may be interfering with the signal.
If your pet continues to run through the fence, you may need to adjust the collar or increase the level of correction. Refer to your owner's manual for instructions on how to do this. Check that the collar is snug enough and that your pet has been adequately trained to obey the warning signal.
If you suspect a wire break, perform a short loop test before digging up the wire. Take a short piece of wire, strip the ends, and put them into the transmitter. If the beeping stops, the problem is further down the line. If you have a surge protector, remove the loop side wires and wire them directly to the transmitter. If the beeping stops, replace the surge protector. If the beeping continues, you may need to call a professional to locate and repair the break.
When re-splicing a wire, use underground, waterproof, grease-filled tubes with wire nuts. Splicing in a short piece of wire will provide some slack, which is necessary to prevent the splice from coming undone due to ground shifts or temperature changes. Avoid using electrical tape, butt splices, shrink tubes, or duct tape, as these methods will likely fail over time due to corrosion.
To keep your electric fence functioning properly, ensure that it is easy to see and consider installing coated wire, braid, or rope to indicate the location of the fencing. Additionally, pay attention to the electrical systems on or near your property, as boundary wires and other wires, such as power lines, can interfere with the fence's signal.
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Frequently asked questions
Building an electric pet fence is a fairly straightforward process. First, you'll need to purchase an electric fence kit from a pet store or online. Then, you'll need to plan the installation by drawing a rough sketch of your property, including any buildings, sidewalks, driveways, gardens, and underground utilities. Decide where you want your pet to have access and where you want to create "no-go" zones. Once you have a plan, you can start installing the fence by burying the wire and grounding the fence system. Finally, test the collar before putting it on your pet.
The cost of an electric pet fence can vary depending on the size of your yard and the type of terrain. For a hidden electric fence, the cost typically ranges from \$1,100 to \$2,500. However, if you install it yourself, you can find retail options for as low as \$400. On the other hand, physical fences can range from \$1,000 to over \$10,000, depending on the material and length.
The installation process for an electric pet fence can be completed in a day, depending on the size of your yard. However, training your pet to obey the warning signal can take about a week.
There are a few important considerations to keep in mind before installing an electric pet fence. Firstly, electric fences can be controversial as some believe they pose a health risk and cause behavioural issues. It's essential to consult your veterinarian to determine if this type of fence is suitable for your pet. Additionally, you should be prepared to train your pet independently or hire a professional trainer.
