Trystan Casey
Electric dog fences are a dog-training system that uses a small electric charge to keep your dog in the yard. The wire forming the fence boundary must make a continuous loop back to the transmitter, which is usually located indoors in a dry, protected area. The wire should be buried 1 to 5 inches below the ground to protect it from damage and to maintain a strong signal. Burying the wire can be done with a shovel, or a wire trencher can be rented from home improvement stores and local tool shops to make the job easier.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wire depth | 1-5 inches below the ground |
| Wire placement | Buried or above ground |
| Tools | Shovel, concrete saw, wire trencher, Kwik-Trench, spade, electric drill, splicer kit |
| Wire type | Twisted wire, solid boundary wire |
| Cost | $40 to rent a wire trencher for half a day |
| Time | Half a day to lay 1000 feet of wire |
| Wire length | Leave 20% extra wire to allow for burial |
| Wire connection | Connect wire to transmitter box/plug |
| Transmitter location | Indoors in a dry, protected area, like a garage |
| Transmitter issues | Alarming/flashing means wire sections are not joined properly |
| Corner shape | Rounded, not right angles |
| Collar battery | Change every 3-6 months |
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What You'll Learn
Planning the layout
First, determine the boundaries of your electric dog fence. Decide on the specific area you want to enclose and mark out the perimeter. Consider any obstacles or unique features within your yard that may impact the layout, such as trees, gardens, or driveways. It is important to ensure that the boundary forms a continuous loop back to the transmitter, with rounded corners as right angles can confuse the transmitter.
Next, measure the distance of the perimeter you have designed. This measurement will help you estimate the amount of wire you need. Remember to add about 20% extra wire to account for burying it and any potential errors or adjustments.
Now, consider the depth at which you will bury the wire. The recommended depth is usually between 1 to 5 inches below the ground. Burying the wire protects it from damage by animals, weather conditions, and lawn equipment, while still maintaining a strong signal.
Before you begin burying the wire, it is essential to lay it out above ground and connect it to the transmitter box to ensure that everything functions correctly. This step allows you to make any necessary adjustments and identify any potential issues.
Finally, decide on the tools you will use to bury the wire. You can choose between renting a wire trencher, which can make the process faster and more efficient, especially for larger properties or areas with straight lines, or using manual tools like a shovel and a stick to dig and place the wire in the ground. If you have a driveway, you may need to use a concrete saw to cut into it and then reseal the wire.
By carefully following these planning steps, you will be well-prepared to start burying your electric dog fence, ensuring a smooth and successful installation process.
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Tools needed
The tools you will need to bury an electric dog fence depend on the type of fence you are installing, the type of wire you are using, and the area you are fencing.
First, you will need to plan the layout of your fence and mark the boundaries with flags or spray paint. You can also make an aerial sketch of your yard, including buildings, plants, trees, and other important details. This will help you determine the type and amount of equipment you need.
Next, you will need to dig a trench along the marked boundaries. The trench should be deep enough to bury the wire at the recommended depth, which can vary depending on the type of wire and manufacturer's instructions. For example, some wires need to be buried 2-4 inches deep, while others may need to be buried deeper. You can dig the trench by hand using a trenching tool or a flat shovel. If you are installing the fence in a large area or in hard soil, you may want to consider renting a wire trencher from a home improvement store or local tool shop.
Once you have dug the trench, you will need to lay the wire inside. It is important to leave some slack in the wire, especially at corners and ends, to allow for movement and potential repairs. You can wind the extra wire into a coil and bury it along with the wire. Use wire connectors to connect the boundary wire to the transmitter box and receiver collar. Waterproof wire connectors are recommended to prevent water damage.
If you need to run the wire across a driveway or other hard surfaces, you may need additional tools such as a concrete saw to cut into the surface and then reseal it.
Other tools that may be useful during the installation process include safety glasses, silicone caulk, electrical tape, and a stick to help stuff the wire into the slit created by the shovel.
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Connecting the wire to the transmitter
Firstly, lay out the wire sections along the path you've designed. It's important to leave about 20% extra wire to allow for burial. Use twisted wire to establish a connection between the boundary wire and the transmitter, twisting it together with the dog fence wire with approximately one twist per inch. Ensure you round the corners as right angles can confuse the transmitter. The wire forming the fence boundary must create a continuous loop back to the transmitter, so make sure to splice the wire where necessary.
Once you've spliced the twisted wire, bring it into your surge protector and then into the transmitter. Plug in the dog fence transmitter and check for any alarms or flashing lights, which indicate that the fence is not operational. Ensure that all wire sections are properly joined and form a complete loop.
Position the transmitter indoors in a dry, protected area, such as a garage. Keep it away from potential interference sources, including breaker boxes, water heaters, and air conditioning units. After connecting the wire to the transmitter, follow the programming instructions in your manual to program the transmitter and collar, tailoring the settings to your specific needs.
It is important to test the wires above ground before burying them to ensure they are functioning correctly. This will also allow you to adjust the sensitivity and determine how close your dog can get to the boundary before receiving a warning. By following these steps, you can establish a secure connection between the wire and the transmitter, ensuring the electric dog fence functions effectively.
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Burying the wire
First, lay out the wire above ground along the path you have designed. It is recommended to leave about 20% of extra wire to allow for burial. Use twisted wire to connect the boundary wire to the transmitter, ensuring a complete loop. Before burying, connect the wire to the transmitter box to test that everything is functioning properly.
Next, you'll need to dig a trench for the wire. You can rent a wire trencher from home improvement stores or local tool shops. A mini trencher, such as the Kwik-Trench, is ideal for smaller areas and can dig trenches up to 30 feet per minute. Make sure to adjust the cutting depth to between 3 and 5 inches below the ground, which is deep enough to protect the wire but shallow enough to maintain a strong signal. If you're trenching through a driveway, you may need to use a concrete saw and then reseal the cut.
Once your trench is dug, place the wire inside and backfill the trench with soil. If you're using a Kwik-Trench, the machine will neatly deposit the soil next to the trench, making backfilling easier.
Now, bring the twisted wire into your surge protector and transmitter. Plug in the transmitter and ensure that all sections of the wire are properly joined and form a complete loop. Refer to the programming instructions in your manual to program the transmitter and collar.
That's it! You've successfully buried the wire for your electric dog fence.
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Testing the fence
Testing your electric dog fence is an important step to ensure that your system is working properly and to prevent any potential issues. Here is a step-by-step guide to testing your fence:
- Test Before Burying the Wires: It is recommended to test your electric dog fence system before burying the wires. This allows you to make any necessary adjustments and ensure proper functioning.
- Use a Voltage Meter: Obtain a voltage meter to test the system. Connect the voltage meter to the boundary wire and the transmitter box to measure the signal strength. This will help you determine if the signal is strong enough to trigger the receiver collar.
- Check Wire Connections: Ensure that all wire connections are secure and properly made. Check the connections between the boundary wire, the transmitter box, and the receiver collar. Any loose connections can affect the overall performance of the fence.
- Test the Receiver Collar: Put the receiver collar on your dog's neck and walk them towards the boundary. Observe whether the collar emits a beeping sound or delivers a mild electric shock as your dog approaches the boundary. Adjust the sensitivity and range settings if needed.
- Identify and Avoid Underground Utilities: Before burying the wires, make sure to identify and mark the locations of any underground utilities, such as gas cylinders, septic systems, or low-voltage power lines. Maintain a safe distance from these utilities to avoid any accidental damage or interference.
- Test for Signal Interference: Check for potential signal interference from neighbouring electric fences or nearby electronic devices. If your neighbours have a similar system, ensure that your wires are separated by at least 6 to 10 feet to avoid interference.
- Use a Signal Strength Meter: Follow the buried wire with a signal strength meter to identify any weak spots or breaks in the wire. This tool will help you pinpoint any areas where the signal strength is inconsistent or weak.
- Perform Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the long-term functionality of your electric dog fence. Check the system periodically, including the wire connections, battery life of the receiver collar, and overall performance.
- Troubleshoot Common Issues: If your fence is not working as expected, troubleshoot common issues such as broken wires, loose connections, or interference from nearby objects. Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for troubleshooting tips specific to your system.
- Seek Professional Assistance: If you encounter persistent issues or complex problems, don't hesitate to seek assistance from a professional installer or a technician specialised in electric dog fences. They can help identify and resolve any issues with your fence.
Remember to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific testing procedures and guidelines. By following these steps, you can effectively test your electric dog fence and ensure the safety and functionality of the system for your furry friend.
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Frequently asked questions
A wire trencher can be used to dig a trench and insert the wire at the same time. You can rent a wire trencher from most home improvement stores and local tool shops. For soft and flat ground, a shovel can also be used.
The wire should be buried 3 to 5 inches below the ground. This depth protects the wire from animals and weather while maintaining a strong signal.
First, lay out the sections of wire along the path you have designed. Leave about 20% of extra wire to allow for it to be buried. Use twisted wire to connect the boundary wire to the transmitter and solid boundary wire to create your loop.
Before burying the wire, lay it out above ground and connect it to the transmitter box. If the transmitter is alarming and flashing, this means that the fence is not operational, and you should check that all sections of wire are properly joined.
