Trystan Casey
PetSafe® fences are a popular DIY solution to keep your pet safe and contained. They offer both in-ground and wireless fence options. Setting up an in-ground fence involves burying wires in your yard to create a boundary. You can also create additional boundaries to keep your pets away from specific areas such as pools or gardens. The first step is to install the buried wire by digging a narrow trench and placing the wire in it. The wire can be attached to a wooden or chain-link fence using fence staples or zip ties. You will then need to test the function of the fence using the collar. Wireless fences, on the other hand, use a radio transmitter that acts as a base station, emitting a radio frequency that forms a circular containment area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Installation time | Wireless fences: 1-2 hours; In-ground fences: a weekend |
| Customizability | In-ground fences are the most customisable option |
| Maximum coverage | 1/3 of an acre, expandable up to 25 acres with additional wires and flags |
| Collar features | Waterproof; 4 levels of static correction plus tone-only mode for training; low battery indicator; 1-2 month battery life; RFA-67 battery |
| Exclusion zones | Can be created around pools, gardens, trampolines, etc. |
| Base unit location | Near a standard electrical outlet; dry, indoor, and ventilated area; near a window or wall to allow the boundary wire to travel outside |
| Wire placement | Bury wire in a trench 3 inches deep; avoid rocky areas, bodies of water, and metal (for wireless fences) |
| Wire crossing | Use expansion joints, channels filled with waterproof compound, or PVC/rubber hosing underneath gravel driveways |
| Double loops | Wires should be at least 5 feet apart |
| Boundary flags | Visual reminder of the warning zone; only used during training |
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What You'll Learn
Planning exclusion zones
When planning exclusion zones, it's essential to consider the size of your yard and the areas you want to restrict. For example, if you have a large yard with multiple gardens or play areas, you may want to create multiple exclusion zones to keep your dog safe and contained. Each exclusion zone will require careful wire placement to ensure your dog cannot access the restricted area.
The PetSafe system allows you to customize the exclusion zones to fit your specific needs. You can adjust the boundary width to suit the size of your yard, the size of your dog, and their temperament. For example, a small or timid dog may only require a narrow exclusion zone, while a larger or more stubborn dog may need a wider warning zone. This customization ensures that the electric fence is tailored to your specific circumstances.
It's also important to consider the location of the base unit when planning exclusion zones. The base unit is the main hub of your fence system and should be placed near a standard electrical outlet in a dry, indoor, and ventilated area. It must also be near a window or wall to allow the boundary wire to travel outside easily. Planning the placement of the base unit in conjunction with the exclusion zones ensures that the fence functions properly and provides a consistent signal.
Additionally, when creating exclusion zones, it's crucial to avoid certain areas when installing the wire. Stay clear of rocky areas, bodies of water, and metal objects as these can interfere with the signal or damage the wire. Instead, opt for soft ground and use a trenching tool to create a narrow trench for the wire, ensuring it is secure and well-protected. By carefully planning the exclusion zones and considering the specific needs of your pet and your yard, you can effectively set up a PetSafe electric fence to keep your dog safe and contained.
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$179.97 $259.99
Testing the collar
Before burying the wire, test the function of the fence using only the collar. Make sure the collar is charged and turned on. Stand in the centre of the designated pet area, holding the collar by the strap at the height of your dog's neck. Approach a straight section of the boundary wire. The collar should emit a tone and vibrate, with the correction level lights flashing. Note how close you need to be to the wire for this to occur. If the collar doesn't respond, check the battery and ensure it's turned on.
Walk towards the boundary wire until the collar begins to beep and vibrate. This indicates that the collar is functioning correctly and is detecting the signal from the wire. Place a boundary flag in the ground at this location to mark the warning zone. Repeat this process along the entire boundary, placing flags at regular intervals to clearly indicate the boundary zone.
Now, walk back towards the middle of the pet area. The collar should stop beeping and vibrating once you're a safe distance from the boundary. If it doesn't, check the collar's sensitivity settings and ensure the battery is functioning. Do not stand directly next to the wire for longer than 15 seconds, as this will activate the over-correction protection, causing the collar to stop activating.
Adjust the boundary settings to suit your pet's needs. Consider the size of your yard, the size of your dog, and their temperament. A small, timid dog will likely require a narrower warning zone than a larger, more stubborn dog. Test the collar at different points along the boundary to ensure consistent performance.
By following these steps, you can effectively test the collar for your PetSafe electric fence, ensuring it functions correctly and provides a safe and secure boundary for your pet.
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Burying the wire
Now, let's move on to burying the wire. Start by digging a narrow trench about three inches deep to place the wire in. Avoid rocky areas and bodies of water, as these can interfere with the signal or damage the wire. If your wire needs to cross a hard surface, such as a driveway, look for an existing expansion joint. Clean the joint with a blunt tool, like a wooden paint stick, and run the wire through it. If there is no expansion joint, use a circular saw to cut a channel and fill it with a waterproof compound after inserting the wire.
In the case of a double-loop wire installation, ensure the wires are at least five feet apart. You can use fence staples to attach the wire to a wooden or chain-link fence, being careful not to damage the wire insulation. Additionally, consider exclusion zones by looping the wire around objects or areas you want your dog to avoid, such as a pool or trampoline.
Once you've laid the wire, cover the trench with the previously dug-up dirt. If you need to cross a gravel driveway, run the wire through PVC or rubber hosing to protect it. Remember, the wire can only be attached to non-metallic surfaces, as metal will interfere with the signal.
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Attaching the wire to a fence
Firstly, it's important to note that the boundary wire can only be attached to a wooden or chain-link fence. Ensure that you have chosen an appropriate fence type before proceeding. You will also need the necessary tools, including fence staples and zip ties.
When attaching the wire, begin by weaving the front end of the boundary wire through the fence. This step helps secure the wire in place and ensures it remains stable. Make sure to leave some extra slack when weaving to avoid damaging the insulation on the wire. It is crucial to handle the wire with care to prevent any damage that could compromise the functionality of the fence.
After weaving the wire through the fence, use fence staples to fix the wire in place. Drive the staples gently into the fence, being cautious not to penetrate the wire insulation. Space the staples evenly along the fence to provide adequate support and hold the wire securely.
Zip ties can also be used as an alternative or in combination with fence staples. Attach the zip ties securely, ensuring they hold the wire firmly in place without compromising the wire's insulation. This process will help reinforce the wire's attachment to the fence and provide additional support.
By following these steps, you can securely attach the boundary wire to your fence. Remember to handle the components carefully and avoid any damage to the wire insulation. Once the wire is attached, you can proceed with the subsequent steps of setting up your PetSafe electric fence, ensuring a safe and functional system for your pet's containment.
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Setting up the base station
- Choose the Right Location: Select an appropriate spot for the base station, keeping in mind that this will be its permanent home. The location should be near a standard electrical outlet, in a dry and well-ventilated indoor area. It should also be positioned near a window or wall to facilitate the smooth passage of the boundary wire outdoors.
- Check the Coverage Area: Before finalizing the location, refer to the specifications of your PetSafe model. Different transmitters have varying maximum coverage areas. For instance, some models work up to 5 acres, while others cover up to 1/3 of an acre. If you require a larger containment area, consider purchasing additional wires to extend the coverage.
- House the Transmitter: Place the transmitter in the chosen location, ensuring it is safe from the elements. This could be inside your house or garage, as long as it is protected from moisture and extreme temperatures.
- Power the Transmitter: Plug the transmitter into the nearby electrical outlet. Ensure that the power source is stable and easily accessible, as the base station needs to remain powered continuously for the fence to function properly.
- Test the Setup: Once the base station is powered, test the functionality of the fence system. Follow the instructions provided with your specific PetSafe model to sync the base station with the collar receiver. This may involve adjusting settings and boundary controls to ensure the collar responds accurately to the radio signals emitted by the transmitter.
By carefully setting up the base station, you can ensure the optimal performance of your PetSafe electric fence, providing a safe and secure environment for your pet.
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Frequently asked questions
Before setting up your PetSafe electric fence, you should check how much wire is included in the box and the maximum size for the transmitter. Most kits will only cover 1/3 of an acre, but you can buy extra wire to expand the coverage area. You need around 1000 feet of wire for an acre.
Setting up a PetSafe wireless fence is much less involved than the in-ground version. It takes around 1-2 hours to get these wireless fences up and running. The most important task is choosing the right location for the fence's base station, which should be near a standard electrical outlet, in a dry, indoor, and ventilated area, and near a window or wall to allow the boundary wire to travel outside.
Setting up a PetSafe in-ground fence typically takes a weekend. First, install the buried wire by digging a narrow trench about 3 inches deep and placing the wire in it. Avoid rocky areas or bodies of water when installing your wire. You can then cover the trench and wire using the previously dug-up dirt.
Create exclusion zones by looping the wire around the desired object, such as a pool, garden, or trampoline, and twisting the wire where the object is located. Your dog will not be able to access this area.
