How to Install Electrical Fences for Dogs
If your dog doesn't stay put in the yard, an electrical fence might be just the thing. You can install it with an existing fence already present for dogs that like to dig, or you can install it by itself if your homeowner's association prevents you from putting in a fence that would keep your dog contained. The fence works by delivering a mild electrical shock to your dog via a special collar, which helps to keep the dog inside the boundaries you set.
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Instructions
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Call your utility companies to come out and mark existing locations of buried lines, such as the phone, gas, cable and electric. Depending on where you live, you may be able to call one central number and have someone come mark them all at once.
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2
Find an outlet that will work to plug in the transmitter.
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Decide where the fence will be installed. Map it out: where do you want your dog to go, and what do you want to keep safe from your dog. The "boundary signal" that sends out the shocks to your dog actually allows him a 3- to 4-foot area beyond where the fence wire is installed. Take that into account during the planning.
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Install the transmitter on the wall near the outlet.
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Install the fence. Depending on the fencing system you purchased, you may be able to simply staple it to an existing wood fence, or you may need to bury the line.
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Install the small flags that came with the system. They are a visual reminder to the dog of where he cannot go.
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Put your dog's fence collar on and train him. Your dog will need some time to get used to it. Start with a very low shock, and as the dog gets accustomed to the fence boundaries, make it stronger to help discourage him.
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Tips & Warnings
The fence wire must loop back to itself--you can't have it terminate in a dead end. There must be at least 8 feet between any parallel fence wires or they'll cancel each other out.
While your dog is contained, others aren't. If you're worried about stray dogs bothering your dog, an electrical fence may not be your best option. Some dogs don't care about the shocks and will ignore the fence regardless. Make sure you've properly trained the dog before leaving him alone in the yard.
