DIY: Underground Dog Fences

An underground fence is a great way to keep your dog contained without an unsightly and expensive traditional fence. An underground fence keeps the dog inside the yard by providing a static shock from a collar every time the animal attempts to pass through the barrier. You don't have to hire a professional to install an underground doggie fence. You can do it yourself with planning and guidance. Here are things you need to know about installing an underground doggie fence in your yard.

  1. Plan Carefully

    • Before you begin installing your underground fence, decide what type of layout will work best for your property. If you have a very large yard, you may consider dividing it into sections. If you lay the cables close to your home on either side of the front and back yards, your dog will be able to pass from the back to the front yard only by going through the house. This may be convenient if you are concerned about your dog barking at passers-by or if you prefer to have a "dog-free" area of the yard for the kids to play in.

    Mark and Measure

    • Use brightly colored flags to mark the line just outside of the area where the fence cable is to be installed. This will help you keep track of where the cable should be put in, and after the fence is installed, it will let your dog know the boundaries beyond which he will feel the "zap." Measure the area you have marked so you will know approximately how much cable to purchase. Buy more cable than you need, in case you decide to include another area of the yard at a later date, or you need to replace any fencing in the future.

    Rent Your Equipment

    • Rent the equipment needed to dig the trench and lay the fencing cable at al home repair and contractor store. You may use a small trench maker, or ask if your supplier has a machine that is specifically designed to cut the ground and lay cable at the same time. (This machine may cost more to rent, but it will save you a great deal of time and hassle.)

    Check Ordinances

    • Before you begin to dig, check with your township to find out if you need a permit or if there are any ordinances against digging trenches on your property. Call the organization that marks utility lines. Check to see how far in advance the utility lines must be marked before you dig. Many states require that anyone excavating a yard must call a utility marking service at least 48 hours in advance.

    Obstacles

    • If you will have to dig through driveways or other obstacles while installing your underground cables, you may need to rent a specialized saw. Make a note of the types of obstacles you will have to cut, and contact an equipment rental provider to get advice on the type of saw you will need.

    Lay the Cable

    • Use a polyetheline coated 16 gauge underground rated cable, and lay the cables between 3-6 inches deep. When you come to an area where there is an obstacle, use the special saw that you have rented for the purpose, and break through the surface to the correct depth. Lay the cable, and patch the surface with a material that corresponds to whatever was there originally or a sealer.

    Install the Transmitter

    • Install the transmitter in a place where it will not get wet, and connect the ends of the wires to the transmitter. To install the transmitter, drill a small hole in a garage or other protected area near the outside and by an electrical socket, and place the transmitter into the hole, connecting the wires and securing the entire piece to the hole in the wall by the screw that comes with the unit. Use a stapler to attach the wires to the wall with an arched cable stapler so they aren't hanging. Plug the transmitter into the outlet, and the adapter. If you see that the two indicator lights are on, your installation has been successful, and the underground fencing loop is complete. Put your dog's receiver collar on, and watch to see that he is deterred by the underground fence. Minor adjusting of the receiver collar may be necessary.