How to Test an Above Ground Electric Dog Fence

Electric fences offer pet owners an alternative to erecting a traditional containment system for their dogs. An above ground electric fence is typically made of an electric box that powers a wire that you place around the perimeter of your property. The wire transmits a signal to a collar placed around the neck of the dog that prevents the dog from crossing the wire. The collar delivers either a sharp tone or an electrical pulse to the dog to correct him for crossing the wire border. Testing the fence is essential before turning your dog loose on your property.

Things You'll Need

  • Electric dog fence
  • Paper clip
  • Receiver collar
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Instructions

    • 1

      Test your transmitter to make sure it is working properly. To test the transmitter, turn off the transmitter and remove the wires that run into it. Unbend a paper clip and place the ends into the ports where the wires were inserted. Turn the transmitter back on. If the unit is working properly, no lights will flash and the unit will not beep. If it beeps or flashes, the transmitter could be damaged and you will need to contact the fence company for a replacement. Turn the system back on and replace the wires once you have verified the transmitter is working.

    • 2

      Place the batteries in the receiver collar and turn it to the lowest setting. There should be a small adjustment knob on the side of the receiver that allows you to adjust the intensity of the correction given to the dog. Turn the collar to the lowest setting, which should produce only a tone and no shock.

    • 3

      Hold the collar in your hand and walk toward the perimeter of the fence. When you get within a foot or two of the fence, the receiver will emit a sharp tone that warns of the impending fence line. Make sure you hold the collar at the approximate height of your dog to verify that it is functioning properly at that level.

    • 4

      Continue walking along the perimeter of the fence, occasionally stepping closer to the fence line to make sure the receiver is picking up the signal around the entire area of the fence. If you have trouble hearing the tone, turn the receiver up slowly until you can pick up the warning signal.

    • 5

      Fit your dog with the receiver collar, tightening the collar so the probes on the inside of the receiver sit against the skin. Listen for the warning tone as you hold the collar gently and walk your dog toward the fence line to verify that the collar is working and is fitted properly on the dog.