How to Make a Homemade Electronic Dog Pen

There are numerous methods to contain your dog, including invisible fence lines, electronic collars and chain link fences. Creating an electronic pen for your dog is easy and aesthetically pleasing, as there are no visible fence lines. The invisible fence uses a buried electronic wire that issues a mild shock to your dog through a receiver when he approaches the wire.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Electric dog fence kit
  • Chalk line
  • Shovel
  • Power drill
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Instructions

    • 1

      Plan your fence line. Invisible fence lines can cover an area as large as 25 acres. The amount of space you wish to enclose will determine the amount of wire necessary to complete a circuit. Take precise measurements so you buy an appropriate kit.

    • 2

      Contact your utility company. You need to know the layout of utility wires in your area before you bury your electronic fence line. Laying your fence wire parallel to any underground wire may create interference or cancel out the signal. Wires should pass perpendicularly over and under any utility lines.

    • 3

      Purchase an electronic fence kit from a local retailer or pet supply shop. This kit will come with electric wire, connectors, a corresponding collar for your dog and a safety and instruction manual.

    • 4

      Mark your fence line using a chalk line and flags. Plan your fence line around any utility lines in the area. Use the flags to indicate where you want to bury the wire; later, the flags will act as markers for the dog, to show where the electric fence is while he is getting used to it.

    • 5

      Lay your wires along the fence line you've marked. If you've measured correctly, one continuous wire can be utilized for your entire dog pen. Once you've laid the wires, connect the system to its power source, per the instructions that came with the kit. If all systems are functioning, disconnect the power before progressing any further.

    • 6

      Dig a ditch along your fence line for burying the electric wires. The ditch should be 1 to 6 inches deep, depending on the make of your fence. At the corners of the fence line, create gentle curves rather than 90-degree angles; the curve will ensure that the wire is not bent or broken at the turn. Place the wire into the trench, and allow some slack to minimize the risk of contraction and expansion in the wire. Test your system once more to ensure it's working, then cover the line with dirt.