How to Find a Break in an Underground Dog Fence

Finding a break in an underground invisible dog fence wire can be time consuming. It is quick and easy with the use of a wire locator. Since this piece of equipment is expensive and often hard to find, not everyone will be able to use a locator. Do not despair, though: even without a locator, you can find a break in your underground dog fence.

Things You'll Need

  • Wire locator
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Instructions

  1. With a Locator

    • 1

      Make sure your invisible dog fence is turned on. Most systems will sound an audible alarm telling you there is a break in the line. If there is a sound "off" switch, you can stop the alarm, but you will need the transmitter on in order to find the break.

    • 2

      Take your wire locator, and attach it to one end of the line origination points. All wire locators will have a separate wand unit you'll use to find the exact point of the break.

    • 3

      Sweep the wand back and forth across the path where the line has been buried as you gradually move away from the transmitter. The wand has an alarm that will trigger once you are on top of the break. Dig up the spot and make your repair.

    Without a Locator

    • 4

      Ask people in your household if they have recently done any garden work or digging in the yard. Breaks in underground wires are often because of digging. That area is most likely where you'll find the break.

    • 5

      Check to see if the phone company or some other utility has been doing work in your area. They may have inadvertently cut through your buried wire.

    • 6

      Look for signs of animal digging. A raccoon can tear up a lot of ground while looking for grubs, and can easily slice through buried wire in the process.

    • 7

      Look for signs of underground animal paths. Moles, for instance, leave telltale tunnels on lawns to show where they have been digging. If one of these tunnels crosses the boundary where the wire has been set, the intersection point may be where the break is.

    • 8

      Check the condition of any splices you made when you first set the wire. If you had to use splices and buried the splices, moisture may have gotten in and shorted out or corroded the wire. If so, you may need to re-cut the wire ends and re-splice them. Outdoor weatherproof wire nuts are available, as are melt-able rubber connector sheaths that will ensure no moisture gets into the splice in the future.