How to Install a PetSafe Electric Dog Fence

Dogs love to have the freedom to run and play outside, but not all pet owners have fenced yards. It would be unsafe to allow your pet to roam free without some form of boundary. The PetSafe electric dog fence is a great option because it is easy to set up on your own and can be more affordable than building a fence around your yard. However, there are a few negatives to using an electric fence instead of a physical fence. If the battery on the dog's collar goes out, your pet will be able to leave your yard without a correction. Also, your dog will be contained within the electric fence, but he won't be protected from other dogs that may be loose and possibly aggressive.

Things You'll Need

  • PetSafe wireless electric fence
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase the Petsafe Wireless Containment System (electric fence), available at retail pet stores or home improvement stores.

    • 2

      Choose a location in your home to set up the system. The system needs to be on the first floor of your home and should not be placed within three feet of any large metal objects. The system should also be placed two to four feet above the ground. Make sure there is an outlet near the location you choose for the system.

    • 3

      Plug in the system and turn the boundary control switch to high. Turn the boundary dial to 8. Go outside with the receiver collar and the small, test light tool provided with the system. Check that the light on the collar is on. Begin walking through your yard away from your home. Listen for a tone emitted from the receiver collar. This tone sounds when you are nearing the edge of the containment field. If you wish to reduce the size of the containment boundary, simply lower the number on the boundary control dial.

    • 4

      Set up the flags provided with your system along the edge of the boundary. This will help give your dog a visual reminder as to where their boundary is located. Train your dog by walking him around the yard parallel to the boundary line but a few feet within the boundary marked by the flags. Walk at least three laps in this manner. Then you can walk towards the boundary line and tell him to stay as you approach the edge. Release your dog on the stay command and walk over the boundary yourself. If your dog attempts to cross the boundary, he will receive a correction from the collar. Repeat this exercise in a few different locations around your yard until your dog appears to understand. Leave the flags in place for a few weeks, then take them down.