How to Set Up a PetSafe Fence Boundary

Dogs need a barrier that protects them from running into the street or from wandering away from home when playing in the yard. However, not every yard can be contained by a fence, due to building codes, expense or any other of a myriad of reasons that limit the homeowner. While a PetSafe pet containment system is inappropriate for very small dogs and dogs that may quickly run past the barrier and be unable to return to their yard, such as greyhounds or whippets, it is a suitable alternative to fencing for most dog breeds.

Things You'll Need

  • Mounting hardware
  • Tape measure
  • Drill
  • Pliers
  • Scissors
  • Lighter
  • Trench cutter, shovel or other digging tool
  • Blunt tool, such as a paint stick or wooden spoon
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Instructions

  1. Preparing the System

    • 1

      Select an area for your system transmitter. Your transmitter should be placed inside, either on a table or hanging on a wall, at the center of the area your system will contain.

    • 2

      Connect the wire to the transmitter, using the instructions that come with the kit.

    • 3

      Insert and test the receiver collar battery. Preparing the collar at this point will allow you to test the boundary operation.

    • 4

      Lay out the system wires surrounding your yard. Begin laying out your wires at the transmitter, then make a continuous loop around the area that you wish to contain and end at the transmitter. According to the DogFence FAQ site, avoid making sharp corners when laying out your wires to prevent gaps in your protection. In addition, the site cautions that wide passageways should be left alongside the house in order to allow your pet freedom of movement.

    Test the Boundary

    • 5

      Measure the distance between the transmitter and the closest edge of the pet containment boundary.

    • 6

      Use the chart included with the kit to choose the boundary control dial position. Hold the collar test light contacts and contact points together and go outside to the boundary point you measured previously. With the contacts together and the company logo on the collar facing away from the transmitter, hold the collar at the level it would be at if your dog was wearing it. If the receiver collar does not beep at the desired location, adjust the Boundary Control Dial until it beeps correctly.

    • 7

      Record the proper settings and store in a safe place.

    Completing the Process

    • 8

      Cut or dig a 1- to 3-inch deep trench along the boundary that you have marked.

    • 9

      Place the wire into the trench. The wire should not be taut, as it needs to be able to expand or contract with seasonal temperature changes. Use a blunt tool to tamp the wire down into the trench.

    • 10

      Check the entire boundary using the process described in Step 2 of ̶0;Test the Boundary.̶1;

    • 11

      Set the boundary flags. Place one flag about every 10 feet.