What Does Double Loop Mean in Dog Fencing?

The layout for installation of an electric dog fence in a yard depends on a couple of factors. One is the desired area of coverage, or how much of the yard should be included in fencing. The other factor is the existing physical locations of the house, other structures, trees and fencing. Double loop refers to one method of fencing layout that meets certain criteria for dog control.

  1. Layouts

    • Installation of electric dog fencing involves the use of one of three layouts. The first is the perimeter layout, which essentially encloses the entire yard. The fence runs along the entire perimeter of the yard and gives a dog access to all of the yard. The second layout is the "hourglass." It covers either the front or back yard and prevents use of the side yard. The final layout is the double loop, used in either the front or backyard, when impediments to a perimeter layout exist.

    Closed Circuit

    • For an electric dog fence to function properly, it must be a closed circuit. The buried wires must start at the transmitter and end up there, completing the circuit. This is simple for a perimeter fence. Start the wire at the transmitter and run it around the edge of the property, ending up back at the transmitter. This is a little more complicated for the double loop fence.

    Double Wires

    • The double loop system of fencing requires twice as much wire as a single loop perimeter fence. Begin the wire at the transmitter, run it out to a point and then bring it back again to the transmitter. This doubling of the wire is necessary in locations where a complete loop is impractical due to the physical layout of the yard.

    Separation of Wires

    • When burying the two sets of wire, you must keep them apart a minimum of three to four feet. This ensures that the wires will not cancel out each other and negate the signal, making the electric fence inoperative. To make sure the separation takes place, lay out the wires before burial to ensure proper spacing, taking into consideration trees and other obstacles in the yard.