Why Use a Double Loop Electric Dog Fence Pattern?

An underground electric dog fence provides security for your pet and peace of mind for you. And if you're willing to install it yourself, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Basic installations require burying a small wire in a single loop around the perimeter of your property. However, there are certain cases when a single loop is either impossible or impractical. In these instances, a double loop pattern will create an effective dog barrier.

  1. Basics

    • Because the underground dog fence is electrical, it requires a closed circuit. Typically, an installer will hook one end of the wire to the fence transmitter, bury the wire in a single loop around your property, then hook the other end of the wire to the transmitter. This creates a closed circuit that, when approached by your pet, will send a signal to the receiver in your dog's collar and provide a small but effective electric shock if your dog continues toward the boundary. According to the operating guide provided by the Petsafe.net, a double loop pattern should be used if you are not setting up the electric dog fence on all sides of your property.

    Limited Access

    • A double loop should be used when you want to limit your dog boundary to either the front or rear of your property. Sometimes this is by choice--if you need to keep your dog away from your garden, for example. This is also the setup to use if you have limited access to either the front or back yard. The ultimate goal of the double loop pattern is to create the circuit you need while allowing your dog to safely cross the threshold of your house.

    Existing Boundaries

    • If three sides of your yard are already enclosed with an above-ground fence, a double loop electric fence pattern can create the fourth boundary. This is especially useful for driveway areas, where a wooden or chain link fence is not practical. Furthermore, if you want to leave one side of your property open, such as a waterfront, a double loop pattern is required.

    Considerations

    • The double loop pattern requires using twice as much wire as the single loop pattern. Also, when creating the double loop, the wires must be kept separated by several feet to avoid canceling the signal. The Petsafe.net operating guide recommends a separation of 3 to 4 feet. To ensure your pattern will works, the boundary wire must be laid out completely before you begin burying the wire.

    Warning

    • Be sure transmitter is placed in a dry location where temperatures remain above freezing. Your dog must be trained properly when introducing any electric fence boundary. Also, lightning surge protectors are important to avoid personal injury and costly damages to your home. Refer to the operating manual for installation questions and answers.