Wireless Pet Containment System Instructions

When the thought of leaving a pet tethered to a 10-foot piece of chain all day does not seem like a good option, but constructing a physical fence is not possible because of zoning restrictions or budget limitations, consider using a wireless (or invisible) pet containment system. A wireless pet containment system will provide your pets with plenty of space to exercise within safe and effective boundaries.

  1. Plan and Prepare

    • Factors you must take into account when planning the fencing area include safety precautions, placement of the transmitter and access areas. The wireless transmitter plugs into an electric outlet, so start planning within 3 feet of an electric outlet. The transmitter also needs protection from the elements, so if you cannot place the transmitter unit in a garage or other covered area, you will need to construct a weatherproof housing unit.

      Decide on the perimeter of the wireless fence. The underground wire needs to make a complete loop around the perimeter, starting and ending at the transmitter unit. A boundary signal will go off when your pet is within 3 to 4 feet of the perimeter. To accommodate this, add this footage to the perimeter plan. Mark the area with flags or spray paint.

      Since you will be laying wire underground for the perimeter of the fencing system, call your local electric service company to mark areas where underground cables lie.

    Install Underground Wire

    • Mount the transmitter unit. If the transmitter will be in the garage, attach and screw it onto a stud or use wall anchors to attach directly to a wall. Use a 2-by-4 piece of plywood to attach and support the transmit unit if you constructed another type of housing protection.

      Dig a wire trench and install underground wire. To dig the trench, either rent equipment that will dig the trench and lay wire all in one step or do it yourself. To do it yourself, use a shovel or trowel to dig a narrow trench approximately 3 to 6 inches deep. Lay the wire in the trench, and replace the dirt after testing the connection.

      If the wire must go over concrete, you will need to cut the trench using a circular saw. Make sure to use eye protection for this step. Use mortar to cover the trench after laying wire.

      If the wire should break while you are laying it, use a waterproof splicer to reconnect.

    Connect Underground Wire to Transmitter Unit

    • A twisted wire connection from the perimeter of the fence to the transmitter unit will connect the fence while still allowing the pet access to the garage. Using two equal lengths of wire, twist them together, connect one end to each end of the boundary wire using a waterproof splice. This completes the circle. The other end of the twisted wire connects to the transmitter unit.

      The connection method used to connect to the transmitter unit will depend on the manufacturer. This normally involves wrapping the twisted wire around a setscrew and tightening, but check your manual to confirm.

      Plug in the transmitter unit and wait for the transmitter to flash a green light indicating a successful connection. If you get a red light, check all connections again.

      Cover trench openings and set the boundary signal strength on the transmitter unit.