How to Tell Where an Invisible Dog Fence Wire Is Broken?

An invisible dog fence uses a radio frequency transmitted along underground wires to keep dogs within a confined area. When the dog tries to cross the wire perimeter, a special collar emits an electrical shock that deters the dog from crossing the barrier. If the wires are broken from digging or tree roots, these fences become useless until repaired. To find a break in the fence wires, you can either call the company for service or use the following tips to find it yourself.

Things You'll Need

  • RF Choke
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buy an RF choke, an inexpensive device used to complete radio circuits that can be found at any electronics supplier. Remove the two wires that connect the fence wires to the radio transmitter. Wrap each wire end around each side of the RF choke lead, near the side that is closest to the coils. Then place one RF choke lead into each of the transmitter jacks.

    • 2

      Tune a portable radio to the AM radio station that the invisible dog fence is broadcasting to. You can find this in the paperwork that came with your invisible dog fence or you can simply search the AM radio stations until you hear a fast paced tapping or beeping sound.

    • 3

      Take your portable radio tuned to the correct AM radio station for a walk around the perimeter of your invisible dog fence. Mark the places where the signal drops off because they signal a wire break. You should walk the entire perimeter at least once before making a determination. This will prevent you from mistaking weak signals for wire breaks.