Underground dog fences involve burying a boundary wire connected to a transmitter, paired with a receiver collar that delivers tones, vibrations, or static corrections. Proper installation ensures reliability and safety. Homeowners can complete it in a weekend with basic tools.
Planning Your Layout
Map your yard on graph paper, marking obstacles like pools or gardens—twist wires together to cancel signals in safe zones. Aim for 3-5 foot signal width; test loops up to 100 acres with 14-gauge wire. Place the transmitter indoors, grounded per manual.
Step-by-Step Installation
Lay wire on the ground first, testing collar beeps over it. Dig shallow trenches (3-6 inches) using a flat shovel or trencher—cut driveways with a saw, tuck wire in, and seal. Connect to transmitter, bury wire, and attach flags every 5-10 feet for training.
Test signal loop before burying.
Use twisted pairs for leads to transmitter.
Fit collar snugly on dog's neck.
Tools and Tips
Rent an edger or EZ trencher for efficiency; no-dig methods work for shallow installs. Professionals charge $800-$2,800, saving time on large yards. Train over 2 weeks with positive reinforcement.