If you want to give your furball lots of freedom to roam in the yard while still ensuring that he remains safe and secure, an in-ground dog fence might be the ideal solution.
In-ground fences are also known as underground fences. This type of fence is relatively affordable, easy and economical enough to install if you have some basic DIY skills, and also highly effective for teaching your doggo to respect boundaries.
Today’s guide will help you with the initial planning and the installation of an in-ground fence so you can establish whether this looks like a job for you or one to avoid.
First thing’s first, why should you consider investing in this type of dog fence?
Why Use an In-Ground Dog Fence?
In-ground dog fences have many advantages over regular above-ground fences.
Firstly, you will preserve the integrity of your home and yard since you’ll be burying the wires of the fence underground.
Underground fence can provide more protection and security for your pet because you will not need to worry about Rover jumping over the fence or digging under the fence.
Additionally, in-ground fences allow you to avoid the complications associated with neighborhood association restrictions or zoning laws. These often crop up with above-ground fencing installations.
As an added bonus, running costs are slashed. There is no need to paint or stain the fence, and there will be no need to repair or rebuild it either.
In-ground dog fences, then, are quite easy to install, fairly cheap to set up, and create highly effective boundaries.
Before we show you how to install an in-ground fence, you’ll need some basic supplies.
What You Need to Install an In-Ground Dog Fence
Here’s what you might need for installation:
- Grid paper
- Pencil
- Highlighters
- Tape measure
- Pliers
- Screwdriver
- Drill
- Mounting hardware (if you plan to attach the transmitter’s base unit to a solid surface like a wall)
- Lawn staples (optional)
- Shovel or trencher
- Wire splicing equipment
To set up and fit the receiver collar for your dog, you may require the following equipment:
- Scissors
- Lighter
- Non-metallic collar
- Leash (optional)
If this list of equipment looks do-able, you should next think about identifying any obstacles that might impede installation.
Identify All Obstacles in Your Yar
Before you think about planning the layout of the fence installation, it is vital to take your time and identify any obstacles that could impede your job.
First, call the utility suppliers. This will enable you to locate any underground wires, pipes, cables, or lines running on your property.
This includes:
- Telecommunication lines
- Water
- Gas
- Electricity
- Sewer
You’ll should also identify the precise location of all privately-installed utilities been – your sprinkler system, gas cylinders, or septic system, for instance.
Typically, most potential obstacles like utility lines will have been buried far deeper than you need to dig when installing an underground fence. Resultantly, these utilities might not need factoring into your fencing plan.
While you might be getting impatient, proper planning is key if you want to avoid any costly mistakes during installation.
You should now think about making some initial sketches so that you can proceed with confidence installing the fence.
Draw an Initial Diagram
You should find that installing an in-ground fence is simplified if you first make an accurate diagram of your house and yard.
Sketch out the whole property on some grid paper. Mark the locations of:
- House
- Driveways
- Storage buildings
- Swimming pools
- Garden areas
- Any other key features
- All obstacles that you identified
Now you have an accurate diagram, you should find it easier to look at which areas of your outside space you want Fido to access, and which areas are off-limits to him. Try using some different colors to mark out separate zones.
When you are installing the fencing wire, it is essential to bear in mind that your dog will need a warning zone before the fence itself. As a general guideline, extend this zone for roughly three feet on each side of the wire. Bury the wire so that your dog is given ample warning all the way along the fence before correction kicks in.
Now you should have a clear idea about whether this is the kind of project you feel confident taking on, or whether it’s time to call in the professionals. If you are ready to get started, here’s a simple framework you can adapt to your needs.
How to Install an In-Ground Dog Fence in 10 Easy Steps
- First, decide where you will locate the in-ground dog fence
- Mark your fence site using flags
- Lay the in-ground dog fence using a wire trencher
- Slot the driveway
- Seal the in-ground fence
- Splice the fence wire if necessary
- Push the in-ground fence through the wall of the garage
- Mount the radio transmitter of the dog fence on your garage wall
- Plug in your AC power adaptor so you can step down the voltage
- Train your pup with the in-ground fence
1) First, decide where you will locate the in-ground dog fence
Start by drawing a plan that indicates the size and location of the in-ground fence. Separate your back yard from your front yard by looping the fence so it goes back on itself when it reaches the sides of the house. This will provide you with a continuous circuit and a secure boundary.
2) Mark your fence site using flags
Use some garden flags to mark a temporary path where you will locate your invisible electric fencing. Leave the flags in place briefly after the in-ground fence is installed. These will act as visual cues, helping your dog to recognize the boundaries more easily during initial training – more on that below.
3) Lay the in-ground dog fence using a wire trencher
Use a wire trenching machine – these are powered by gasoline – to install the cable or wire underground. All you’ll need to do is guide this motorized tool along the temporary flag markers, cutting a slot into the ground as you go and inserting the fencing wire at the same time.
4) Slot the driveway
When you’re positioning a slot for an in-ground fence, make sure to avoid any edging stones. You can use some chalk to make cut marks. For the cutting, use a rolling saw fitted with a masonry blade. This will be capable of cutting through an asphalt driveway.
5) Seal the in-ground fence wire into your driveway
Next, stretch the wire of the fence across your driveway, tamping it into place with a plastic putty knife. This type of knife is designed to prevent any abrasion or damage to the wire’s insulating jacket. Overfill the gap with some sealant.
6) Splice the fence wire if necessary
When you are setting down the wire for the fence, ensure that it comes out in a continuous loop. If necessary, splice the wire.
7) Push the in-ground fence through the wall of the garage
Bore a small hole close to ground level in your garage wall. Fish the ends of the loop of wire inside. This will enable you to connect the wire to the transmitter. Use some caulk to fill around the hole.
8) Mount the radio transmitter of the dog fence on your garage wall
Mount the fence’s radio transmitter on the inside of your garage wall. Attach each end of the wire loop to the transmitter’s terminals. Fix the wire to your garage wall using some arched staples.
9) Plug in your AC power adaptor so you can step down the voltage
You’re almost done. Plug in the AC adaptor bundled with the fence. This will step down the voltage of the current coming from the house. Check that the power is working and verify that the loop is continuous.
10) Train your pup with the in-ground fence
Now it’s time to fit the collar to your pooch. Walk him toward the edge of the fence slowly until you hear the audio signal triggered. Praise your dog when he turns away. Pack plenty of patience, use lots of positive reinforcement, and then relax in the knowledge your dog can play outside in safety.
Conclusion
If you came here to GO Boxer Rescue today with no idea how to install an in-ground dog fence, you should now be clear on what you need to do.
This job is absolutely not for everyone. If you have no tools and you are not at all practically-inclined, we would advise against trying to install in in-ground fence, and today’s guide should have helped you decide.
We have an extremely busy schedule during the holiday season, and we’ll be bringing you fresh guides on dog ownership daily, so bookmark our blog and come back soon!