If you want to purchase and install your own invisible dog fence, you have many options. There are fences available in stores, online, and through dealers. The most economical way to get a fence, though, is to buy your components online and put the unit in yourself.
The mechanics of installing an electric dog fence are simple enough that most people can manage the process over a weekend. The key component–and this can’t be stated clearly enough–is taking the time to train your dog properly after you have activated the unit.
Buying the Gear
Before you purchase your kit, measure off the area you want fenced. You don’t have to fence your whole yard unless you want your pet to roam the entire area. Some owners keep their pets confined to the back yard or a portion of the total area. The amount of wire required is makes the perimeter of the fence.
Pick a kit that has enough wire, includes flags, a transmitter, receiver and training manual, and directions for installation. If you need a second receiver, get it at the same time, that way you increase your odds of getting a compatible unit. Make sure that the kit you are getting is appropriate for your animal. The receivers deliver a small shock to your pet if they get too close to the wire, so size really matters. A shock that will annoy a lab is quite different from one that will affect a toy poodle.
Installing the Fence
The first thing you want to do is locate the outlet where you will plug in the transmitter. If it is in your garage, you may need to drill a small hole through the wall to allow the ends of the transmitting wire to enter the house. Starting about 6-12 inches from the house wall, you will dig a 3-inch trench around the border that you set for your dog. Place the wire within the trench, leaving enough at the ends to reach the transmitter, and cover the wire.
Install the wires in the transmitter as directed by the instructions and turn on the unit. Take a receiver in your hand and walk the perimeter of the invisible fence. Place a flag at intervals around the perimeter each time you get close enough to the wire that it causes the receiver to make its warning sound. This will provide a visual aid for your dog when you are training him to stay within the boundaries of the fence.
Training
This is truly the most important part of the whole exercise. Each manual will have slightly different directions, but the basics are as follows. Put a long leash on your pet, and apply the receiver to their collar, with the prongs covered. Take your dog around the yard and let them approach the flags. Each time the warning noise sounds pull them sharply back towards the middle of the yard.
After doing this daily for a week, uncover the prongs and let your dog experience the shock if they pass the flag line. As soon as they return to the correct boundaries, praise them enthusiastically. Continue training until they no longer approach the flags on the leash. You can then start letting them off leash while supervised and slowly start removing flags.