Are you tired of chasing after your dog but don’t want a bulky fence blocking your view? Installing a wireless dog fence can make it easy to keep your dog in the yard without setting up a tall fence. In this guide, we cover how to install a custom shape wireless dog fence.
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7 Steps – How to Install Your Customizable Shape Wireless Dog Fence
You might think that installing a wireless fence is as simple as turning it on, but it can actually be a little tricky. The main challenge is planning a layout that fits your yard while accommodating your electrical system and the wireless fence you purchased.
This video from Lowe’s Home Improvement tells you everything you need to know about installing a customizable shape wireless dog fence. It’s a great resource because it covers how the fence system actually works so you have the knowledge you need to install it right.
Watch the video for full details or check out the basic steps it covers here.
Step 1: Pick Your Product
Of course, the very first thing you need to do is pick the right fence for your needs. All systems will include a collar for the dog and a transmitter to send out the electric signal.
You will need to find one that matches your dog’s size because experts at Quality Dog Fence find that a system meant for a heavyweight pet can be too much for a smaller dog.
Step 2: Find a Place to Put Your Transmitter
Your transmitter’s positioning makes a huge difference to the effectiveness of the fence. It needs to be put in the middle of the area you want to cover.
Keep in mind that heavy metal objects like a fridge can block the transmission, creating an area where your dog may be able to escape.
Make sure the transmitter is in a waterproof area and attached to an outlet that meets the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Step 3: Get Your Collar Ready
Install the batteries in the collar your pet will be wearing while the fence is on. Some types may require you to press buttons or switches to turn on the various collar options.
Check to see if your style comes with a plastic “key” used to turn it on and off.
Step 4: Test and Flag the Boundaries
Now it is time to see how well your transmitter is working. Hold the collar and walk around the yard. When you hear a beep, stick a small flag in the area.
This creates a visual representation of your wireless fence. It helps you ensure your custom shape wireless dog fence is where you want it, and the flags also provide a visual guide while training your dog.
Be sure to use a flagging material that can survive being in the outdoors for a few weeks.
Step 5: Mount Your Transmitter
Once you have the boundary situated to your liking, you can make it permanent by mounting the wireless dog fence transmitter on a wall. This is optional if you have a table to put the transmitter on, but it is a good idea.
Securing the transmitter in one place ensures your boundaries will not get shifted if something bumps the unit.
Step 6: Attach the Collar
Put the collar on your dog and make sure it fits well. The collar should be tight enough for both prongs to contact your dog’s skin but loose enough for you to fit a finger underneath.
This style of collar is usually only wearable for about 12 hours a day since constant use can cause the prongs to start chafing the skin.
Step 7: Train Your Pet
It is important to remember that an invisible fence is merely a tool. Without your help, your dog might not be able to figure it out, so they can end up just being confused and scared of the yard.
There are all sorts of training guides you can try using once your installation is complete.
FAQ
Before you install your invisible dog fence, check out these FAQs to make sure you know whether or not it will work for you.
Which is better wireless or wired dog fence?
Wireless dog fences are better for square or round yards or if you have a large yard and you want to keep your dog close to the house. Wireless transmitters create a spherical boundary and don’t work well for large yards or odd-shaped or rectangular yards.
Wired or underground invisible fences are best for large yards or odd-shaped yards. Using a wire is where you really get to customize the shape of your invisible fence. See our article on the different types of double loop layouts for creative ways to install your fence.
Do custom shape wireless dog fences work on hills?
An invisible fence can work in a hilly yard, but it will require a little extra work.
However, PetSafe explains that the slope of a yard can make the transmitter work unevenly unless it is carefully positioned.
If you don’t carefully adjust the settings, your dog might use a steep hill slope to avoid any warning shock as they escape.
You may need to get some help instead of trying to DIY it yourself if your yard is super hilly.
Can an invisible fence be installed above ground?
Of course one of the major benefits of a wireless fence is that it does not have to be installed below ground. Unlike usual electric fences, you do not have any boundary wires to bury.
Instead, the invisible containment field creates a dome-shaped barrier that keeps your dog from wanting to exit the area. This means that all the parts of the invisible fence are installed entirely above ground.
To make the fence cover an area high above the ground, all you have to do is raise the transmitter.
How much does it cost to install an invisible fence?
The exact cost of a wireless dog fence will vary depending on several factors, including:
- The brand of fencing you pick
- The size of your yard and the total length of the fence
- The collar you pick to match the fence
- Whether or not you install it yourself
- The general cost of living for your area
- Whether or not your current electrical system works with the fence
Depending on all these factors, you might end up paying anywhere between $200 and $600 for an invisible dog fence.
My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.