Question 1

How do I fix a wire break in an electric dog fence?

Accepted Answer

One of the most troublesome issues with wired electric dog fences is the tendency of the wires to break. It can be due to an accident or it can even be on purpose or it can just be because of an aging system. Regardless of the cause of the break, it is important to fix it so you get to continue enjoying the full benefits of having such an invisible fence around your home.

Question 2

What is the best wire size for my invisible dog fence?

Accepted Answer

Here’s the general rule: the thicker the wire, the more resilient it is against breakage. Electric wires come in gauges such as 14-gauge, 16-gauge, and the like. The number of the gauge is inversely proportional to its capacity and resilience. As such, the lower the number of the gauge (14 vs 20), the more resilient and bigger it is. That being said, deciding on the best wire size for your dog is all a matter of how powerful a digger your pet is. You definitely want a wire that can resist breakage. And if your pet happens to have a knack for chewing on things then you might want a lower-gauged wire.

Question 3

Can I place my wire above ground instead of burying it?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the manufacturer of the system you’re buying, you can actually place the wiring above ground instead of burying it. Do take note, however, that there are certain drawbacks to an on-ground layout of wiring as it is physically visible on the ground. Your dog can nibble on the wire if the system is turned off or your pet is not wearing its dog boundary collar. People may also trip on it or may be broken by your lawnmower or any other equipment. Plus, it’s not really a great sight having wires all over your yard.

Question 4

Does the shock from an electric dog fence hurt my dog?

Accepted Answer

Advocates of positive reinforcement in canine training will tell you outright that shock coming from an electric dog fence is not a positive way to teach dogs what they need to do. It only tells them what they cannot do. That is why the application of shock should always be done as the last resort since it is a form of aversion technique. A dog avoids the fence because it gets shocked.

Question 5

Is an electric dog fence effective?

Accepted Answer

Electric dog fences are not effective in keeping your dog within your premises unless you train them. This is one of the saddest aspects of using technology. People have this thinking that modern technology will answer all of their problems. Unfortunately, no matter how advanced an electric dog fence is, if you don’t teach your dog well enough, then it’s nothing more than a complete waste. Train your dog on how to behave with the electric fence on and you’ll see just how effective it is.

Question 6

Will lightning or weather affect my electric dog fence?

Accepted Answer

Most electric dog fences already come with excellent weather-proofing. Some have lightning and surge protectors to help minimize, if not eliminate, the risks associated with such electrical problems. A major concern will be the waterproofing of the wires as well as their resistance to environmental degradation. The good news is that modern technologies are now addressing these issues, creating products that are able to resist environmental and weather changes.