Electric Dog Fence

The Do’s and Don’ts of Electric Fences for Dogs

Unlike most systems in the house, an electric fence is hard to check whether it is working properly or not.  Repairing it is yet another concern.  What most people do not realize is that the key to a long lasting electric fence for dogs is the way it is installed. One can always reduce the risk of wear and tear by doing a proper installation, and coupling it with the right merchandise.

A good quality electric fence must be made of solid wire.  The more solid type is more recommended. While solid wiring is not the easiest to install, you can be more assured of the durability and costs of this wiring.  Make sure all connections are solid, good, and secure.  You need to have tight and clean connections to avoid risks on the fence and how effective it will operate particularly when you consider the factors of wear and tear and the weather.

You also need to make use of grounding rods approximately six to eight feet in length.  They must be made of copper, or can be galvanized. The use of good ground return wire, and strong ground clamps, is also important, especially if the ground soil is stony or dry.  High quality insulation is also needed.  You can make use of porcelain insulation systems, or reinforced plastics, or glass, since these are very good insulation materials that you can tap for your electrical fence.

The wiring of this fence should NOT run parallel with any power or telephone lines.  You need to check the areas where the said lines are placed, especially those underground wires.  Never splice your wiring incorrectly.  To be extra sure, you can make use of a figure eight know, a secure joint clamp, or a western union know.  Remember that sloppy knotting can just make your fence defective and useless. Also, wet vegetation must not come in contact with underground wiring since it renders the electric fence system ineffective.

Keep in mind these very practical and useful tips in installing your electric fence.  The elements of your fence, the manner it was installed, and the strength of the materials you used will all have a bearing on the effectiveness of the electric fence.  Make sure that you use the proper tools, metals, insulators, and wire for your fence, so that it will perform at par with your expectations.