If you have an area with sandy, loose, or soft clay soil, or your lot is small (less than 5 acres), you can use 20-gauge wire for your dog fence. Stranded wire is more delicate and susceptible to corrosion than solid core wire, but it can last longer. Just be sure to replace the wire every five years, as this material can break or corrode easily.
To install an electric fence, you must make a detailed map of your property, mark the boundary with a pencil, and mount the transmitter in an electrical outlet. The battery-operated collar receives a signal from the transmitter and sends a static correction signal to your dog. This correction signal prevents your dog from crossing the boundary. The intensity of the correction is determined by the size of your dog. Before installing an electric dog fence, make sure you locate it in a secure area.
When burying wire in your yard, you should dig a trench three to 24 inches deep. Burying the wire deeper than this can change the signal strength, and you also risk running the wire into buried utilities. Instead, dig the trench to three to four inches below the surface of your yard. This provides maximum signal strength and protection from outdoor hazards and weather. You can also use marker flags to help you locate the wire. A well-buried wire will ensure that your dog does not wander out of the yard.
What kind of wire should be used on dog fence:
The direct-burial grade wire generally suggested for outside applications like as irrigation and outdoor lighting systems is the ideal wire to use for your do-it-yourself dog fence installation. Direct burial wire might be available in your neighborhood hardware or irrigation store, but if you’re having difficulties finding it there, you might want to explore purchasing it online from Amazon.com.
In addition to getting direct burial grade wire, keep in mind:
- 18-gauge wire is adequate if your yard is less than one acre in size. Use 14- or 16-gauge wire if your yard is bigger to ensure sufficient signal strength.
- Because it is simpler to handle, solid-core wire is preferred versus stranded wire. Stranded wire will work, though, if you have no other choice.
In-ground dog fence systems are best installed with SportDOG Brand Wire & Flag Kit. This kit comes with 500 feet of wire, two wire nuts, and two waterproof gel-filled splice capsules. Additionally, you can get 50 training flags that cover about a third of an acre. The wire & flag kit is the perfect solution for those looking to expand their coverage area.
When selecting a wire for a fence, you’ll want to consider the gauge of the wire. Gauge refers to the size of the wire, and the thicker the wire is, the more difficult it is to work with. Choosing thicker wire means more installation time and material costs, which will increase the overall cost of the fence. Lastly, consider the length of the fence you’re planning to build. A good fence can last several feet, so be sure to buy enough.
A powder-coated wire fence can cost anywhere from $1 to $5 per linear foot. The three types of coatings are PVC, PE, and PUR. PE is the most durable and resists rust and salt corrosion. PE is also more flexible and is ideal for hot or humid climates. Either type of coating will give your wire fencing a longer life. This type of coating will also help to protect your fence from UV rays and moisture.
