It is extremely simple to install a wireless dog fence. This is perhaps the main reason why these systems are chosen instead of wired underground dog fence. As there are different models available, the exact installation procedure will differ slightly from one model to another. Nevertheless, the basic concept is the same.
Step #1: Putting Your Transmitter in the Right Location
The first thing to do is find the right location to keep your wireless transmitter, which is the main component of your wireless fence. Keep in mind that the installation spot determines the exact location of your containment zone. Wherever the transmitter is located becomes the center point of the safety area.
When choosing the perfect location for the transmitter, there are a few things to be sure of:
- There must be a power outlet nearby in order to power the unit
- Placing it next to an outer wall is best. This is because the more concrete walls that are in between the transmitter and the outdoors, the weaker the transmitter’s signal will be.
- It is important to keep any large metal appliances at least 3 feet away from the transmitter. Five feet away is even better.
- The transmitter should be placed on the ground floor of your home, between 3 and 5 feet off the ground
In order to make sure you are getting the clearest possible signal, we recommend that you read our guide to Reducing Signal Interference.
Step #2: Activating the Receiver Collar
To begin, you will need to insert the battery into the collar. If the model runs on disposable batteries, they generally last from 1 to 3 months. If the batteries are proprietary, they aren’t available in your local retail store and they can be specially purchased for $4 to $8 each. Other collars come with rechargeable batteries. It generally only takes a few days before the batteries need recharging.
After the battery has been put in, you will either need to turn on the collar, or perhaps first register the collar, which depends on which wireless fence you have. If you have to register the collar, this means you just need to come over to the transmitter with the collar in your hand, then press a few buttons on the transmitter.
Step #3: Setting the Size of Your Containment Area
It depends on the model of your wireless dog fence as to how big you can make your containment circle. The largest you can set your radius at is anywhere between 90 and 250 feet.
It will depend on the model as to how exactly you will set the radius. For example, on PetSafe® models, there will be a knob located on the control unit, which has 8 different settings. However, Havahart fences have you set the radius electronically with buttons on an LCD screen.
In order to check where you want your border to be, you will need to choose a setting on your transmitter and then walk outside with a collar until you hear it beeping. See if this is where you want your invisible perimeter to be or not. Another option is to have one person standing outside, checking the boundary location while the other is inside changing it. The person outside can then call the other to tell them when it is time to stop adjusting the radius.
Setting the Level of Correction
Again, how to change the correction level will depend on the model you have. However, it generally involves doing one of these two things:
- Press the mode button on the collar. Wait for a flash that is followed by a few beeps. However many times it beeps will let you know what correction level it is currently set on. (1 beep is level one, 2 beeps is level 2, etc.) Press the mode button until you have it on the level that you need.
- Some of the more advanced models will have you set the correction level on the transmitter, and there won’t be any controls on the collar.
Keep in mind that the correction level should not be randomly set. To decide on which correction level to choose, refer to our Dog Training Guide.
Step #5: Placing the Training Flags
This is the last step, and perhaps will take the longest to do. Expect it to take you around 15 minutes. To do this properly, follow these instructions:
- Approach the boundary line, holding the receiver collar in your hand
- When you hear the collar beep, stop in your tracks and put one flag at your feet
- Go back into the containment area, then repeat the first two steps again, covering the length of the entire boundary’s circumference. All of the planted flags should be spaced about 7 to 10 feet away from one another.
Step #6: Installing the Transmitter
Perhaps you are wondering why this step is being mentioned last. This is because you shouldn’t mount the transmitter until you are sure that you have found the perfect location for it. You wouldn’t want to mount or glue the transmitter in place, only to find out that there is too much disturbance in the signal where you have placed it.
How you can mount the transmitter depends on which system you get. Some require you mount it using screws, while others use adhesive strips. If you choose not to mount the transmitter, you have the choice of keeping it on a desk or countertop, as long as it stays in an upright position.
Keep in mind
- Never place any items of any kind on top of the transmitter
- Make sure there are no household items blocking the ventilation openings on the transmitter
Now that you have gotten the entire system installed, it is time to train your dog to respect the wireless fence boundaries.