How to Plan a Pet-Safe Fence

Draw a diagram of the portion of the yard where you plan to install the pet fence, using graph paper. Making the drawing to scale enables you to figure out how much wiring you need. Indicate the areas in your yard where you don't want the dog to have access, such as flowerbeds, gardens and the pool area.

Find the location where you plan to install the control box. This needs to be in a protected area that has access to a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) electrical outlet. This location is the beginning and end point of the invisible fence. Mark the control box's location on the planning diagram.

Contact the local utilities so they can come out and mark where the buried utility lines are on located your property. Their location may affect the location of the pet fence. Modify the fence lines, if necessary.

Consider the placement of driveways, sidewalks, patios and other hardscape in relation to where you plan to install the pet fence. It's possible to use a concrete saw to cut a narrow channel for the wiring to pass over concrete, or you can use special digging equipment to run the wiring under permanent fixtures.

Design the fence so the wiring makes a complete loop from the control box, around the yard and back to the control box. Use twisted wires to create multiple zones within your yard and to give you more design flexibility. Create pathways at least 6 to 8 feet wide for the dog to move from one zone to another without interference from the transmitter on its collar.