Should I pay someone to install an electric dog fence or try to do it myself?

Question

I am not particularly handy -- the instructions I'm finding online seem to talk about stripping wire, digging trenches etc.

On the other hand, I have no idea what professional installation costs or how to find it (I haven't yet found a dealer/installer in the Los Angeles area but just started looking today after finding our dog in the front of our house, where he almost got hit by a car).

Have any of you found an electric pet system that's easy to install, or have you paid someone who will do the work? If so, what did it cost and how did you find them?

It has to be the kind of fence that is activated by the dog's collar since we have children. Our back yard is surrounded by some fencing, and by long stretches of 4 foot hedges edged by chicken wire. The Golden Retriever has now learned to jump into and over the bushes. A regular fence would be prohibitively expensive and would destroy our view.

Thanks.

Answer 1

It isn't that hard to install, but usually costs about $1,000 to have it put in...in CA..It will pay to call around, or better yet to have a handy friend do it for you or with you, for a discount?

Answer 2

There are definatly benefits and drawbacks of both options.

The do it yourself kits save money. But be ware of all possible interferance such as other underground wiring, pipes and such when you are thinking about where you'll be installing it. It's not that you will cause damange to the other things underground but they can interfere with the signals and transmission of your fence.

A big advantage to having it installed is that they will train your dog to use the system. If your dog isn't properly trained (as well as you) it may not work for them.

Also some cities don't recongize an invisible fence as containing your pet if that is one of the ordinances. The other answerer also makes a good point in that if some dangerous animal or person gets into your yard it may inhibit your dog from escaping the danger.

Good luck

Answer 3

I have used an underground electric fence made by Pet Safe . I installed it myself and it was time consuming but fairly easy. You have to make sure you always keep it buried at the same depth or when you set your signal strength your boundary width will vary in places. They include a detailed instruction book and DVD on installation in the kit. Anyway. The Pet safe fence is available in lots of places I got mine for about $200.00 at Home Depot (and there are cheaper and more expensive versions by the same people) If you go to www.petsafe.net you can find a retailer near you who carries them. If you go to www.petsafeprofessional.com they have a locator under installation that will find one of their professional installers in your area. This fence is activated by the collar I have a 4 year old son so I need that kind as well. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

I'd have someone do it. That way, if it is screwed up, they'd easily take the blame for it. Or they'll make sure it's odne right the first time...unlike what is the case for many un-handy people.

Personally, I am against those invisible dog fences for one reason. What if an extremely aggressive dog (or any other large animals) comes in your yard and attacks your dog. Your dog has no where to go.

But that's just my thoughts on it.

Answer 5

It's cheaper to have someone install it for you than to pay your vet to fix your dog after it lives through getting hit by a car. Or worse yet, the cost of having to tell your children when the dog dies from getting hit by a car.

Answer 6

Think about the boundries before you take it on. If you only have to dig into turf, its easy. If you have to cross under a driveway or sidewalk, hire a pro! Otherwise its pretty easy. Stripping wires is nothing - you can buy a $3 tool to do it.

Answer 7

Hire someone! Its called and Electric fence! Anything with the words electric in it should have someone with knowledge instal it.

Answer 8

diy