An invisible dog fence is incredibly useful for keeping your dog within your yard boundaries. You may need to relocate this invisible dog fence or simply remove it from the ground.
Some suggest using a metal detector for this purpose. But…
… Can a metal detector locate an invisible containment dog fence?
An average metal detector, unfortunately, won’t be able to detect an invisible dog fence. This is because an invisible dog fence operates using radio signals, which a metal detector often cannot pick up. To locate an invisible dog fence effectively, it’s advisable to use a wire locator instead.
In this blog, I will highlight the best wire locator for detecting an invisible dog fence. Additionally, I will provide guidance on how to use this wire locator to locate your invisible dog fence. Enjoy your reading!
How does an invisible dog fence work?
An invisible dog fence operates based on radio signals, typically using a buried plastic or synthetic wire just below the ground as the boundary marker, which the dog is not allowed to cross.
This underground wire serves as the transmitter, emitting radio signals. The dog wears a collar with a receiver (often a tiny device). If the dog gets too close to the underground plastic wire, the transmitter sends a signal to the receiver.
The dog’s collar device can emit a beeping sound, alerting the dog not to proceed further towards the boundary of the yard. Additionally, with many invisible dog fences, you can configure settings to deliver mild electric shocks to the dog as a deterrent.
Why can’t a metal detector find invisible dog fence?
A metal detector operates on electromagnetic fields. When a metal object comes into contact with the magnetic field generated by the metal detector, the metal object itself reflects a magnetic field causing a disturbance.
The metal detector detects this disruption in the magnetic field, causing it to emit a beeping sound. The key point here is that an invisible dog fence doesn’t contain enough metal components to disrupt the magnetic field of a metal detector (instead, it relies on radio signals).
This implies that a metal detector is most likely not sensitive enough to detect an invisible dog fence. Therefore, you’ll need to explore alternative methods to locate the invisible dog fence.
How can I find an invisible dog fence instead?
To locate an invisible dog fence, you’ll need to use a wire locator. You connect the transmitter of a wire locator to the electrical wire or cable you want to find underground, which will send a low-frequency electrical signal through the wire or cable.
Next, you move the receiver (often a probe) over the area where you believe the wire of the invisible dog fence is located. The receiver will detect the signal from the transmitter and produce a sound (or illuminate a light).
Disclaimer!
A wire locator may not always be effective in locating an invisible dog fence. The reason for this is that not all underground wires of an invisible dog fence conduct electricity. Therefore, using a wire locator may not always yield reliable results.
Whether a wire locator is suitable for your situation depends on the type of invisible dog fence you have at home. If the underground wire can conduct electricity, then a wire locator can be a viable option!
How do I use a wire locator to find an invisible dog fence?
If you want to use a wire locator to find the wire of the invisible dog fence, it’s helpful to understand how to use a wire locator properly.
1. Connect the Wire to the Wire Locator
First, you’ll want to attach the wire of the invisible dog fence to the transmitter of the wire locator. You can typically find the wire of the invisible dog fence in your utility closet or somewhere else where it’s connected to the electrical network.
2. Set up the Wire Locator
Ensure that the wire locator is set to the correct frequency that matches the frequency of the invisible dog fence wire, which is typically around 200 kHz. You can often find the appropriate frequency in the wire locator’s manual, so it’s a good practice to review the manual before using the wire locator.
Furthermore, make sure you are using the cable mode. Moreover, it is advisable to turn up the volume. This makes sure you will be able to hear the sounds of the Wire Locator.
3. Walk Along the Wire Route
Walk along the path where you suspect the invisible dog fence wire runs. Hold the wire locator in your hand and follow the instructions on the device to trace the signal. While walking, you can mark the route with flags or pins, allowing you to accurately determine the position of the invisible dog fence.
Notice that the Wire Locator emits a high-pitched sound when the invisible dog fence is near. So when the sound increases, you know you are getting closer to the wire!
What are good wire locators to find invisible dog fence?
If you still want to attempt locating the invisible dog fence with a wire locator, it’s essential to ensure you’re using the correct type of wire locator.
As a result, I’ve created the table below. In it, I’ve listed several suitable wire locators along with their respective features. Best of luck in locating your invisible dog fence!
What are other options to find an invisible dog fence?
Fortunately, aside from using a wire locator, there are several other approaches to detecting an invisible dog fence. You can employ your dog’s receiver to locate the boundaries by walking your dog around and observing the collar’s response.
Additionally, consulting the fence system’s manual for guidance and reaching out to the installation company for assistance are viable options. If these methods prove ineffective, you may resort to careful digging in the suspected fence location as a last measure.
1. Use the dog’s receiver to locate the boundaries
The easiest way to locate an invisible dog fence is by using the dog’s receiver (often attached to the dog’s collar). The receiver typically comes in the form of a small box or sensor.
Simply pick up this device and walk around your yard; you’ll gain an understanding of the invisible dog fence’s perimeter. If you get close to the boundary, the receiver will emit a loud beep, and if you move further away from it, the receiver will beep less or not at all.
Please note that this method is not highly precise, but it serves well to provide a general overview.
2. Consult the fence system’s manual
Another tip is to take a moment to review the manual for the invisible dog fence. Frequently, the manual contains instructions on how to locate and remove the invisible dog fence if needed.
In case you’ve discarded the manual, try conducting a quick Google search. Often, you can find a digital version of the manual on the internet through a simple online search!
3. Contact the Installation company
In many cases, an invisible dog fence is installed by a professional installation company because it can be quite labor-intensive to set up.
If you ever need to have the invisible dog fence removed, it’s a good idea to get in touch with the installation company that originally installed it. These companies typically have a record of where they placed the wires for the invisible dog fence.
In any case, an installation company possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience with this type of issue, so they will undoubtedly be able to assist you effectively!
4. Use an AM radio
Another way to locate an invisible dog fence is by using an AM radio, and this is a relatively simple method:
- Start by turning on the AM radio and tune it to a station with a lot of static or interference. This means the radio has no or very poor reception.
- Then, walk with the AM radio along the area where you suspect the invisible dog fence wire is located. Walk slowly and carefully to detect small changes in the level of static or interference.
- When you hear changes in the static, these could be beeps, crackling sounds, or other unusual noises. You should be able to use these changes to locate the wire!
This method takes advantage of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the invisible dog fence wire, which can interfere with AM radio reception.
5. Dig carefully
If none of the above methods prove successful, you might consider the option of very cautiously digging. Start at a point where you are reasonably certain that the invisible dog fence wire is buried. Once you’ve found a section of the wire, it’s often relatively easy to follow its path.
By doing this, you can excavate the entire invisible dog fence installation. However, exercise extreme caution while digging to prevent damaging the invisible dog fence wire.
Some really good shovels that you can use to dig up your invisible dog fence:
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard metal detectors typically can’t detect the wires of an invisible dog fence since they are typically insulated and emit weak electromagnetic fields. Specialized wire locators or cable locators are designed to detect these buried wires, making them the preferred tools for this purpose.
The wire for an invisible dog fence is typically buried at a depth of 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) below the ground’s surface. This shallow burial helps maintain signal strength and prevents accidental damage during landscaping.
Yes, the wire of an invisible dog fence can be easily damaged when digging, especially if the wire is buried shallowly. Careful excavation techniques and using specialized tools like wire locators can help prevent accidental damage to the wire.