On installation day, we bury the boundary wire with a trenching machine, cut it into your driveway, set up the transmitter and mark the boundary with training flags. Then we run the first training session with you and your dog. Most of the work is done by machine, and in healthy turf it’s hard to tell where the wire went once we’re done.
How is the wire buried?
The loop wire is trenched in at an average depth of about 4 inches. Our machine cuts a narrow incision into the turf with a carbide-tipped blade and feeds the wire in behind it automatically, so there’s no open trench to fill.
We use 14-gauge solid copper core, direct-burial-grade wire with a 45 mil casing rated for UV and underground use. It carries a lifetime guarantee against installation defects. That guarantee doesn’t cover the wire being cut later, which is a service call.
Will it wreck my lawn?
No. In thick, healthy turf, most people have trouble finding where the cut is. The flags and the tire tracks from our machine are usually the only visual clues to where the wire runs.
What happens at the driveway?
For a driveway crossing, we use a concrete saw to clean out a natural expansion joint. We set the wire about 1 inch deep and re-cover it with the material that came out of the joint. If your driveway has no joints, we make a fresh, clean cut in the best spot and seal it. A driveway crossing is included in our installed packages.
What if my layout needs hand digging?
Our technician will price any extra work before doing it. Packages cover up to 1 acre in any layout you choose, where the wire can be installed safely. Sometimes a layout needs extra hand digging or manual wire placement. If so, the technician estimates the extra time and gives you a price. You can go ahead or simplify the design.
If you haven’t picked a layout yet, the common options are perimeter, hourglass and double loop. Each suits a different yard and property.
What do I need to do on the day?
Nothing beyond being there for training, unless you choose our Homeowner Assistance option. That option takes $99 off the published price in return for a few tasks:
- Flagging the yard with the flags we provide
- Cutting, sealing and cleaning up the driveway joint crossing
- Any hand digging where our trencher can’t bury the wire safely
- Cosmetic clean-up after the install
Can you install in winter?
Yes, we install in winter. When the ground can’t be trenched, we place the wire on the snow and bury it in the spring at no extra cost.
What happens once the wire is in?
Training starts the same day. We always do the first GentleSteps™ boundary training session onsite with you and your dog after installation. From there, you continue at home: we recommend 3–5 short sessions a day, with the flags staying up for about 30 days. Most dogs learn their boundaries within 7–10 days. Follow-up training is unlimited if you need help.
FAQ
How deep is a hidden dog fence wire buried?
About 4 inches on average in the yard, and about 1 inch deep in driveway joints.
Do I need to be home for the installation?
Yes, for the training at least. The first training session happens onsite with you and your dog after the system is installed.
What if the wire gets cut later?
The transmitter’s break alarm will sound and flash to let you know. Call us to schedule a repair. A service fee applies for physical damage to the wire.
Can the system be moved if I sell my house?
Yes. RadioPet systems are transferable to a new property and can be adjusted to fit a different perimeter.