Dogs are outdoors all the time, and Ann Arbor homeowners delight in having a dogyard. Unfortunately, traditional fencing isn’t always feasible, approved by the homeowner’s associations or cost-efficient. This is where an underground dog fence is the smart alternative
From those who have massive landscaped property by the Huron Village River to the city of May beak, this could be the perfect remedy for everyone who has a smaller garden in Burns Village.
What Is an Underground Dog Fence?
An underground dog fence (also known as underground electric fence or invisible fence) is a pet containment system that is formed by burying a wire underground and establishing a boundary. As your dog approaches the boundaries, a receiver collar will rehearse a warning note after which it will emit a mild static to correct the dog if it does not move away.
The system consists of three basic components:
- Transmitter – Located indoors your house or garage, transmits a radio signal with the wire
- Underground fencing wire – buried 1-3 inches under ground along the boundary line you have decided on
- Receiver collar – worn by your dog, detects the signal and delivers the correction
This tool is invisible, doesn’t block traffic, can be used on clumpy land with special interest for the many neighborhoods in Ann Arbor.
Why Ann Arbor Homeowners Choose Underground Fencing
Underground dog fences are ideal for Ann Arbor due to particular attributes:
- HOA restrictions – Many newer subdivisions, Kerrytown and near downtown do not allow traditional concepts of wood or chain link fencing
- Wooded lots – Traditional fencing is difficult and costly to install in wooded areas because of the tree roots and the variability of the landscape
- Large properties – Homes near the Huron Parkway or in Pittsfield Township may have acreage that would require perimeter fencing costing tens of thousands of dollars
- Historic districts – Buildings that would anyhow affect the curb appeal are not welcomed in these districts
The following are problems that are solved with an underground electric fence, and they are all at a lower cost.
PetSafe Underground Fence: A Top Choice for Ann Arbor Dogs
Among the most trusted brands in the market, PetSafe underground fence systems are widely used by Michigan homeowners. PetSafe has durable, weather-resistant transmitters that can cope with Michigan’s weather and humidity.
The benefits of PetSafe systems are:
- Can be used on dogs weighing 8lbs and older
- 6 adjustable correction levels (5 settings)
- Works with several collars in multi dog homes
- Out of the box can wire up to 1/3 acre and can be expanded with additional wire
Other reputable brands include SportDOG, Invisible Fence® Brand and Perimeter Technologies; but PetSafe offers consistently good performance-to-price ratios for home use.
Installing an Invisible Fence in Ann Arbor: Step-by-Step Overview
Most homeowners do not anticipate the planning involved with the installation of an invisible fence. This is usually how it proceeds:
Step 1: Plan Your Boundary Layout
Determine where you wish your dog to have a “go free” life. Include garden beds, driveways, and areas that will be off-limits (such as a vegetable garden, swimming pool). Many yards in Ann Arbor are of an atypical shape, leading to an atypical loop design.
Step 2: Locate Underground Utilities
Call MISS DIG 811 – Michigan’s free utility marking service prior to any digging. This is non-negotiable. Before trenching in Ann Arbor, the quantity and density of gas, electric and cable lines must be known.
Step 3: Trench and Lay the Wire
Underground fencing wire is normally installed 1-3” deep, using a flat spade or rented edger for the lawn. Of course, slightly deeper (3″) would help in the case of frost heave, as would be done in freeze-thaw climates such as Ann Arbor. For standard use – 20 gauge wire may be used, but for properties that are more than 1 acre or that are subject to interference, upgrade to 14 gauge.
Step 4: Connect and Test the Transmitter
Use a dry, indoor place, like the garage, for the transmitter. Attach wire ends, turn power on and walk around the edge of the perimeter with the collar to check out even signal level. Check around gates, driveways and corners.
Step 5: Train Your Dog
The training is most important. The training systems that are recommended the most indicate a 2-week protocol that includes boundary flags and leash-guided corrections. Even the best underground dog fence system will not work if not trained correctly. PetSafe, and many professional installers, offer a step-by-step training program.
DIY vs. Professional Installation in Ann Arbor
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $100-$350 (kit) | $850-$2,500+ |
| Time | 4-8 hours | 2-4 hours |
| Customization | Limited | High |
| Training Support | Self-guided | Often included |
| Warranty | Manufacturer only | Labor + parts |
With basic lots of less than 1/2 acre, DIY installation is quite attainable. Large, wooded and oddly shaped lots are common in the older neighborhoods of Ann Arbor; with them, go the pros and they’ll run the wire properly and set the signals.
What Does an Underground Dog Fence Cost in Ann Arbor?
They range depending on property size and brand and between doing it yourself or letting a professional do it:
- DIY kit (up to 1/3 acre): $100-$200
- DIY kit + extra wire (1 acre): $250-400
- Self-Installation (standard lot): $200
- Installation by a professional (1+ acres or complex layout): $1,500-$2,500+
Very little maintenance – usually the collar battery lasts about 3-6 months (ranging from $5 – $15).
Important Limitations to Know Before You Buy
Yes, an underground electric fence will work – but only in certain situations! Be aware of these limitations:
- Does not exclude other animals: Neighbour pets, wild animals and stray dogs can still trespass into your yard.
- To high prey drive dogs, it may be a break-through: Sometimes strong chasing instincts in some breeds will allow the use of the correction in order to chase a squirrel or rabbit.
- The system is inoperable during a power outage: The transmitter has to have electricity in order to operate.
- Not suitable for all temperaments: Some dogs never heal from static correction as they have anxiety disorders or are extremely sensitive to fear. Please seek veterinary advice prior to installation.
Ann Arbor-Specific Considerations
- Soil Type: Many areas in Ann Arbor are on clayey soils, making it a bit of a challenge to trench from a DIY standpoint. It is strongly recommended that a rented edger or lawn groover be used.
- Tree roots: For wooded lots close to Burns Park or Barton Hills or Eberwhite, sections of surface-routing wire may be needed in areas of concern due to trees.
- Winter preparation: If snow is anticipated: place visible stakes on the wire to avoid damage from snow removal
- Local ordinances: Underground pet fencing does not require a permit in Ann Arbor; if weeding outside the city lines, such as Ann Arbor Township or Pittsfield Township, check with your township
Final Take for Ann Arbor Homeowners
If you want your dog to have yard freedom but don’t want to break the bank, preserve the rules your Home Owner’s Association puts in place, and maintain the fence the least possible, an underground dog fence in Ann Arbor is the answer. Most dogs learn to cope within two weeks with the correct system-whether the PetSafe underground fence kit or a professionally installed solution – and when properly trained.
Frequently Asked Questions Underground Dog Fence in Ann Arbor
Take security measures against freeze-thaw by burying wire at least 3 inches below the surface in Ann Arbor. With shallower grades there is a risk from wire damage due to frost heave or lawn tillage.
Yes. Unlike other petsafe kit products, this one comes with everything you need and detailed instructions. Expect installation in just an afternoon for the majority of homeowners with a flat, standard size lot.
Good underground fencing wire that is installed correctly will serve the forest owner for 10-20 years. Most damage is caused by mechanical action (aerators, edgers, shovels) and seldom by natural decay as well as erosion.
Mostly applicable to all breeds. Dogs with strong prey drive or those that are overly driven may try to move through the correction, however. Before using the system to its full extent, test for how well your dog reacts with the help of a professional.
The static correction used in modern systems is mild – similar to a static shock from a doorknob. Leading veterinary and training groups agree that appropriate containment systems can be humane when used in combination with positive reinforcement training practices.
Yes. Most systems (such as PetSafe underground fence models) can attach more than one collar receiver to a transmitter. Each pup is merely given their very own collar.
The transmitter will provide a fault indicator and/or alarm. You will need to find the break and connect with a wire connector kit – most of the kits have extras or they can be purchased from hardware stores for a few dollars.
Yes, with adjustments. Begin and end larger-gauge wire (14-gauge) on the surface where roots of trees will not allow burial into the ground. The preferences of a professional installer who knows about the Michigan terrain will present the optimal layout.