For any dog owner in Novi looking to protect their dog without obstructing their line of sight, or getting on the bad side of their homeowners’ association for installing a new wooden fence, an underground dog fence in Novi is likely on your mind. From wooded neighborhoods to Michigan weather, Novi homeowners can have some unique concerns when it comes to pet containment, and we’ve got them all covered.
We will be explaining how these systems operate, their expense, what installation entails, and how to decide which system is appropriate for your yard and your dog. If you’re considering an invisible dog fence Novi for the first time or installing a repair on an underground electric fence, this buyer’s guide can assist you.
What Is an Underground Dog Fence?
Underground dog fence or sometimes referred to a buried wire fence, or invisible pet fence is a containment system for pets that are placed underground a few inches under the property with a thin wire and creates an invisible boundary around your property. How it works is that you place a transmitter (typically a garage or basement) and send a radio signal along that wire, and your dog wears a receiver-collar that picks up the signal when they approach the boundary.
Let’s see how an underground electric dog fence can be implemented:
- The collar gives a warning tone as your dog nears the buried boundary
- Left uncorrected, the collar offers a gentle, but programmable degree of correction
- Using consistent training, most dogs can learn to respect the boundary in 1-2 weeks
- The wire it can be planted beneath or embedded in the grass, gravel, driveway and even shallow water landmarks
Unlike wood or vinyl fences, this type of dog containment fence does not obstruct the view or need a permit in most states and is shaped to fit any yard, be it round, rectangular, wooded or oddly angled.
Why Novi Homeowners Are Choosing Invisible Dog Fences
There are a number of established homes, newer subdivisions, and larger wooded lots which makes Novi an ideal choice for underground containment. Why Novi residents are turning to an electric dog fence over the traditional fencing:
- HOA friendly – Many Novi residential developments have a fence height limitation which requires an underground fence solution
- Works on uneven lots – Ponds, gardens, sloped yards and wooded areas are easy to work around
- Preserves Appeal – No color change to posts, panels or gates affect appearance of property
- Cost effective – Usually much cheaper than putting an entire perimeter wood or vinyl fence up
- Ensures all-season reliability – The perfect underground pet fence will function in Michigan’s snow, ice and spring thaw conditions without a problem.
A pet containment system in Novi is also available with multiple collars and zones so that every pet, no matter what size or breed, will have a containment arena fitted to their needs, for families who have multiple dogs.
Underground Dog Fence Cost in Novi, MI
One of the initial questions that most homeowners ask is with regards to the underground dog fence costs Novi. However, actual costs will vary greatly depending upon a few factors that depend in turn on the property, and from industry estimates of the installation costs of professionally installed systems, the following is a general pricing guide.
- Small to mid-size yards: $800 – $1,600 installed
- Average residential lot (approx. 1 acre): $1,100 – $2,500 installed
- Large or complex properties (wooded, sloped, multiple zones or several pets): $2,500 and above
There are a few factors that will determine the Novi underground dog fence cost you can expect to pay:
- Yard size, shape, and form – The more linear yards of wire, the more labor and material will be required
- Installation is Time – In Wooded lots, slopes and rocky soil, additional time may be required
- Number of pets – Additional dogs require extra collars, which adds to the total
- New install vs. repair vs. re-installation – No single definition for them and different scope of work
- Brand and equipment – These vary from entry level to multi zone systems in advanced territory
Since determining a price for the entire installation is largely a process of trial and error, most local companies, such as ourselves, quote a price when they come to your home instead of trying to do so over the phone. This way, you are only spending money on your property’s needs. Request Free Quoting Here.
Underground Dog Fence Installation Process in Novi
The professional installation of an underground dog fence in Novi generally involves a simple procedure and requires only one visit:
- A yard walkthrough with a free consultation – A yard attendant estimates the yard size, layout, any obstacles, and your dog’s breed and temperament
- Mapping of boundary – Area under containment is mapped and any exclusion zones such as gardens or pool area are identified
- Wire burial – This is a problem-solving solution where the boundary wire is placed a few inches beneath the surface of the lawn, with the help of special equipment, and involves the least amount of disturbance to the lawn
- Transmitter setup – Control unit is set up indoors and linked to the wire loop under the ground
- Collar fitting and testing – Check and verify dog’s receiver collar for proper fit; test from all corners of the boundary
- Training session – Best trainers will have a hands-on training session where your dog learns the limits safely
For most Southeast Michigan electric dog fence installation in Novi projects, the installation will be completed in 2-4 hours, though training may start on the day of installation. When comparing providers, ask specifically if an invisible dog fence installation Novi comes included with training – some national chains do not do training, as an extra fee. A full set of images of what is included in new installations is available here.
Best Underground Dog Fence Options for Novi Homes
Those looking to the top underground dog fence in Novi typically have a narrow offering right in front of them with a few brands that they are considering. Most professional installations, including those from local Michigan installers, provide service and installation of systems from:
- Invisible Fence®
- PetSafe®
- Pet Stop®
- Innotek®
- Dog Guard®
You should not be tied to the particular brand of a quality local installer, but will be advised on equipment according to your dog’s size, activity level and the layout of the yard, not just what they sell. For wooded or multi-acre yards, if you are looking for dog fences in Novi, getting the right kind of wire materials, stronger dog fencing transmitters or multiple zones of the loops works best to ensure a strong signal throughout the yard.
Underground Dog Fence Training in Novi
Regardless of how well the system is installed, if your dog doesn’t know his limits, it will not work. Underground dog fence training in Novi is as crucial as the installation procedure, and normally it consists primarily of:
- Familiarizing your dog with boundary flags which includes the buried wire
- Leash-attached perimeter walks to let your dog know the warning tone is associated with the edge
- Gradual off-leash training when confidence grows and established
- Positive reinforcement to maintain low stress during experience
Most dogs can be reliably trained in 1-2 weeks, depending on breed, age and temperament. A specialist trainer may also provide some assistance in resolving particular issues, such as a pooch that is clearly distracted or is excessively obstinate. Find out more about the process of how the right pet fence training works.
Underground Dog Fence Repair in Novi
Installing a system that doesn’t work isn’t an uncommon problem – and wire breaks are one of the most common calls for an underground dog fence repair, Novi. Common causes include:
- Landscaping work or aeration cutting through the buried wire
- If the tree is damaged by lawnmower or trencher, it will perish
- Water cycle of the soil during freezing thawing over the winter months
- Wear out in older systems caused by age
Find a signal-tracing dog fence repair tech and they are likely to find a break in the fence and fix it the same day and maybe at a lower price than the national dog fence companies. This is true if you have a self-installed system, a professional system or a system that’s passed down from the homeowner before you purchased it. For wire break repair, check us out here.
When relocating to Novi from – or into – a home, it’s also a good idea to inquire about re-installation services instead of a new installation.
Choosing a Local Underground Dog Fence Installer in Novi
When shopping around for dog fence installation Novi providers, consider the following:
- No pressure or obligation, they offer an in-home consultation for free
- Learn how to service many brands and not just one proprietary system
- We are able to resolve wire breaks the same day
- Clear, see through pricing – no hidden fees
- Included, hands-on training as part of the installation
Novi homeowners are also near a number of close surrounding service areas including Northville, Farmington Hills and Walled Lake – as such, if you live away from the outskirts of Novi, make sure to check whether you’re in a service area or not.
Final Thoughts
If you’re putting up a new dog fence, fixing your current fence, or doing any comparison shopping for underground dog fence systems prior to making your purchase, you should look for a good installer who can offer a clear price breakdown, can work with various brands and knows how to train people, because some people are just installing wire in the ground. With a well installed and properly trained pet containment system, you have the freedom to enjoy your dog’s yard, yet without the cost or visual impact of the traditional fence.
Let’s get going? Request your free, no-obligation quote today or check out real reviews from Novi-area pet owners.
Frequently Asked Questions About Underground Dog Fence Novi
How much does an underground dog fence cost in Novi, MI?
The average cost of a dog fence installation in Novi is $800 to $2,500 based on the yard size, topography and number of dogs. More complicated and extensive properties may be expensive. An in home consultation is the best way to receive precise pricing of your yard at no cost.
How long does underground dog fence installation take?
The normal time a new dog fence takes to be installed is 2 to 4 hours on average for a residential yard and training can begin the same day.
Is an invisible pet fence safe for my dog?
Yes. When set up properly, the invisible dog fence has a gentle and adjustable correction that will not hurt your dog but will keep its attention focused. The level of correction may vary according to the size, breed and sensitivity of your dog.
Can an underground dog fence work for large yards in Novi?
Absolutely. Larger dog fences for Novi wooded and multi-acre lots can be made with one of a variety of heavier-duty wires, higher-powered transmitters, and several containment zones to maintain a high signal throughout the yard.
Does an underground electric dog fence work during Michigan winters?
Yes. Coming up from the wire in an underground electric dog fence is completely weatherproof and buried beneath the frost line, so it will continue working in snow, ice and freeze-thaw conditions.
What's the difference between a buried wire fence and a wireless fence?
Physical wire boundary relies on a wire laid flat in the ground to create a custom boundary and wireless boundary is implemented around the perimeter of a transmitter’s base as a circular signal. Typically used on irregular Novi lots, wooded properties, and larger lots, buried wire systems are generally more flexible.
How do I get my underground dog fence repaired in Novi?
The majority of underground dog fence repair problems in Novi are due to landscape deterioration, lawn equipment damage and or soil movement. A technician can usually identify and have your pet containment system fixed the same day, and without reinstalling it all the way.
Do you service areas outside of Novi?
Yes. Apart from underground dog fence installation Novi, City also offers this service in the entire Michigan region, such as Northville, Farmington Hills, Walled Lake, South Lyon, and Southeast Michigan region.