Electric fence to keep dogs out of garden

[dan76n]

Hi all,
I would like to build a temporary electric fence around my garden to keep my dogs out.
does anyone know of a DIY project for this?
I would prefer to use a 12V car battery over mains if possible.

[GraemeCook]

Dan

To stop pups chewing wrong things in house - furniture, venetian cords, etc - we paint them with a dilute mixture of about six drops of Tabasco sauce in a spoonful of water. Dogs quickly learn that they do not like chillies and keep away from anything that smells of chillies.

To keep them off new plantings we just put a teaspoon of Tabasco in a litre of water and spry the plants. Needs respraying after rain or heavy hosing.

Remember, the dogs sense of smell is one hundred times more sensitive than ours.

Good luck

[elkangorito]

Try these links.


http://www.gallagher.com.au/portable.component.aspx?mktprodid=1779

http://www.gallagher.com.au/portable.component.aspx?mktprodid=1129

http://www.daken.com.au/electric_fencing_energisers.htm

[Barry_White]

When I want to keep the dog of the garden I use some star posts and run 2 rows of that white cord with the wire running through it around the garden and connect it up to the energizer and usually it only needs one hit from it and he wont go near the garden again.

[dan76n]

I was looking at buying an energizer but Im not sure on what ratings they come in and what one would be best suited for medium size dogs. (Im assuming you can get different strenght energizers as no doubt it would require a little more power to keep a bull in a paddock than keeping a pet Chihuahua of your vegie patch)

[Barry_White]

I was looking at buying an energizer but Im not sure on what ratings they come in and what one would be best suited for medium size dogs. (Im assuming you can get different strenght energizers as no doubt it would require a little more power to keep a bull in a paddock than keeping a pet Chihuahua of your vegie patch)

I think you will find they all put out about the same boot because they are all designed to control livestock not dogs but that they will do.

Just buy the cheapest you can get because it will control the dog. Mine is a mains power one but the solar powers portable ones will give the same kick.

[malb]

Used a lec fence thirty five years ago to keep a mouch from wandering through mothers veggie garden. Thought a bit in advance and placed some plastic super bags down at the entrance to the walkways between beds, and some old ali flywire on top with a couple of bricks to hold it down. This was to allow human and barrow access while keeping the poor devil out.

Then cut some garden stakes about 18 inches long and knocked them in about 3 feet apart arround the outer edge of the plot. Got a roll of copper meter seal wire that we had been given and ran that around the posts, dropping down to the ali pads, and coming back up the other side. Got out the old 12V escapement energiser and near stuffed 6V motorbike battery, and set that all up beside the perimeter wire.

Poor dog came up behind to see what I was doing just as I hooked the battery into the thing, and yelped like made. As I turned to see what he was complaining about, there were blue flashes jumping about 1/2 in from the wire to Arthurs nose. Quickly disconnected battery to find dog a quivvering mess, standing there in spasm. Finally settled down enough for him to bolt off to hide. Took about two days to cajole him into coming back home. Obviously didn't reconnect the thing, but left the wire up and the pads in the walkways. He never went on the garden again.

When the dog was about 14, Mum's elderly uncle up the road became a widower and got a live in housekeeper in her late 60's. She had a small terrier, which became a regular visitor to our place and Arthurs best friend. But if she went near the veggie plot, old Artie would stay back and howl a warning, although it was 13 or more years since he got his zap.

Please be carefull, for the dogs sake.

[woodcutta]

Try these - they work

http://www.innotek.com.au/?gclid=CM3P3ueUoJICFQ6YiQodiD4GNQ

woodcutta

[Bodgy]

We use an electric fence to keep the Irish Wolfhound from jumping the 4 ft fence. Works like a treat. Once they get a jlot they never go near the wire again. Don't even need to turnn it on anymore.

Bought mine for about $80. Just get the cheapest you can. Ensure you have a good earth.

Mine takes D batteries, but a 6 volt motorcucle battery works out a lot cheaper.

[Barry_White]

My son had a German Shepherd Labrador cross and he used to get out of his yard when he went away so he put an electric fence wire around the top of the fence and that kept him in but this dog was smart enough to know when the fence was switched off so he would get out.

[dan76n]

So where can I get myself an energizer from? There are plenty available online but I would prefer to buy from brick and morter.

[Barry Hicks]

Where abouts in Q are you Dan? I have a energiser
(4x D cells) that is available for loan.

It just takes one hit and the dog won't come back
for seconds.

[dan76n]

Thanks for the offer Barry, Im pretty keen to buy one as we have a few differnt spots in our yard we would like to test over time. We also intend to build again in a couple of years and no doubt will need one then aswell. Im at the northen end of the goldcoast if that helps anyone in regards to where I can purchase one from. Local pet shop sells a setup for about $250 but that seems a bit pricey when you guys are buying energisers for below $100 and gal wire is about $10 for a roll. Im sure I can come up with some stakes for less than $140.

[Barry_White]

Thanks for the offer Barry, Im pretty keen to buy one as we have a few differnt spots in our yard we would like to test over time. We also intend to build again in a couple of years and no doubt will need one then aswell. Im at the northen end of the goldcoast if that helps anyone in regards to where I can purchase one from. Local pet shop sells a setup for about $250 but that seems a bit pricey when you guys are buying energisers for below $100 and gal wire is about $10 for a roll. Im sure I can come up with some stakes for less than $140.

The best place to buy one is a rural supply company. Should be able to find one on the outskirts of Brisbane like Westfarmers or Elders Rural Supplies

or try one of these

http://www.google.com.au/search?q=rural+supplies+Brisbane&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B3GGGL_enAU250AU250

[thatirwinfella]

be careful how it's done, there are strict regulations concerning electric fences, as well as laws about their usage... it you use anything that could be construed as being to prevent human entry it's considered a man trap and you'll potentaily end in hot water.

i used to see an add in BH&G magazine for a radio frequency system; when the dog travelled outside a certain perimeter set up by stakes, a high pitched noise was emmitted from a device on its collar to force it to return.

it's a similar concept, less invasive to the garden, and won't hurt people.

[dan76n]

I looked at the collar systems but I wont put collars on my dogs unless they are walking. I have a fully fenced yard so its unlikely to shock any humans bar myself when I do a test.

[jisk]

Check out Hidden Fence. We use it to keep our border collies from roaming. It works a treat. http://www.hiddenfence.com.au/

[STAR]

Dan,


See Rural Buying Service at Labrador. Ask for Jim or Ian, They can help you and i suspect would be cheaper than a produce store.

Tell them , Peter from AG & AM recommended them. They might not have the product in store but will get it up from Lismore branch the next day.

They are the only people I deal with on the Coast, because it is the only company here on the Coast that specializers to the Rural Community. The Gold Coast branch mainly specializers in suppling, Golf Clubs, bowling greens, turf farms nurseries , orchards and small crop farmers but the Lismore head office caters for all sections of the Agricultural Industry.

ps. They will not dud you either.

[dan76n]

Thanks guys for your help.
I ended up getting this http://www.dogmaster.com.au/cat/index.cgi/shopfront/view_product_details?category_id=5713&product_id=195042

Its not an overly strong shock but enough to keep the dogs away from the garden.

[rogerch]

Dan,

I have worked in Electric fencing for 15 years so can probable put you on the right track. I wont state the company I work for as I dont feel this is the forum for touting products we sell.

Firstly, many of the responses are correct but this puts it altogether and a few not mentioned.

1. Animals such as dogs are very sensitive to an Electric fence and even a small Energizer will deliver a sufficient shock to prevent the dog from challenging the fence again. In most cases once the dog has recieved a shock he/she will not go near it for some time and only periodically will you need to turn it on. The shock the energizer will deliver (no matter how much he/she will yelp is perfectly safe.

2. Purchasing a small battery powered energizer that takes anywhere from 2 -6 Dsize batteries will be sufficient. They chew through batteries in about 4 weeks if used continually but will be fine for your situation with periodic use.

3. An Energizer is effectively an open circuit with both an output and earth terminal. The output lead must be connected to a fully insulated wire or tape (this could be steel wire or more convenient you can purchase poliwires or politapes) the earth lead must be connected to a suitable earth stake (ideally a galvanised rod (8-10mm) at least 600mm long driven into the ground exposing only 2-3 inches which the earth lead connects to (usually with alligator clips) When the dog touches the insulated wire the current will travel through the animal through the ground to the earth stake (which job is to collect the electrons) and return the electrons to the earth terminal on the energizer which completes the circuit and delivers the shock (a little like flicking the light switch to turn a light on) it sounds like a complicated procedure but it all happens in a second.

Dan rather than confuse you anymore the guys at your local rural store will provide you with a little info and most companies like us provide a "how to manual'

You can also PM me with any further info you may require.

Roger

[Doughboy]

Yep 'lecy fence make dog stay in yard, but I have to say that Roger you make it sound like you need a degree to install one.:C

I will say that I have only worked with 'lecy fences on farms for 28 years so I admit there may be some things I am not up to speed on.:wink:

[rogerch]

Doughboy,

Appreciate it may have appeared too tech; but in the last 15 years I've been to 1000's of farms to teach farmers who have been doing it wrong for the last 30 years who thought there was nothing to it.

Do you want me to send one of our reps to your place??

Roger

[dan76n]

I have set it up with gal wire using timber garden stakes which I drilled holes in. I was going to insulate the wire where it touched the timber but it doesnt seem to need it. I picked up an copper rod (house earth) as my earth. It works a treat.
I also found that it isnt much of a shock when Im wearing my rubber thongs. Bare foot, well thats a different story.

[rogerch]

Good on you Dan.

Note: unless the dog has access to gumboots it'll hurt alright.

The earth peg you've used isn't the actual mains power earth for the house or shed is it?? I dont think this is what you mean but just checking as you certainly dont want to use a current mains power earth.

[Doughboy]

Tell you what as soon as we have problems I will call you, but just a tip don't hold your breath.

[dan76n]

I bought a copper earth from electrical shop ($10) I didnt realise how big they are. I bashed it into the ground about 500mm.
The dogs seem to have already learnt as when we take them for a walk they cut across the front lawn staying as far from the fence as possible.