Many dog owners choose to install electric dog fences as a way to keep their pets close to home without being leashed. Some of these systems and their installation can quickly become costly, especially if you are working with a large yard. So why not save money by doing it yourself? Wire that will be compatible with your dog fencing system is easy to find and inexpensive.

First, you can narrow your wire search to single strand, insulated wires only. These are the types of wire used for dog fencing systems. When there are millions of types of wire and cable available, focusing in on the correct type is a major step to finding the right wire for your fencing system.

Next, determine which gauge of wire you would like to work with. If you are replacing a section of existing fencing or simply wish to add length to your fencing, using a matching wire gauge can be helpful because boundary signals are kept more consistent. However, different types of wire and wire gauge can also be used without disrupting the system.

The most common wire gauges used in dog fencing are 16 AWG, 18 AWG, and 20 AWG. If you are unfamiliar with wire gauges, higher numbers mean thinner wires. In this case, 20 AWG wire is the thinnest option. There are benefits to using thin wire, including increased flexibility which could make for easier handling. 16 AWG wire can be quite stiff, making it more difficult to install. On the other hand, there are also arguments for using thicker wires. Although they are slightly more expensive, many people prefer thicker wires because they believe them to be more durable and less likely to be damaged in outdoor applications. As a happy medium, we recommend 18 AWG wire, such as TFN 18 1 because it is both durable and relatively flexible. It is also thick enough to deliver a strong signal.

Once you’ve determined which gauge you’d like to use, you must consider other attributes the wire must have in order to last in your application. Be sure to check that the wire is approved for outdoor use and that it is rated for direct burial. If it isn’t, the cable jacket and insulation will degrade outdoors.

If you keep all of these characteristics, including wire type, gauge, outdoor approval, and direct burial ratings in mind, you will have no trouble finding a wire solution that will work with your dog fencing system.