1. Introduction
The PetSafe Basic In-Ground Pet Fence System is designed to provide a safe and effective containment solution for your pet within a designated area. This system utilizes a buried wire to create a boundary, a transmitter to send a signal through the wire, and a receiver collar worn by your pet. When your pet approaches the boundary, the collar delivers a warning tone, followed by a static correction if the boundary is crossed. Proper installation and training are crucial for the system's effectiveness and your pet's safety.
2. Package Contents
Before beginning installation, verify that all components are present in your kit:
- Transmitter with power adapter
- PetSafe Deluxe UltraLight Receiver Collar
- 500 feet of boundary wire
- 50 training flags
- PetSafe RFA-67 battery (included for collar)
- Short and long contact points for various coat lengths
- Test light tool
- Surge protector
- 2 waterproof gel-filled splice capsules and 2 wire connectors
- Product Manual (this document)
Image 2.1: Overview of the PetSafe Basic In-Ground Pet Fence Kit components, including the transmitter, boundary wire, receiver collar, and training flags.
3. System Overview
The PetSafe Basic In-Ground Pet Fence System operates by creating an invisible boundary around your property. The system consists of three main parts:
- Transmitter: This unit plugs into a standard electrical outlet indoors and sends a harmless radio signal through the boundary wire. It features controls for boundary width and power.
- Boundary Wire: Buried or secured above ground, this wire carries the radio signal from the transmitter, defining the pet's containment area. The included 500 feet of wire covers up to 1/3 acre, expandable to 5 acres with additional wire.
- Receiver Collar: Worn by your pet, this waterproof collar detects the radio signal from the boundary wire. It emits a warning tone when your pet approaches the boundary and a static correction if the pet attempts to cross it. The collar is adjustable for neck sizes 6-26 inches and suitable for dogs 8 lbs and up.
Image 3.1: Individual components of the PetSafe In-Ground Fence System, showing the transmitter, receiver collar, boundary wire spool, and training flags.
4. Installation
4.1 Planning Your Layout
Careful planning of your boundary layout is essential for effective containment. Consider areas where your pet should be contained and areas that should be off-limits. The system allows for various configurations:
- Backyard only
- Front yard only
- Custom shapes around landscaping or pools
- Along existing physical fences
Draw a diagram of your property and mark the desired boundary. Ensure the wire forms a continuous loop back to the transmitter.
Image 4.1: Illustration of a typical in-ground fence boundary, showing the buried wire, the warning zone with tone alerts, and the correction zone.
Image 4.2: Examples of customizable fence layouts, including backyard only, front yard only, custom shapes, and integration with physical fences.
4.2 Transmitter Installation
The transmitter should be installed indoors in a dry, protected area, close to a standard electrical outlet. It must be connected to the boundary wire loop. Always use the provided surge protector to safeguard against power surges and lightning strikes.
- Mount the transmitter to a wall using appropriate hardware.
- Connect the boundary wire ends to the transmitter's terminals.
- Plug the transmitter's power adapter into the surge protector, then plug the surge protector into a grounded electrical outlet.
4.3 Boundary Wire Installation
The boundary wire can be buried or secured above ground. Burying the wire is recommended for durability and aesthetics.
- Burying: Dig a shallow trench (1-3 inches deep) along your planned boundary. Place the wire in the trench and cover it with soil.
- Above Ground: Secure the wire to existing fences, walls, or use landscape staples to pin it to the ground. Ensure the wire is not a tripping hazard and is protected from damage.
- Splicing: If additional wire is needed or a break occurs, use the provided waterproof gel-filled splice capsules and wire connectors to ensure a secure, weather-resistant connection.
4.4 Training Flag Placement
Place the training flags along the boundary wire, approximately 10 feet apart. These flags serve as visual cues for your pet during the initial training phase, helping them understand the invisible boundary.
5. Collar Setup and Operation
5.1 Battery Installation
The receiver collar uses one PetSafe RFA-67 battery. To install:
- Twist the battery cap counter-clockwise with a coin to remove it.
- Insert the new RFA-67 battery with the positive (+) side facing out.
- Replace the battery cap and twist clockwise until snug. Do not overtighten.
The collar's indicator light will flash green to confirm proper battery installation. A red flashing light indicates a low battery, requiring replacement.
5.2 Fitting the Collar
Proper collar fit is crucial for consistent and effective static correction.
- Position the collar so the contact points are centered on your pet's neck, underneath the jaw.
- Adjust the strap to be snug, allowing only one finger to fit comfortably between the contact points and your pet's skin.
- For long-haired pets, use the longer contact points provided to ensure proper skin contact.
5.3 Correction Levels
The Deluxe UltraLight Receiver Collar offers a tone-only mode and 4 levels of adjustable static correction. The appropriate level depends on your pet's temperament and response to training.
- Tone-Only Mode: Provides an audible warning without static correction. Useful for initial training.
- Levels 1-4: Increasing levels of static correction. Start with the lowest level and increase only if your pet does not respond.
Refer to the collar's specific instructions for adjusting correction levels, typically involving a button or dial on the collar unit.
6. Pet Training
Effective training is vital for your pet to understand and respect the boundary. A typical training program lasts about two weeks.
- Introduction to the Boundary (Days 1-3): Walk your pet on a leash along the boundary flags. When the collar emits a warning tone, immediately guide your pet away from the boundary, praising them. Do not allow your pet to receive a static correction during this phase.
- Correction Introduction (Days 4-7): Continue walking your pet on a leash. If your pet attempts to cross the boundary and receives a static correction, immediately pull them back into the safe zone, using a verbal command like "No!" or "Stay!" and praise them once they are back in the safe area.
- Off-Leash Supervision (Days 8-14): Gradually introduce off-leash time within the containment area, always supervising closely. Reinforce the boundary if your pet tests it.
- Continued Reinforcement: Periodically review the boundary with your pet, especially if there are changes to the environment or if your pet's behavior changes.
Consistency and positive reinforcement are key to successful training.
7. Maintenance
7.1 Collar Battery Replacement
The PetSafe RFA-67 battery typically lasts 1-3 months, depending on usage. Replace the battery when the collar's indicator light begins to flash red. Always use genuine PetSafe RFA-67 replacement batteries.
7.2 Wire Inspection
Periodically inspect the boundary wire for any damage, especially if your pet's collar is not activating correctly. Exposed wire can be damaged by lawn equipment, animals, or weather. Repair any breaks using the provided splice capsules and connectors to maintain system integrity.
8. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Collar not activating at boundary | 1. Collar battery low or dead. 2. Wire break in boundary loop. 3. Transmitter not powered on or faulty. 4. Boundary width setting too low. | 1. Replace RFA-67 battery. 2. Check wire for breaks using the test light tool and repair with splice capsules. 3. Ensure transmitter is plugged in and power light is on. Check surge protector. 4. Increase boundary width on the transmitter. |
| Pet receives correction inside boundary | 1. Collar fit too loose. 2. Contact points too short for pet's fur. 3. Interference from other electronic devices. | 1. Tighten collar to ensure snug fit. 2. Install longer contact points. 3. Move transmitter away from large metal objects or other electronics. |
| Transmitter light off | 1. No power to transmitter. 2. Transmitter faulty. | 1. Check power adapter and electrical outlet. Ensure surge protector is functioning. 2. Contact customer support. |
| Collar indicator light flashing red | Collar battery is low. | Replace the RFA-67 battery immediately. |
9. Specifications
- Model Name: PIG00-14582
- Item Weight: 4.84 pounds
- Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 11.97 x 4.37 x 6.06 inches
- Brand Name: PetSafe
- Material: Plastic
- Target Audience: Dogs
- Collar Fit: Adjustable, fits neck sizes 6-26 inches
- Minimum Pet Weight: 8 lbs and up
- Correction Levels: 4 static correction levels + tone-only mode
- Battery Type (Collar): 1 x PetSafe RFA-67 (included)
- Battery Life (Collar): 1-3 months (approximate)
- Wire Included: 500 feet (covers up to 1/3 acre)
- Maximum Coverage: Up to 5 acres (with additional wire purchase)
- Compatibility: Works with all PetSafe in-ground fence receiver collars except YardMax receiver collars.
- Country of Origin: China
10. Warranty and Customer Support
10.1 Warranty Information
This PetSafe Basic In-Ground Pet Fence System comes with a 1 Year Limited Warranty. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims. For detailed warranty terms and conditions, refer to the documentation included with your product or visit the official PetSafe website.
10.2 Customer Support
For any questions, assistance with installation, operation, or troubleshooting, PetSafe offers U.S.-based customer care. Our pet product experts are available by phone, email, or chat to help you and your pet.
Please visit the official PetSafe website for contact information and support resources.
