Troubleshooting Common Issues with Your Underground Dog Fence System

System Suddenly Stops Working

Check the Transmitter

• Verify power supply: Ensure the transmitter is plugged in and the power outlet is working. Try plugging another device into the same outlet to confirm.
• Inspect indicator lights: Most transmitters have status lights that indicate proper function. If the light is off or showing an error color (typically red), consult your manual for the specific meaning.
• Check circuit breaker: Power surges can trip the circuit breaker connected to your transmitter. Reset if necessary.
• Examine transmitter settings: Verify that settings haven't been accidentally changed. Someone might have adjusted the boundary width or turned down the correction level.
• Look for physical damage: Inspect the transmitter box for water damage, pest intrusion, or other physical problems.

Test the Boundary Wire

• Inspect visible sections: Check any above-ground portions of wire for obvious damage, particularly at entry points to buildings.
• Test continuity: Use a multimeter to test wire continuity if you're comfortable with basic electrical testing.
• Look for recent disturbances: Consider recent landscaping, construction, or severe weather that might have damaged the wire.

Inconsistent Boundary Signal

Common Causes and Solutions

• Interference from other electronics: Keep the boundary wire at least 10 feet away from cable lines, internet wires, other buried wires, and large metal objects. Relocate the transmitter away from heavy appliances or electronics if needed.
• Signal wire too close to itself: Boundary wires running parallel to each other (like when leaving and returning to the house) should be at least 6 feet apart to prevent signal cancellation.
• Boundary width setting: The transmitter's boundary width setting may be too narrow. Increase the width for more consistent activation.
• Wire splices: Poor quality wire connections can cause intermittent signal issues. Redo any splices using waterproof wire connectors.
• Twisted wire sections: Verify that wire sections meant to neutralize the signal (like in areas where you want your dog to cross) are properly twisted with at least 10-12 twists per foot.

Collar Issues

Troubleshooting Collar Problems

• Battery check: Most collar issues stem from weak or dead batteries. Make sure the collar is always charged, and recharge it promptly when the battery is low.
• Contact points: Ensure the contact points are touching your dog's skin.
• Collar fit: The collar should be snug enough that the contact points touch the skin but not so tight as to cause discomfort. You should be able to fit one finger between the collar and your dog's neck.
• Collar damage: Inspect the collar for physical damage, including cracks in the housing or broken contact points.
• Reset the collar: Some systems allow you to reset the collar by touching it to a specific part of the transmitter or following a reset procedure outlined in your manual.

Dog Crossing the Boundary

Training and Behavioral Causes

• Insufficient training: The most common reason dogs cross boundaries is incomplete training. The full training protocol typically takes 2-4 weeks.
• Correction level too low: The static correction may be set too low for your dog's temperament or size. Gradually increase to an appropriate level following Masbrill guidelines.
• High motivation: Extremely motivated dogs (chasing squirrels, following another dog, etc.) might decide the momentary correction is worth it. Additional training with these specific distractions is needed.
• Learned the battery timing: Smart dogs sometimes learn when the collar battery is weakening. Maintain battery levels at a charged state.

Technical Causes

• Dead spots: Use the test tool to walk the entire perimeter, looking for areas with weak signal strength.
• Boundary too narrow: If the warning zone is too narrow, your dog might run through the correction zone before the correction can be fully effective.
• Signal dips: Buried metal objects, underground utilities, or certain soil conditions can create spots with reduced signal strength.

False Corrections Inside Safe Areas

Troubleshooting False Corrections

• Double-check boundary map: Verify that your mental map of the boundary matches the actual installation. Use the testing tool to confirm.
• Signal bleeding: Sometimes signals from boundary wires can "bleed" into unintended areas, particularly near corners or where wires run close to the house.
• Other electronic interference: Some electronic devices can produce signals that the collar misinterprets as boundary warnings. Test by turning off household electronics one by one.
• Transmitter issues: Malfunctioning transmitters can sometimes send erratic signals. Contact the Masbrill support if you suspect transmitter problems.
• Collar malfunction: A damaged collar might activate randomly. Try a different collar if available.

Wire Breaks

Confirming Wire Breaks

• Visual inspection: Look for recent digging, landscaping, or construction in your yard.

Repairing Wire Breaks

• Expose the wire: Dig carefully around the broken area to expose several inches of wire on each side of the break.
• Strip the insulation: Remove about 1/2 inch of insulation from each end.
• Connect the wires: Ensure that the power supply is completely disconnected to prevent electric shock. Twist the exposed metal strands together securely to re-establish the connection.
• Protect the connection: Wrap the connection with electrical tape and consider using a waterproof splice capsule for additional protection.

Preventative Maintenance

• Monthly boundary testing: Walk the perimeter with the test tool monthly to identify weak spots before they become problems.
• Seasonal checks: Inspect the system thoroughly after winter, heavy rains, or other extreme weather events.
• Document your installation: Keep a map of where your wire is buried to make future troubleshooting easier.