Ground rods are first put into place, so that when the fence is energized and the circuit is closed by touching the fence, the resultant electricity will flow through the ground and complete the circuit at the ground rod. The person or animal that crosses the circuit in this way, receives a mild cautionary shock.
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Pick a good thick blade of grass anywhere on a lawn or in a field. A crabgrass leaf works exceptionally well and it should be at least 4 inches in length.
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Stand next to the fence to be tested while holding the grass at the base where it has been picked.
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Gently touch the tip of the blade of grass to the electric fence. If you get a slight tingling sensation in your fingers from the electricity, the fence is working. If there is no tingling sensation, the fence has shorted out somewhere and must be repaired.