How to Test an Underground Dog Fence With an Ohmmeter

Set the ohmmeter to test continuity. Different models will have different settings. Set the meter to read ohms, which is the setting next to the symbol that looks like an upside down U.

Disconnect the wire that goes underground from the base unit. The connections should just screw into the base.

Touch one terminal to one end of the wire and the other terminal to the other end. The line has continuity, meaning the wire is intact and functioning, if the needle jumps to the right or if the digital display shows a measurement or non-numerical display. No reading means that there is a break in the wire somewhere.

Set the ohmmeter to VAC (Volts - Alternating Current) at 10 or 50 for fences that plug into the walls. Set the unit to VDC (Volts - Direct Current) at 10 or 50 for battery-operated fences.

Turn the fence on. Touch one terminal to the screw for one end of the wire and the other terminal to the other screw. You should receive a reading around 12 volts for battery-operated fences and 110 volts for plug-in models. No reading at all means the unit has malfunctioned.