Proper Grounding Completing the Circuit For proper grounding, the electric fence charger will need to have one terminal connected securely to the wire and the other terminal connected securely and completely to the grounding rod(s). If the grounding system is poor or insufficient, electricity cannot complete a path to the charger, and as a result, little or no shock is given. An animal completes this path when it touches the fence wire and the earth ground simultaneously. The electrical charge passes through the animal into the earth and back to the grounding rods. The grounding rods are connected to the ground 
terminal of the charger. When this circuit has been completed, the animal will receive an electrical shock. Click on image to enlarge For most electric fence systems with dirt or moist soil, one 6-8 foot grounding rod will be sufficient. However, rocky, sandy and dry soil may require multiple grounding rods placed 10 feet apart to completely create a circuit. Also, longer electric fences often need better grounding systems, so in these cases, multiple grounding rods may be needed as well. For the smallest electric fence systems such as those used around a garden or flower bed, a two foot grounding rod is often sufficient to allow an animal to complete the circuit. The Grounding Rod There are copper or galvanized grounding rods. Copper will carry the "charge" better, but it will usually cost more. Using the proper grounding clamp (Model# HT-410) will improve the chances of getting a good ground on your electric fence system. Driving a 6-8 foot grounding rod into the ground will be almost impossible without a "post pounder" which should be available at the same place that you purchase your electric fence supplies. Be sure to connect the grounding rod to the ground terminal on the charger and not to the fence terminal or the fence wire.
Fi-Shock™ electric fence systems will work for all pets and livestock when grounded properly. 
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