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Performance Series

Owner’s Guide

Hidden Fence Systems

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Thank You for Purchasing the

DogWatch

®

Hidden Fence System!

You have purchased the most technologically advanced hidden fence system available, thanks to our patented SafeLink ® FM digital technology, A

UTO

M

EMORY

™ and FastReact™ Pet Friendly™ features.

Our extensive research and testing has resulted in a product that will help improve the relationship between you and your dog.

We are also pleased to provide you with a solution that’s cost-effective and has no impact to the aesthetics of your property.

The DogWatch ® system offers you great flexibility.

Not only can you contain your dog in your yard, you can also keep him out of your garden, rose bushes or swimming pool.

It can even be attached to an existing fence to keep your pet from jumping over or digging under it.

DogWatch ®

To assure that your

Hidden Fence System works properly, please follow the training procedures outlined in this manual.

Any shortcuts may affect the performance of the system and could be unsafe to your pet.

If you have any questions, please contact your local authorized DogWatch Dealer.

®

Surrounding Pets With Freedom Since 1990.

™

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Table Of Contents

Important Safeguards

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Product Descriptions

Performance Series™ PT4 Transmitter. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 4

Performance Series R7 Receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

Performance Series R8 Receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

Changing the Batteries

R7 Receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

R8 Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

Resetting The Battery Reminder Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Receiver Features

.

R7 and R8 Receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 8

Changing the Receiver Training Levels

R7 and R8 Receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 8

How The System Works

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

How The System Is Installed

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Important Reminders

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Containment Training

Your Dog’s Response To Stimulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Dog Personalities & Traits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Avoidance Zone and Safety Zones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Adjusting the Collar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Containment Training Reminders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Phase 1 : Audible Training. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15

Phase 2 : Introduction to Correction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-16

Phase 3 : Introduction to Distractions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17

Phase 4 : Introduction to Increased Distractions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 16

Phase 5 : Letting Your Dog Off The Leash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Phase 6 : Taking your Dog Outside The Boundary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

What to Expect Off Leash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Training Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

System Maintenance Record

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Replacement Batteries & Collars

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Getting Help

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Warranties

Warranty Registration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Manufacturer’s Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

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Important Safeguards

DOGWATCH STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU REMOVE THE COLLAR AT

NIGHT WHILE YOUR DOG IS INSIDE

• Please read all the literature included with your DogWatch ® Hidden Fence

System before turning the system on or beginning training.

• Do not attempt to shortcut the complete training of your dog.

• The DogWatch Hidden Fence System is intended for the purpose of containing domestic dogs. Use for any other purpose is at system owner’s risk.

• In the event your system requires servicing, please contact your local

Authorized DogWatch Dealer. Attempting to service the system yourself may invalidate the warranty.

To contact your local dealer, please call DogWatch at:

800-793-3436 or go to our Web Site at www.dogwatch.com.

• The DogWatch Hidden Fence System is recommended for dogs six (6) months or older. Your Dealer will recommend if a puppy under 6 months old is ready.

• Keep the collar and the transmitter out of the reach of children.

• Never adjust the transmitter or receiver when your dog is wearing the collar.

• DogWatch recommends that you unplug your transmitter from the wall outlet and disconnect the loop wire during lightning storms or when it is left unused for extended periods. This will prevent possible damage from lightning and powerline surges.

•

This product is only intended for use with trained domestic dogs. If your dog is aggressive or violent and could cause harm to itself or others outside the fenced premises, you should take other measures to restrain your dog such as traditional fencing.

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Product Description

Performance

™

Series PT4 Transmitter

The transmitter sends a coded digital FM radio signal through the boundary wire.

This signal can be adjusted, allowing you to control the “hidden fence” around your property. It operates on a standard 110 volt outlet.

9

Pulse

Rate

8

Training

Mode

1

Power

On/Off

2

Power Supply

3

Power Pak™

4

Ground Wire

5

Loop Plug

Performance

™

Series PT4 Transmitter Features

Never adjust the transmitter while your dog is wearing the receiver collar.

7

Range

6

Loop

Monitor

Display

The red Power light on the front panel lets you know that it is operating.

plugged into a properly grounded 110 volt outlet. The adapter is plugged into the transmitter jack labeled “PWR.”

3. PowerPak™: Optional battery back-up system keeps the transmitter operating in the event of a power failure. When transmitter is being powered by battery back-up, the red power light will remain off. PowerPak plugs into the transmitter at “P-PAK”.

4. Ground Wire: The green ground wire is plugged into the transmitter at the location labeled “GND.” The round connector on the green ground wire is attached under the screw on the outlet faceplate. It will, however, only be effective if your outlet is properly grounded. If you have any questions about having a properly grounded outlet, consult your local electrician.

5. Loop Plug: Your system comes with zip cord with a plug on one end. This plug fits into the hole marked “ Loop” on the bottom of the transmitter. This is the beginning of the boundary wire. Once your boundary wire has been properly installed and

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plugged into the transmitter, the Loop Monitor Display (LMD) light will turn on. If the boundary wire is broken or the signal is interrupted, the LMD light will go out and an audible warning will sound. If the LMD light is out, consult your Dealer. You should also check around your property for a visible broken wire.

6. Loop Monitor Display (LMD):The Loop Monitor Display provides a visual indication of the status of your boundary signal. On traditional boundary wire con figurations each number on the scale represents the boundary signal distance in feet, that is being broadcast from each side of the wire. (Minimum setting is one

[1] foot.) A significant change (drop) in signal range could indicate a partial wire break or other boundary wire problem. Contact your dealer for troubleshooting tips or to schedule an appointment.

Note: For non-traditional wire configuratons where the boundary wires may be close to one another, the LMD may not measure the boundary signal accurately in feet, but is a visual setting reference point. Your DogWatch dealer will explain the LMD setting and your actual signal range.

7. Range: The radio signal is transmitted from the boundary wire in all directions. The signal is adjusted by the digital range control on the transmitter to create a signal field on each side of the wire. The recommended signal field width is 6-10 feet. Your DogWatch Dealer will adjust the radio signal distance according to the personality and traits of your dog. Consult your DogWatch Dealer first before making any adjustments yourself.

Signal Field: The signal field has two areas. When your dog first enters the signal field, he will receive an audible warning. If he continues further into the signal field, he will receive a correction. The audible area is approximately the first

10% of the total signal field. To prevent your dog from entering the signal field and remaining in the audible area causing depletion of the battery, the receiver will transition from an audible warning to a short warning correction after a period of 15 seconds. This will activate regardless of the mode switch setting, but will not activate if the receiver is in the “Audible Only” Training Level

(see Phase 1: page 15) .

8. Training Mode: This turns the stimulation on and off. If your dog enters the signal field with the Mode “on,” (Full Function) he will receive an audible warning followed by a correction. When the Mode is “off,” (Audible Only) he receives an audible only warning (see “Signal Field” description above). The Mode should only be turned off if your dog has been thoroughly trained with the Mode “on” and consistently responds to the audible warning alone. We recommend that the Mode be left in the “on” or “Full Function” position.

gets a correction, he receives it in a series of pulses. Increasing the Rate means that he will receive a greater number of pulses per second.

Note: On the back of each transmitter are four small switches. These switches set your transmitter to the correct broadcast frequency. Your dealer will set these switches for your system. Do NOT change these settings. They are for DEALER USE ONLY.

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Performance Series R7 and R8 Receivers

The lightweight radio receiver worn by the dog identifies the coded FM radio signal from the boundary wire. It creates an audible warning followed by stimulation if he comes too close to the boundary wire. It operates on a replaceable battery and is waterproof when the battery cap is securely fastened.

Battery Insertion Instructions

Important: You must reset the “Battery Reminder” Feature when you change the battery. See “Battery Replacement Reminder” on page 6.

R7 Battery: The Performance Series receiver is powered by a 3 volt 1/3 N lithium battery. The receiver is designed for a 6 month battery life. The positive (+) end of the battery must be inserted up.

(Figure 1)

R8 Battery: The R8 battery is powered by a 3.6 volt lithium battery. The receiver is designed for long battery life of up to two years. The positive (+) end of the battery must be inserted down.

(Figure 2)

Battery Plans: Ask your DogWatch Dealer about a battery plan. If your DogWatch

Dealer does not offer a battery plan, you can join the DogWatch Battery Program, where a new battery is mailed to you every 6 or 24 months. Call DogWatch at 800-793-

3436 or join through the DogWatch Web Site at www.dogwatch.com.

Important: When you remove the receiver collar from your dog at night, do not store it near or on a television. Please note battery handling instructions marked on the bat- tery and on the diagram below.

Insert R7 Battery Positive End UP.

Figure 1

Insert R8 Battery Positive End DOWN.

Figure 2

R7 and R8 Receiver Features

Adjustable Collar: Both the R7 and R8 receivers come fitted to an adjustable nylon collar. The collar should be positioned above the dog’s regular collar. The collar should be adjusted to insure that the contact posts touch the skin on the dog’s neck. Check the fit for the first few days of wear to insure that the collar is not too tight or causing irritation to your pet’s neck.

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R7 and R8 Receiver Features -

Cont’d.

Contact Posts

Adjustable

Nylon

Collar

Metal Lock Washer

CollarBone

Battery Cap

Test Light

Magnet

3.6 Volt Battery (R8)

Hold Magnet Between Two Lines

DogWatch recommends that you remove the collar at night while your pet is inside.

Safelink ® Digital FM Design: Our patented FM design allows the DogWatch receiver to recognize and activate only to our unique radio signal. This protects your pet from unintentional correction caused by stray radio signals which may be emitted by other electronic devices.

Automatic Shutdown: The DogWatch system is designed to protect your dog from an over-correction in the unlikely event that your dog gets caught in the signal field. If your dog does not exit the signal field, the receiver will automatically stop correcting after 15 seconds – protecting your dog from over-correction. The receiver will automatically reset once the dog leaves the signal field.

CollarBone: The CollarBone, metal lock washers and contact posts fasten the receiver to the nylon collar. The plastic “collar bone” is designed to fit two collar thicknesses.

For single-ply collars, mount the recessed holes of the CollarBone against the collar strap and for double-ply collars, place the flat side of the CollarBone against the collar strap. See above illustration.

Contact Posts: The receiver comes with a set of contact posts. Your DogWatch Dealer will determine the correct set based on your dog’s neck shape, coat, and skin sensitivity. The posts must make contact with the skin in order for the dog to feel the correction. In certain cases, your dealer may recommend clipping some of the hair around the contact posts so that they can touch the skin more easily. Use care if you find it necessary to tighten the contact posts with the collar wrench, as over-tightening could cause damage to the receiver.

Antenna: The receiver’s omni-directional antenna design assures optimal reception from the signal field.

Test Light: The test light allows you to test the receiver. Hold the test light over the contact posts as shown in Figure 3 and carry the receiver into the signal field a few feet from the ground. When the receiver picks up the signal from the boundary wire, the audible warning will sound and the test light

Figure 3.

will come on when you enter the correction zone.

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Status Light: The status light in the R7 and R8 receivers provides the following features:

• Start-Up:

When you first insert the battery into your receiver, the status light will flash. This indicates that the receiver has started properly. In the event that the lights do not flash, check the battery to be sure that it has been inserted properly (see Page 4).

• Correction Level Indicator

When programming the correction level of your receiver, the status light will flash green (in conjunction with the audible beeps) the number of flashes will equal the correction level you have chosen.

R7 Receiver

• Signal Field Indicator

When testing the receiver in the signal field the status light will flash green when the receiver is in the audible zone and will flash green and red when the receiver is in the correction zone.

R8 Receiver

• Battery Replacement Reminder

The status light will flash red approximately every 10 seconds prior to the end of the battery life to remind you to change the battery. Be sure to change your battery every

6 months (R7) or two years (R8) . Each time you change your battery it is important to reset the “Battery Reminder” feature.

RESETTING THE BATTERY REMINDER FEATURE

1.

Remove the old battery.

2. Using your test light, hold the magnet in the programming position (without a battery in the receiver) for 30 seconds to fully discharge the unit. If you have misplaced the test light, let the receiver sit for 5 minutes without a battery.

3.

Insert a new battery. The Battery Reminder feature is now automatically reset for 6 months for the R7 or 24 months for the R8 receiver

See page 4 for proper battery insertion.

FastReact™Time

The DogWatch R7 and R8 receivers offer the fastest reaction time available in a pet containment receiver. Whether your dog, strolls, runs or sprints into the Avoidance

Zone, the DogWatch receiver will react - and correct - within .125 (1/8) seconds.

User Programmable: When you combine the transmitter “Rate” and the receiver training levels, you can customize the receiver to one of 12 training settings, as outlined in the chart on page 8. For example: If the receiver is on Level 1 and the Transmitter Rate is on Level 1, your dog is receiving the lowest level of correction and the least number of pulses per second.

Setting The Transmitter:

The Transmitter Rate switch adjusts to three settings:

(1 – slow, 2 – medium, 3 – fast). When your dog gets a correction, he receives it in a series of pulses per second. Increasing the rate means that he will receive a greater number of pulses per second. Rate 1 is the slowest pulse rate per second; 3 is the fastest.

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Setting The Receiver:

Both R7 and R8 Receivers provide six training levels that allow you to customize the training setting to your dog’s individual needs:

Audible Only, Level 1(low), Level 2 (medium), Level 3 (medium high), Level 4 (high), and Level 5 (extra-high). When the receiver is first turned on (from the manufacturer) it will automatically be set to Training Level 2 (Medium).

Changing the R7 and R8 Receiver Settings:

Your Dogwatch Dealer will start the training on the appropriate level according to your dog’s personality and traits. If you need to change the training level on the receiver, hold your test light magnet to the two raised lines on the side of the receiver ( Figures

4 and 5.) Hold the magnet steady and you will hear a series of beeps that indicate the current (set) training level. The Training Level will continue to advance as long as the magnet is held in position. For example, Level One is one beep, Level 2 is two beeps, etc. The beeps (or Receiver Tones) represent the Training Level the receiver is set at.

See Chart on Page 8 .

Figure 4: R7 Receiver Settings Figure 5: R8 Receiver Settings

When you reach the desired training level setting, pull the magnet away from the receiver. The receiver is now set. Note: Any time the magnet activates the receiver, it will first tell you what level the receiver is set to. As long as the magnet is held in place, it will advance the receiver to the next training level and continue to cycle through the settings in the order shown in the chart on Page 8.

A UTO M EMORY ™ Correction:

Levels 2, 3 and 4 contain the AutoMemory™ feature. When the receiver is set to one of the AutoMemory levels, and the dog enters the signal field, the dog will receive the correction of the initial setting. When the dog then leaves the signal field the receiver will automatically advance the correction level setting by one, and only one level. If the dog does not re-enter the signal field within the next 24 hour period, the receiver defaults to the original setting.

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Receiver Levels and Transmitter Settings

RECEIVER TRAINING LEVELS

Audible Only

1 Low

2 Medium A

A

UTO M EMORY

3 Medium-High A UTO M EMORY

4 High

5* X-High

UTO M EMORY *

TRANSMITTER RATE SETTINGS

1 medium slow slow slow

X-fast

XX-fast

2 medium medium medium medium

X-fast

XX-fast

3 medium fast fast fast

X-fast

XX-fast

*When the Receiver Training Level is set to audible, 4 or 5, it will override the transmitter “Rate” Setting and remain constant. The audible warning will precede the correction except in Level 5 where the audible warning and correction will react simultaneously.

Recommended Settings:

The majority of dogs respond well to Transmitter Rate Setting 2 or 3 and a receiver

Training Level 2 , 3 or 4. Sensitive or small dogs that train easily respond best to lower rate settings and lower training levels. If your dog is not responding to training, your

DogWatch Dealer will adjust your system to a higher training level.

If Your Dog Is Hard To Train:

Training Levels 4 and 5 of your R7 and R8 receivers are specifically designed to meet the needs of hard to train or stubborn dogs. These setting will provide the extra correction that some dogs need as part of their training.

Multiple Dogs:

R7 and R8 receivers allow you to select Audible Only as your training level setting on each individual receiver – allowing you to conduct training with one dog while the other is still protected with the correction feature enabled. It is recommended that the Audible Only setting be used only during supervised training sessions.

*** IMPORTANT ***

Never change the Receiver Training Levels when your dog is wearing the collar.

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How The DogWatch System Works

The boundary wire creates the perimeter for the DogWatch Hidden Fence System, and can enclose any area up to 200 acres. It is buried at least 3 - 4” beneath the surface of the yard or can lie on top of the ground (e.g.: in wooded or rocky areas). It can also be installed around gardens or swimming pools, or attached to an existing fence to prevent your dog from digging under or jumping over it.

Boundary Wire

Signal Field

Twisted Wire Transmitter

& Surge

Protector

Garden Loop

Boundary Wire: The boundary wire carries the coded radio signal around the perimeter of your property. It is rated for underground burial.

Signal Field: The radio signal is transmitted from the boundary wire in all directions. It can be used to keep dogs in or out of an area. The signal is adjusted by the Range control on the Transmitter to create a signal field on each side of the wire. Your Dealer has installed the wire to the recommended width of 8-10 feet and has carefully configured the corners to avoid sharp angles.

Continuous Loop: In order for the system to work properly, the boundary wire must form a continuous loop. Any break in the wire will cancel the signal field. If the boundary wire is broken or unplugged, the green Loop Monitor Display (LMD) light will go out and an audible warning will sound. Most breaks are caused by lawn/garden equipment. If you cannot visibly locate the break, contact your Authorized Dealer for service.

Surge Protector: For maximum protection against power surges, DogWatch offers both internal an external surge protection. It is important that the surge protector be

properly grounded. This part of the system protects the transmitter from damage due to lightning power surges. Your Dealer has attached it to the existing electrical source house ground or a grounding rod and then connected it to the twisted wire between the transmitter and the boundary wire.

After a lightning storm, check to be sure your transmitter is working properly.

Do not let your dog outside until you know the system is operating.

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How The DogWatch System is Installed:

Transmitter

Inside Wall

Outside Wall

Surge

Protector

Power

Pak

(optional)

Power

Supply

Zip Cord

Ground Wire

Ground Wire

Ground

Rod

Boundary Wire

Important Reminders:

Twisted Wire

DogWatch ®

Performance™ Series System

• PT4 Transmitter

• R8 Receiver and Nylon Collar

• Surge Protector

• Training Leash

• Power Supply

• Test Magnet/Light

• Collar Wrench

DogWatch ®

Performance™ Series System

• PT4 Transmitter

• R7 Receiver and Nylon Collar

• Surge Protector

• Training Leash

• Power Supply

• Test Magnet/Light

• Collar Wrench

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u

Keep the transmitter and receiver collar out of reach of children.

u

Never attempt to service the receiver or transmitter yourself.

u

Be sure your transmitter and surge protector are properly grounded. (Page 9, 10) u

Fit the collar snugly around your dog’s neck.(Page 14) u

Make sure that battery is fresh and is inserted correctly. (Pages 4-5) u

Train your dog as outlined in this manual.(Pages 13-21) u

Never adjust the transmitter or receiver while your dog is wearing the receiver collar.

The System

If your dog is not staying within the boundary created by the DogWatch ® Hidden

Fence System, check the following: u

Did you and your dog complete the 6-Phase training program?

u

Is the battery in the receiver collar depleted? u

Is the battery installed properly?

u

Is the receiver collar too loose?

u

Is the receiver operating properly?

u

Is the transmitter on and adjusted properly?

u

Is the signal field too narrow?

u

Is the Rate level too low?

u

Is the Mode switch in the proper position?

u

Is the boundary wire unplugged?

u

Is the boundary wire broken?

See Containment Training on Page 13.

See Test Light on Page 7.

See Battery Insertion on Page 4 and 5.

See Adjusting the Collar on Page 14.

See Test Light on Page 7.

See Power On/Off on Page 3.

See Signal Range on Page 3.

See Rate on Page 3.

See Mode on Page 3.

See Illustration on Page 2.

See Boundary Loop on Page 10.

Other troubleshooting tips are available on line at www.dogwatch.com.

If you are unable to determine the cause of the problem, please contact your Authorized Dealer.

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