Dogtra iQ PLUS - Dog System Manual

Please read this manual thoroughly before operating the iQ PLUS training e-collar.

AT A GLANCE

Optional Accessories

Auto Charger: The auto charger for the iQ PLUS has an input of 12-volts to 24-volts and has an output of 5-volts 1000mAh.
European Charger: designed for use with 220V AC electrical outlets.
To purchase optional accessories, please visit www.dogtra.com or call our customer service at (888) 811-9111.

MAIN FEATURES

OVERVIEW

iQ PLUS Transmitter

iQ PLUS Receiver

UNDERSTANDING YOUR TRAINING SYSTEM

TURNING THE iQ PLUS ON/OFF

To turn the receiver on, place the red dot on the back of the handheld transmitter to the red dot on the receiver. Hold the two red dots together for a moment until the LED light on the receiver comes on.

To turn the receiver off, repeat the same procedure holding the two red dots together momentarily. The LED light will turn red for a brief moment indicating that the receiver is now off.

The handheld transmitter does not have an on/off button and it will only activate when the buttons are pressed.

TRANSMITTER BUTTON FUNCTION

N - Nick button

When the Nick button is pressed, the receiver emits a single rapid pulse of electrical stimulation.

C - Constant button

Pressing the Constant button gives continuous stimulation as long as the button is pressed, for up to 12 seconds. If the button is not released after 12 seconds, the stimulation will automatically turn off as a safety feature.

P - Pager button

Pressing the Pager button will give a vibration for as long as the button is pressed, for up to 12 seconds.

1st Dog/2nd Dog Toggle Switch

The 1st Dog/2nd Dog Toggle Switch is on the left of the Rheostat Dial.

I - 1st Dog

Slide the switch to the left underneath "I" and press any of the buttons to operate the first receiver.

II - 2nd Dog

Slide the switch to the right underneath "II" and press any of the buttons to operate the second receiver.

RECEIVER FITTING

Proper Fit

The receiver should be fitted so that the medical grade stainless steel contact points press firmly against the dog's skin. You should be able to fit two fingers underneath the collar strap. The best location is on either side of the dog's windpipe.

Improper Fit

A loose fit can allow the receiver to move around on the dog's neck. When this happens, the contact points may rub against the skin and cause irritation. If the receiver is too loose, the contact will not be consistent and cause the corrections to be inconsistent. Dogtra uses medical grade stainless steel contact points and anti-microbial plastic to protect the dog's skin.

Attention!
Leaving the receiver in the same location on the dog's neck for an extended period of time can cause skin irritation due to the sensitivity from the contact points. If the dog is to wear the receiver for long periods, occasionally reposition the receiver every few hours so that the contact points are moved to a different location on the dog's neck and remove the receiver after 8 hours of usage. Make sure you check for skin irritation each time you use the unit.

FINDING THE RIGHT STIMULATION

The iQ PLUS has a Rheostat Dial on the front of the transmitter (0 is the lowest and 100 is the highest). Remember that you will need to adjust the setting (upward or downward) depending on your dog's temperament and threshold for stimulation. Always start at the lowest level and work your way up. The appropriate level can be found when the dog responds to the stimulation with a mild reaction. Also, as the dog's attitude changes, especially during times of increased excitement or distraction, you may need to adjust the intensity level.
Note: The stimulation intensity can be adjusted even when the stimulation is in use.

MAXIMIZING THE DISTANCE

The iQ PLUS has a 400-yard range. Depending on the way you use your transmitter, the transmitter range may vary. To get the greatest range, hold the transmitter away from your body and avoid touching the antenna. Keep your unit properly charged for maximum signal strength.

LED INDICATOR

The LED indicator flashes every 4 seconds when the receiver is on and ready for use. The LED indicator will light up on both the transmitter and the receiver when the transmitter buttons are pressed. The LED color indicates battery life level.

Green = Full charge
Amber = Medium charge
Red = Needs charge

If the unit is used while the LED indicator is red, it may shut down automatically.

CHARGING THE BATTERY

The Dogtra iQ PLUS uses a lithium polymer battery. Recharge the unit if the indicator light is red, the unit does not turn on, or the system will not stay on when any button is pressed.

NOTE 1: Only use Dogtra-approved batteries, chargers, and accessories for your Dogtra e-collars. This will prevent any damage that can be incurred from attempting to use a different charger.

NOTE 2: The unit has a partial charge when it leaves the Dogtra facility. Upon receipt of the system, be sure to give it a full 2-hour initial charge before the first use away from any flammable substances.

NOTE 3: When a charger is not in use, disconnect it from the power source. Fully charge the batteries if the unit is to be stored without use for a period of 3 months or more.

Follow the steps below to charge your system:

1. Open the rubber plugs on the battery charging receptacles and plug in the charging cable.
2. Plug the charger into a 120-volt wall outlet or, if using the auto charger, plug into a cigarette lighter only for lithium polymer batteries (use a 220 volt European charger for Europe). All indicator lights should glow red when properly charging and the unit will automatically shut off during the charging process. You will need to turn the unit on again before use once the unit is fully charged and unplugged from the battery cable.
3. The lithium polymer battery is fully charged within 2 hours. The lights will stay red during the charging process and turn green once the unit is fully charged.
4. After charging, cover the battery charging receptacles with the rubber plugs.

CODE SETTING

Coding the 1st Dog Position:

1. Set the Rheostat Dial to 0 and place the toggle switch in "I" position.
2. With the receiver turned off, place the red dot on the back of the transmitter to the red dot on the receiver. Hold the two red dots together for about 5 seconds until the green LED blinks rapidly on the receiver.
3. While the green LED is rapidly blinking on the receiver, separate the two devices and press the two top buttons (Nick & Constant) simultaneously on the transmitter. The LED light on the receiver will blink every 4 seconds when coding is complete.

Coding the 2nd Dog Position:

1. Set the Rheostat Dial to 0 and place the toggle switch in "II" position.
2. With the receiver turned off, place the red dot on the back of the transmitter to the red dot on the receiver. Hold the two red dots together for about 5 seconds until the green LED blinks rapidly on the receiver.
3. While the green LED is rapidly blinking on the receiver, separate the two devices and press the two top buttons (Nick & Constant) simultaneously on the transmitter. The LED light on the receiver will blink every 4 seconds when coding is complete.

GENERAL TRAINING TIPS

Your dog must know some basic obedience commands before beginning training with the iQ PLUS. A dog learns by first being shown a command, followed by lots of repetition over an extended period. As the dog becomes proficient at these commands, the trainer can introduce distractions and different locations to strengthen them.

Obedience Training on the Leash

Your dog must fully understand the obedience commands (sit, stay, here, heel, and kennel) before using the e-collar for reinforcement of these commands. A leash attached to a standard collar is used to "teach" the dog the basic obedience commands (here, heel, sit, and stay). A tug on the leash/collar is used to reinforce the command. When the dog complies with the command, use positive reinforcement/ praise. Once the dog understands these commands, the e-collar can be used to reinforce them.

Beginning E-Collar Training

When you feel your dog understands the obedience commands on the leash we can now start with the e-collar training. With the dog on the leash and wearing the e-collar, continue with your obedience drills. Apply light stimulation (Nick or Constant) when a command is given; the stimulation can be removed as the dog complies. Through repetition, the dog learns to perform the command. The final step is the avoidance phase in which the dog learns that he can avoid the stimulation altogether by performing your commands. When these training procedures are complete, the e-collar is used as a reminder when the dog does not comply with your commands at home or in the field. Keep your initial training sessions short and positive as dogs have a short attention span.

How Much Stimulation to Use

Always start with low levels of stimulation and work your way up depending on the disposition of your dog and the given situation. By using the correct amount of stimulation to get your point across, you will have a more controllable environment and a dog that is under less stress. Animals (and humans) perform better in a less stressful environment.

For more training information, please visit our website at www.dogtra.com.

MAINTENANCE

Basic Maintenance

Make sure the rubber charging cap is securely in place when the receiver is in use. After each training session, carefully inspect the unit for any missing parts or damage to the casing. Damaged or broken casing may affect the waterproof guarantee on the unit. After confirming that there is no damage to the casing, rinse the receiver and clean out any dirt or debris.

Storage Maintenance

The iQ PLUS should be fully charged before storing for extended periods. While in storage, the unit should be given a full charge once a month and before the first use. Store the units in room temperature. Do not keep the units exposed to extreme climates.

Troubleshooting

If the unit is malfunctioning, please refer to the "Troubleshooting Guide" before sending it to Dogtra for service. If you have any questions or concerns, you may email them to info@dogtra.com, or call customer service at (888) 811-9111.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

1. My dog is not reacting to the system.
   • Make sure the receiver and transmitter are on.
   • Make sure the collar strap is tight enough so both contact points are touching the dog's skin.
   • The contact points may be too short for your dog's thick or long coat. You might need to trim down the hair on the dog's neck, so both contact points are touching the skin.
   • The intensity level may be too low for your dog. Keep increasing the stimulation until the dog responds usually by neck movement, head shaking, looking over his shoulder, etc. (response may be very subtle so pay attention.)
2. The LED indicator light comes on, but I do not feel any stimulation.
   • Testing the system at various levels using the test light is the best way to test your system. Your tolerance may be higher than the level you are testing yourself.
   • The battery may be low, so check the LED light for battery life.
3. The transmitter has no range or stimulation is less when the dog is farther away.
   • The antenna(s) may be damaged. To order parts, please contact customer service at (888) 811-9111 or go to www.dogtra.com.
   • The range indicated on the unit's box is for flat terrain. Heavy brush, trees, hills, or moisture will affect the range of your unit. For best range, hold the transmitter vertically above your head, and/or try moving to higher ground.
   • Any electrical conductors will affect the range, such as cars, chain-link dog runs, metal structures, and radio towers. For best results, operate away from these items.
4. My units are not holding a charge.
   • The batteries might not be charged properly, or the charger, splitter, and the charging port may not be functioning properly. You can send in your charging units to have us inspect them.
   • The charging pin may be damaged. Inside the charging port, there is a metal pin that should be standing straight up and stiff. If the pin is wobbling, broken, or missing, you will need to send the unit in to the Repair Department. The charging port must be clean prior to charging; clean the dirt out with a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol. If the dog is in saltwater, be sure to rinse the receiver and charging port with clean water.
   • If the above does not resolve your issues, contact Dogtra customer service at info@dogtra.com or (888) 811-9111.
5. My dog has skin irritation.
   • This may be due to an improper fit or from wearing the unit too long. If your dog exhibits signs of skin irritation, consult with a veterinarian. Once the dog's skin returns to a normal condition, continue to use the receiver and check your dog's neck each time you use the unit.