Sportdog FieldTrainer 400 & 400S - Dog System Manual

COMPONENTS

HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS

The SportDOG^™ FieldTrainer^® 400 & 400S have been proven safe, comfortable and effective for all dogs over 8 pounds. Consistent, correct use of this product allows you to reinforce commands and correct misbehavior from up to 400 yards. The Remote Transmitter sends a signal, activating the Collar Receiver to deliver a harmless stimulation. With proper training, a dog will learn to associate this signal with a command. Like all SportDOG products, this model features adjustable stimulation levels so you can tailor the stimulation level to your dog's temperament, eliminating the risk of over-correction.

THE FIELDTRAINER 400 & 400S HAVE A RANGE OF UP TO 400 YARDS. DEPENDING ON THE WAY YOU HOLD THE REMOTE TRANSMITTER, THE MAXIMUM RANGE MAY VARY. FOR CONSISTENT RESULTS AT LONGER RANGES, HOLD THE REMOTE TRANSMITTER IN A VERTICAL POSITION AWAY FROM YOUR BODY AND ABOVE YOUR HEAD. TERRAIN, WEATHER, VEGETATION, TRANSMISSION FROM OTHER RADIO DEVICES, AND OTHER FACTORS WILL AFFECT THE MAXIMUM RANGE.

Do not use this product if your dog is aggressive, or if your dog is prone to aggressive behavior. Aggressive dogs can cause severe injury and even death to their owner and others. If you are unsure whether this product is appropriate for your dog, please consult your veterinarian or a certified trainer.

KEY DEFINITIONS

REMOTE TRANSMITTER

REMOTE TRANSMITTER: Transmits the radio signal to the Collar Receiver. Itis waterproof and can be submerged in water to a depth of 25 feet.

INTENSITY DIAL: Provides multiple levels of stimulation so you can match the correction to your dog's temperament.

TRANSMITTER INDICATOR LIGHT: Indicates that a button is pressed and also serves as @ low-battery indicator.

UPPER BUTTON: This button is factory-set to deliver continuous stimulation.

LOWER BUTTON: This button is factory-set to deliver momentary stimulation, or a "Nick."

SIDE BUTTON: This button is factory-setto deliver a tone without stimulation.

CHARGING JACKS: For connecting the charger. Although the Collar Receiver and Remote Transmitter are waterproof without it, keep the cover in place when not charging to keep debris out of the opening

COLLAR RECEIVER

COLLAR RECEIVER: Receives the radio signal from the Remote Transmitter and delivers the stimulation and/or a tone for correcting your dog. Itis waterproof and can be submerged in water to a depth of 25 feet.

RECEIVER INDICATOR LIGHT: Indicates when the Collar Receiver has been turned on or off and also serves as a low-battery indicator.

CONTACT POINTS: The contacts through which the Collar Receiver delivers stimulation when a Remote Transmitter button programmed for Continuous or Momentary Stimulation is pressed

ON/OFF BUTTON: Momentarily pressing and holding this button turns the Collar Receiver on and off.

THE COLLAR RECEIVER IS CAPABLE OF DELIVERING THREE TYPES OF CORRECTION

CONTINUOUS: You control both when and how long stimulation is delivered, up to a maximum of 9 seconds. 'After 9 seconds, the stimulation will "time out" and the Remote Transmitter button needs to be released and then pressed again before additional stimulation can be delivered

MOMENTARY (NICK): Stimulation is delivered for 5/100 of a second, regardless of how long the button is pressed

TONE: The Collar Receiver will make a rapid beeping noise when a Tone button is pressed."

*Tone comes preset and is not adjustable.

STEP 1: PREPARE THE REMOTE TRANSMITTER

CHARGE THE REMOTE TRANSMITTER

1. Lift the rubber cover protecting the Charging Jack.
2. Connect one of the charger connectors to the Charging Jack.
3. Plug the charger into a standard 120-volt AC wall outlet.
4. Charge the Remote Transmitter for 24 hours for the first charge. Recharges take only 12 hours.
   Note: the transmitter Indicator Light will flash after 12 hours of charging. For the first charge, continue to charge the Remote transmitter for an additional 12 hours.
5. When charging is complete, replace the rubber cover.

Note: Approximate battery life between charges is 40 to 60 hours, depending on frequency of use.

TRANSMITTER INDICATOR LIGHT

STEP 2: PREPARE THE COLLAR RECEIVER

CHARGE THE COLLAR RECEIVER

1. Lift the rubber cover protecting the Charging Jack.
2. Connect the charger connector to the Charging Jack.
3. Plug the charger into a standard 120-volt AC wall outlet.
4. Charge the Collar Receiver for 24 hours for the first charge. Recharges take only 12 hours.
   Note: the Receiver Indicator Light will flash after 12 hours of charging. For the first charge, continue to charge the Collar Receiver for an additional 12 hours.
5. When charging is complete, replace the rubber cover.

If the Collar Receiver is used in or around salt water, the Collar Receiver should be rinsed with fresh water following each use. Prior to rinsing, the rubber charging jack cover should be removed from the power plug socket and left out until the Collar Receiver has air dried.

TO TURN THE COLLAR RECEIVER ON:

1. Momentarily press and hold the On/Off Button until the Receiver Indicator Light comes on and the Collar Receiver beeps 5 times.
2. Release the On/Off Button.

The Receiver Indicator Light will flash until the Collar Receiver is turned off. The flashing light indicates the Collar Receiver is ready to receive a radio signal from the Remote Transmitter.

TO TURN THE COLLAR RECEIVER OFF:

1. Momentarily press and hold the On/Off Button until the Receiver Indicator Light comes on solid and the Collar Receiver beeps 2 times.
2. Release the On/Off Button.

To extend the life between charging cycles, turn the Collar Receiver off when it is not in use.

Note: Approximate battery life between charges is 40 hours, depending on frequency of use.

RECEIVER INDICATOR LIGHT

RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES

• This device contains Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries; never incinerate, puncture, deform, short-circuit, or charge with an inappropriate charger. Fire, explosion, property damage, or bodily harm may occur if this warning is not followed.
• RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT TYPE. DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS.

• The rechargeable Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are not memory sensitive and do not require depletion before charging. Batteries should never be removed from the battery compartment for charging.
• The batteries come partially charged from the factory, but will require a full charge before the first use (24 hours).
• When storing the unit for long periods, remember to regularly give batteries a full charge (12 hours). this should be done once every 4 to 6 weeks.
• To maximize battery life, after initial charge, it is not recommended to leave the battery plugged in for more than 12 hours.
• If your equipment has not been charged for an extended period, you may experience a decrease in battery life the first few uses. Afterwards, the battery life will return to previous capacity levels.
• You should expect hundreds of recharge cycles from your batteries. However, all rechargeable batteries lose capacity over time relative to the number of recharge cycles they experience. This is normal. If your operating time drops to half of the original life, contact the Customer Care Center to purchase a new battery.
• The batteries should last for a period of 3-5 years. When a battery needs replacement, you can order a new pack by calling our Customer Care Center at 1-800-732-0144, or by visiting our website at www.sportdog.com. Please do not open the Collar Receiver or Remote Transmitter until you have received the replacement.

STEP 3: FIT THE COLLAR RECEIVER

The proper fit and placement of the collar Receiver is important for effective training. The contact Points must have direct contact with your dog's skin.

To ensure a proper fit, follow these steps:

1. With your dog standing (3A), center the Collar Receiver so the Contact Points are underneath your dog's neck, touching the skin (3B).
   
   If your dog has a long or thick coat, you have two options to ensure consistent contact: either trim the hair around the Contact Points or switch to the longer Contact Points included with your system.

You may need to trim the hair in the area of the Contact Points. Never shave the dog's neck; this may lead to a rash or infection. You should not make the collar any more tight than is required for good contact. A collar that is too tight will increase the risk of pressure necrosis in the contact area.

2. The Collar Receiver should fit snugly, yet loose enough to allow 3c one finger to fit between the strap and your dog's neck (3C).
   
3. Allow your dog to wear the collar for several minutes, and then recheck the fit. Check the fit again as your dog becomes more comfortable wearing the Collar Receiver.

STEP 4: FIND THE BEST INTENSITY LEVEL FOR YOUR DOG

The FieldTrainer^® 400 & 400S have multiple intensity levels. This allows you to choose the stimulation that is best for your dog.

Note: Always start at the lowest level and work your way up.

For training efficiency, it is important to find the right intensity level for your dog. This is called the Recognition Level, at which your dog looks around in curiosity, or flicks his ears.

FINDING YOUR DOG'S RECOGNITION LEVEL:

Note: every dog is different and you cannot predict where your dog's Recognition Level will be. Watch closely for any slight change in behavior that tells you your dog is feeling the stimulation.

1. With the Collar Receiver turned on and properly fitted to your dog, set the Remote Transmitter's Intensity Dial at Level 1 and press the Continuous Stimulation Button for 1 to 2 seconds.
2. If your dog shows no reaction to Level 1, go to Level 2 and repeat the process.
3. YOUR DOG SHOULD NOT VOCALIZE OR PANIC WHEN RECEIVING STIMULATION. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE STIMULATION LEVEL IS TOO HIGH AND YOU NEED TO GO BACK TO THE PREVIOUS LEVEL AND REPEAT THE PROCESS.
4. Once you find your dog's Recognition Level, this is the level you should use when you begin a training exercise.
5. If you have progressed to Level 8 while searching for your dog's Recognition Level and your dog continues to show no response, check to see if Collar Receiver is snug against your dog's neck. Then go back to Intensity Level 1 and repeat the process. If your dog still does not indicate he is feeling the stimulation, you have two options: you may either have to trim the hair beneath the Contact Points or switch to the longer Contact Points included in your system.

If after completing all of these steps your dog still does not indicate he is feeling the stimulation, please contact Customer Care Center at 1-800-732-0144.

TEST LIGHT INSTRUCTIONS

1. Turn the Collar Receiver on.
2. Hold the Test Light Contacts to the Contact Points.
3. Press a Stimulation Button on the Remote Transmitter.
4. The Test Light will flash.
   Note: At higher Stimulation Levels, the test Light will flash brighter.
5. Turn the Collar Receiver off.

Save the Test Light for future testing.

Note: If the test Light does not flash, recharge the battery and re-test. If the test Light still does not flash, contact the Customer Care Center at 1-800-732-0144.

GENERAL TRAINING TIPS

BEFORE TRAINING YOUR DOG WITH THIS PRODUCT:
You will have the most success using this remote trainer if you always remember to teach a command before trying to reinforce the command with a remote trainer. We recommend that you read the enclosed Training Guide and watch the enclosed DVD before training with this remote trainer. your training will be easier and proceed faster if you follow the guidelines in these teaching assistants. In addition, always keep the following training tips in mind:

• Eliminate one misbehavior or teach one obedience command at a time. If you move too fast with the training, your dog may become confused.
• Be consistent. Give your dog a tone and/or stimulation with each misbehavior.
• Do not overcorrect your dog. Use as few stimulations as possible to train your dog.
• Restrict your dog from situations in which he has a history of misbehaving unless you can supervise him and use the FieldTrainer^® 400 & 400S for applying tone or stimulation.
• If you notice one situation in which your dog misbehaves repeatedly, set up this situation as a training session. This will dramatically increase your chances of success.
• If your dog has a timid reaction to the tone or stimulation (especially the first couple of times), do not be alarmed. Redirect his attention to a simple and appropriate behavior (i.e. a known command, such as "Sit").
• Never use the FieldTrainer 400 & 400S to correct or eliminate any form of aggressive behavior. If your dog exhibits such behavior, contact a professional trainer. Aggression in dogs is the result of many factors – it may be a learned behavior or it may be brought on as a result of fear. Another factor contributing to aggression in dogs is social dominance. Every dog is different.

At this point, your remote trainer is ready to use. The transmitter is factory set to mode 1, but you may wish to change the mode to fit your situation. See Step 5 for an explanation of mode options.

STEP 5: PROGRAM THE REMOTE TRANSMITTER

Note: the transmitter is factory set to mode 1. the mode of the Remote transmitter can be changed to fit your type or style of training.

TO CHANGE THE MODE:

1. Referring to the table on the following page, adjust the Intensity Dial to the mode you want to use.
2. Turn the Remote Transmitter over.
3. With a pen or the tine on the buckle of your collar strap, depress and release the mode button. When the mode button is pressed, the Transmitter Indicator Light will be solid in color. When it is released, it will flash the mode selected.
   

For example, if mode 5 is desired, adjust the Intensity Dial to Level 5. Once the mode button has been depressed, the Transmitter Indicator Light will be solid, and once the mode button is released, the Transmitter Indicator Light will flash five times.

Note: Continuous Stimulation will transmit for no more than 9 seconds no matter how long the button is pressed. to reactivate, release and repress the button.

Note: Modes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 provide 8 levels of stimulation, which correspond to the setting of the Intensity Dial. Modes 5 and 6 provide more "increments" to choose from -- a total of 16 levels of stimulation. For example, in mode 5 with the Intensity Dial set at 2, the bottom button provides level 3 of 16 and the top button provides level 4 of 16.

*For two or three-dog operation setup, refer to Step 7.

STEP 6: MATCH THE COLLAR RECEIVER AND REMOTE TRANSMITTER

To reset the Collar Receiver to work with a new Remote Transmitter or to reprogram a new Collar Receiver to work with your existing Remote Transmitter:

1. Turn the Collar Receiver off.
2. Press and hold the On/Off Button. The Receiver Indicator Light will come on, then turn off after 4-5 seconds. If the On/Off Button is released too early, the Receiver Indicator Light will begin flashing as normal. If this occurs, start over and repeat from 1.
3. After the Receiver Indicator Light has turned off, release the On/Off Button.
4. Press and hold the Upper Button on the Remote Transmitter until the Receiver Indicator Light flashes 5 times. you may need to hold both units 2-3 feet from each other before this occurs. Once the Receiver Indicator Light has flashed 5 times, the Collar Receiver has been reset and will begin flashing as normal. If the Receiver Indicator Light does not flash 5 times, start over and repeat from 1.

STEP 7: PROGRAM THE COLLAR RECEIVER FOR TWO OR THREE-DOG OPERATION

SportDOG™ Add-A-Dog^® receiver(s) must be purchased to train additional dogs. Please refer to the back cover for other compatible Add-A-Dog collar Receivers for this system.

1. 1. Program the Remote Transmitter to mode 4.
2. Program the first Collar Receiver.
   1. Turn the Collar Receiver off.
   2. Press and hold the On/Off Button. The Receiver Indicator Light will come on, then turn off in 4-5 seconds. If the On/Off Button is released too early, the Receiver Indicator Light will begin its normal flashing. If this occurs, start over and repeat from A.
   3. After the Receiver Indicator Light has turned off, release the On/Off Button.
   4. Press and hold the Upper button on the Remote Transmitter until the Receiver Indicator Light flashes 5 times. you may need to hold both units 2-3 feet from each other. If the Receiver Indicator Light does not flash 5 times, start over and repeat from A.
3. Program the second Collar Receiver using A through D above, but using the lower button in place of the Upper button.
4. Program the third Collar Receiver using A through D above, but using the side button in place of the Upper button.

ACCESSORIES

To purchase additional accessories for your SportDOG Brand^® FieldTrainer^® 400 or 400S, contact the Customer Care Center at 1-800-732-0144, or visit our website at www.sportdog.com to locate a retailer near you.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Troubleshooting

The answers to these questions should help you solve any problem you have with this system. If they do not, please contact the Customer Care Center at 1-800-732-0144 or visit our website at www.sportdog.com.

My dog is not responding when I press a button.

• Check to see if the Collar Receiver has been turned on.
• If your range has reduced from the first time you have used it, please check to see if the battery is low in either the Remote Transmitter or Collar Receiver.
• Many factors can impact the range you have with the FieldTrainer ® 400 & 400S. For a list of these factors, please refer to "How the System Works".
• you can verify the Collar Receiver is delivering stimulation to your dog by placing the test light, enclosed in your kit, on the Collar Receiver. Please refer to the "Test Light Instructions" for details.
• Increase the Intensity Dial. Refer to "Find the Best Intensity Level for your Dog" for more information.
• Make sure the Collar Receiver's Contact Points are placed snugly against your dog's skin. Refer to "Fit the Collar Receiver" for more information.
• you may need to switch to the longer Contact Points included with your system, or trim the hair beneath the Contact Points. Never shave the dog's neck.
• If you notice your operating time dropping to about half the original time, your Collar Receiver battery needs to be replaced. Contact the Customer Care Center or visit our website to purchase a new one.

The collar Receiver will not turn on.

• Make sure the Collar Receiver has been charged. For the initial charge, be sure to charge it for 24 hours. Future charges only take 12 hours.

The collar Receiver is not responding to the Remote Transmitter.

• Verify the Collar Receiver has been turned on. Refer to "Turning the Collar Receiver On and Off".
• Refer to "Match the Collar Receiver and Remote Transmitter".

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Documents / Resources

References

• http://www.sportdog.com
• http://sportdog.com

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