SportDOG NOBARK SBC-8, NOBARK SBC-8-E Manual

Also See for NOBARK SBC-8:

Operating manual (16 pages)

Operating manual (76 pages)

Table of Contents

Contents

1 COMPONENTS
2 HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS
3 KEY DEFINITIONS
4 USING THE PRODUCT FOR THE FIRST TIME
5 OPERATE THE DEVICE
- 5.1 TURNING THE UNIT ON/OFF
- 5.2 TEST MODE
6 FIT THE DEVICE
7 WHAT TO EXPECT DURING USE OF THE PRODUCT
8 ACCESSORIES
9 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
10 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
11 TWO YEAR NON-TRANSFERRABLE LIMITED WARRANTY
12 Documents / Resources
- 12.1 References
- 12.2 Download manual

SportDOG NOBARK SBC-8, NOBARK SBC-8-E Manual

COMPONENTS

SBC-8 Bark Collar
Test Light Tool
3/32 Hex Key

HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS

The SportDOG Brand SBC-8 Bark Control Collar has been proven safe, comfortable and effective for dogs over 8 lbs. The Bark Control Collar uses digital technology to provide the most reliable bark detection available.
The SBC-8 utilises Progressive Correction to correct your dog from barking. The correction starts at the lowest level (1) and increases to the next level (up to 8) each time your dog barks within 30 seconds of the previous bark. If your dog does not bark again within 30 seconds, the correction will reset to the lowest level (1).
NOTE: As a built-in safety feature, if your dog barks 15 times or more within an 80 second period, the SBC-8 will automatically stop issuing static stimulation for 30 seconds and then resume normal operation.

KEY DEFINITIONS

ON/OFF BUTTON: Turns the unit on/off.
CONTACT POINTS: Deliver the static stimulation.
INDICATOR LIGHT: Indicates when the unit has been turned on or off and serves as a battery status indicator.

USING THE PRODUCT FOR THE FIRST TIME

Before using the SBC-8 for the first time, be sure to check that the unit has plenty of battery life to begin operation. Your unit should arrive with a fresh battery and be ready to use right out of the box. Simply fit the collar properly using the steps outlined in the "Fit the Device" section. If the unit does not turn on or indicates the battery is low (red indicator light is flashing) it is time to replace the battery. Average battery life is 200 hours, depending on how often your dog barks.
Due to greater use during your dog's initial training, your first battery may not last as long. To conserve battery life, turn the SBC-8 off when not in use.

BATTERY INDICATION
Once the unit is powered on, and after 4 seconds, the unit will flash indicating the battery status. The following table summarises the Indicator Light colours and their corresponding meanings:

STATUS OF UNIT	INDICATOR LIGHT	BATTERY STATUS
Unit is on	Green light flashes every 4 seconds	Good
Unit is on	Red light flashes every 4 seconds	Low

FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO CHANGE THE BATTERY:

Remove both screws located on either side of the Contact Points with included 3/32 Hex Key (1A).
Remove the Battery Lid by pushing on one side of the collar strap (1B). Removing the collar strap entirely from the unit can make the process easier, but is not required.
Remove the current battery (1C).
Install a 4L R44 battery aligned with the battery icon printed on the inside of the unit.
Replace the Battery Lid.
Reinstall the screws. Do not over-tighten the screws.

NOTE: Replacement 4L R44 batteries can be found at many retailers. A 3/32 Hex Key was provided with the original product; however, a replacement kit can be purchased by contacting SportDOG Customer Care if needed.

OPERATE THE DEVICE

TURNING THE UNIT ON/OFF

Press and hold the On/Off button (located between the Contact Points) for about one second - the unit will power on immediately, as well as tone. To turn the unit off, press and hold the On/Off button for three seconds. A tone will sound, then the unit will turn off.

TEST MODE

NOTE: TEST MODE is not a functional mode of correction for dogs and should not be used for training. Test mode is for the user to test the static stimulation to ensure the unit is functioning and should be used with the provided Test Light Tool.

TEST MODE CHART
OPERATIONAL MODE	INDICATOR LIGHT	SPEAKER FUNCTION
TEST MODE	Solid red	Beeps 8 times, 1 time before each stim

Make sure the unit is off.
Press and hold the On/Off button for 5 seconds to enter Test Mode.
Once the indicator light turns solid red, you can release the On/Off button.
The unit will now beep followed by a quick pulse of static stimulation starting with a level 1 and increasing to 8.

Be careful not to touch the Contact Points during this testing sequence so you will not receive a static correction. It is recommended that you use the Test Light Tool to test the correction.

At the end of the test the unit will power off, indicated by a long tone and a solid red light.
Turn the unit back on using the On/Off button to resume normal operation.

FIT THE DEVICE

The proper fit and placement of the Bark Control Collar is important for effective operation. The Contact Points must have direct contact with your dog's skin.

CAUTION
See Important Safety Information

To ensure a proper fit, follow these steps:

Make sure the unit is off.
With your dog standing (3A), centre the collar 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.
Note: When switching to the longer Contact Points, ensure the o-rings are attached.
Check the tightness of the collar by inserting one finger between the end of a Contact Point and your dog's neck. The fit should be snug but not constricting.
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 Bark Control Collar.
Note: If desired, you may cut off the excess length of the collar strap after properly fitting the collar.

CAUTION

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 tighter than is required for good contact. A collar that is too tight will increase the risk of pressure necrosis in the contact area.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING USE OF THE PRODUCT

Do not leave your dog alone the first few times he receives a static stimulation.

Place the Bark Control Collar properly on your dog and wait nearby until he barks. Most dogs will understand quickly that the Bark Control Collar is disrupting their urge to bark and will relax and stop barking. Because the static stimulation may be surprising or startling at first, some dogs may bark more at the initial correction.
On rare occasions, a dog may get into a bark-stimulation-bark-stimulation cycle. If this happens, reassure your dog with calm, soothing tones. As your dog relaxes, he will understand that if he becomes quiet, he will not receive more static stimulation. A small minority of dogs that have this reaction will only have it the first time they wear the Bark Control Collar.
You should notice a reduction in your dog's barking within the first couple of days of him wearing the Bark Control Collar. At this point, it is important to remember the learning process is still not complete. Dogs will "test" the new learning experience and will increase their attempts to bark. This usually occurs during the second week that the dog wears the Bark Control Collar. If this does occur, remain consistent and do not alter your use of the Bark Control Collar. You must place the Bark Control Collar on your dog in every situation in which you want him to be quiet. If your dog is not wearing the Bark Control Collar, he may resume barking and his learning would suffer a setback.

ACCESSORIES

To purchase additional accessories for your SportDOG Brand product, contact the Customer Care Centre or visit the Shop section on sportdog.com and search Parts & Accessories.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will another dog's bark set off the Bark Control Collar?	No
Is the product safe and humane	Yes. The Bark Control Collar is designed to get your dog's attention, not to punish him. However, the initial static stimulation may startle your dog.
Will the unit work for my dog	The Bark Control Collar is safe and effective for all breeds and sizes of dogs, though it may be too large for dogs under 8 lbs. to wear comfortably. The system should only be used with dogs that are over six months of age. If your dog is injured or his mobility is otherwise impaired, contact your veterinary surgeon or professional trainer before use.
Is it possible for my dog to learn not to bark only when the Bark Control Collar is on?	Yes. This is best accomplished by placing the Bark Control Collar on your dog only in situations in which you never want him to bark and never placing the Bark Control Collar on your dog in situations in which you find it acceptable for him to bark.
I have more than one dog, but only one dog with a barking problem. Will it cause problems between the dogs if I keep them together?	It should not be a problem, especially if you follow the procedures described in this Guide.
Is the unit waterproof	Yes. It is waterproof and submersible to 7.6 m.
Can I attach a lead/leash to the Bark Control Collar?	No. This can result in pulling the Contact Points too tightly against your dog's neck. Attach a lead/leash to a separate, non-metallic collar, making sure the extra collar does not put pressure on the Contact Points.
Can I leave The Bark Control Collar on my dog all the time?	No. Never leave the Bark Control Collar on for more than 12 consecutive hours.
What should I do if my dog's neck becomes red and irritated?	This condition is due to the Contact Points irritating the skin. Discontinue use of the Bark Control Collar for a few days. If the condition persists beyond 48 hours, see your veterinary surgeon. Once the skin returns to normal, resume use and monitor the skin condition closely.
My dog keeps barking (does not respond to the static stimulation)	Tighten the Bark Control Collar and/or trim your dog's hair where the Contact Points touch his neck to ensure good skin contact Replace the battery Switch to the longer Contact Points If your dog still does not respond, contact the Customer Care Centre

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Explanation Of Attention Words And Symbols Used In This Guide
	This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
	WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
	CAUTION, used with the safety alert symbol, indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION	CAUTION, used without the safety alert symbol, indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in harm to your dog.

Not for use with aggressive dogs. Do not use this product if your dog is aggressive or if your dog is prone to aggressive behaviour. 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 veterinary surgeon or a certified trainer.
Do not mix old and new batteries.
Do not mix standard, alkaline, or rechargeable batteries.
Do not use rechargeable batteries.
Exhausted batteries should be removed immediately. Do not dispose of batteries with household waste.

This product is not a toy. Keep it out of the reach of children.

CAUTION
Please read and follow the instructions in this manual. Proper fit of the collar is important. A collar worn for too long or made too tight on the dog's neck may cause skin damage. This is called bed sores; it is also called decubitus ulcers or pressure necrosis.

Avoid leaving the collar on the dog for more than 12 hours per day.
When possible, reposition the collar on the dog's neck every one to two hours.
Check the fit to prevent excessive pressure; follow the instructions in this manual.
Never connect a lead/leash, tags, or other items to the collar; it will cause excessive pressure on the Contact Points.
When using a separate collar for a lead/leash and/or tags, don't put pressure on the electronic collar.
Before playing with your dog, remove the collar. The activity may cause your dog to bark, which could lead to him associating the play with the correction.
Wash the dog's neck area and the Contact Points of the collar weekly with a damp cloth. Turn the unit off before touching the Contact Points. Ensure the dog's neck is thoroughly dry before replacing the collar.
Examine the contact area daily for signs of a rash or a sore.
If a rash or sore is found, discontinue use of the collar until the skin has healed.
If the condition persists beyond 48 hours, see your veterinary surgeon.

For additional information on bed sores and pressure necrosis, please visit the Support section for bark control at www.sportdog.com.
These steps will help keep your dog safe and comfortable. Millions of dogs are comfortable while they wear stainless steel contacts. Some dogs are sensitive to contact pressure. You may find after some time that your dog is very tolerant of the collar. If so, you may relax some of these precautions. It is important to continue daily checks of the contact area. If redness or sores are found, discontinue use until the skin has fully healed.

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

If you have questions regarding this product's operation, please see this manual's Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting sections, contact our Customer Care Centre, visit our website at www.sportdog.com, or view our support videos at www.youtube.com.*

To get the most protection out of your Two Year warranty, please register your product within 30 days at www.sportdog.com. By registering and keeping your receipt, you will enjoy the product's full warranty and, should you ever need to call the Customer Care Centre, we will be able to help you faster. Most importantly, your valuable information will never be given or sold to anyone. Complete warranty information is available online at www.sportdog.com.

^* videos available at www.youtube.com/sportdogintl or on each products' VIDEOS tab at sportdog.com.

TWO YEAR NON-TRANSFERRABLE LIMITED WARRANTY

Europe - Radio Systems PetSafe Europe Ltd, 2nd Floor, Elgee Building, Market Square Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91 YR9X Ireland
Canada - Radio Systems Corporation, 10427 PetSafe Way, Knoxville, TN 37932 USA

Claims Procedure: Any claim made under this Warranty should be made directly to Radio Systems Australia Pty Ltd. Customer Care Centre at:
Radio Systems Australia Pty Ltd.
PO Box 3442, Australia Fair
QLD 4215 Australia
Australia Residents: 1800 786 608
New Zealand Residents: 0800 543 054
Email: aus-info@petsafe.net

FOR A LISTING OF TELEPHONE NUMBERS IN YOUR AREA, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.SPORTDOG.COM.

Should you have any queries or require any further information, please contact our Customer Care Centre on 1800 786 608 (Australia) or 0800 543 054 (New Zealand).