DogWatch® Troubleshooting Tips

Receiver Collar

1. Does the battery in the receiver collar need to be replaced?
2. Is the collar too loose?
3. Is the receiver collar operating properly?

Transmitter/Boundary Wire

1. Is the Transmitter turned on and working properly?
2. Is the boundary wire unplugged?
3. Is the boundary wire broken?
4. Are the Transmitter settings correct?
5. Is the signal field too narrow?
6. Is the Rate level too low?
7. Is the Training Mode switch in the proper position?

Pet Training

1. Did you and your dog complete the Dealer-recommended training program?
2. Has something changed since your dog was trained? 
3. Does your dog need refresher training?

Please Contact Us if you have further questions or require assistance.

Adjustable Collar

All R7, R8 and R9 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.

Safelink® FM Radio Signal

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 that may be emitted by other electronic devices.

Automatic Shutdown

The dog containment 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.

Collar Bone

The DogWatch® “collar bone” (plus the metal lock washers and contact posts) is used to attach the receiver to the nylon collar. For single-ply collars, mount the recessed holes of the collar bone against the collar strap and for double-ply collars, place the flat side of the collar bone against the collar strap.

Note: The collar bone is only used with our stainless steel contact posts. It is not used with our GentleFit™ contact posts.

Contact Posts

The receiver comes with two sets of stainless steel contact posts (short and long). 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.

We also offer our exclusive GentleFit™ contact posts. They work just like our stainless steel posts but attach to the receiver and collar as a single piece, and they have a sleek low-profile for an exceptionally comfortable fit. GentleFit™ posts are especially good for cats, small pets and pets with short hair. Ask your local Dealer if GentleFit™ contact posts are right for your pet.

Antenna

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

Status Light

The status light continuously monitors your receiver and provides the following features:

Start-Up

When you first insert the battery into your receiver, the status light will flash red and green. This indicates that the receiver has started properly. Once started, the status light will continue to flash green approximately every 30 seconds indicating normal operation. In the event that the light does not flash, check the battery to be sure that it has been inserted properly.

Training Level Indicator

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

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.

Correction Alert

You will be able to tell if your pet has tested the boundary by looking at the status light. The status light will double flash green approximately every 30 seconds during the 24-hour period after the dog has entered the boundary area.

Battery Indicator

This feature monitors the voltage level of the battery. Once the receiver detects that the battery has reached a low voltage level, the status light will change from the normal blinking “green” to blinking “red” every 10 seconds. This indicates that your battery is close to the end of its useful life and you should change the battery within the next 3-4 days.

If your light flashes double red, this indicates that your battery is low and your pet as challenged the dog containment system.

FastReact®

The DogWatch R7, R8, and R9 receivers offer the fastest standard reaction time available in a pet containment fence 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 Feature

When you combine the transmitter “Rate” and the receiver training levels, you can customize the receiver to one of 20 training settings. 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.

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 battery package.

R7mini Battery

The R7 receiver (both the full size R7 and the R7mini) is powered by a 3 volt 1/3 N lithium battery. The receiver is designed for a 6 month battery life. The negative (-) end of the battery must be inserted down.

R8, R9 & SmartCollar Batteries

The R8, R9 & SmartCollar receivers are 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.

The receiver, worn on a collar around the dogs neck, is set to identify a specific coded FM radio signal from the boundary wire. It creates an audible warning followed by “correction” if the dog comes too close to the boundary wire. It operates on a replaceable battery and is waterproof when the battery cap is securely fastened.

Resetting The Battery Status Light

1. Remove the old battery.
2. Wait 5 minutes before inserting the new battery.

Waiting 5 minutes after removing the old battery will reset the Battery Status Light. If you forget to wait before inserting the new battery, the Battery Status Light will continue to blink red for 24 hours. After 24 hours, it will automatically reset.

Inserting a New Battery

* R7/R7mini batteries: the negative (-) end of the battery must be inserted down.

* R8, R9 & SmartCollar batteries: the positive (+) end of the battery must be inserted down.

R7 Battery

The R7 receiver (both the full size R7 and the R7mini) is powered by a 3 volt 1/3 N lithium battery. The receiver is designed for a 6 month battery life. The negative (-) end of the battery must be inserted down.

R8, R9 & SmartCollar Batteries

The R8, R9 & SmartCollar receivers are powered by a 3.6 volt lithium battery. These receivers are designed for long battery life of up to two years. The positive (+) end of the battery must be inserted down.

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 battery package.

The status light in the R7/R7mini, R8, R9 and SmartCollar receivers provides the following features:

Start-Up

When you first insert the battery into your receiver, the status light will flash green. 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.

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.

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.

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 models) or two years (R8, R9 and SmartCollar models).

IMPORTANT!

When you change your battery, remember to wait 5 minutes after removing the old battery before inserting the new battery. This will reset the status light. If you forget to wait, the battery status light will continue to blink red for 24 hours after the new battery is inserted.

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 training level adjustment location on the side of the receiver. Hold the magnet steady and you will hear a series of beeps that indicate the current training level.

Your DogWatch Dealer has installed your dog containment system, set the transmitter and receiver to the training levels appropriate for your dog’s personality and traits, and has placed boundary flags around the perimeter of your yard. Your Dealer has already begun your dog’s first day of containment training. Now it is your turn to continue the training.

Before you begin training your dog with the dog containment system, be sure to place the DogWatch receiver collar on your dog’s neck before you go outside.

1. The collar should be worn snugly on the dog’s neck. This is extremely important!
2. Place no more than one thumb width between the contact post and dog’s neck.
3. When checking snugness of collar, the dog’s neck should be facing down (sniffing position) as this is where the dog’s neck is the smallest.
4. If the collar is too tight, the receiver unit will stick out to the side when the dog shakes his head.
5. If the collar is too loose, the dog will not receive the intended correction when he or she wanders into the Avoidance Zone.
6. Remember to periodically check for irritation around the dog’s neck.
7. DogWatch strongly recommends that the collar be removed daily and when the dog is inside the house.

Adjust the collar as needed. Remember — collar fit is critical! Make sure the collar is on tightly enough to keep the posts in good contact with the dog’s skin. When checking collar snugness, place no more than one finger width between contact posts and the dog’s neck. Be sure the dog’s neck is down, in the sniffing position, as this is when the dog’s neck is the smallest.

During colder months, your dog’s fur may be thicker and you may need to trim the fur under the collar to be sure the dog receives the correction. If your dog has a naturally thick coat, you may need to trim the fur year-round. Longer contact posts are available for especially heavy-coated dogs.

If your dog was trained with the DogWatch pet containment fence as a puppy, chances are he or she has grown and may need a larger collar.

The dial for adjusting the range is located on the right side of transmitter. Depending on the size of your property and needs of your dog, signal range may vary from the boundary wire. Your dealer has adjusted the range that is most suitable for your dog and yard.

Be aware that the signal range on your dog containment system is very sensitive. Changing the signal field can significantly compromise the effectiveness of the boundary loop, so you should not change this setting unless your dealer recommends it.

If you increase the signal field, be sure to only turn the dial clockwise in small increments. Remember, increasing the signal range, decreases the underground dog fencing safety zone for the dog.

If you decrease the signal range, be sure to turn the dial counterclockwise in small increments.

Use the training flags to mark your yard before any landscaping is done. You can locate your underground dog fencing wire by using the receiver collar.  Avoiding the contact posts, hold the receiver at the dog’s neck height as you walk toward the boundary wire. When you first hear the audible tone, mark the location with a flag. Repeat this coming from the opposite side of the buried wire. The wire should be approximately halfway between the two flags.

If the boundary loop wire is broken or the signal is interrupted, an audible warning will sound. You should check around your property for a visible wire break. Contact Us for troubleshooting tips or to schedule a service call. 

Remember to remove the collar at night. If your dog stays outside, periodically remove the collar and check for irritation.

Important Safeguards

1. Please read all the literature included with your dog containment system before turning the system on or beginning training.
2. Do not attempt to shortcut the complete training of your dog.
3. The dog containment system is intended for the purpose of containing domestic dogs. Use for any other purpose is at system owner’s risk.
4. In the event your system requires servicing, please contact your local Authorized DogWatch Dealer. Attempting to service the system yourself may invalidate the warranty.
5. The dog containment system is recommended for dogs four to six months or older. Your Dealer will recommend if a puppy under 6 months old is ready.
6. Keep the collar and the transmitter out of the reach of children.
7. Never adjust the transmitter or receiver when your dog is wearing the collar.
8. 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.
9. 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.

If your system is not working, check contact posts and the battery cap on the receiver and tighten if needed. Also, check the lights on the transmitter.

The red light on the transmitter shows you have AC power to your dog containment system, the green light shows there are no breaks in the wire.

The green loop light will blink quickly when the Rate is set on “1”. When the Rate is set on “2” the green loop light will blink slowly and when the Rate is on “3” the green loop light will be a steady green light and it will no longer blink.

If a wire break occurs, the green light will go out and you will hear an audible chirping sound.

If the power light and the loop light go out on your AM transmitter, you may have experienced a lightning surge.

If your transmitter is plugged into a GFI outlet, reset it and your transmitter will operate.

If you still experience problems with any of the underground or wireless fences offered by DogWatch, contact your Dealer for assistance.

I am not getting Alerts on my Phone/Email

1. Are your alert preferences turned ‘on’? Go to: SETTINGS & CONFIG > MANAGE ALERTS. Green mean Alert is ON, Red means Alert is OFF
2. Make sure the UIDs are entered correctly in the WebApp.
3. Make sure your Email and cell phone number are correct? GO to: SETTINGS & CONFIG > ACCOUNT INFO
4. Is your Communication Portal connected to Internet?
5. Try restarting your Portal.

I am not seeing my pet’s activity on my SmartFence WebApp.

1. Have you added the SmartFence collar UID to your WebApp?
2. Is your collar battery charged?
3. Is the collar working? Does it ‘beep’ at the boundary (or when held next to the Transmitter)?
4. Is your Communication Portal connected to Internet?
5. Try restarting your Portal.