FAQ

What do the buttons on the Remote Transmitter and Receiver Collar do?

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Can I attach a leash to the receiver collar?

Never attach a leash to the receiver collar. You may put a separate non-metallic collar on your dog’s neck and attach a leash. Be sure the extra collar does not interfere with the Contact Points.

Can I change the operating mode on my transmitter?

Yes. In the video below,  SportDOG™ Sales Manager Clay Thompson walks you through changing the operating mode. For additional help with this or any other system, refer to the "Program the Remote Transmitter" section of your owner’s manual. To download a copy of your SportDOG Brand product owner's manual, click here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwLeZOfEW-I&feature=player_embedded

Can I have correction and tone for multiple receivers?

The SD-1825, SD-1825CAMO, and SD-2500 will allow a tone only option for up to 2 dogs. After 2, correction will remain an option, but tone will not. All other systems will lose the tone option after adding multiple dogs. Correction will always be available.

Can I use the Trainer on aggressive dogs?

We do not recommend any of our products to be used on aggressive dogs. We recommend you contact your local veterinarian or professional trainer to determine if your dog might be aggressive.

Can I use the Trainer with more than one dog?

Yes, SportDOG™ Add-A-Dog® Collar Receivers must be purchased and the Remote Transmitter must be changed to mode 4. Please refer to the back cover of your manual for a list of compatible Collar Receivers.

Can my dog wear his tags on the training collar?

We recommend that tags be located on the top of the collar at the back of the dog's neck. Metal tags coming in contact with the probes will not drain the battery but could cause a short that could cause the batteries to drain prematurely or even cause the system to stop working.

Do I have to charge the transmitter and receiver at the same time?

No. The transmitter and the receiver can be charged separately if necessary.

How do I know if my collar is placed correctly on my dog?

You’ll need enough room to slip 2 fingers under the collar placed on the upper portion of your dog’s neck. The Collar Receiver should not be worn for more than 8 hours out of every 24-hour period. Your dog’s neck and the Contact Points must be washed weekly with a washcloth and mild hand soap, then rinsed thoroughly.
To ensure a proper fit, follow these steps:

1. With your dog standing, center the Collar Receiver where the Contact Points are underneath your dog’s neck, touching the skin. If your dog has a long or thick coat, trim the hair around the Contact Points to ensure consistent contact.
2. The Collar Receiver should fit snugly, yet loose enough to allow one finger to fit between the strap and your dog’s neck.
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.

How do I program my receiver to the transmitter?

In the video below,  SportDOG™ Sales Manager Clay Thompson walks you through matching your transmitter and receiver. For additional help with this or any other system, refer to the "Reset the Collar Receiver" section of your owner’s manual. Click here to download a copy of your owner's manual.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzP67qBVJ_Q&feature=player_embedded

How do I reset the collar receiver?

1. Turn the Collar Receiver off.
2. Press and hold the On/Off Button. The Receiver Indicator Light will come on and stay solid, and then turn off after 4-5...

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How long can I continuously deliver stimulation to my dog?

The maximum amount of time you can press the Continuous Stimulation Button and deliver stimulation to your dog continuously is 8 seconds. After 8 seconds, the Remote Transmitter will “time out,” and the Continuous Stimulation Button must be released and pressed again.

How old does a dog have to be before using it?

Your dog should be able to learn basic obedience commands such as “Sit” or “Stay.” The Collar Receiver may be too large for dogs under 8 pounds.

Is the stimulation safe for my dog?

While the stimulation is unpleasant, it is harmless to your dog. Electronic training devices require interaction and training from the owner to achieve desired results.

Once my dog is trained and has been obeying my commands, will my dog have to continue to wear the Collar Receiver?

Your dog may need to wear the Collar Receiver from time to time for reinforcement. Also, many hunters keep the Collar Receiver on their dogs while hunting for maximum control.

The Intensity Dial seems difficult to rotate. Is this normal?

Yes. This prevents accidental changes in intensity and encourages an optimal waterproof seal. The knob will “break in” and be slightly easier to turn as you use it.

What do 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 Collar Receiver for a few days. If the condition persists beyond 48 hours, see your veterinarian. Once the skin returns to normal, resume use, and monitor the skin condition closely.

What is pressure necrosis?

To prevent injury to your pet, please read and follow this important safety information. Proper fit of the collar is important.  A collar worn for too long, or made too tight on the pet’s neck may cause skin damage. This is called bed sores; it is also called decubitus ulcers. If not addressed, sores can worsen, turning into a condition known as pressure necrosis, or advanced bed sores.

Millions of pets are comfortable while they wear stainless steel contacts.  Some pets are sensitive to contact pressure. Some owners may make the collar too tight. You may find that your pet is tolerant of the collar. If so, you may relax some of these precautions.  It is important to continue checks of the contact area. If redness or sores are found, discontinue use. Wait until the skin has fully healed to use the collar. Resume following all precautions.

Pressure from the contacts can prevent proper blood flow to the skin and cause bed sores. Wet and dust can lead to an increased risk of skin irritation. Bed sores begin as redness of the skin. If left untreated, increased symptoms will occur. These can include hair loss in the affected area, oozing, sores, open sores and scab formation. Bacterial infection is common in advanced bed sores. See a veterinarian if you find open sores or an odor. Keep the area clean and dry to promote healing.

Bed sores are preventable. Proper collar adjustment is critical. Pressure is the primary cause. Perform daily checks of the contact area. Early detection is critical to prevent bed sores.  If you find redness during the inspection remove the collar. Wash and dry the pet’s neck, collar and contacts. Wait until all redness has cleared before placing the collar back on your pet.

Avoid leaving the collar on the pet for more than 12 hours in a day.  Moving the collar every 1 to 2 hours may help.  Moving the collar restores blood flow and allows mild irritation to heal.  This limit cannot replace proper collar adjustment and checks of the contact area. If you observe redness in the contact area, stop using the collar immediately. Wash and dry the affected area, collar, and contacts.  Wait until the skin has fully returned to normal before resuming use of the collar.

These steps will help keep your pet safe and comfortable.  Failure to follow the procedures described may lead to advanced bed sores.  If the sore is small and closed, immediately stop using the product. Clean and dry the area and apply antibiotic ointment to the sore. Clean the collar and contacts.  If large or open sores appear, have your pet seen by a veterinarian. Discontinue use of the product until the affected area has healed.

Some descriptions of advanced bed sores or pressure necrosis describe the sores as looking like burns on the dog’s neck. Be assured that electronic collars do not use enough energy to create burns. The energy in an output pulse is less than a few thousandths of a Joule; it is similar in nature to the static pulse that you may feel when getting out of your car.

What is the battery operating life of my transmitter or receiver?

Charging time depend on model and frequency of use. The table below outlines what you can expect with your model on a frequent use basis:

SD-105 and SD-105S
Transmitter	Approx. 6 months
Receiver	40 to 80 hours
SD-400, SD-400S, SD-400CAMO, SD-800 and SD-800CAMO
Transmitter	40 to 60 hours
Receiver	15 to 20 hours
SD-1225, SD-1825 and SD-1825CAMO
Transmitter	40 to 60 hours
Receiver	40 to 60 hours
SD-2000CAMO
Transmitter	40 to 60 hours
Receiver	35 to 40 hours
SD-2500
Transmitter	1 to 2 months
Receiver	40 to 80 hours
SD-3200
Transmitter	6 to 12 months
Receiver	40 to 60 hours
DSL-400 and SD-AB
Beeper	60 to 100 hours

What level should I use for my dog?

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. 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.
3. Once you find your dog’s Recognition Level, this is the level you should use when you begin a training exercise.
4. 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.

What levels of correction are available on my remote trainer?

Our remote trainers offer a variety of correction levels.

System	Levels of Stimulation
TEK-V1LT	99
SD-105	8
SD-105S	8
SD-400	8
SD-400S	8
SD-2525	9
SD-400CAMO	8
SD-1825CAMO	8
SD-1875	7
SD-800	8
SD-1225	8
SD-1825	8
SD-3225	7

On the SportHunter® 1825 and 1255 and the WetlandHunter® 1825CAMO, eight stimulation levels each are available within a low, medium and high setting on the compact Collar Receiver. To compare output at each setting, see the graph below:

Will I get exactly the posted range?

The range you get with your product will vary according to terrain, weather, vegetation, as well as transmission from other radio devices. 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.

Will it damage the receiver if my dog goes swimming?

No, your SportDOG receiver(s) are waterproof and submersible, with the exception of the SD-105 and SD-105S, which are waterproof  but not water submersible. 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.

Will the receiver that came with my system only communicate with the transmitter model that came with the system?

With the exception of the SD-1225, SD-1825 and the SD-1825CAMO (which are only compatible with each other), any of our SportDOG receivers will program to any of our SportDOG transmitters. Please refer to your Owners Product Guide for instructions on resetting the collar to the transmitter.

Will the signal from my SportDOG e-collar interfere with another SportDOG e-collar?

No. Each SportDOG system has its own frequency ID code so that other SportDOG systems will not experience conflicting signals. In the very rare event that this happens, please see Troubleshooting in your product manual for help on changing your product’s ID codes.

If I am not going to use my SportDOG trainer for several weeks, are there any precautions I need to take?

We suggest fully charging your system every 4 to 6 weeks to keep the batteries viable.

If I unplug my unit after it is fully charged, and immediately plug it back in, will the unit start flashing again?

No. The flashing full charge indicator is based on a timer and will need to “cycle” again, even though the unit is fully charged.

Setup

Changing the ID on Your SportDOG E-Collar System

All SportDOG Brand e-collars include the ability to change the ID of the transmitter. This is ideal for matching multiple transmitters to one Collar Receiver for hunting with buddies, or storing transmitters at different locations. Category Manager Clay Thompson walks you through changing the ID on your SportDOG e-collar.

Watch Video (2:18)

Fitting the E-Collar on Your Dog

For your SportDOG e-collar to work most effectively, it is important that you fit the collar appropriately on your dog. Category Manager Clay Thompson walks you through fitting the collar.

Watch Video (1:09)

Using the Test Light with Your SportDOG E-Collar System

All SportDOG e-collar dog training systems come with a test light for you to be able to check that your system's stimulation is being appropriately delivered. Category Manager Clay Thompson walks you through using the test light on your own system. This video applies to all SportDOG Brand e-collar dog training systems.

Watch Video (0:43)

Adding a Dog to Your SD-425 System

Category Manager Clay Thompson walks you through adding a dog to your FieldTrainer 425 (SD-425) system. This also applies to FieldTrainer 425S, WetlandHunter 425CAMO, and SportHunter 825 systems (SD-425S, SD-425CAMO, SD-800). These systems can control up to three dogs with the purchase of additional Add-A-Dog collars.

Watch Video (1:40)

Changing the Modes on the SportDOG FieldTrainer 425 System

Category Manager Clay Thompson walks you through changing the modes on your SportDOG Brand 425 (SD-425). Changing the mode on your transmitter allows you to customize your training experience. This video also applies to the FieldTrainer 425S, WetlandHunter 425CAMO, and SportHunter 825 systems (SD-425S, SD-425CAMO, SD-825).

Watch Video (1:50)

Changing the Stimulation Ranges on Your SD-425

Category Manager Clay Thompson walks you through changing the static stimulation ranges on your FieldTrainer 425 e-collar system (SD-425). The stimulation range can be set at different ranges to help ensure you are getting the correct amount of stimulation for your dog. This video also applies to the FieldTrainer 425S, WetlandHunter 425CAMO, and SportHunter 825. (SD-425S, SD-425CAMO, SD-825)

Watch Video (2:08)

Charging the SD-425 System

Your FieldTrainer 425 (SD-425) system will completely charge in just 2 hours. Category Manager Clay Thompson walks you through charging the system. This video also applies to the FieldTrainer 425, WetlandHunter 425CAMO, and SportHunter 825 systems (SD-425S, SD-425CAMO, SD-825)

Watch Video (2:04)

Matching the Collar Receiver to the Transmitter on Your SD-425

Clay Thompson, Category Manager, walks you through matching your Collar Receiver to your Remote Transmitter on your FieldTrainer 425 (SD-425). Your system will come paired from the factory, so this is not necessary for initial set-up. However, if your system comes unpaired, this video will help you pair. This video also applies to the FieldTrainer 425S, WetlandHunter 425CAMO, and SportHunter 825 (SD-425S, SD-425CAMO, SD-825).

Watch Video (1:18)

Training

General Training Tips

Once you have properly fit the collar and found the correct recognition level, you are ready to use the trainer and begin training your dog. Please keep the...

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Training Guide

Download Training Guide

Few things are more rewarding than setting a performance goal for your dog and then accomplishing that goal as a team. In this...

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Troubleshooting

Correction/tone continues after I have stopped pressing the button.

• Check to see if the button is sticking under the lip after button has been released.
• If this does not solve the problem; then replace both components.

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My Remote Transmitter is sending a signal to more than one Collar Receiver.

In the rare event this occurs, you can change your Remote Transmitter’s ID Code (see Change ID Codes in your manual) to solve this.

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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...

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The Collar Receiver is not responding to the Remote Transmitter.

• Check to see if the Collar Receiver has been turned on.
• Make sure the collar and transmitter are programmed to work with each other.
• Check the...

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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.

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The Collar Receiver will not turn on/off.

• Take out the batteries and put them back in, making sure they are placed correctly.
• Make sure you have the correct batteries in the system.
• Make...

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The collar will not deliver stimulation or the tone doesn’t work.

• Make sure the collar is turned on.
• Make sure the collar is not in Safety Shutoff mode.
• You can verify the Collar Receiver is delivering...

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The remote transmitter is flashing.

Collar Receiver Function Indicator Light Responses
Flashes once per second - good battery; receiver is on
Flashes once every 4 seconds - low battery;...

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The system doesn’t get the exact range stated.

Many factors can impact the range of the system. For consistent results at longer ranges, hold the Remote Transmitter in a vertical position away from your...

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Using the Test Light Tool

1. Turn the Collar Receiver off.
2. Loosen the Contact Points with pliers.
3. Bend the leads around the base of each Contact Point.
4. Hand tighten the...

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What if my unit(s) begin flashing while they are charging before the recommended charging time has completed?

Continue to leave your system on the charger for the full charging time as described in the manual.

How can I tell if my transmitter needs to be recharged or if the battery needs to be replaced?

The transmitter indicator light will flash when the Continuous button is pressed.