Q: How old does a dog have to be to use one of the TEK™ Series systems?
A: This collar may be too large for dogs with a neck size under 13.5 inches. If your are using the Tracking and Training System your dog should be able to learn basic commands such as "Sit" or "Stay".
Q: Will I get exactly 7 miles of range with the TEK Series systems?
A: The range you get with your TEK Series system will vary according to terrain, weather, vegetation, as well as, transmission from other radio devices. To get the maximum amount of range, please refer to the "HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS" section of your manual.
Q: Can I program my TEK Series system to work with my other SportDOG Brand® collars?
A. No. TEK Series systems are not compatible with other SportDOG™ collars currently on the market.
Q: Can I add maps to the Tek Series systems?
A: No. Maps cannot be added to your TEK series system.
Q: Can I organize the way the dogs are displayed on the tracking screen?
A. Yes. From the main menu, select DOG LIST>SELECT ORDER. A list of dogs you have set up in the system displays. Use the arrow keys to highlight the dog you want to move in the list and press the right arrow key. Use the up or down arrow keys to move selected dog to the desired place in the list. When the dog is in desired order, press the right arrow key. Repeat for each dog until they are in the desired order. Dogs will now appear in this order on the tracking/training screens.
(See "To Set the Order in Dog Lists" in your manual.)
Q: How many dogs can I share?
A. You can share up to 12 dogs. Sharing a dog is the same as adding a dog to an available slot on your Handheld Device.
Q: Do I need to recalibrate my compass when I change locations?
A. For best results, it is recommended that the compass be calibrated after you arrive at a new location.
Q. How many WAY POINTS can I store?
A You can store up to 20 way points, which includes if you set a way point to your starting location.
Q. Will the TEK Series Location and Training System interfere with my CB Radio?
A. No. Your TEK Series Location and Training System will not cause interference with your CB radio.
Q: Once my dog is trained and has been obeying my commands, will my dog have to continue to wear the GPS with E-Collar module?
A: Your dog may need to wear the collar from time to time for reinforcement. Also, many hunters keep the collar on their dog(s) while hunting for maximum control.
Q: Is the stimulation safe for my dog?
A: While the stimulation may be unpleasant, it is harmless to your dog. Electronic training devices require interaction and training from the owner to achieve desired results.
Q: How long can I continusously deliver stimulation to my dog?
A: The maximum amount of time you can press the Continuous Stimulation Button and deliver stimulation to your dog continuously is 12 seconds. After 12 seconds, the Handheld Device will "time-out", and the Continuous Stimulation Button must be released and pressed again.
Q: Is the GPS Collar with E-Collar Module waterproof?
A: Yes. It is waterproof and can be submerged in water to a depth of 25 feet.
Q: Can my GPS Collar with E-Collar Module be used around salt water?
A: If the collar is used around salt water the collar should be rinsed with fresh water following each use.
Q: Are the TEK Series systems capable of multi-dog tracking?
A: Yes. The TEK Series systems are expandable to a maximum of 12 dogs. Additional collars must be purchased seperately. Visit our
TEK Product Pages to view Add-A-Dog options.
Q: Can I use the TEK Series Location and Training System on aggressive dogs?
A: We do not reccomend any of our products be used on aggressive dogs. We recommend that you contact your local veterinarian or professional trainer to determine if your dog might be aggressive.
Q: Can I attach a leash to the GPS Collar with E-Collar Module?
A: DO NOT attach a leash to the GPS Collar with E-Collar Module. You may put a seperate non-metallic collar on your dog's neck and attach a leash. Be sure the extra collar does not interfere with the contact points.
Q: What do I do if my dog's neck becomes red and irritated?
A: This condition is due to the Contact Points irritating the skin. Discontinue use of the GPS Collar with E-Collar Module 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 closely.
Q: My Handheld Device, GPS Collar or E-Collar module does not turn on. What should I do?
A. Check to make sure the unit is properly charged. If not, fully charge the device and try again. Remember to depress the power button for about 2-5 seconds. If the unit still does not turn on, we suggest calling our Customer Care Specialists at (800)732-0144. It will help your Customer Care experience if you register your system before calling. You can register your product by clicking
here.
Q: The GPS Collar/E-Collar module is not responding to the Handheld Device. What should I do?
A: First, make sure the GPS Collar/E-Collar Module have been charged. If not, they will need to charge in two hours. Then verify that the GPS Collar/E-Collar Module has been turned on. For the GPS Collar, press the on/off button until the GPS Indicator light come on green, then release. The GPS Collar will beep 1 to 5 times indicating which channel the collar is on, and the GPS Indicator Light will double blink every 3 seconds until GPS lock has been achieved. Once the GPS Collar has a GPS lock, the GPS Indicator light will single blink every 3 seconds. For the E-Collar, press the on/off button until the E-Collar indicator Light comes on green, then release. The E-Collar Module will beep 1 to 5 times indicating which channel the collar is on.
If both units are on and still not communicating witht he Handheld Device, please call our Customer Care Specialists at (800)732-0144. It will help your Customer Care experience if you register your system before calling. You can register your product by clicking
here.
Q: I cannot get my compass to calibrate. What should I do?
A: Always calibrate the compass outside. Hold the compass level and away from objects that may generate magnetic fields, such as cars, buildings or overhead power lines. Starting from the main menu, select COMPASS>CALIBRATE. The compass screen will appear. Rotate the Handheld Device 2-3 times in all three dimensions. Rotate until the black indicators are as close as possible to the center of the green zone. if successful, your Handheld Device will beep and vibrate, as well as, display a message that says "CALIBRATION DATA HAS BEEN UPDATED SUCCESSFULLY."
If you do not receive this message, rotate the Handheld device again until the black indicators are as close as possible to the green zone and press the Menu Selection Pad to continue. At prompt "DO YOU WANT TO CALIBRATE NEW DATA?" press the arrow keys to select
YES. Your compass should now be calibrated. Press
BACK to return to the main menu.
Rotation Axis Dimensions
Q: My dog is not showing up on the tracking screen. How do I fix this?
A: Use the Menu Selection Pad on the Tracking Screen to set the scale to AUTO.
Q: How do I figure out how to set the declination anlge?
To find your exact declination angle, go to www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomagmodels/Declination.jsp. Setting an incorrect magnetic declination will result in inaccurate compass readings, so make sure to you have the correct angle. Then, go to the main menu screen on your Handheld Device and select SETTINGS>GENERAL>MAG DEC ANGLE. Press the up or down arrow on the Menu Selection Pad to select the amount of declination. Magnetic declination ranges from -70 to 70. The default is 0. Press the right arrow when finished. You magnetic declination is now set. Press
BACK to return to the main menu.
Q: My Handheld Device conflicts with another similar handheld device. Can I fix this?
A: The Handheld Device uses an ID value to distinguish it from other Handheld Devices. This ID is factory set and for most users, will never need attention. The only reason to change the GPS or E-Collar channel is if there is outside interference (other than radios in the area) causing communication problems. If this occurs, go to the main menu on your Handheld Device. Select SETTINGS>COMMUNICATION>USER ID. Press the up or down arrow to select a user ID number from 1-100. (The User ID value is a number from 0-100 that is used to alter the actual ID value that the Handheld Devices uses for communication. A value of 0 is used to revert back to the factory set ID). Press the right arrow to confirm your selection. At the prompt "ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO CONTINUE?" select YES. You ID has now been changed. Press BACK to return the the main screen. You will now need to repair your collar(s) to your Handheld Device.
Q: My GPS Collar or E-Collar Module is experiencing outside interference. How do I correct this?
A: You can adjust the channels on both the GPS Collar and E-Collar Module. To change the GPS channel, start from the main menu on your Handheld Device. Select SETTINGS>COMMUNICATION>GPS CHANNEL. Press the right arrow key to toggle between available GPS channels, 1 to 5. At the prompt "ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO CONTINUE?" select YES. Your new GPS channel has now been selected. Press BACK to return to the main menu. You will now need to repair your GPS collar to the Handheld Device.
To change the E-Collar channel, start from the main menu on your Handheld Device. Select SETTINGS>COMMUNICATION>E-COLLAR CH. Press the right arrow key to toggle between available E-Collar channels, 1 to 5. At the prompt "ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO CONTINUE?" select YES. Your new GPS channel has now been selected. Press BACK to return to the main menu. You will now need to repair your E-Collar Module to the Handheld Device.
Q: My dog is not responding when I press the STIM button. What should I do?
A: First, check to make sure that the E-Collar module has been turned on, that the E-Collar Module is enabled and that it is delivering stimulation. Turn the E-Collar Module on. It should beep 1-5 times and the light should come on green if it is turned on. Then, verfiy that the collar is paired to the Handheld. Do this from the main menu. Select SETTINGS> MY COLLARS. Press the up or down arrows to select the collar you are working with. Press the right arrow to open the configuration window. Make sure that there is a Y beside E-COLLAR. If there is an N, the E-Collar was not paired. Press the right arrow to enable the E-Collar. You will then need to pair the E-Collar to the device. If the E-Collar is enabled, verify it is delivering stimulation by using the Test Light included in your kit. With the E-Collar module turned on, hold the Test Light Contacts to the Contact Points, then press a Stimulation Button on the Handheld Device. The Test Light will flash to show it is delivering stimulaiton. If the Test Light does not flash, recharge the battery and re-test. If the test light still does not flash, contact Customer Care at (800)732-0144.
If the E-Collar Module is on, E-Collar Module is enabled and the E-Collar module is delvering stimulation, but your dog is still not responding, make sure the contact points are snugly against your dog's skin. The strap should allow only one of your fingers to fit between the strap and your dog's neck. You may need to switch to longer contact points for the best connection. If you are still not getting a good connection, you may need to trim the hair in the area of the contact points. Never shave the dog's neck; this may lead to rash or infection. If you have achieved snug contact and the dog is still not responding, you may need to increase the stimulation level. Incrementally increase the stim level until you notice a slight change of behavior that tells you your dog is feeling the stimulation.
Your dog may also be out of range for stimulation. Many factors can impact your range including terrain, weather, vegetatio and transmissions from other radio devices. If your range has reduced from the first time you used it, please check to see if the battery is low in either the Handheld Device or E-Collar module. If you notice your operating time dropping to about half the original time, your E-Collar Module battery needs to be replaced. Contact our Customer Care Center at (800)732-0144.
A:
To prevent injury to your pet, please read and follow this important safety information!
Please read and follow the instructions in the manual. 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 can not 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.