® OWNER ’S GUIDE
Thank You for Purchasing R E M O T E T R A I N E R by DogWatch At DogWatch, Inc., “It’s all about your dog.”™ Whether you own one of our BigLeash Remote Trainers or one of our great Hidden Fence products, you can be assured that you have purchased the most technologically advanced pet containment and pet training products available. Our extensive research and testing has resulted in products that are safe for your pet while helping you keep your pet safe.
Table Of Contents Important Safeguards .........................................................................................2 Getting Started .....................................................................................................3 Charging the Transmitter and Receiver Collar ......................................................3 Turning the Transmitter and Receiver “On” and “Off” ..........................................3 Transmitter Features..............................................
Important Safeguards TO GET THE MOST FROM YOUR BIGLEASH® REMOTE TRAINER, PLEASE FOLLOW THE PROCEDURES IN THIS MANUAL. ■ It is important to understand the training process before using the trainer. ■ Be consistent with your dog. Inconsistent cues (verbal and non-verbal) will confuse your dog. A confused dog will have difficulty figuring out what you want him to learn. ■ Attempting to service the system yourself may invalidate the warranty.
Getting Started Charging the Transmitter and Receiver Collar FULLY CHARGE THE TRANSMITTER AND THE RECEIVER COLLAR BEFORE USING THE FIRST TIME. ■ ■ Both the transmitter and the receiver use a rechargable lithium polymer battery. To charge the batteries, plug the power adaptor into an electrical outlet and insert the other end securely into the charging port. Use the “Y” connector to charge both batteries at the same time. • The batteries take approximately 3-4 hours to charge.
Transmitter Features The BigLeash® Remote Trainer is the only remote trainer with two-way communication between the transmitter and the receiver collar. 1 Lanyard Loop 2 3 LCD Display Antenna 5 7 4 Correction Level Adjustment 8 Correction Button C (Continuous) Collar 1/Collar 2 Correction Button B (Brief) Correction Button A (Audible / Vibration) 6 9 On/Off Alignment Markers ▲ ▲▲ Transmitter Features 1. Lanyard Loop ■ 10 Charging Port A lanyard is supplied with each transmitter. 2.
3. LCD Display The LCD display on your transmitter lets you know your system is operating properly. The LCD display illuminates briefly when the transmitter is turned on or when one of the command buttons is pushed. ■ Collar 1/Collar 2 Icon Indicates which collar is receiving the signal when working with 2 dogs.
4. Correction Level Adjustment Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to the right of the LCD screen to adjust the correction level. ■ The correction levels can be adjusted up or down by pressing the correction level adjustment buttons. ■ Start at level 1 and increase the intensity level until you notice a reaction from your dog; a quick head shake, looking down, even flicking an ear. You must be focused on your dog when doing this. When you see the reaction, that is the level to start training.
Switching from Audible Mode to Vibration Mode With the BigLeash, you have the option of using the “A” Correction Button for either an Audible signal or a Vibration signal. The mode you select will depend on your dog and your personal preference. When working with 2 dogs, the two collars are set independently. TO SWITCH BETWEEN AUDIBLE AND VIBRATION: ■ Turn the transmitter and the receiver collar “on”. Set to Collar 1 or Collar 2, as appropriate. ■ Set the correction level to “0”.
Receiver Features The BigLeash® Receiver is attached to a dog collar and receives the commands from the handheld transmitter. Battery Status Light The BigLeash Receiver Collar Contact Posts and charging port on the back of The BigLeash Receiver Collar The BigLeash collar is waterproof for all-weather, year-round use. ■ Adjusting the Receiver Collar Proper collar fit is important for successful training. ■ ■ • Tighten the buckle so the contact posts fit snuggly against your dog’s neck.
General Training Considerations Understanding the Purpose of Training Training is a method of changing your dog’s behavior. If used properly, your BigLeash Remote Trainer will help you train your dog more effectively. Your remote trainer can be used to train your dog in two ways: 1. To reinforce appropriate behaviors such as “Come”, “Sit”, and “Stay.” 2. To eliminate inappropriate behaviors such as jumping, digging and excessive barking.
Getting the Most From Your BigLeash® Remote Trainer ■ Appropriate and Proper Use As with any training program, appropriate and proper use of the training tools is directly related to the success of the training. ■ • The remote trainer is not a short cut or a “punishment” tool. It should be used to train your dog to avoid unwanted behavior and to reinforce the training, not as a way to punish him for bad behavior. • Keep your training sessions short, especially early in the training.
■ Consistency and Timing • Consistency is critical for successful training. • Timing of the correction is also critical. The correction must occur at the time of the behavior. If the behavior is not occurring when the correction occurs, the dog will not associate the correction with the behavior. If you want your dog to stop digging in the yard, the correction must occur while the dog is digging . . . not later when you find the hole.
Preparing to Use the Remote Trainer ■ Fitting the Receiver Collar • Before you begin training, be sure the receiver collar fits properly. • The collar should be worn snugly on your dog’s neck. This is extremely important! If the collar is too loose, your dog will not receive the signal. You should be able to place no more than your thumb between the contact posts and the dog’s neck.
Obedience Training Obedience Training Basics ■ ■ Plan Your Training for Success • Make sure your dog understands basic commands such as “come”, “sit” and “stay”. If he understands the command but does not always obey, the remote trainer can be used to reinforce the appropriate response to the command (i.e., if he responds appropriately, he turns-off or avoids the correction.) If he does not have a basic understanding of the command, the remote trainer will not be effective.
Behavior Training After your dog understands the basic obedience commands, you are ready to begin more specific behavior training with your BigLeash® Remote Trainer. All of the general and obedience training basics also apply to behavior training.
Examples of Specific Behaviors Training Methods There are several training approaches used by professional dog trainers. When using a remote trainer, some trainers advocate preceeding the correction with a voice command and/or audible/vibration warning; others believe that some behaviors are eliminated more effectively if there is no preceeding verbal command or audible/vibration warning. Whichever training approach you use, the key is to be consistent.
Jumping on Furniture • You can train your dog to stay off of ALL furniture; or you can limit your training to specific furniture. Regardless, it is crucial that you are consistent. Any furniture that is ‘off limits’ should ALWAYS be ‘off limits.’ • Timing is important. Apply a correction the moment your dog starts to climb on the furniture. • Your dog should associate the act of jumping on the furniture with the correction so he will avoid the selected furniture in the future.
Troubleshooting ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ The Remote Trainer Does Not Seem To Be Working • Check to see that both the transmitter and receiver are turned “on”. • Check to make sure the batteries in both the transmitter and the receiver are charged. • Note: Neither the transmitter nor the receiver will operate when connected to the power adaptor. Dog Does Not Seem To Respond • Check to see that the collar is snug and that the ends of the contact posts are touching your dog’s neck. • Check the correction level.
Warranty & Repair Warranty Registration Your Warranty Registration information must be sent to DogWatch within 30 days of purchase to activate your warranty. You may fill out the enclosed Warranty Registration card and mail it to DogWatch Inc., or you may complete your warranty registration online at www.dogwatch.com. To activate Warranty coverage, register online at: www.dogwatch.com - or - www.bigleash.com WARRANTY DogWatch Inc.
Warranty Procedures and Guidelines ■ DogWatch Inc. provides a two (2) year limited warranty from the date of purchase on both parts and labor for the transmitter and receiver. ■ DogWatch Inc. provides a one (1) year warranty from the date of purchase on parts and labor for batteries. ■ Accessories such as chargers and splitter cables carry a one (1) year warranty. ■ Warranty does not cover repairs or replacement due to misuse by the owner or dog, improper maintenance or lost units.
Adding a Second Receiver Collar Every transmitter comes with two dog-capability. Your transmitter is pre-set for use with one dog but can easily be programmed for use with two dogs. To use the BigLeash Remote Trainer with two dogs, you must have a receiver collar for the second dog (Collar 2). Collar 2 is not included with the system for the first dog; it must be purchased separately.
DogWatch, DogWatch logos, BigLeash, and It’s All About Your Dog are Registered Trademarks of DogWatch, Inc. The Consumers Digest logo and Best Buy Seal are Trademarks of Consumers Digest and are used under license. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
If you have questions about any DogWatch® product or if you need to locate a local DogWatch representative, please check our website at www.dogwatch.com or contact Customer Service at 800-793-3436, x622. 10 Michigan Drive, Natick, MA 01760 P.
