DogWatch 1200Fence Outdoor Hidden Dog Fence User Guide

DogWatch 1200Fence Outdoor Hidden Dog Fence

HIDDEN FENCE INSTALLATION

Installation Basics
The fence is created by burying a wire in your yard. Your DogWatch Dealer will work with you to establish the best configuration for you, your dog and your yard.

The Hidden Fence Transmitter sends a coded digital FM radio signal through a wire buried in your yard (the boundary wire). The wire is buried 3-4” beneath the surface of the yard or can lie on top of the ground (e.g. in wooded or rocky areas.) It is not electrified, so it can also be installed in water (streams, in lakes, etc.)
The boundary wire can enclose up to 200 acres. It can be configured to enclose all or part of your yard. It can be used to keep your pets inside the boundary and/or out of designated areas such as the pool, your garden or other areas.
To work properly, the boundary wire must form a continuous loop. A twisted wire cancels the signal and can be used in locations where you want the dog to be able to cross the wire without receiving a warning signal or correction, such as where the wire travels from the house to the boundary perimeter.

Signal Field

The signal field is typically set at 3 to 6 feet (each side of the wire) but can be set from 1 to 10 feet (each side). The signal field is adjusted by the Range Control on the Transmitter. Your Dealer will determine an appropriate signal field for your pets and will set the Transmitter accordingly.

Your Hidden Fence Transmitter is mounted on a wall near a power outlet. The Transmitter is connected to your boundary wire through a surge protector (as shown below) which prevents lightning power surges from damaging your system.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS & REMINDERS

• Never adjust the Transmitter while your dog is wearing the receiver collar.
• If you adjust the SIGNAL RANGE on the Transmitter, be sure you check the signal range in the yard before letting your dog out. Your dog will need to learn where the new avoidance zone begins.
• Keep the Transmitter and receiver collar out of reach of children.
• Never attempt to make repairs to the Transmitter or receiver collar yourself.
• Be sure your Transmitter and surge protector are properly grounded.
• Fit the collar snugly around your dog’s neck. It should be touching the skin without creating pressure where it touches.
• Remove the collar regularly to check the dog’s neck for irritation. We recommend removing the collar when the dog is inside at night. Pressure sores may develop if the collar is too tight or left on for long periods without removal or repositioning.
• Make sure the battery is inserted correctly and working.
• Train your dog as instructed by your Dealer.

1200FENCE FEATURES & SETTINGS

Hidden Fence Transmitter

The Transmitter’s coded digital FM radio signal can be adjusted, allowing you to control the settings of the Hidden Fence around your property.

Never adjust the transmitter while your dog is wearing the receiver collar.

1. Power On/Off: This switch gives you easy access to turn the Transmitter ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’. The Power light on the front panel lets you know that it is operating properly.

2. Power Supply: The Transmitter is powered by the power supply/adapter provided with the Transmitter. The power supply is plugged into a properly grounded 110 volt outlet and the adapter is plugged into the “PWR” jack on
   the bottom of the Transmitter.

3. Ground Wire: The green ground wire connects to the Transmitter at the location labeled “GND.” The wire is grounded through your power supply. It will, however, only be effective if your outlet is properly grounded. If you have any questions about having a properly grounded outlet, consult your local electrician.

4. Boundary Loop Plug: Your system includes a zip cord with a plug on one end. This plug fits into the hole marked “Loop” on the bottom of the Transmitter. This is the beginning of the boundary wire that is buried in your yard.

5. Range Control: The radio signal is transmitted from the boundary wire in all directions. The signal range (the distance the signal broadcasts from the wire) is adjusted by the Range Control on the transmitter. The recommended signal range (on each side of the wire) is 6-10 feet. Your DogWatch Dealer will adjust the range according to the personality and traits of your dog. Consult your DogWatch Dealer before making any adjustments yourself. ]

1200FENCE RECEIVER COLLAR FEATURES

1200Fence Collar
The components and features of both the R12 (below) and the R12mini (R12m) are the same except the R12m is smaller and uses a different battery with a shorter battery life.

Batteries

Resetting the Low Battery Light

1. Remove the old battery.
2. Before inserting a new battery, let the receiver collar sit for five minutes with no battery. (If you forget to wait prior to inserting a new battery, the “low battery” light will continue to blink red until it automatically resets itself after 24 hours.)
3. After five minutes, insert the new battery.

Battery Insertion Instructions

R12: 3.6 volt lithium battery.
2-year battery life with normal use. Insert battery POSITIVE end down.

R12m: 3.0 volt (1/3N) lithium battery.
6-month battery life with normal use. Insert battery NEGATIVE end down.

IMPORTANT: The use of any battery other than a battery authorized by DogWatch Inc. can cause erratic operation of the receiver collar and could cause permanent damage. The use of any unauthorized battery will void the Warranty on the receiver collar.

1. Battery: R12 = 3.6 volt lithium. R12mini = 3.0 volt (1/3N) lithium.
2. Battery Cap: Our waterproof battery cap protects your battery from the elements. Remove using the Battery Cap tool (#6).
3. Status Light: The Status Light provides information about battery status and is used to determine training levels.
4. Training Level Adjustment Location: Your receiver provides four Training Levels: Audible Only, Level 1 (extra low), Level 2 (low), Level 3 (medium), Level 4 (high). When the receiver is first shipped from the manufacturer, it will automatically be set to Training Level 2 (low).
5. Magnet: The Magnet on your multi-tool is used to adjust the Training Level.
6. Battery Cap Tool: This is used to tighten or remove the battery cap.
7. Contact Post Wrench: Use to securely fasten Contact Posts.
8. Test Light: The test light allows you to test the receiver. Hold the test light over the contact posts and carry the receiver into the signal field a few feet from the ground. When the receiver picks up the correction signal from the boundary wire, the test light will come on.
9. Collar Bone: The Collar Bone, metal lock washers and contact posts fasten the receiver to the nylon collar. (A Collar Bone is not used with the GentleFit™ posts.)
10. Lock Washers: See #9.
11. Contact Posts: The receiver comes with a set of stainless steel contact posts. Conductive plastic GentleFit™ contact posts may be purchased separately if preferred or if recommended by your Dealer. Use care if you find it necessary to tighten the contact posts, as over-tightening could cause damage to the receiver.

The contact posts must touch the skin for the dog to feel the correction. Your DogWatch Dealer will determine the correct contact posts based on your dog’s coat, neck shape, and skin sensitivity. 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.
To prevent skin irritation from the contact posts, we recommend removing the collar at night and/or when not in use. Prolonged use of the collar or a collar that is too tight may lead to pressure sores, especially if the dog has sensitive skin.

Status Light
The status light on your 1200Fence receiver provides these features.

• Start-Up When you first insert the battery, 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 once every 40 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/beeps 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 collar is in the audible zone and will flash red and green when the receiver collar is in the correction zone.
• Battery Indicator This feature monitors the voltage level of the battery. Once the receiver collar detects that the battery has reached a low voltage level, the status light will change from blinking green every 40 seconds 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.

Setting the Receiver Levels

The 1200Fence receivers have 4 LEVELS OF CORRECTION plus Audible Only.
Your DogWatch Dealer will start the training on the appropriate level according to your dog’s personality and traits. As training continues and your dog adjusts
to the Hidden Fence, the settings may need to be adjusted.
If you need to change the training level on the receiver, hold the magnet on your Multi-Tool to the training level adjustment location on the side of the receiver
(as shown below). Hold the magnet steady and you will hear a series of beeps that indicate the current training level. The training level will begin to advance while the magnet is held in position. When you reach the desired setting, pull the magnet away from the receiver.

“Audible Only” = 1 long beep Level 1 = one short beep
Level 2 = two short beeps
Level 3 = three short beeps
Level 4 = four short beeps
Use the magnet on the multi-tool to set the training level on the receiver.

When the magnet activates the receiver, the number of beeps indicates the current training level. As long as the magnet is held in place, it will advance through the training level settings in the order shown above. (Note: Any magnet will activate the receiver.)
Multiple Dogs: The 1200Fence allows you to select a different training level for each receiver collar on the system so you can have a different level for each dog.

TRAINING TIPS & REMINDERS

1. Never call your dog to “come” or give a recall command when you are outside the flag line.

2. Never walk your dog through the flags during the training process.

3. Always reinforce the retreat concept by shaking the flag while saying
   “Watch out!” and commanding “back-back-back” when your dog receives an audible warning or a correction during the training process.

4. Keep the training consistent: 15 to 20 minutes once or twice a day.

5. NEVER throw a stick or toy into the Avoidance Zone.

6. ALWAYS maintain a positive attitude when training your dog.
   To prevent skin irritation, remove the collar at night and/or when not in use. Check the neck area regularly for skin irritation.

If your dog is not staying within the boundary, check the following:

• Did you and your dog complete the Dealer-recommended training program?
• Does the battery in the receiver collar need to be replaced?
• Is the receiver collar too loose?
• Is the receiver collar operating properly?
• Is the Transmitter on and adjusted properly?
• Is the signal field too narrow?
• Is the Rate level too low?
• Is the Training Mode switch in the proper position?
• Is the boundary wire unplugged?
• Is the boundary wire broken?

The Training Guide and additional Troubleshooting Tips are available from your DogWatch Dealer or at:
www.dogwatch.com/customer-resources

Important
Never change the Receiver settings when your dog is wearing the receiver collar.

PET-FRIENDLY™ CONTAINMENT TRAINING

Containment Training Reminders
Purpose: To teach your dog where the boundary is and how to react to it.

1. Only a portion of the yard, the Avoidance Zone, is to be avoided.
2. Playtime is very important! Remember to reinforce the Safety Zone and play with your dog before, during, and after each training session.
3. Never throw a ball or toy into the Avoidance Zone during training.
4. Your DogWatch Dealer will determine the most appropriate training approach for your dog. It is important to work with your Dealer to make sure you understand the training plan.

The following steps describe a general training approach. Your Dealer may modify the approach described in this manual in order to meet the specific training needs of your dog. There are many successful training approaches that may be used. If you have questions about containment training, please contact your DogWatch Dealer for assistance.

PHASE 1 (1-2 days)
Audible “Beep” Training (or Vibration)

During this phase, the Training Level on the receiver is set to “Audible Only”. On this setting, your dog will hear only the audible “beep” tone (or feel the vibration) and will not receive a correction if he enters the Avoidance Zone.

1. Put the receiver collar on your dog 20 minutes before training. Your dog’s regular collar should be positioned below the DogWatch collar.
2. Clip the green DogWatch training leash on his regular collar.
3. Take your dog outside and play with him in the Safety Zone for a few minutes.
4. Walk your dog around the perimeter of your yard, keeping inside the Safety Zone and away (about 3 to 4 feet) from the training flags.
5. When you finish the walk, approach a training flag. Hold the dog by the leash in one hand and slap or shake a flag with the other, warning the dog firmly (in a low stern voice) “Watch out! or “Careful!” You can also use a friend or family member to sit in the Avoidance Zone to shake the flag as you approach it.
6. Give the leash a firm tug, and quickly retreat into the Safety Zone. This creates a sense of urgency to the retreat. It is not a casual turn. Remember to use of lot of “Good dog!” praise after you’ve retreated into the Safety Zone.
7. Now walk your dog around the property allowing him to enter the Avoidance Zone between the two flags.
8. When your dog enters the Avoidance Zone, he will receive an audible “beep” (or vibration) warning. Immediately say, “Watch out!” and quickly tug on the leash and direct him back into the Safety Zone and praise.
9. Repeat several times in different locations (where flags are visible) and watch for hesitation as you approach the flags.
   Your dog may turn or shake his head when he hears the beep (or feels the vibration). Remember: Playtime is very important!

Praise and play with your dog in the Safety Zone for a few minutes. Take your dog inside and remove the receiver collar after about 20 minutes. Train your dog in this manner for a least two days before moving on to Phase 2.
NOTE: In the remainder of the Training section, if you have a receiver equipped with the Vibration feature: hear the audible “beep” = feel the vibration.

PHASE 2 (2-5 days) Introduction to Correction

1. Put the DogWatch receiver collar on your dog at least 20 minutes before going outside to train.

2. Clip on the green DogWatch training leash and take your dog outside and play a few minutes in the Safety Zone.

3. Walk around the complete perimeter, remaining inside the Safety Zone. Pause a few times along the way to slap a flag and say, “No!”

4. Your Dealer has set the receiver to the training level appropriate for your dog and has helped you introduce your dog to correction. Phase Two will help reinforce your dog’s new boundary and the consequences if he crosses the training flags. Select a new location to teach your dog today. Allow your dog to walk into the Avoidance Zone while saying the negative command. When your dog retreats out of the Avoidance Zone after he hears the warning “beep”, praise him for a few minutes in the Safety Zone. Select another location and repeat the exercise. If your dog does not react to the correction, first check to be sure the contact posts are touching the dog’s skin. If your dog still does not respond to the correction, contact your Dealer.
   Remember: Keep the training sessions to no longer than 15-20 minutes, once or twice a day.

5. After training, praise your dog and play with him in the Safety Zone for a few minutes, bring your dog into the house and remove the receiver collar after about 20 minutes.

Note: Do not remove the receiver collar immediately following the training so your dog does not associate the collar with the correction.

PHASE 3 (2-5 days) Introduction to Distractions

1. Put the receiver collar on your dog at least 20 minutes before going outside.
2. Clip on the green DogWatch training leash and take your dog outside and play a few minutes in the Safety Zone.
3. Walk around the Safety Zone and have an assistant (friend or family member) appear outside the Safety Zone at least 10 to 15 feet back from the flags. Walk past your assistant without speaking, but remain in the Safety Zone.
4. If your dog approaches your assistant and enters the Avoidance Zone, allow your dog to receive a correction. Say, “Watch out!” and tug him back into the Safety Zone.
5. Let your assistant leave, walk your dog around the perimeter again, and let your assistant appear again. Your assistant can call out the dog’s name, but do not allow your assistant to ask the dog to “Come”.
6. If your dog attempts to go over to your assistant, reinforce the flags and say, “No!” Repeat the exercise for no more than a total of 20 minutes.
7. If your dog makes no attempt to go over to your assistant, reinforce the flags, end the exercise and praise your dog in the Safety Zone.
8. Repeat the exercise for 2 to 5 days. Then move to Phase 4.

PHASE 4 (2-5 days)
Introduction to Increased Distractions

1. Put the receiver collar on your dog at least 20 minutes before going outside to train.
2. Clip on the green DogWatch training leash to your dog’s regular collar and take him outside. Play a few minutes in the Safety Zone.
3. Reinforce the flags.
4. Introduce “real life” distractions to your dog. Have a friend drop by or start training when the letter carrier or school bus is scheduled. Take extra care if you use a vehicle as a distraction.
5. Keep the dog on the leash when you first introduce the distraction. If your dog attempts to run past the flags and receives a correction, he should retreat to the Safety Zone. Praise and play with your dog.
6. If your dog retreats to the Safety Zone, drop the leash (but keep it within reach) and reintroduce the distraction. Praise and Play.
7. If your dog is afraid to move, pull him back into the Safety Zone. Continue to train with distractions for 2-5 days

Remember: Play and praise at the end of each training session.

PHASE 5 (2-5 days)
Letting Your Dog Off The Leash 

1. Put the receiver collar on your dog at least 20 minutes before going outside to train.
2. Clip on the green DogWatch training leash to your dog’s regular collar and take him outside and play a few minutes in the Safety Zone. Remove the training leash and let him run freely in the yard. Shake the flags to reinforce where his boundary is.
3. Important: Your dog will expand his comfort level over a period of time. Your dog should remain about 6 feet away from the flags when he is first let off the leash. Gradually your dog’s safety zone will increase to his individual level of comfort. Remove the flags, every other one, every other day.

What To Expect Off The Leash

1. Your dog will run toward the flags, see them and stop.
2. Your dog will run into the system, hear the “beep” warning and retreat.
3. Your dog will run into the system, hear the “beep” warning, receive a correction, and retreat.
4. In rare cases, your dog will run through the boundary.
   • Retrieve the dog. Take off the receiver collar and walk him back into the yard.
   • Bring the dog into the house and call your DogWatch Dealer. Additional flag training or an increase in correction level is necessary. Your DogWatch Dealer will instruct you over the phone or meet with you and your dog for additional training. Important: Do not punish the dog verbally for making errors. He’s still learning!

PHASE 6 (2-5 days)
Taking Your Dog Outside The Boundary 

Your Dealer will recommend when it is time to take your dog across the boundary for a walk. It is important to be consistent when taking your dog for a walk. Be sure to use your dog’s regular collar and leash and go to and from your walk using the same “exit” area. You can also pick up a small dog and carry him over the flagged boundary during the first weeks of training.

WARRANTY

Manufacturer’s Warranty
DogWatch Inc., subject to the terms and conditions set forth hereunder, hereby warrants that it will repair or replace, at its own discretion, without charge for parts or labor, the Product or any part thereof (other than insulated wire) which is found by DogWatch Inc. to be defective by reason of improper workmanship and/or materials for the warranty period from the original date of sale hereunder for as long as the original owner owns the Product. Warranty claims may be subject to Dealer service charges when applicable and/or manufacturer shipping and handling charges. Except for the express Warranty stated above, DogWatch Inc. disclaims all express and implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

As a condition of this Warranty, customer must:

• Submit your Warranty registration online at www.dogwatch.com/customer-resources within seven (7) days after purchase.
• Notify your authorized DogWatch Dealer or DogWatch Inc. of your claim within the Warranty period.
• Mail product, insurance and postage prepaid, to your authorized DogWatch Dealer or DogWatch Inc.

DogWatch Inc.’s sole liability under this Warranty will be to repair or replace, at its option, any product or part which DogWatch Inc. determines to be defective. In no event will DogWatch Inc. be liable for any special, indirect, or consequential damages arising out of the purchase or use of the product. In no event shall DogWatch Inc.’s liability exceed the purchase price of the product.

DEALER-INSTALLED WARRANTY: Any Hidden Fence™ Transmitter installed by an authorized Dealer, equipped with a DogWatch Lightning Surge Protector
and grounded to DogWatch Inc. specifications, for the Warranty period from the original date of sale hereunder for as long as the original owner owns the Product.

INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE: Dealer shall, for a non-refundable installation fee, install the Product. In no event shall Dealer or DogWatch Inc. be responsible for damage to underground pipes, wires, lines, or other items, nor shall Dealer or DogWatch Inc. be responsible for restoring Customer’s premises to its original condition.
DogWatch Inc., 10 Michigan Dr., Natick, MA 01760 800-793-3436 www.dogwatch.com

WARNINGS:

• YOU MUST TRAIN YOUR DOG IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR DEALER’S INSTRUCTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM TO BE EFFECTIVE.

• THE SYSTEM IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE WITH DOGS WITH A HISTORY
  OF AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR. BY SIGNING THE DEALER ORDER FORM, CUSTOMER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THEIR DOG(S) HAVE NO SUCH HISTORY.

• THE PRODUCT WILL NOT KEEP ALL DOGS WITHIN THE FENCED PREMISES IN ALL INSTANCES. IF CUSTOMER’S DOG(S) COULD CAUSE HARM TO ITSELF OR OTHERS INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE FENCED PREMISES, CUSTOMER SHOULD TAKE ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO RESTRAIN THEIR DOG(S).

For more information visit:
www.dogwatch.com

DogWatch, DogWatch logos, Performance Series, SafeLink, FastReact, AutoMemory, and It’s All About Your Dog are registered trademarks of DogWatch Inc. DogWatch Hidden Fence, DogWatch SmartFencing, DogWatch receiver collar, Pet- Friendly, PowerPak, Surrounding Pets With Freedom Since 1990, Simply The Best…No Getting Around It and Smart Products for Today’s Pets are Trademarks of DogWatch Inc.
DogWatch products are protected under U.S. Patent numbers: 6,079,367; 6,360,698; 6,467,435; 6,575,120; 6,825,768 and 8,006,649.

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