SpotOn GPS Fence Dog Collar Fence User Guide
- June 5, 2024
- SpotOn
Table of Contents
User Guide
Freedom for your dog. And you.
Congratulations—to you and your dog! You’ll both have a more carefree life,
now that you can easily create custom fences of almost any size and shape.
Don’t want to read this booklet? Use our app.
All of the instructions and tips are there, too.
Getting Started
How SpotOn works
With the SpotOn GPS Fence, your dog can roam free within a designated area.
Our ingenious SpotOn System is the key. Put it on your dog when he’s outside,
and its patented True Location™ GPS technology helps keep him within a custom
GPS fence that you create. Build custom fences anywhere you wish—in your yard
and beyond. You’ll use the app to set up SpotOn and create your first fence.
Simply walk the boundary with the collar in hand and SpotOn automatically
creates the fence.
Then you’ll teach your dog to know that the collar’s dog-friendly tones mean
he is near the boundary. This, coupled with vibration and static correction
feedback will help him stay inside the GPS fence.
Plus, see your dog’s location —any time, from anywhere—in the app when you
have a cellular signal.* And if your dog ever leaves the GPS fence area,
you’ll get notified on your phone.
Collar setup is easy. Use your phone to connect to the collar using Bluetooth.
The app will lead you through the steps to connect SpotOn to your phone.
*To update your dog’s location and receive collar notifications SpotOn requires its own cellular subscription to communicate with your phone. We offer a free trial as an extra level of protection while your dog is learning the fence. Visit spotonfence.com for more information.
What’s in the box
Fit the collar
SpotOn—available in S, M, and L—will fit most dogs that weigh 15 pounds or
more and have a neck size between 10 inches and 26 inches.
SpotOn should be fitted to your dog like a regular collar. Use the adjustable
strap so it fits snugly but lets you comfortably fit two fingers between the
collar and your dog’s neck.
Tuck any excess strap underneath the collar. Once you’ve found the proper fit
for your dog (and if your dog is fully grown), you can trim the excess collar
strap.
If it doesn’t fit, please email us at
support@spotonfence.com. When properly
fitted, the GPS antenna should sit on the back of the dog’s neck so the GPS
icon is facing the sky.
Setup
STEP 1: Set up the collar and app
A. Gather the items you’ll need
- SpotOn collar
- Wall charger
- Charger cable
- Charging base
Set aside the other accessories for now.
B. Turn the collar on
Press and hold the Power Button until the LED starts flashing white.
Then, the LED will turn to solid red and turn off after a few seconds.
C. Charge the collar
- Put the collar in the charging base
- Connect the charger cable to the charging base and the wall charger, then plug in the wall charger.
Once connected, the LED status indicator will slowly flash green, telling you that the battery is charging. The LED will turn off after about 30 seconds. It will take about an hour to fully charge the collar. See page 25 for more information on charging.
D. Download our app
While SpotOn is charging, download the SpotOn GPS Fence app then follow the
steps to create an account and register your collar.
https://qrcodes.pro/ZjnErx
https://qrcodes.pro/zRAbLN
STEP 2: Create and test a fence
To build a virtual fence, you’ll first plan the boundary and then walk your
collar along the boundary (without your dog). As you walk, SpotOn
automatically creates the fence.
A. Important Fence Guidelines
Before you create a fence, know these crucial guidelines.
Scan the QR code to watch the video. (The guidelines are in the app, too, if
you’d rather follow along there.)
Allow for the fence alert/warning zone
When you create a fence, SpotOn builds in an alert and warning zone about 10 feet inside the boundary that you walk. As your dog enters this zone, SpotOn makes a series of tones. You’ll train your dog to understand these tones are the fence boundary.
Allow for fence boundary drift
SpotOn is more accurate than the GPS on your smartphone, but like all GPS
systems, it can be affected by buildings, hills, heavy tree cover, the number
of satellites detected, and other factors. This means your fence boundary can
shift by 3-10 feet throughout the day.
Minimum property size ½ acre
Because of the warning zone and fence boundary drift, fences built on
properties that are less than ½ acre won’t provide enough open space for your
dog to roam.
Minimum width for fence area
To provide enough space for your dog to roam keep the distance between fence
boundaries at least 80 feet wide at the narrowest point.
Minimum distance from roads and hazards
Set boundaries at least 15 feet away from roads or any other hazardous areas.
Minimum width for a passageway
Buildings can interfere with GPS signals. To create a passageway between the
front and backyard along with a house, make sure there are at least 30 feet
between the fence and your home or any other structure.
Keep the house inside the fence
To allow your dog to enter your home without being corrected, make sure the
house is inside the fenced area. For a fence that only covers the front or
back yard be sure to run the fence boundary along the outside of the house.
This allows your dog to enter the house without being corrected.
Use Pause to fence through obstacles
Hit an obstacle you can’t walk through, like a pond or thick brush? Using the app press Pause to manually drop your next fence post, go around the obstacle, and then press resume. SpotOn will snap a fence line between fence posts.
Use Pause for Fences larger than 5 acres
For large fences of 5 acres or more, use the Pause function to manually
control the number of fence posts, so you don’t run out. This will also reduce
the fence file size and help the fence load faster.
Using the app start at one boundary point, press Pause, and then walk (or
drive) to the next point. Tap Resume and the system will snap a fence line
between fence posts.
PRO TIP:
The app will automatically inform you when you have used half of your fence
posts.
B. Create the fence
You’ll need a fully-charged collar and your phone to create a fence. Follow
the instructions in the app to connect your phone to the collar and create the
fence.
As you walk SpotOn automatically places one virtual fence post about every 5 feet. You don’t need to walk in straight lines—the boundary can be curved if needed. And if you stand still for a moment SpotOn will wait until you move.
C. Complete and save the fence
When you approach the starting point the app will automatically inform you to
tap finish. SpotOn will complete the fence and then ask you to name it. You
can save up to 10 separate fences at any time. Using the app, select and
upload the desired fence to the collar.
NOTE:
It’s important to tap Finish before you reach the starting point. If you don’t
your fence may not be properly saved.
PRO TIP:
Need a fence larger than 5 acres? First create a smaller fence so it’s easier
to test boundaries.
You can also create an instant circular fence. Using the app, select Create a
Fence and then select Circular Fence.
D. Test the fence
Once you’ve saved a fence, you’ll need to confirm the boundaries.
- Hold the collar and stand well inside the fenced area, at least 20 feet from the boundary.
- Walk toward the boundary and when you’re about 10 feet away, you will hear the alert tone. Then at about 5 feet from the boundary, you’ll hear the warning tone.
- Finally, the collar will vibrate once you reach the boundary.
NOTE:
If you choose to use static correction for your dog, it will also be applied
at the boundary.
STEP 3: Train your dog
Now it’s time to get your dog ready for a life unleashed! That means training
him to recognize alert and warning tones.
It’ll take a little commitment and consistency. Stick with it and you’ll have
success like so many SpotOn owners before you.
Watch training video
https://qrcodes.pro/JBEW5C
Recommended training schedule:15 minutes a day, for a week or 2.
That’s how long it takes a dog, on average, to learn.
All dogs are different, so don’t worry if your dog takes a little longer. Keep
training sessions quick and fun to lessen stress on your dog—and you.
PRO TIP:
Check out the app for more training information.
Need some extra training support? Contact
training@spotonfence.com to learn more
about a remote training session with one of our SpotOn expert trainers.
A. Set and test static correction
Want to use optional static correction? You must attach static correction
contact points to the collar. Two sizes are included so you can choose the
right ones for your dog— short for short-haired or long for long-haired dogs.
To install, screw the probes into the back of the collar and tighten them with
the included tool.
Go to Collar Settings in the app and choose from 30 levels of static
correction to fit your dog’s unique needs.
NOTE:
When setting static correction, it is important to start at level 1 and work
your way up, based on how your dog responds. See Train Your Dog in the help
section of the app.
B. Set vibration feedback
Vibration Feedback provides an alternative to static correction at the fence
boundary or an extra level of protection used with static correction. Go to
Collar Settings in the app to turn the vibration on or off.
Using SpotOn
Before going outdoors
Each day, be sure the system is ready to go before you put the collar on your
dog. You can check the status on the collar or on the app.
Checking collar status
Press and immediately release the Power Button. The LED Status Indicator will
turn it on for a few seconds, then turn it off.
| LED Status Indicator | Status | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Solid White | The system is ready to go. Fence activated; the collar has a GPS | |
| signal. | Put the collar on your dog, then send him outside. | |
| Flashing White | A fence is active, but no GPS signal. | Move outdoors and wait |
a few moments for SpotOn to get a GPS signal.
Solid Red| The system is not ready.| See the app for details.
The fence may be inactive, or the collar may have a low battery.
Coming indoors
When your dog is inside, remove the collar and put it in the charging station
so it’s always powered up for next time.
Warning:
If the collar is in “Forest Mode,” always take it off your dog when coming
indoors and deactivate the fence to avoid the risk of your dog receiving a
false correction.
Battery and charging
To make sure that SpotOn is always ready to go, simply keep it on the charger
while your dog is indoors.
It takes about an hour to fully charge the battery. Once fully charged, the collar’s battery provides about 18 hours of containment and about 12 hours of tracking time.
Check charge status
Make sure the collar is placed in the charging base and connected to AC power.
Press and immediately release the Power Button. The LED Status Indicator will
turn on for about thirty seconds, then turn off.
NOTE:
You can also use the app to connect to the collar and check the charge status.
| LED Indicator | Charge Status |
|---|---|
| Solid Green | The system is fully charged |
| Flashing Green | System is charging |
Turn on/off
To turn the system on, press and hold the Power Button until the LED starts
flashing white. Then, the LED will turn to solid red and turn off after a few
seconds.
To turn the system off, press and hold the Power Button until the LED status
indicator turns off.
PRO TIP:
There’s no need to turn the system off, even when charging, so it’s always
ready to use. If you do power down you’ll need to use the app to connect to
the collar and select and activate the fence the next time you turn the system
on.
Tree coverage (Forest Mode)
Dense tree cover (where you cannot see portions of the sky through the trees)
may affect GPS reception. Forest mode improves the collar’s performance in
those circumstances. Refer to collar settings in the app.
Warning:
If the collar is in “Forest Mode,” always take it off your dog when coming
indoors and deactivate the fence to avoid the risk of your dog receiving a
false correction.
Care and maintenance
SpotOn is waterproof to IP67 standards. Before using it in wet environments,
make sure the collar doesn’t have any nicks, cuts, cracks, or other damage
that might let water inside.
Rinse the collar with tap water and pat dry after exposure to dirt, mud,
saltwater, or pool water.
Troubleshooting
If you experience a problem, please refer to the table below or the help section of the app. If you’re unable to resolve the issue, give us a call at 603-488-1504.
| Symptom | Solution |
|---|---|
| The collar doesn’t power on | Place the collar on the charger and allow the |
system to charge for about an hour.
Collar won’t charge| Confirm that collar is fully seated in the charging base
and that the cable and wall charger is connected. Connect the USB cable to a
different power supply.
Make sure charge contacts on the collar and charging base are free of any dirt
or debris.
Use a different USB cable.
Connect to a different AC power source.
I’m not receiving
notifications.
I’m not able to activate tracking or refresh my dog’s location.| Check to be
sure you have a cellular subscription, and it is activated.
www.spotonfence.com/pages/subscription
Symptom| Solution
---|---
The collar LED status indicator is solid white| The system is ready to go. Put
the collar on your dog, then send him outside.
The collar LED status indicator is red| See the app for details. Use the app
to connect to the collar. The fence may be inactive, or the collar may have a
low battery.
The collar LED status indicator is flashing white| Move outdoors and wait a
few moments for SpotOn to get a GPS signal. Connect to the collar and see an
app for details.
Poor GPS signal| Move outdoors and wait a few minutes, making sure the GPS
antenna is pointing toward the sky.
My dog is escaping the fenced area| Refer to the training section of the app
for more information or give us a call.
I’m not sure if static correction is working| Using the app, connect to the
collar to confirm that the fence is active and static correction has been
activated. Then attach the contact point tester to the contact points. Walk
toward the boundary. When you reach the boundary the contact point tester
should glow orange. If not, please give us a call.
Symptom| Solution
---|---
I’m not able to connect to my collar using the app| Move the collar and phone
to within a few feet of each other and be sure Bluetooth is activated on your
phone.
Note: The Bluetooth connection is used for collar set-up, fence creation,
and while you train your dog. Keep the collar and phone within 50 feet of each
other during these activities.
Collar needs to be updated| The app will indicate if a software update is
available. Follow the instructions to update your collar.
Have a question? We’ll fetch the answer!
You can reach us by:
Call us at 603-488-1504 or Email at
support@spotonfence.com.
You can also browse the help section in our app.
Regulatory Information
Regulatory information is included on the product label.
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. See 47 CFR Sec.
15.19.
This device complies with Industry Canada’s license-exempt RSS. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause
interference; and (2) This device must accept any interference, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
SpotOn has been tested and meets applicable limits for human radio frequency
(RF) exposure per the FCC.
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) refers to the rate at which the human body
absorbs RF energy. The SAR limit is 1.6 watts per kilogram in countries that
set the limit averaged over 1 gram of tissue. During SAR testing, SpotOn
radios are set to their highest transmission levels and placed in positions
that simulate typical worst-case use conditions when near the body of a
person.
SpotOn has not approved any changes or modifications to this device by the
user. Any changes or modifications could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment. See 47 CFR Sec. 15.21.
Terms of Use
This product, associated mobile application, and website are owned by OnPoint
Systems, LLC (D/B/A SpotOn Fence). By using any of them, you agree to the
terms and conditions outlined at https://www.spotonfence.com/pages/terms-of-
use.
Please read these terms carefully.
In order to provide you with a better experience, we may view or collect
personally identifying information about you. Please read our Privacy Policy
at https://spotonfence.com/pages/privacy-policy for details. We contract
with other companies who provide us with certain services, including, without
limitation, hosting, market research, data analytics, third-party
advertising, promotions management, and payment processing. We provide these
companies with only the information they need to perform their services and
require them to ensure that your privacy is protected. These companies are
prohibited by contract from using this information for their own marketing
purposes or from sharing this information with anyone other than SpotOn Fence.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by
Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by SpotOn is under license.
Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
© 2021 SpotOn Fence. All rights reserved.
References
- The World’s Most Innovative Dog Fence – SpotOn GPS Fence
- Privacy Policy Updated June 2021 – SpotOn
- Subscription – SpotOn
- Terms of Use – SpotOn