Perry Fencing

DogWatch - Troubleshooting

Below are troubleshooting tips that should help you find answers to the most commonly asked questions about DogWatch products. If you don't find the information you need here, we can help! Contact us.

Your DogWatch Hidden Fence includes an Owner's Guide with useful information about changing your battery, training steps, and programming your receiver. If you've misplaced your Owner's Guide, you can view and print a pdf of it by clicking on the appropriate link below.

If you need the free Adobe Acrobat pdf Reader software, go to www.adobe.com and download the application.

Performance Series® Owner's Guide

GroundsKeeper™ Owner's Guide

Scoot! Owner's Guide

I-50 Indoor System Owner's Guide

Adjust the Collar

Adjust the collar as needed. Remember - collar fit is critical! Make sure the collar is on tightly enough to keep the posts in good contact with the dog's skin, about one finger width between posts and the dog's neck. Be sure dog's neck is down, in the sniffing position, as this is when the dog's neck is the smallest.  But also check that the contact post are not too tight, as this will cause rubbing and irritation on your dogs neck!  Also, as your dog grows, he may need a new size collar too! During colder months, your dog's fur may be thicker and you may need to trim the fur under the collar to ensure effectiveness. 

Test the Battery

A battery tester is included with your system. Place the tester on the collar and hold it up to the transmitter or walk out to your boundary line.  A light on the battery tester and audible tone on the receiver confirms that the collar is operating properly. If you get the audible warning but not a light, replace the battery, if this does not solve it, contact your dealer to see if problem is with the receiver itself. Please contact your dealer for batteries. Remember using any other battery than DogWatch will void your warranty.

Check Contact Posts and Transmitter

Check contact posts and the battery cap  to be sure they are not loose. Also, check that contact post are not rubbing your dog's neck.  Make sure transmitter lights are on and working properly. 

For FM Transmitters:

The red light shows you have AC power to the system, the blinking green light shows there are no breaks in the wire. Newer models (after January 2005) have a steady green loop light. If you have a wire break, the blinking green light (or steady green light) will go out and an audible warning will sound.

For AM Transmitters:

The red light shows you have AC power to the system, the green* light shows there are no breaks in the wire.

The green loop light will blink quickly when the Rate is set on "1". When the Rate is set on "2" the green loop light will blink slowly and when the Rate is on "3" the green loop light will be a steady green light. It will no longer blink.

If a wire break occurs, the green light will go out and you will hear an audible chirping sound.

Note: AM transmitters are labeled T300.

If both lights go out on either your FM or AM transmitter, you may have experienced a lightning surge. If your transmitter is plugged into a GFI outlet, reset it and your transmitter will operate. If you still experience problems, contact your dealer for assistance.

Know where your wire is buried

Use the training flags to mark your yard before any landscaping is done. You can locate your underground wire by using the receiver collar. You will receive a layout drawing after installation indicating where your wire is layed.

Hold the receiver at the dog's neck height (at your knees) and hold the receiver with the contact posts up. Walk perpendicular toward the boundary wire. When you first hear the audible tone only, mark the area with a training flag. Walk to the opposite side of the boundary and walk back in toward the boundary wire. When you first hear the audible tone, mark the area with a flag. The middle distance between where you placed the flags should be where the wire is buried, give or take a few inches. If you continue to walk toward the boundary wire, you will hear both the audible tone and correction beeps. Depending how wide the avoidance range is, depends on the distance between the flags. Be sure your range is set correctly on the transmitter. The range can be set up to 6 feet on either side of the boundary wire. You can also refer to your Instructional DVD or see "Signal Range" below.

Signal Range

The dial for adjusting the range is located on the right side of transmitter. Depending on the size of your property and needs of your dog, signal range may vary from the boundary wire. Your dealer has adjusted the range that is most suitable for your dog and yard.

Be aware that the signal range dial is very senstive. Changing the signal field can significantly compromise the effectiveness of the boundary loop, so you should not change this setting unless your dealer recommends it.

Pets Need Time Off

Remember to remove the collar at night. If your dog stays outside, periodically remove the collar and check for irritation.

In addition to your local dealer, DogWatch Customer Service is always available to help you troubleshoot your system.