PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence System

Overview

Key Definitions

Operating Guide

Training Guide

Overview
This Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fencing System has been proven safe, comfortable, and effective for all pets over 8 pounds. The system works by producing a radio signal from the Fence Transmitter through up to 2,800 feet of Boundary Wire. The Boundary Wire is buried or attached to a fixed object to enclose the Pet Area. You temporarily define this Pet Area with Boundary Flags for a visual aid in training your pet. Your pet wears a Receiver Collar with Contact Points that touch his neck and, once trained, is allowed to roam freely in the Pet Area. When your pet reaches the Warning Zone, the Receiver Collar gives a warning beep and vibrates. If your pet continues into the Static Correction Zone, a safe Static Correction will be delivered through the Contact Points to get his attention until he returns to the Pet Area.
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Key Definitions
Fence Transmitter: The device that transmits the radio signal through the Boundary Wire.
Pet Area: The area within the Warning Zone where your pet can roam freely.
Warning Zone: The outer edge of the Pet Area where your pet's Receiver Collar begins to beep and vibrates for 2 seconds, warning him not to go into the Static Correction Zone.
Static Correction Zone: The zone beyond the Warning Zone where your pet's Receiver Collar will emit a Static Correction, signaling him to return to the Pet Area.
Boundary Width: The combination of the Warning Zone and the Static Correction Zone.
Receiver Collar: The device that receives the radio signal from the Boundary Wire.
Correction Level Button: The button to adjust the level of Static Correction your pet receives in the Static Correction Zone.
Receiver Indicator Light: The light that indicates the level of correction at which the Receiver Collar is set. This light also serves as a low battery indicator.
Contact Points: The contacts through which the Receiver Collar delivers the safe Static Correction when your pet moves into the Static Correction Zone.
Power Jack: The jack where the Power Adapter plugs into the Fence Transmitter. The Fence Transmitter is powered by a standard 120-volt outlet.
Boundary Control Switch: The switch to adjust according to the length of Boundary Wire used.
Boundary Wire Terminals: The terminals where the Boundary Wires connect to the Fence Transmitter in order to complete a continuous loop.
Loop Indicator Light: The light that indicates that the Boundary Wire makes a complete loop, enabling the signal to be transmitted.
Boundary Width Control: The knob that adjusts the width of the Warning and Static Correction Zones. Note: Adjusting the knob does not change the level of Static Correction on the Receiver Collar.
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Operating Guide
1. Locate the Fence Transmitter
Place the Fence Transmitter:

• In a dry, well ventilated, protected area.
• In an area where temperatures do not fall below freezing (e.g., garage, basement, shed, closet).
• Secured to a stationary surface using appropriate mounting hardware (not included).
• At least 3 feet from large metal objects or appliances as these items may interfere with the signal consistency.

  Once you have mounted the Fence Transmitter, the Boundary Wire must exit the building. This can be accomplished via a window or through a 1/8" hole drilled through the wall. Ensure the drill path is clear of any utilities. Make sure the Boundary Wire is not cut off or pinched by a window, door, or garage door, as this can damage it over time. To prevent fires and electrical hazards, install the Fence Transmitter in buildings that are in accordance with state and local electrical codes.

2. Lay Out the System
Basic Planning Tips

• The Boundary Wire MUST start at the Fence Transmitter and make a continuous loop back.
• Design a layout that is suitable for your yard.
• Always use gradual turns at the corners to produce a more consistent boundary. Do not use sharp turns, as this will cause gaps in your boundary.
• Avoid making passageways too narrow for your pet to move about freely (e.g., along the sides of a house).
• The Collar Receiver can be activated inside the house if the Boundary Wire runs along the outside wall of the house. If this occurs, remove your pet's Collar Receiver before bringing him inside, decrease the range using the Range Adjuster or consider an alternative layout.

3. Position the Boundary Wire
Lay out the Boundary Wire using your proposed boundary and test the system BEFORE burying the wire or attaching it to an existing fence. This will make any layout changes easier. Running the Boundary Wire parallel to and within five feet of electrical wires, neighboring containment systems, telephone wires, television or antenna cables, or satellite dishes will cause an inconsistent signal. If you must cross any of these, do so at 90-degree angles (perpendicularly). If separating your Boundary Wire by at least five feet from a neighboring containment system's wire does not reduce the inconsistent signal, contact the Customer Care Center at 1-800-732-2677.

To Twist the Boundary Wire
Twisting the Boundary Wire cancels the signal and allows your pet to cross over that area safely. Plastic or metal piping will not cancel the signal. Twist the Boundary Wire 8 to 10 times per foot to cancel the signal.

To Splice or Repair the Boundary Wire
If you need additional Boundary Wire to expand your wire loop, you will need to splice the wires together. Note the locations of all splices for future reference. Most Boundary Wire breaks occur at splices. Strip approximately one-half inch of insulation off the ends of the Boundary Wires to be spliced. Make sure the copper Boundary Wire is not corroded. If the Boundary Wire is corroded, cut it back to expose clean copper wire. Insert the stripped ends into the wire nut and twist the wire nut around the wires. Pull on the wires to make sure you have a strong splice connection. For extra protection, Waterproof Wire Nut Covers have been included. Insert the splice and push the wire nut to the bottom, making sure the gel covers any exposed wire. Latch the Waterproof Wire Nut Cover securely. If your splice pulls loose, the entire system will fail. Make sure your splice is secure.

4. Connect the Wires to the Fence Transmitter
Boundary Wire

1. Run the Boundary Wire to the Fence Transmitter through a window, under a door, through a crawl space vent, or any other appropriate available access. You can also drill a hole through your wall.
2. Strip the ends of the Boundary Wire approximately one-half inch.
3. Insert the Boundary Wires into the Boundary Wire Terminals on the Fence Transmitter.
4. Turn the Boundary Width Control knob to 10. This will set the Warning Zone at the maximum width.
5. Plug the Power Adapter into the Power Jack and a 120-volt outlet.
6. The Power Light and Loop Indicator Lights should come on. If this does not happen, see the "Troubleshooting" section.

Ground Wire
Proper grounding, although not necessary for the system to work, will help reduce the chance of electrical surges causing damage to your Fence Transmitter and/or Power Adapter. To ground your unit, you will need a solid (not stranded) Ground Wire (14 to 18 gauge insulated copper wire) and a ground rod with clamp, which may be obtained at most electrical supply stores. Connect one end of the Ground Wire to the Ground Terminal located on the Fence Transmitter and the other end of the Ground Wire to the ground rod. The ground rod must be buried at least three feet into the ground and located as close as possible to the Fence Transmitter.

Fuse Protection
The Fence Transmitter is also equipped with two 250-volt, 1 amp fuses to protect the unit's electronic circuitry from electrical power surges. To locate the fuses, remove the 4 screws from the back of the Fence Transmitter.

Lightning Protection
You may purchase a Lightning Protection Kit through the Customer Care Center at 1-800-732-2677. The Lightning Protection Kit protects the system against surges that travel through the power source and/or the Boundary Wire. If you use a Lightning Protection Kit, the Ground Wire must be removed from the Fence Transmitter. The Lightning Protection Kit utilizes a ground connection separate from the Fence Transmitter.

5. Prepare the Collar Receiver
To Insert and Remove the Battery
Note: Do not install the battery while the Receiver Collar is on your pet. Your Collar Receiver comes with short Contact Points installed. Use the long Contact Points for pets with long or thick hair. Tighten the Contact Points with pliers one-half turn beyond finger tight. Check the tightness weekly.

1. Remove the screws with a Phillips screwdriver.
2. Remove the Battery Lid.
3. Install a 9-volt alkaline battery.
4. Replace the Battery Lid.
5. Reinstall the screws. Do not over-tighten the screws. Replacement 9-volt alkaline batteries can be found at many retailers.

To Set the Correction Level
Read all steps before attempting to set the Correction Level.

1. Remove the clear plastic cover with a coin to expose the Correction Level Button.
2. With the battery installed, press the Correction Level Button and release when the Receiver LED Indicator Light lights up.
3. The Receiver LED Indicator Light will emit a series of flashes representing the Correction Level.
4. Increase the Correction Level by pressing and releasing the Correction Level Button within 5 seconds of the previous series of flashes.
5. After setting the Correction Level, replace the cover to protect the Correction Level Button.

   The Correction Levels increase in strength from 1 to 5. Pushing the Correction Level Button while the Collar Receiver is on level 5 will cause the Collar Receiver to revert to level 1. Refer to the Function and Response Table below to choose the Correction Level that best fits your pet. The Collar Receiver is equipped to automatically increase the level of Static Correction the longer your pet remains in the Static Correction Zone if the collar is set at level 2 or above. The Receiver LED Indicator Light acts as a low battery indicator, flashing every 4 to 5 seconds when replacement is required.

Function and Response Table

Indicator Light Response	Static Correction Level	Receiver Collar Function	Temperament of Pet
1 Flash	1	No Static Correction, Beep Only
2 Flashes	2	Low Static Correction	Timid
3 Flashes	3	Medium Static Correction	Timid or Average
4 Flashes	4	Medium High Static Correction	Average or High Energy
5 Flashes	5	High Static Correction	High Energy
Flashes once every 4 to 5 seconds	Low Battery

6. Set the Boundary Width and Test the Collar Receiver
The Range Switch on the side of the Fence Transmitter has two settings. Set the Range Switch to LOW if the amount of wire used for your property is less than 4,400 feet. Set the Range Switch to HI if you used between 4,400 and 8,600 feet of wire. Use the Range Adjuster knob to set the width of the Warning Zone and Static Correction Zone. Set the Boundary Width as wide as possible to give your pet the widest Warning and Static Correction Zones without reducing the Pet Area too much. Note: The Range Adjuster knob does not change the Static Correction Level. To identify the Warning and Static Correction Zones, make sure the Collar Receiver battery is properly installed, the Static Correction Level is set at 2 or above, and the Test Light contacts are held to the Contact Points. Walk toward the Boundary Wire holding the Collar Receiver at your pet's neck level until the Receiver Collar beeps. Note: The Collar Receiver is waterproof, which can make the beep hard to hear.

If the Collar Receiver does not beep at the desired range, adjust the Range Adjuster knob to the desired setting. Turning the Range Adjuster knob clockwise increases the Boundary Width while turning it counterclockwise decreases it. Repeat this activity as needed until the Collar Receiver beeps at the desired distance from the Boundary Wire.

The numbers on the Range Adjuster knob indicate signal strength and are not representative of Boundary Width footage. If adjusting the Range Adjuster knob does not give the desired range, adjust the Boundary Control Switch to the other setting to achieve your desired range. If using a Double Loop, you may need to increase the separation of the Boundary Wire to achieve the desired range.

The Collar Receiver beeps as a warning tone and ticks when delivering a Static Correction. After hearing the beep, continue to walk towards the wire. The Collar Receiver should tick and the Test Light should flash, indicating the Static Correction as you enter the Static Correction Zone.

A warning beep and the flashing of the Test Light indicate that the Collar Receiver and the system are working properly and that you are ready to start burying the Boundary Wire. If the Collar Receiver did not beep or the Test Light did not flash, refer to the "Troubleshooting" section.

Note: The Boundary Width is broken down into 20% Warning Zone and 80% Static Correction Zone.

7. Install the Boundary Wire
To Bury the Boundary Wire
Burying the Boundary Wire is recommended to protect it and prevent it from disabling the system.

1. Cut a trench 1-3 inches deep along your planned boundary.
2. Place the Boundary Wire into the trench maintaining some slack to allow it to expand and contract with temperature variations.
3. Use a blunt tool such as a wooden paint stick to push the Boundary Wire into the trench. Be careful not to damage the Boundary Wire.

To Attach the Boundary Wire to an Existing Fence
The Boundary Wire of the Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fencing System can be attached to a chain link fence, split rail fence, or a wooden privacy fence. The Boundary Wire can be attached as high as needed. However, make sure the Boundary Width is set at a high enough range for the pet to receive the signal. If using a Double Loop with an existing fence at least three feet tall, run the Boundary Wire on top of the fence and return it on the bottom of the fence to get the three to five foot separation needed.

• Chain Link Fence: Weave Boundary Wire through the links or use plastic quick ties.
• Wooden Split Rail or Privacy Fence: Use staples to attach Boundary Wire. Avoid puncturing the insulation of the Boundary Wire.
• Double Loop with an Existing Fence: Run Boundary Wire on top of the fence and return it on the bottom of the fence to get the three to five foot separation needed.
• Gate (Single Loop): Bury the Boundary Wire in the ground across the gate opening. Note: The signal is still active across the gate. Your pet cannot pass through an open gate.
• Gate (Double Loop): Bury both Boundary Wires across the gate opening while keeping them three to five feet apart.

To Cross Hard Surfaces (driveways, sidewalks, etc.)

• Concrete Driveway or Sidewalk: Place the Boundary Wire in a convenient expansion joint or create a groove using a circular saw and masonry blade. Place the Boundary Wire in the groove and cover with an appropriate patching compound. For best results, brush away dirt or other debris before patching.
• Gravel or Dirt Driveway: Place the Boundary Wire in a PVC pipe or water hose to protect the Boundary Wire before burying.

8. Place the Boundary Flags
The Boundary Flags are visual reminders for your pet of where the Warning Zone is located.

1. Hold the Collar Receiver at your pet's neck height.
2. Walk towards the Warning Zone until the Collar Receiver beeps.
3. Place a Boundary Flag in the ground.
4. Walk back into the Pet Area until the beeping stops.
5. Repeat this process around the Warning Zone until it is marked with Boundary Flags every 10 feet. Note: If you cannot hear the beep, see the Test Light Instructions in Step 6.

9. Fit the Collar Receiver
Important: The proper fit and placement of your Collar Receiver is important for effective training. The Contact Points must have direct contact with your pet's skin on the underside of his neck.
To ensure a proper fit, please follow these steps:

1. Make sure that the battery is not installed in the Collar Receiver.
2. Start with your pet standing comfortably.
3. Center the Contact Points underneath your pet's neck, touching the skin. Note: It is sometimes necessary to trim the hair around the Contact Points to make sure that contact is consistent.
4. Check the tightness of the Collar Receiver by inserting one finger between the end of a Contact Point and your pet's neck. The fit should be snug but not constricting.
5. Allow your pet to wear the collar for several minutes, then re-check the fit. Check the fit again as your pet becomes more comfortable with the Collar Receiver.

Care and Cleaning
To ensure the effectiveness of this product and the comfort and safety of your dog, check the fit of his collar frequently. If you notice that your dog is experiencing skin irritation, discontinue use of the collar for a few days. If the condition persists beyond 48 hours, see your veterinarian.

To prevent skin irritation from occurring:

• The Collar Receiver should not be worn for more than 8 hours out of every 24-hour period.
• Your dog's neck and the Contact Points must be washed weekly with a washcloth and mild hand soap, then rinsed thoroughly.

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Training Guide
Be Patient With Your Pet
Important: Proper training of your pet is essential to the success of the Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fencing System. Read this section completely before beginning to train your pet. Remember that the Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fencing System is not a solid barrier. Have fun with your pet throughout the training process. Training should be fun, fair, firm, and consistent.

• Train for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Don't try to do too much too quickly. More frequent short sessions are better than less frequent longer sessions.
• If your pet shows signs of stress, slow down the training schedule, add additional days of training, or increase the amount of play time with your pet in the Pet Area. Common stress signals include:
  • Pet pulling on leash toward the house
  • Ears tucked
  • Tail down
  • Body lowered
  • Nervous / frantic movement or stiffening of pet's body
• Your pet must be completely comfortable near the Boundary Flags at the end of every training session. Spend at least 5 minutes of "play time" at the completion of each session within 10 feet of the Boundary Flags.
• Finish each training session on a positive note with lots of praise and play.
• Remove the Collar Receiver after each training session.
• Be sure to contain your pet by another means during the training period (e.g., pen, tie-out, leash, etc.).
• During training, if you need to take your pet out of the Pet Area, remove the Collar Receiver and either pick your pet up or put him in the car to pass out of the Pet Area.
• Even if you think your pet is responding well to the training, complete the entire training. Reinforcement is important!

Day 1 - Boundary Flag Awareness
Perform three sessions on day 1, each training session lasting 10-15 minutes.
Goal: To have your pet learn that the Boundary Flags and warning beep from the Collar Receiver define the new Pet Area.
Setup:

• Begin training with Correction Level 2 and only increase if your pet does not respond to the Static Correction.
• Put a separate non-metallic collar on your pet's neck ABOVE the Collar Receiver and attach a leash. Note: Be sure the extra collar does not put pressure on the Contact Points.
• Have tiny pieces of treats that your pet will find desirable available (hot dogs or lunch meat work well).
• Have your pet's favorite play toy available.

Steps:

1. Begin by walking your pet on a leash in the Pet Area. Calmly praise and talk to your pet, occasionally giving treats.
2. Move toward the Boundary Flags. Keep your mood happy and throw treats to the ground.
3. With full control of your pet on a leash, toss a treat on the outside edge of the flags. As your pet enters the Static Correction Zone to receive the treat, he will begin to receive a mild Static Correction. The longer your pet remains in the Static Correction Zone, the stronger the Static Correction will get. Allow him to stay in the Static Correction Zone for 2 seconds, then gently help your pet back into the Pet Area. Immediately praise and offer him a treat as he enters the Pet Area, even if you have helped with the leash. Wiggle a Boundary Flag to help your pet understand that the discomfort of the Static Correction happens around the flags.
4. Repeat this process at several different Boundary Flags. Your pet should start to resist going after the treat in the Static Correction Zone. If your pet continues to enter the Static Correction Zone, check the fit of his Collar Receiver and allow him 2-3 seconds in the zone before pulling him back to the Pet Area.

Days 2 thru 4 - Continue Boundary Flag Awareness
Perform three sessions per day, each lasting 10-15 minutes.
Goal: To train your pet to stay in the Pet Area and respect the boundary while you are outside of it.
Setup:

• Begin training with Correction Level 2 and only increase if your pet does not respond to the Static Correction.
• Put a separate non-metallic collar on your pet's neck ABOVE the Collar Receiver and attach a leash. Note: Be sure the extra collar does not put pressure on the Contact Points.
• Have tiny pieces of treats available (hot dogs or lunch meat work well).
• Have your pet's favorite play toy available.

Steps:

1. Repeat steps 1-4 as on Day 1.
2. Drop the leash, leaving your pet in the Pet Area.
3. Walk outside the boundary and wiggle the Boundary Flags facing your pet.
4. Continue around the entire boundary doing this, tossing treats to your pet in the Pet Area and praising him.

Days 5 thru 8 - Distraction Phase
Perform three training sessions per day, each lasting 10 to 15 minutes.
Goal: To train your pet to stay within the Pet Area with distractions outside of the Pet Area.
Setup:

• Begin training with Correction Level 2 and only increase if your pet does not respond to the Static Correction.
• Put a separate non-metallic collar on your pet's neck ABOVE the Collar Receiver and attach a leash. Note: Be sure the extra collar does not put pressure on the Contact Points.
• Have tiny pieces of treats available (hot dogs or lunch meat work well).
• Have your pet's favorite play toy available.
• Create distractions to tempt your pet to enter the Warning and Static Correction Zones, such as:
  • Have a family member cross from inside the Pet Area to outside of it.
  • Throw a ball outside of the Pet Area.
  • Have a neighbor walk their pet outside of the Pet Area.

Steps:

1. With full control of your pet on a leash, have the distraction presented.
2. If your pet does not move toward the distraction, praise and offer a treat.
3. If your pet does react to the distraction, allow him to go into the Static Correction Zone.
4. Help your pet back into the Pet Area if he does not turn back after 3 seconds.
5. Treat and praise your pet anytime he comes back into the Pet Area with or without help.
6. Repeat this process with other distractions. Use other family members during this process.

Days 9 thru 14 - Unleashed Supervision
Training sessions should start at 10-15 minutes, gradually increasing to over an hour. Your pet is ready for this step only when he clearly avoids the entire Boundary Flag line, regardless of any distractions or temptations. During this step, do not leave your pet unattended.
Goal: To give your pet free run of the Pet Area off the leash.
Setup: Adjust the Collar Receiver to the permanent setting appropriate for your pet depending on his size and temperament.
Steps:

1. Enter the Pet Area with your pet wearing the Collar Receiver.
2. Walk around the yard and play with your pet, staying within the Pet Area at all times.
3. Preoccupy yourself with another task in the yard while watching your pet.
4. Should your pet escape, take the Collar Receiver off or turn the system off at the Fence Transmitter and lead him back into the Pet Area.

Days 15 thru 30 - Pet Monitoring
Your pet is ready to run! Check in on your pet at regular intervals.
Note: After you are satisfied your pet's training is complete, remove every other Boundary Flag every 4 days until all flags are removed. Save Boundary Flags for future use.

Taking Your Pet Out of the Pet Area

Important: Remove the Collar Receiver and leave it in the Pet Area.
Once your pet learns the Boundary Zone, he will be reluctant to cross it for walks or car rides.
Option 1: Replace the Collar Receiver with a regular collar. Put your pet in a car that is within the Pet Area and drive him out of the Pet Area.
Option 2: Replace the Collar Receiver with a regular collar and leash. Walk your pet out of the Pet Area while giving a command such as "OK" at a specific place of the Boundary Zone (the end of your driveway, sidewalk, etc.). Always leave the Pet Area with a leash at this place and your pet will associate leaving the Pet Area only on a leash, only at this place, and only with a person. You may initially need to convince your pet to leave the Pet Area with a food treat and lots of praise.
Note: You may also carry your pet out of the Pet Area.

Congratulations! You have now successfully completed the training program.
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