10
1-800-732-0144
WWW.SPORTDOG.COM
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fInD tHe BeSt IntenSIty LeVeL for yoUr DoG
The FieldTrainer
®
425 and 425S have multiple intensity levels. This allows you to choose the stimulation
that is best for your dog.
NOTE: Always start at the lowest level and work your way up.
For training efficiency, it is important to find the right intensity level for your dog. This is called the
Recognition Level, at which your dog looks around in curiosity or flicks his ears.
FINDING YOUR DOG’S RECOGNITION LEVEL:
NOTE: Every dog is different and you cannot predict where your dog’s Recognition Level will be. Watch
closely for any slight change in behavior that demonstrates your dog is feeling the stimulation.
1. With the Collar Receiver turned on and properly fitted to your dog, set the Remote Transmitter’s
Intensity Dial at Level 1 and press the Continuous Stimulation Button for 1 to 2 seconds.
2. If your dog shows no reaction to Level 1, go to Level 2 and repeat the process.
3. YOUR DOG SHOULD NOT VOCALIZE OR PANIC WHEN RECEIVING STIMULATION. IF THIS
HAPPENS, THE STIMULATION LEVEL IS TOO HIGH AND YOU NEED TO GO BACK TO THE PREVIOUS
LEVEL AND REPEAT THE PROCESS.
4. Once you find your dog’s Recognition Level, this is the level you should use when you begin a
training exercise.
5. If you have progressed to Level 7 while searching for your dog’s Recognition Level and your dog
continues to show no response, check to see if the Collar Receiver is snug against your dog’s neck.
Then go back to Intensity Level 1 and repeat the process. If your dog still does not indicate he is
feeling the stimulation, you have three options: trim the hair beneath the Contact Points, switch to
the longer Contact Points included in your system, or change the stimulation range.
If after completing all of these steps your dog still does not indicate he is feeling the stimulation, please
contact the Customer Care Center at 1-800-732-0144.
S
TE
P
::
04
fIt tHe CoLLar reCeIVer
IMPORTANT: The proper fit and placement of the Collar Receiver is important for effective
training. The Contact Points must have direct contact with your dog’s skin.
To ensure a proper fit, follow these steps:
S
TE
P
::
03
Please read and follow the instructions in this manual. Proper fit of the collar is important. A
collar worn for too long, or made too tight on the dog’s neck may cause skin damage. This is
called bed sores; it is also called decubitus ulcers or pressure necrosis.
• Avoid leaving the collar on the dog for more than 12 hours per day.
• When possible reposition the collar on the dog’s neck every 1 to 2 hours.
• Check the fit to prevent excessive pressure; follow the instructions in this manual.
• Never connect a lead/leash to the electronic collar; it will cause excessive pressure on
the contacts.
• When using a separate collar for a lead/leash, don’t put pressure on the electronic collar.
• Wash the dog’s neck area and the contacts of the collar weekly with a damp cloth.
• Examine the contact area daily for signs of a rash or a sore.
• If a rash or sore is found, discontinue use of the collar until the skin has healed.
• If the condition persists beyond 48 hours, see your veterinarian.
For additional information on bed sores and pressure necrosis, please visit the FAQ section for
remote trainers at www.sportdog.com.
These steps will help keep your dog safe and comfortable. Millions of dogs are comfortable
while they wear stainless steel contacts. Some dogs are sensitive to contact pressure. You
may find after some time that your dog is very tolerant of the collar. If so, you may relax some
of these precautions. It is important to continue daily checks of the contact area. If redness or
sores are found, discontinue use until the skin has fully healed.
3A
3B
1. With your dog standing (
3A
), center the
Collar Receiver so the Contact Points are
underneath your dog’s neck, touching the
skin (
3B
). If your dog has a long or thick
coat, you have two options to ensure
consistent contact: either trim the hair
around the Contact Points or switch to the longer Contact Points included with your system.
• You may need to trim the hair in the area of the Contact Points. Never shave the dog’s neck;
this may lead to a rash or infection.
• You should not make the collar any tighter than is required for good contact. A collar that is too
tight will increase the risk of pressure necrosis in the contact area.
2. The Collar Receiver should fit snugly, yet loose enough to allow one
finger to fit between the strap and your dog’s neck (
3C
).
3. Allow your dog to wear the collar for several minutes, and then
recheck the fit. Check the fit again as your dog becomes more
comfortable wearing the Collar Receiver.
3C
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