Dog Guard T4 Reference guide

CUSTOMER’S MANUAL
EquipmEnt
pEt training
troublEshooting
www.dogguard.com
Revised Jan 2013

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500 Federal St, Ste 550
Troy, NY 12180
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.dogguard.com
[email protected]
cell: 518.258.4346
The Dog Guard Message
Dear Pet Owner:
Thank you for purchasing a Dog Guard “Out of Sight” Fence system. You
now have the finest electronic pet containment system in the industry, and
Dog Guard strives to give you the best service in the industry. We hope it
will bring years of enjoyment and peace of mind to you and your pet.
Understanding the training process and how the system works will help you
tremendously to resolve any questions or problems. At Dog Guard, we feel
that educating the customer is the best way to avoid future problems. As
you become familiar with the Dog Guard System and all it has to offer, we
are sure you will become confident in the product and in your Dog Guard
Professional Dealer.
You are now a valued member of the Dog Guard Family. We at Dog Guard
are here to answer any questions and to work with you to resolve any
problems.
Take advantage of this.
Respectfully,
Respectfully,
William F. Drew
General Manager

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Equipment ..................................................................................... 4
T4 Transmitter ........................................................................... 5, 6
Surge Protector .............................................................................. 7
Room Transmitter .......................................................................... 8
Dog Guard Receivers ..................................................................... 9
DG-9XT Receiver ......................................................................... 10
DG5000 Receiver ......................................................................... 11
DG-M4 Receiver .......................................................................... 12
Assembly of the Receiver Collars .................................................. 13
Adjusting the Receiver Collar ...................................................... 14
Changing Batteries ...................................................................... 15
Chew Protectors .......................................................................... 16
Training Guidelines .................................................................17-19
Phase One ........................................................................... 20
Phase Two ........................................................................... 21
Phase Three ........................................................................ 22
Phase Four ........................................................................... 23
Training Questions ..........................................................24-25
Taking Your Dog for a Walk .......................................................... 26
Tips ............................................................................................ 27
Things to Remember ................................................................... 28
Responsibilities ............................................................................ 29
Installation and Training Checklist ................................................ 30
Troubleshooting .....................................................................31-34
Other Services .......................................................................35-38
Your Dog Guard System .............................................................. 39
Registration ................................................................................. 40

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Your Dog Guard dealer has selected the equipment that will accommodate your pet’s
temperament and personality. In addition, your dealer has worked with you to design a
containment area that provides a safe area for your pet and perhaps to keep your pet away
from flower beds, pools and other specified areas.
It is highly recommended that you keep your system operational at all times. Should the
system ever be down for any length of time, it could result in serious problems. PLEASE
check your system periodically, weekly or bi-weekly. Your trainer will go over this
with you and it is explained further in this manual.
Do not wait until your pet leaves the property before calling your dealer!
If your pet does leave the property, call your dealer as soon as possible and
speak with a technician or trainer. Failure to notify your dealer could result in voiding any
containment guarantees and will result in charges for service calls to get your pet back on
the system.
Before you begin, please fill out the warranty card at the back of this manual.
You will need to have a card on file with the manufacturer in case anything was to happen
to your system.
You can mail it directly to us at:
Sunward Electronics, Inc.
500 Federal St, Suite 550
Troy, NY 12180
Or you can e-mail it to us at:
[email protected]
Remember if you have any questions or concerns about your
Dog Guard System, contact your local dealer or call us at
1.800.865.0495.
To familiarize you with the equipment, we have prepared this
easy to understand equipment section.
Each outside Dog Guard system consists of a Transmitter, AC
Adaptor, a Surge Protector and at least one Receiver. Let’s
look at each piece of equipment on the following pages.
EQUIPMENT

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T-4 TRANSMITTER
The T-4 Transmitter comes with an AC adaptor the plugs into the jack on the side of the
transmitter. When the transmitter is operating properly the green power LED is lit as well
as the rest loop indicator led. The yellow fault led will not be lit.
GREEN LIGHT – This light should be ON, make sure the ON/OFF switch located on the
side is ON. Make sure the AC adaptor is plugged into the transmitter properly indicating
there is power to the system. If the Green light is NOT ON, check the outlet with a working
lamp or electronic device to see if the outlet is working. If it is working, you need to call
your local dealer.
RED LIGHT – This light should be ON, indicating your loop is intact, (no breaks) and the
system is operating properly. If the red light is NOT ON, and you are hearing the audible
alarm, it most likely indicates that you have a wire break or even a power surge and you will
need to contact your local dealer to have it repaired.
YELLOW LIGHT – This light should be OFF. A yellow light indicates that the system
is not functioning (possibly due to a power surge, lightning strike or a component in the
transmitter has failed). If the Yellow light is ON, it sometimes will be accompanied by an
audible alarm. Call your local dealer immediately to fix this issue.
GREEN LIGHT
This light should be ON.
YELLOW LIGHT
This light should be OFF.
RED LIGHT
This light should be ON.

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T-4 TRANSMITTER
ADJUSTMENTS
There are 2 adjustments on the transmitter. You will need a small flathead, regular
screwdriver or a transmitter tweaking tool to make any adjustments.
A. Adjust the Field Width or Range Control (left side). The signal field width
determines how close to the wire your pet can go. The normal setting will be about 6 feet.
If you need to adjust the width of the signal field, use an adjusting tool or small screwdriver.
Turn the range adjuster to the right to increase the signal field and to the left to decrease
the signal field. Be sure to remove the receiver from your pet before adjusting the signal.
Check the receiver at the line to assure that the desired width is obtained.
B. Adjust the Correction Level (lower right face). There are 32 levels of stimulus
within the range. This is preset by your dealer for your pet based on several factors, but can
be raised if a pet is challenging the system.
It is recommended that you call your local dealer before adjusting the field or
correction level.
Field Width or
Range Control
32 Levels of Correction
Tweaking Tool

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SURGE PROTECTOR
In order to obtain a lifetime warranty for storm surges or lightning damage,
your system must be installed with a Dog Guard Surge Protector (DGSP). Our
surge protectors protect against normal AC power surges and lightning strikes and will
automatically disconnect the transmitter in case of a rare catastrophic surge or a direct
lightning strike.
Some of the features of the Dog Guard Surge Protectors are:
• Space Saving Design – Low profile and better balance and stability
• Power Indicator Light – Easy to see that the power light is on
• Reduces the Risk of System Failure – Your pet will continue to be contained
• Better Loop Connectors – Easier to attach the loop wires to the unit
• Increased Surge Current Ratings – Protector has a larger capacity
to dissipate surges

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The Indoor Room Transmitter works much the same as the outside transmitter. The signal
field radiates outward around the unit at an equal distance in ALL directions (front, back
and sides, see diagram on page 16). This may vary slightly due to the receiver and/or
the transmitter fluctuating in sensitivities as well as the placement and height of the unit.
Normally your only limitation is ensuring the unit is within 10 feet of an outlet (Always
remove your pet’s receiver collar before setting unit up or plugging the unit in!)
The easiest way to set up your
room transmitter is to place
it in the center or near the
problem area, plug it in, make
adjustments and/or relocate
the unit as necessary. Try to
keep the unit at your pet’s
height if possible.
Take your pet’s receiver collar in
your hand and clip the buckle
together. Then holding by the
clip or buckle, approach the
area just as if your pet would if
he/she were wearing it at the
same height and angle.
Move the transmitter itself or turn the range control up or down to get the desired effect,
keeping in mind that the signal can travel through walls, floors and any other objects
within the radius you have set. Test all around (360 degrees) to make certain your pet does
NOT get corrected in any safe zones and IS getting the tone in the desired areas. This can
sometimes be a little tricky but you can usually get the desired effect. (You may need to turn
the transmitter on its side, front or back to change the field slightly).
Once your pet is trained to the desired area, you can move the transmitter to other problem
areas.
Your new room transmitter has 2 lights and 2 recessed adjustments on the front of the unit.
The lights above the adjustments will get brighter as you increase the corresponding level.
Correction Level – This control adjusts the actual correction your pet receives. Start out
low. If you need to increase the level, do so in small increments.
Range Control – This control sets the distance from the unit that the receiver collar will
activate. Low would be approximately 6 inches and high would be 6 to 8 feet.
Note: Older units work the same as described above except there is no correction
adjustment.
RT-2
INDOOR ROOM TRANSMITTER

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THE RECEIVERS
Your Dog Guard dealer has selected the receiver and or receivers
that will work best for the successful containment of your pet/pets.
All Dog Guard receivers come with a
nylon collar, probes, probe caps, an adjustment key
and a Dog Guard battery.
Dog Guard offers three different receivers enabling the Dog Guard dealer to achieve the
level of stimulus that will work best for your pet without over corrected him.
The three receivers offered are
the DG9-XT, the DG5000 and the DG-M4.

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DG-9XT RECEIVER
The DG- 9XT receiver is designed to handle the
“medium-to-stubborn and tough-to-train” dogs.
The receiver battery cap needs a fresh o-ring and the battery cap tightened so that it is
snug; but not over-tightened to protect the receiver from water damage.
It has a fail safe feature that shuts the receiver down 30 seconds after it has been activated.
The receiver will reset itself once it has been removed from the signal field for 3 seconds.
The receiver provides a pulsating stimulus that can be adjusted to match your pet’s
temperament.
The receiver is immune to stray signals and provides up to 32 levels of initial stimulation
that is controlled at the transmitter. When your pet enters the first zone, it will receive the
predetermined stimulus. Should the pet stray into the second signal field, the receiver will
increase to a stronger stimulus to contain your pet.
The DG- 9XT receiver uses a Dog Guard 6 volt battery and will have short or long probes
depending on your pet’s fur.

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The DG-5000 receiver is designed to handle the
“small, timid, passive and up to medium sized” dogs.
The receiver battery cap needs a fresh o-ring and the battery cap tightened so that it is snug;
but not over-tightened to protect the receiver from water damage.
It has a fail safe feature that shuts the receiver down 30 seconds after it has been activated.
The receiver will reset itself once it has been removed from the signal field for 3 seconds.
The receiver provides a pulsating stimulus that can be adjusted to match your pet’s
temperament.
The receiver is immune to stray signals and provides up to 32 levels of initial stimulation
that is controlled at the transmitter. When your pet enters the first zone, it will receive the
predetermined stimulus. Should the pet stray into the second signal field, the receiver will
increase to a stronger stimulus to contain your pet.
The DG-5000 receiver uses a Dog Guard 6 volt battery and will have short or long probes
depending on your pet’s fur.
DG-5000 RECEIVER

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DG-M4 RECEIVER
The DG-M4 receiver is designed to handle the “tiny pets” weighing 1 to 10 pounds.
The receiver battery cap needs a fresh o-ring and the battery cap tightened so that it is
snug; but not over-tightened to protect the receiver from water damage.
It has a fail safe feature that shuts the receiver down 30 seconds after it has been activated.
The receiver will reset itself once it has been removed from the signal field for 3 seconds.
The receiver provides a pulsating stimulus that can be adjusted to match your pet’s
temperament.
The receiver is immune to stray signals and provides up to 32 levels of initial stimulation
that is controlled at the transmitter. When your pet enters the first zone, it will receive the
predetermined stimulus. Should the pet stray into the second signal field, the receiver will
increase to a stronger stimulus to contain your pet.
The DG-M4 receiver uses a Dog Guard 6 volt lithium battery and will have short or long
probes depending on your pet’s fur.

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Should you need to wash the collar you have or get a new one from us, use the illustration
and instructions shown below for the disassembly and reassembly of your receiver collar.
Using the Dog Guard Key to loosen the probes (turn Counter-clockwise). Then remove
all washers and resisters, if any. These may take a few minutes to break free, but once
everything comes apart, follow the steps below to assemble.
1. Place collar on receiver over posts.
2. Place a nylon or rubber washer over each post.
3. If you have a shunt or resister, put that on.
4. Place lock washers over posts.
5. If possible, use one small drop of “Locktite” (blue, non-permanent) on each post.
Make sure the Locktite is only on the metal post. Check the probes often to make
sure they are not loosening.
6. Screw on probes. Turn clockwise. Do not over-tighten!
Be very careful when you tighten the probes to avoid snapping off the threaded posts which
are not covered under the warranty.
Check your pets’ receiver collar often for a proper fit.
ASSEMBLY
OF THE RECEIVER COLLARS

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ADJUSTING THE RECEIVER
COLLAR TO YOUR PET
The receiver must be placed on the outside of your dog’s collar so that it is situated
horizontally under his neck. To do this, follow the steps below:
1. Fit the nylon collar to your pet’s neck.
2. Hold the buckled strap by the buckle so that the receiver hangs vertically. When
the receiver is attached to the strap it will hang under your dog’s neck, directly
opposite the buckle.
3. Make sure the probes protrude on the inside of the collar so they touch your dog’s
neck. Use long probes for longhaired dogs and small probes for shorthaired dogs.
4. To ensure a consistent signal, the collar must be secured as illustrated below. To
do this, make sure the probes are closest to the pet’s chest so that the receiver
hangs down at a slight angle.

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Be sure to change your batteries on schedule. If you stay on our battery plan, you’ll
never have to wonder when your batteries need to be changed. They will be mailed to
you when they need to be changed.
*Remember: Use of batteries not approved by Dog Guard will void the receiver’s
warranty.
Using a coin or a Dog Guard battery cap key, turn the battery cap counter-clockwise to
unscrew and remove the old battery (it will drop right out).
Inspect the underside of the battery cap and the battery compartment to make sure that it
is clean and there is no corrosion. Also check the battery o-ring to make sure that it is not
cracked, dried out or broken.
Insert the new battery with arrow pointing outward (+ side up) and screw the cap back
on, turning the coin clockwise. Do not over tighten the battery cap. Doing so will crack
the receiver case and/or short out the receiver. Hand tighten, then turn battery cap 1/4 to
1/2 turn using a Dog Guard key. Be sure to test your new battery at the fence line with the
receiver collar.
IMPORTANT – Do not use a screwdriver to remove the battery cap as you may tear
the O-ring or crack the casing. Remember + (positive) end of the battery always goes
out or up.
CHANGING BATTERIES
Receiver
Key

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CHEW PROTECTORS
Dog chews are the number one reason that receivers are damaged. The large dog
breeds are not the only ones that can damage a receiver by chewing. To prevent dog
chews from the very first day, we highly recommend using a chew protector on the
receiver and especially if multiple dogs are going on the system.
Dog Guard’s chew protectors feature easy snap on, slide off design with a sleek fit. They are
tough and protect the receiver from dog chews, rub-throughs and other damage.
Chew protectors are a low cost prevention for your investment.

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They’ll love you more for providing
structure in their lives and keeping them safe!!
TRAINING YOUR PETS

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TRAINING GUIDELINES
The following information is designed to help you and your pet get the most out of your
Dog Guard Fence system.
Remember, your Dog Guard dealer is only a phone call away if you have any
questions or concerns about your Dog Guard equipment or training.
Keep these tips in mind before you begin the training process:
1. Keep your dog on a leash for the first seven to ten days of training.
2. Your pet must be kept from the boundaries at all times for the first seven days.
3. Your pet must wear the receiver collar all day from the first day of training. Remove the
collar every night.
4. If training more than one dog, train them separately; at least for the first five to six days.
5. Train at least two to three times a day with your dog, more if possible, but keep each
training session short: five to fifteen minutes depending on the size of the property.
6. Be sure your pet does not receive a correction more than three times per day while
training.
7. After seven days of training, your pet may go outside off-leash only when supervised by
a person able to handle the pet in a safe, secure manner.
8. Have fun training and make it a happy time for your dog! Always try to end a
training session with some fun time: throwing a ball around or whatever makes your
dog happy!

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The weeks ahead!
Week 2
Your pet has now entered the final stage of training. This stage takes the least amount of
work but it is critical to stay committed throughout the rest of the training process. With
your dog off the leash, repeat the training process as performed during Week 1. If you feel
that your pet is having trouble avoiding the flags, keep your pet on the leash for the first
day or two of Week 2.
Remember:
• Your pet may be allowed off-leash only while someone supervises him in the yard.
• If your pet seems tempted to go beyond the flags, correct him verbally. If your pet is
still on-leash,
pull him back before he enters the signal field.
Week 3
Continue training as outlined above. Remember to keep the flags up for at least thirty days.
Week 4
At the end of week 4, begin to remove the flags. Begin with removing every third flag every
other day until all the flags are gone. Flags that are in the woods or hard-to-see areas may
be left up.
TRAINING

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The Dog Guard Training Process is a four-phase approach.
The process first starts with introducing your pet to the boundaries, introducing your pet
to the correction, supervising your pet while off the leash, and finally proofing.
Following the process is crucial to your pet’s containment success.
Phase 1
Introduction Phase
Teaching your dog the boundaries
Days 1-3
Border training begins by teaching your dog
to avoid the areas where they hear the tone
and see the flags. Initially, we will deactivate
the Dog Guard receiver collar by putting
rubber caps over the posts so that your dog
does not experience a correction from the
collar.
You will manually give your dog corrections
by jerking him away from the flags with a
leash every time he gets too close to the
flags. As soon as your dog gets turned away
from the flags, you begin to praise him while
running away from the flags toward the
safe area (at least 10 feet). Always use short
jerking motions with the leash to get your
dog to turn away from the flags.
Your dog should start hearing the tone about
one foot before the flags, which is when you need to turn your dog away from the flags.
Do not let your dog walk in and out of the flagged area without getting a correction. Any
time your dog willingly goes into the flagged area, let him, and then give him the short
jerking correction with the leash while running back toward the safe area.
This phase of training should last from one to three days. By the end of this phase, your pet
should be avoiding the flagged areas and backing out of it when he hears the tone. This
indicates that the training is taking effect.
Note:
• Do not pull your pet into the field. Pull him within 5-6 feet of the flags.
• To help some pets understand that they should stop AT the flag, you may have to stop two
or three feet AHEAD of the flag.
• During training without the collar, never let your pet cross or get within 1-2 feet of the
flags. Your pet must understand that he will never be able to get to the flags
without a correction.
TRAINING 1