Dogtra ARC User manual

1
By Dogtra
Remote Controlled Dog Training Collars
Owner's Manual
Please read this manual thoroughly
before operating the Dogtra ARC training collar.

2
Product Safety and Health Statement
Proper e-collar use
Dogtra e-collars are intended for the sole purpose of
EHKDYLRUPRGL¿FDWLRQRIGRJV7KH\DUH127LQWHQGHGIRU
human use or use on other animals. Dogtra Company does
not assume any liability for the improper use of a Dogtra
e-collar.
Aggressive dogs
Dogtra highly recommends consulting a dog training
professional when using an e-collar to correct dogs that are
aggressive towards other dogs or people.
Interference with other electronic devices
'RJWUD¶VLQGXVWU\OHDGLQJWHFKQRORJ\¿OWHULQJV\VWHP
ensures minimal interference with other electronic devices
JDUDJHGRRURSHQHUVPRELOHSKRQHVHWF2XUGLJLWDO
microprocessor offers thousands of unique codes to
eliminate frequency match-up with other Dogtra e-collars.
Dogtra recommends consulting your physician if you are
going to use the e-collar and you have any type of medical
devices.
Inadvertent activation
If the constant button is held down for 12 seconds or more,
the unit will automatically shut down. It reactivates when
the button is released and depressed again.
Proper Fit
$ORRVH¿WFDQDOORZWKHUHFHLYHUFROODUWRPRYHDURXQGRQ
the dog’s neck. When this happens, the contact points may
rub the skin and cause irritation. If the unit is too loose, the
contact points will not make proper contact and your dog
will not receive consistent stimulation.

3
Duration your dog can wear the unit
/HDYLQJWKHUHFHLYHUFROODULQWKHVDPHORFDWLRQRQWKH
dog’s neck for an extended period of time can cause skin
irritation. If the dog is to wear the e-collar for long periods,
RFFDVLRQDOO\UHSRVLWLRQWKHUHFHLYHUFROODUVRWKDWWKHFRQWDFW
points are moved to a different location on the dog’s neck.
Make sure you check for skin irritation each time you use
the unit. If your dog exhibits signs of skin irritation, consult
with a veterinarian.
Reaction to the stimulation
Every dog has a different tolerance and reaction to the
VWLPXODWLRQ3OHDVHORRNDW\RXUGRJ¶VUHDFWLRQWR¿QGMXVW
the right level of stimulation. The stimulation level may
YDU\GHSHQGLQJRQWKHVLWXDWLRQDQGGLVWUDFWLRQV1RUPDOO\
a distracted dog (chasing another dog, squirrel, etc.) will
require a higher level of stimulation compared to when
there is no distraction.
Training Methods
E-collars can be used with many different methods. If you
have any concerns in the training methods provided by
Dogtra, consult with a dog training professional.

4
Table of Contents
At a Glance ........................................................
Main Features of the ARC ......................................
2YHUYLHZ...........................................................
Understanding your training system
+RZWRWXUQWKH$5&RQRII...............................
2. How the transmitter buttons work .......................
&ROODU¿WWLQJ.................................................
+RZWR¿QGWKHULJKWVWLPXODWLRQ.........................
5. To maximize the distance .................................
6. The LED indicator ..........................................
7. Charging the battery ........................................
8. How to change the stimulation intensity ................
9. The handheld transmitter LCD ...........................
10. Code setting .................................................
11. How to attach the belt clip on the ARC ................
12. How to use the test light ..................................
General Training Tips ............................................
Maintenance ......................................................
Troubleshooting Guide ..........................................
Warranty and repair information ..............................
5
6
7
9
10
12
13
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
23
24
26

5
At a Glance
Optional accessories
Field auto charger
'RJWUD¶V¿HOGDXWRFKDUJHUVDUHGHVLJQHGIRUXVHZLWKD
10-volt car outlet.
European charger
Dogtra’s European chargers are designed for use with a
230V AC electrical outlet.
To purchase accessories, please visit www.dogtra.com or
call customer service at 1-888-811-9111.
2ZQHUV
Manual
Belt clip Test light
5HFHLYHU
Collar
Transmitter Battery
charger
Splitter
cable

6
Main Features of the ARC
5KHRVWDWYROXPHVW\OHZLWKVWLPXODWLRQOHYHOVa
Checkered grips on the handheld transmitter
6OLPGHVLJQUHFHLYHUFROODUHUJRQRPLFDOO\
VKDSHGWR\RXUGRJVQHFN
User expandable to a two-dog system
PLOHUDQJH
1LFN&RQVWDQWQRQVWLPXODWLQJ3DJHUYLEUDWLRQPRGHV
2-hour rapid charge batteries
Fully waterproof
LCD screen
Belt clip
/RZ0HGLXP6WLPXODWLRQ
For dogs as small as 15 lbs
3/4

7
Overview
Transmitter
Antenna
Rheostat
intensity dial
2QRII
switch
(mode
button)
Belt clip
2QRII
magnetic
red dot
Battery
charging
receptacle &
rubber plug
2nd-dog
Pager
(orange
button)
LCD
screen
1st-dog
Pager
(gray
button)
1st-dog
1LFN
Constant
(gray
button)
Indicator
light
(LED
window) 1LFN
&RQVWDQW
toggle
switch
2nd-dog
1LFN
Constant
(orange
button)

8
Receiver/Collar
Contact points
Collar strap
Battery charging
receptacle &
rubber plug
Indicator light
(LED window)
2QRII
magnetic
switch red
dot

9
Understanding your training system
1. How to turn the ARC on/o
To turn the transmitter on, hold down the blue button
on the right side of the transmitter until the LCD screen
illuminates. To turn the transmitter off, hold down the blue
button on the right side of the transmitter until the LCD
VFUHHQVKXWVRII:KHQWKH/&'VFUHHQGLVSOD\V2))
release the button.
7RDFWLYDWHWKHUHFHLYHUFROODUSODFHWKHUHGGRWRQWKHEDFN
RIWKHWUDQVPLWWHUWRWKHUHGGRWRQWKHUHFHLYHUFROODU
Hold the two red dots together for a moment until the LED
OLJKWRQWKHUHFHLYHUFROODUFRPHVRQ
To deactivate the unit, repeat the same procedure holding
the two red dots together momentarily. The LED light will
WXUQUHGIRUDEULHIPRPHQWLQGLFDWLQJWKDWWKHUHFHLYHU
collar is now shut off.
2QRII
Button

10
2. How the transmitter buttons work
7KH$5&WZRGRJXQLWKDV¿YHEXWWRQVDQGDWRJJOHVZLWFK
on the transmitter (Two on the face of the transmitter, two
on the left side, and one on the right side.).
Nick & Constant toggle switch
Located on the face of the transmitter is a toggle switch.
7KHWRJJOHVZLWFKKDVDVHWWLQJIRU³1LFN´DQGDQRWKHUIRU
³&RQVWDQW´7KHFRORUFRRUGLQDWHGEXWWRQVRUDQJHIRUWKH
RUDQJHUHFHLYHUFROODUDQGJUD\IRUWKHEODFNUHFHLYHUFROODU
will implement the desired stimulation based on the toggle
switch setting.
When either the orange or gray stimulation button is pressed
DQGWKHWRJJOHLVVHWRQ³1LFN´WKHUHFHLYHUHPLWVDVLQJOH
pulse of electrical stimulation.
When you press either the orange or gray stimulation
EXWWRQDQGWKHWRJJOHLVVHWRQ³&RQVWDQW´WKHUHFHLYHU
emits a continuous stimulation for as long as the button is
pushed, for up to 12 seconds to the corresponding collar.
If the button is not released after 12 seconds, the stimulation
will automatically stop as a safety feature. The collar will be
ready to be reactivated once the button has been released.
2QRIIVZLWFK
(mode button)
1LFN&RQVWDQW
toggle switch
2nd-dog
Pager
(orange button)
1st-dog
Pager
(gray button)
1st-dog
1LFN&RQVWDQW
(gray button)
2nd-dog
1LFN&RQVWDQW
(orange button)

11
Pager Button
7KH³3DJHU´EXWWRQVDUHORFDWHGRQWKHIDFHRIWKH
transmitter.
7KHRUDQJHEXWWRQFRUUHVSRQGVZLWKWKHRUDQJHUHFHLYHU
FROODUDQGWKHJUD\ZLWKWKHEODFNUHFHLYHUFROODU3UHVVLQJ
it will give a non-stimulating vibration for as long as the
button is depressed, for up to 12 seconds.

12
3. Collar tting
7KHUHFHLYHUFROODUVKRXOGEH¿WWHGVRWKDWWKHVXUJLFDO
VWDLQOHVVVWHHOFRQWDFWSRLQWVSUHVV¿UPO\DJDLQVWWKHGRJ¶V
VNLQ:KHQSURSHUO\¿WWHG\RXVKRXOGEHDEOHWR¿WD¿QJHU
or two snugly in between the contact points and your dog’s
VNLQ:KHQSURSHUO\¿WWHGWKHUHFHLYHUFROODUVKRXOGQRW
PRYHRQWKHGRJ7KHEHVWORFDWLRQIRUWKHUHFHLYHUFROODU
box is either side of the dog’s windpipe.
$ORRVH¿WFDQDOORZWKHUHFHLYHUFROODUWRPRYHDURXQG
on the dog’s neck. When this happens, the contact points
PD\UXEWKHVNLQDQGFDXVHLUULWDWLRQ,IWKHUHFHLYHUFROODU
LVWRRWLJKWWKHGRJVPD\KDYHGLI¿FXOW\EUHDWKLQJ

13
4. How to nd the right stimulation
The ARC unit comes with the rheostat dial on the
transmitter. The rheostat intensity dial controls the
stimulation level, with level 0 being the lowest level
and level 127 being the highest.
The level of stimulation best suited for your dog depends
on your dog’s temperament and threshold for stimulation.
Always start at the lowest level and work your way up.
The appropriate level can be found when the dog responds
to the stimulation with a mild reaction, such as a tensing of
the neck muscles. The stimulation level may vary depending
on the training situation. When highly distracted, dogs will
require a higher level of stimulation.
5. To maximize the distance
7KH'RJWUD$5&KDVDPLOHUDQJH7KHUDQJHPD\YDU\
depending on the way the transmitter is held.
Hold the transmitter away from your body to receive the
greatest range. For maximum signal strength, keep the
Dogtra ARC properly charged.
*Avoid touching the antenna or the range may decrease
substantially.
Maximum range Typical range Minimum range

14
6. The LED indicator
7KH/('LQGLFDWRUÀDVKHVHYHU\VHFRQGVZKHQWKH
receiver is on and ready for use. The LED indicator will
blink on both the transmitter and the receiver when the
transmitter buttons are pressed.
The LED indicator color indicates the battery life level.
Green = Fully charged, Amber = Medium, Red 1HHGV
charging
If the unit is used while the LED indicator is red, it will shut
down automatically.
Receiver Indicator Light
:KHQWKH³&RQVWDQW´EXWWRQRQWKHWUDQVPLWWHULVSXVKHG
the collar indicator light will glow steadily (either green,
amber, or red based on the remaining battery life), as long
as you hold the button down, for up to 12 seconds.
:KHQWKH³1LFN´EXWWRQLVSXVKHGWKHOLJKWFRPHVRQIRU
a fraction of a second.

15
7. Charging the battery
The Dogtra ARC uses Lithium-Polymer batteries.
&KDUJHWKHXQLWEHIRUHXVLQJWKHXQLWIRUWKH¿UVWWLPH
'RQRWFKDUJHWKHEDWWHULHVQHDUDQ\ÀDPPDEOH
substances.
3. Fully charge the batteries if the unit is to be stored
without use for a period of 3 months or more.
Recharge the unit if :
The indicator light on the collar is emitting a red color.
,IWKHEDULQGLFDWRURQWKHWUDQVPLWWHU/&'VKRZVMXVW
1 bar.
The indicator light on the transmitter or receiver will not
come on. The indicator light on the transmitter or receiver
comes on momentarily, but will not stay on when the
³&RQVWDQW´EXWWRQLVSXVKHG
Battery Charging Procedure
NOTE : The unit has a partial charge when it leaves the
Dogtra facility, upon receipt of the collar, be sure to give it
a full 2-hour initLDOFKDUJHEHIRUHWKH¿UVWXVH

16
1. Attach the charging cables to both the transmitter and
receiver(s), as shown on page 15.
2. Plug the charger into a 120-volt wall outlet or if using
WKHDFFHVVRU\¿HOGFKDUJHUSOXJLQWRDFLJDUHWWHOLJKWHU
only for Lithium-Polymer batteries (use a 230-volt
European charger for Europe.). When properly plugged
in, all indicator lights should glow red. During the
FKDUJLQJSURFHVVWKHXQLWZLOOVKXWRII2QFHWKHEDWWHU\
cable is unplugged from the unit after a full charge,
you will need to turn the unit on again before use.
3. The Lithium-Polymer battery is fully charged within
2 hours. The lights will stay red during the charging
process. The red light will change into a steady green light
when the battery is fully charged (when you disconnect
WKHFKDUJHUDIWHU¿QLVKLQJWKHFKDUJH\RXZLOOQHHGWR
restart the unit).
4. After charging, cover the battery charging receptacles
ZLWKWKHUXEEHUSOXJVRQWKHWUDQVPLWWHUDQGUHFHLYHU
collar.
NOTE : 2QO\XVH'RJWUDDSSURYHGEDWWHULHVFKDUJHUVDQG
accessories for your Dogtra e-collars. When a charger is not
in use, disconnect it from the power source.
8. How to change the stimulation intensity
The Dogtra ARC has a rheostat intensity dial on the top
of the transmitter (0 is the lowest and 127 is the highest).
5HPHPEHUWKDW\RXZLOOQHHGWRDGMXVWWKHVHWWLQJXSZDUG
or downward) depending on your dog’s temperament
and threshold for stimulation. Also, as the dog’s attitude
changes, especially during times of increased excitement
or GLVWUDFWLRQ\RXPLJKWQHHGWRDGMXVWWKHLQWHQVLW\OHYHO
NOTE : 7KHVWLPXODWLRQLQWHQVLW\FDQEHDGMXVWHGHYHQ
while the stimulation is in use.

17
9. The handheld transmitter LCD
Turn the LCD backlight on and off with a short press of
WKHRQRIIEXWWRQ
The LCD screen indicates the stimulation level (0-127).
The LCD battery life indicator shows 3 bars at full charge,
2 bars at medium charge and 1 bar when it needs to be
FKDUJHG7KHEDWWHU\OLIHLQGLFDWRURQO\VSHFL¿HVWKH
UHPDLQLQJFKDUJHIRU\RXUWUDQVPLWWHU7R¿QGWKHUHPDLQLQJ
charge for your receiver, observe the LED indicator on the
UHFHLYHUFROODU
Green = full charge
Amber = medium charge
Red = needs charge
Care for LCD Transmitters in Cold Temperature
In cold temperatures (10 degrees F or below), the Liquid
Crystal Display (LCD) on your transmitter may be dim
or slow to respond. Wait until the display becomes visible
before selecting any training level. Even though the LCD
screen might be dim or slow to respond when you push the
1LFNRU&RQVWDQWEXWWRQWKHWUDQVPLWWHUZLOOVWLOOIXQFWLRQ
properly. In the occurrence of extremely cold weather, the
LCD screen might take a moment to respond causing the

18
intensity level to freeze at that current level. In this situation,
if you turn the rheostat intensity dial, the level on the screen
PD\QRWFKDQJHEXWWKHDFWXDOLQWHQVLW\IURPWKHUHFHLYHU
collar will change in agreement with the dial. In this
situation, it is ideal to either wait until your transmitter is
back to working order before emitting a correction, or while
holding the constant button down slowly turn the Rheostat
Intensity Dial while watching your dog’s reaction. Do not
turn the Rheostat Intensity Dial at a rapid increase because
WKHUHFHLYHUFROODUZLOOHPLWDVWDWLFFRUUHFWLRQEDVHGRQWKH
level of the Rheostat Intensity Dial, which might not be
FRUUHFWO\UHÀHFWHGRQWKH/&'VFUHHQ
10. Code setting
Code setting Additional Receivers
7XUQWKHWUDQVPLWWHURQE\SXVKLQJWKH212))EXWWRQ
located on the side of the transmitter and set the intensity
GLDOWR³´
2. Place the red dot on the back of the transmitter to the red
GRWRIWKHUHFHLYHUFROODU\RXZRXOGOLNHWRFRGH
Hold the two red dots together for about 5 seconds until
the green /('EOLQNVUDSLGO\RQWKHUHFHLYHUFROODU
:KLOHWKHJUHHQ/('LVUDSLGO\EOLQNLQJRQWKHUHFHLYHU
collar, press the 2 orange buttons on the front and side
of the transmitter simultaneously. The LED indicator light
RQWKHUHFHLYHUFROODUZLOOEOLQNHYHU\VHFRQGVZKHQ
the coding is complete.
:LWKWKHGRJUHFHLYHUFROODUFRGHGWRWKH'RJWUD
$5&WKHJUD\EXWWRQVZLOORSHUDWH\RXUH[LVWLQJUHFHLYHU
collar, and the orange buttons will operate the newly
FRGHGUHFHLYHUFROODU

19
Code setting for 1-dog use
5. To code set the Dogtra ARC for 1-dog use, repeat steps
1 and 2 above. While the green LED is rapidly blinking
RQWKHUHFHLYHUFROODUSUHVVWKHJUD\EXWWRQVRQWKH
front and side of the transmitter simultaneously.
7KH/('LQGLFDWRUOLJKWRQWKHUHFHLYHUFROODUZLOOEOLQN
every 4 seconds when the coding is complete.
6. When a button is pressed on your coded handheld
transmitter, an LED indicator light will blink on the
FRUUHVSRQGLQJUHFHLYHUFROODU
11. How to attach the belt clip on the ARC
To attach the included belt clip to the transmitter, follow
the instructions below.
1. Align the belt clip to the grooves on the back of the
transmitter.
:LWKD¿UPJULSVFUHZRQWKHEHOWFOLSXVLQJWKHSURYLGHG
Philips head screws.
Caution! 7LJKWHQXQWLO¿UPO\LQSODFH%HFDUHIXOQRWWRRYHU
tighten.