Dogtra ARC User manual

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ARC
EXPANDABLE TO A 2-DOG SYSTEM
Owner's Manual
Please read this manual thoroughly
before operating the ARC training e-collar.

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Optional Accessories
Auto Charger
Dogtra’s auto chargers are designed for use with a
10 volt car outlet.
European Charger
Dogtra’s European chargers are designed for use with a
230 volt AC electrical outlet.
To purchase accessories, please visit www.dogtra.com or
call customer service at [phone].
ReceiverTransmitter Battery
Charger
Splitter
Cable
Belt Clip Test LightOwner's
Manual
AT A GLANCE

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MAIN FEATURES
• 3/4-mile range
• Fully waterproof system
• Two stimulation types - Nick & Constant stimulation
• Rheostat Dial with stimulation levels 0-127
• Pager vibration
• Ergonomic slim receiver design
• LCD screen
• Enhanced contact points
• Checkered grip on handheld transmitter
• For dogs as small as 15 lbs
• Medium output receiver
• 2-hour rapid charge lithium polymer batteries

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OVERVIEW
Antenna
Rheostat
Dial
On/Off
Button
Belt Clip
On/Off
Magnetic
Red Dot
Battery
Charging
Receptacle &
Rubber Plug
2nd Dog
Pager
(Orange
Button)
LCD Screen
1st Dog
Pager
(Gray
Button)
1st Dog
Nick &
Constant
(Gray
Button)
LED
Indicator
Light
Nick/
Constant
Toggle
Switch
2nd Dog
Nick &
Constant
(Orange
Button)
ARC
Transmitter

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Contact
Points
Collar Strap
Battery Charging
Receptacle &
Rubber Plug
LED Indicator
Light
On/Off
Magnetic
Red Dot
ARC
Receiver

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1. Turning the ARC On/Off
To turn the transmitter on, hold down the button on
the right side of the transmitter until the LCD screen
illuminates. To turn the transmitter off, hold down the
button on the right side of the transmitter until the LCD
screen shuts off.
On/Off
Button
UNDERSTANDING YOUR
TRAINING SYSTEM
To turn the receiver on, place the magnetic red dot on the
back of the transmitter to the red dot on the receiver. Hold
the two red dots together for a moment until the LED light
on the receiver comes on.
To turn off the unit, repeat the same procedure holding
the two red dots together momentarily. The LED light will
turn red for a brief moment indicating that the receiver is
now shut off.

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Nick & Constant Toggle Switch
Located on the face of the transmitter is a toggle switch.
The toggle switch has a setting for Nick and another for
Constant. The color-coordinated buttons (orange for the
orange receiver and gray for the black receiver) will
implement the desired stimulation based on the toggle
switch setting. When either the orange or gray stimulation
button is pressed and the toggle is set on Nick, the
receiver emits a single pulse of electrical stimulation.
When you press either the orange or gray stimulation
button and the toggle is set on Constant, the receiver
emits a continuous stimulation for as long as the button is
pushed, for up to 12 seconds. If the button is not released
after 12 seconds, the stimulation will automatically stop
as a safety feature. The receiver will be ready to be
reactivated once the button has been released.
On/Off
Button
Nick/Constant
Toggle Switch
2nd
Dog Pager
1st
Dog Pager
1st Dog
Nick &
Constant
2nd Dog
Nick &
Constant
2. Transmitter Button Function
The ARC has five buttons and a toggle switch on the
transmitter (two on the face of the transmitter, two on the
left side, and one on the right side).

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Pager Button
The Pager buttons are located on the face of the
transmitter. The orange button corresponds with the
orange receiver and the gray with the black receiver.
Pressing it will give a vibration for as long as the button is
pressed, for up to 12 seconds.

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3. Receiver Fitting
Proper Fit
The receiver should be fitted so that the surgical stainless
steel contact points press firmly against the dog’s skin.
You should be able to fit two fingers underneath the
collar strap. The best location is on either side of the dog’s
windpipe.
Improper Fit
A loose fit can allow the receiver to move around on the
dog’s neck. When this happens, the contact points may
rub against the skin and cause irritation. If the receiver
is too loose, the contact will not be consistent and cause
the corrections to be inconsistent. Dogtra uses surgical
stainless steel contact points and anti-microbial plastic to
protect the dog’s skin.
Attention!
Leaving the receiver in the same location on the
dog’s neck for an extended period of time can cause
skin irritation. If the dog is to wear the receiver for
long periods, occasionally reposition the receiver
so that the contact 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.

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4. Finding the Right Stimulation
The ARC has a Rheostat Dial on the top of the transmitter
(0 is the lowest and 127 is the highest). Remember that
you will need to adjust the setting (upward or downward)
depending 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. Also,
as the dog’s attitude changes, especially during times
of increased excitement or distraction, you may need to
adjust the intensity level.
Note: The stimulation intensity can be adjusted even when
the stimulation is in use.
Typical range
Maximum range Minimum range
5. Maximizing the Distance
The ARC has a 3/4-mile range. Depending on the way you
use your transmitter, the transmitter range may vary.
To get the greatest range, hold the transmitter away from
your body and avoid touching the antenna. Keep your unit
properly charged for maximum signal strength.

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6. LED Indicator
The LED indicator flashes every 4 seconds when the
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 = Full charge
Amber = Medium charge
Red = Needs charge
If the unit is used while the LED indicator is red, it may
shut down automatically.
Receiver Indicator Light
When the Constant button on the transmitter is pressed,
the receiver 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.
When the Nick button is pressed, the light comes on for
a fraction of a second.

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The Dogtra ARC uses a lithium polymer battery. Recharge
the unit if the indicator light is red or does not come on,
the transmitter LCD shows only 1 bar on the indicator, or
the system will not stay on when any button is pressed.
Note 1: Only use Dogtra-approved batteries, chargers,
and accessories for your Dogtra e-collars. This will prevent
any damage that can be incurred from attempting to use
a different charger.
Note 2: The unit has a partial charge when it leaves the
Dogtra facility. Upon receipt of the system, be sure to give
it a full 2-hour initial charge before the first use away from
any flammable substances.
Note 3: When a charger is not in use, disconnect it from
the power source. Fully charge the batteries if the unit is
to be stored without use for a period of 3 months or more.
Charging Cable
120 Volt
Charger
Wall Outlet
7. Charging the Battery

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Follow the steps below to charge your system:
1. Open the rubber plugs on the battery charging
receptacles and plug in the charging cable.
2. Plug the charger into a 120-volt wall outlet or, if using
the auto charger, plug into a cigarette lighter only for
lithium polymer batteries (use a 220 volt European
charger for Europe). All indicator lights should glow red
when properly plugged in and the unit will automatically
shut off during the charging process. You will need to
turn the unit on again before use once the unit is fully
charged and unplugged from the battery cable.
3. The lithium polymer battery is fully charged within
2 hours. The lights will stay red during the charging
process and turn green once the unit is fully charged.
4. After charging, cover the battery charging receptacles
with the rubber plugs.

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8. Handheld Transmitter LCD
The LCD screen indicates the stimulation level on the
screen ranging from (0-127). The battery life indicator
shows:
3 bars = full charge
2 bars = medium charge
1 bar = needs charge
The battery life indicator only shows the remaining charge
of your transmitter. To find the remaining charge
for your receiver, observe the LED indicator light
on the receiver.

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Care for LCD Transmitters in Cold Temperature
In cold temperatures (10°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
Nick or Constant button, the transmitter will still function
properly. In the occurrence of extremely cold weather, the
LCD screen might take a moment to respond causing the
intensity level to freeze at that current level. If you turn
the Rheostat Dial, the level on the screen may not change
but the actual intensity from the receiver will change in
agreement with the dial. In this situation, it is ideal to
either wait until your transmitter is back in working order
before emitting a correction or while holding the Constant
button down, slowly turn the Rheostat Dial while watching
your dog’s reaction. Do not turn the Rheostat Dial rapidly,
because the receiver will emit a static correction based on
the level of the Rheostat Dial, which might not be correctly
reflected on the LCD screen.

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9. Attaching the Belt Clip
Follow the instructions below to attach the included belt
clip to the transmitter.
1. Align the belt clip to the grooves on the back of the
transmitter.
2. With a firm grip, screw on the belt clip's Phillips head
screws with a screwdriver.
Caution!
Tighten until firmly in place. Be careful not to over
tighten.

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10. Using the Test Light
1. Turn on the receiver by touching the magnetic red dot
on the back of the transmitter to the red dot on the
receiver. The indicator light will come on for a moment
then blink once every 4 seconds, showing that the
receiver is ready to use.
2. Turn the transmitter on by holding down the on/off
button on the right side of the transmitter. The LED will
blink every 4 seconds and the LCD screen will show the
remaining battery life.
3. Place the test light, included in the package contents,
on the contact points as shown in the diagram.
4. Watch the test light as you push the Nick button on the
transmitter. It should light up for just a moment. The
higher the intensity, the brighter the test light will be.
5. Watch the test light as you push the Constant button on
the transmitter. It should light up as long as the button
is pressed. However, as a safety feature, the receiver
will automatically stop the stimulation if the Constant
button is pressed for 12 seconds or longer.

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6. Turn the Rheostat Dial on the transmitter clockwise
and then counterclockwise. The test light should glow
brighter with higher levels of stimulation and dimmer
with lower levels.
Note: The test light may not be visible if the intensity
level is set below level ten.

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GENERAL TRAINING TIPS
Your dog must know some basic obedience commands
before beginning training with the ARC. A dog learns
by first being shown a command, followed by lots of
repetition over an extended period. As the dog becomes
proficient at these commands, the trainer can introduce
distractions and different locations to strengthen them.
Obedience Training on the Leash
Your dog must fully understand the obedience commands
(sit, stay, here, heel, and kennel) before using the e-collar
for reinforcement of these commands. A leash attached
to a standard collar is used to "teach" the dog the basic
obedience commands (here, heel, sit, and stay). A tug
on the leash/collar is used to reinforce the command.
When the dog complies with the command, use positive
reinforcement/praise. Once the dog understands these
commands, the e-collar can be used to reinforce them.
Beginning E-Collar Training
When you feel your dog understands the obedience
commands on the leash we can now start with the e-collar
training. With the dog on the leash and wearing the
e-collar, continue with your obedience drills. Apply light
stimulation (Nick or Constant) when a command is given;
the stimulation can be removed as the dog complies.
Through repetition, the dog learns to perform the
command.
The final step is the avoidance phase in which the
dog learns that he can avoid the stimulation altogether
by performing your commands. When these training

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procedures are complete, the e-collar is used as a reminder
when the dog does not comply with your commands at
home or in the field. Keep your initial training sessions
short and positive as dogs have a short attention span.
How Much Stimulation to Use
Always start with low levels of stimulation and work
your way up depending on the disposition of your dog
and the given situation. By using the correct amount of
stimulation to get your point across, you will have a more
controllable environment and a dog that is under less
stress. Animals (and humans) perform better in a less
stressful environment.
For more training information, please visit our website at
www.dogtra.com.