Petsafe Pawz Away RFA-378 User manual

Please read this entire manual before beginning.
RFA-378
Pawz Away®
Extra Outdoor Pet Barrier
Product Manual

2 Customer Care Center [phone]
Welcome
You and your pet were made for each other. Our aim is to help you have the best companionship
and the most memorable moments together.Your Pawz Away® Outdoor Pet Barrier is designed to
keep pets away from off-limits areas.
We know that safe pets make happy owners. Before getting started, take a moment to read through
the important safety information. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Hereinafter Radio Systems Corporation, Radio Systems PetSafe Europe Ltd., Radio Systems
Australia Pty Ltd. And any other affiliate or brand of Radio Systems Corporation may be referred to
collectively as “We” or “Us.”
Important Safety Information
Explanation of attention words and symbols used in this Product Manual
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards.
Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury.
CAUTION, used with the safety alert symbol, indicates a hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION, used without the safety alert symbol, indicates a hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in harm to your pet.
NOTICE is used to address safe use practices not related to personal injury.
• Not for use with aggressive dogs. Do not use this product if your dog is
prone to aggressive behavior. Aggressive dogs can cause severe injury or
death to their owners and others. If you are not sure that this product is
right for your dog, please talk to your veterinarian or a certified trainer.
• Underground cables can carry high voltage. Have all underground cables
marked before you dig to bury your wire. In most areas this is a free service.
Avoid these cables when you dig.

petsafe.com 3
• This System is NOT a solid barrier. The system is designed to act as a
deterrent, using static correction to condition pets to remain outside of the
established barrier area. It is important that you reinforce training with your
pet on a regular basis. Since the tolerance level to static correction varies
from pet to pet, Radio Systems Corporation CANNOT guarantee that the
system will in all cases keep a pet outside of the established barrier area. Not
all pets can be trained to avoid entering the barrier area. Therefore, if you have
reason to believe that your pet may harm himself or pose a danger to others
if he is not kept from entering the barrier area, you should NOT rely solely
upon this system to restrict your pet. Radio Systems Corporation shall NOT
be liable for any personal injuries, property damage, injury to or death of your
pet, economic loss or any consequential damages sustained as a result of any
animal entering the barrier area.
• This product is not a toy. Keep it out of the reach of children. Use it only to
deter pets from particular areas.
• The system should only be used with healthy pets. Contact your veterinarian
if you have concerns about the medical condition of your pet (medication,
pregnant, heart conditions, etc).
• If you are using a collar and leash for training, be sure the extra collar does not
put pressure on the contact points of the receiver collar.
• To prevent an unintended correction, do not perform set up procedures while
the receiver collar is on your pet.
• To avoid damage to the transmitter do not submerge in water.
• Do not mix old and new batteries.
• Do not mix standard, alkaline or rechargeable batteries.
• Do not use rechargeable batteries.
• Exhausted batteries should be removed immediately. Do not dispose of
batteries with household waste.

4 Customer Care Center [phone]
How the Pawz Away®Outdoor Pet Barrier Works
The Barrier Transmitter, disguised as a rock in your landscape, sends a spherical radio signal up to
16 feet in diameter or an 8 foot radius.Your pet wears a Receiver Collar with Contact Points that
touch his neck.When your pet enters the Barrier Area, he’ll hear a series of audible tones from the
Receiver Collar and he will feel a safe progressive Static Correction, delivered through the Contact
Points on his neck. It is designed to startle, not to punish. The progressive Static Correction will
get your pet’s attention, but will not cause harm. The correction continues until your pet leaves
the Barrier Area. The system has been proven safe, comfortable and effective for pets at least 6
months old and over 5 pounds.
You also have the option to create a custom shaped barrier using Boundary Wire. Create a barrier
loop up to 150 feet.
This is a deterrence system designed to keep pets away from areas in your landscape you want
to protect. THIS IS NOT A CONTAINMENT SYSTEM. Do not use this system to keep your
pet contained in your yard.The static correction is not intended to keep your pet contained.
Table of Contents
How the Pawz Away®Outdoor Pet Barrier Works ......................................... 4
Operating Guide - Wireless Option ........................................................ 5
Power Up the Barrier Transmitter ............................................................ 5
Set Up the Barrier Transmitter................................................................. 5
Test the Barrier Area ............................................................................... 6
Operating Guide - Wire Option .............................................................. 7
Determine Placement of Barrier Transmitter & Wire Layout...................... 7
Connect the Wires to the Barrier Transmitter............................................ 8
Test the Barrier Area ............................................................................... 9
Install the Boundary Wire ........................................................................ 9
Training Guide .......................................................................................11
Begin Your Pet’s First Session .................................................................11
Further Training.....................................................................................11
Troubleshooting......................................................................................12
Terms of Use and Limitation of Liability ....................................................13
Compliance ..............................................................................................13
Customer Care International .....................................................................14
Important Recycling Advice.......................................................................14
Warranty...................................................................................................14

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Operating Guide - Wireless Option
Power Up the Barrier Transmitter
Locate the battery door on the bottom of the Barrier Transmitter. Loosen the 4 Phillips
head screws.The screws will stay in the battery lid. Install 4 alkaline D-batteries and
replace the battery door.
Under normal conditions, the batteries will operate the transmitter for up to one year. Test
the system every month to ensure it is working properly.
Set Up the Barrier Transmitter
To prevent an unintended correction, never perform setup procedures while your
pet is wearing the receiver collar.
1. Turn the Barrier Transmitter upright and open the
lid exposing the LCD display and range buttons.
2. Press the up (+) button once to turn ON the
Barrier Transmitter. A black segment in the bottom
of the LCD display indicates the unit is set to the
lowest range (1A).
3. You can create a Barrier Area up to 16 feet in
diameter. Using the up (+) and down (-) buttons,
adjust the range to fit the desired pet Barrier Area.
Step
1
Step
2
1A

6 Customer Care Center [phone]
Test the Barrier Area
1. Keeping your hands away from the Contact Points, use the edge of the Test Light Tool to
turn the receiver battery door to the ON(I) position.
2. Hold the Receiver Collar with the Contact Points facing up. Place the Test Light Tool on
the Contact Points so that the wire in the Test Light Tool touches the Contact Points.The
PetSafe®logo on the Receiver Collar should face the Transmitter.
3. Hold the Receiver Collar at the approximate height
of your dog’s neck (2A). Start outside of the range
and walk slowly toward the Barrier Transmitter. As
you reach the Barrier Area, the Receiver Collar emits
a series of high-pitched tones. For each tone you
hear, you should notice the Test Light flashing which
indicates that a progressive Static Correction is being
delivered.The Receiver Collar’s tone is easily heard
by dogs but may be at a volume level difficult for
some humans to hear.
4. Check the range of the Barrier Area from multiple
angles to ensure you are getting the desired coverage.
If you place the Barrier Transmitter close to your
house, the signal may transmit through a wall. Be
sure to test the Receiver Collar inside your home.
Important: Should you find that you are not getting
the desired range at the maximum setting, move the Barrier Transmitter a few
feet. A variety of factors can affect the magnetic field. For best results, place the
Barrier Transmitter on a non-conductive surface, i.e., lawn or landscape bed.
Metal objects may distort the Barrier Area size.
Do not:
• Place Barrier Transmitter on metal surfaces.
• Place Barrier Transmitter near large metal objects such as heating and air conditioning
units, metal outbuildings, metal trash cans, etc.
• Place the Barrier Transmitter in a location where it may become submerged in water.
While the Transmitter is waterproof, submersion in water is not recommended.
• For the longest battery life, avoid exposing the transmitter to extreme temperatures for
any extended time.
2A
Step
3

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Operating Guide - Wire Option
You can customize the size and shape of your barrier. This section discusses laying an
external wire which attaches to the Barrier Transmitter.The signal will transmit through
the wire, instead of through the Barrier Transmitter, at a range up to 12 feet from the
outside of the wire.
You can create a barrier using up to 150 feet of Boundary Wire. Use wire that is rated for
direct burial. PetSafe®Boundary Wire can be purchased in 150 foot spools through the
Customer Care Center.
Determine Placement of Barrier
Transmitter & Wire Layout
Basic Planning Tips
Underground cables can carry high voltage. Have all underground cables marked
before you dig to bury your wire. In most areas this is a free service. Avoid these
cables when you dig.
When determining your wire layout it is important to
remember that you will need to set the range to a minimum
of 3 segments (3A) when using the wire option. The
segments indicate the barrier range. If the range is set to 1 or
2 segments, the signal will not be great enough to be picked
up by the Receiver Collar. Refer to the chart below for the
approximate range of the signal from the outside of the wire
for each segment.
3A
Segment Range from Wire
3 3 feet
4 5 feet
5 8 feet
6 12 feet
The range will vary depending on the type of layout. Once you lay out your desired barrier
continue to Step 2 and 3 before burying the wire. It is important that you test the system
and make adjustments to your layout before burying the boundary wire.This will make
any layout changes easier.Work carefully. A nick in the wire insulation can diminish the
signal strength and create a weak area where your pet can enter the barrier area.
Step
1

8 Customer Care Center [phone]
Additional tips for laying out your boundary wire:
• Always use gradual turns (3B) at the corners with a minimum of 3 foot radius to
produce a more consistent boundary. Do not use sharp turns (3C), as this may 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).
3B 3C
Sample Layouts
Perimeter Loop
(Single Loop)
The Perimeter Loop is
the most common layout.
This will allow your pet
to freely and safely roam
your entire property while
protecting gardens (3D),
children’s play areas (3E)
and landscaping.
3D
Shields®
Transmitter
Signal
Field
Wire
3E
Connect the Wires to the Barrier
Transmitter
1. Remove the battery door from the Barrier Transmitter
by loosening the 4 phillips head screws. Remove the
4 D-batteries if you had already placed them inside
the transmitter.
2. Locate the switch inside the battery cavity. This switch
allows the Barrier Transmitter to operate as a wireless
(internal antenna) or wired (external antenna) unit.
Move the switch to the “External” option so that the
radio signal is sent through the wire (4A).
3. Using the wire stripping pliers, strip about ¼ inch of
insulation from the ends of the Boundary Wire. Use
pliers to bend each end of the wire to form a 90 degree
angle (4B).
4A
Step
2

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4. Place one end of the Boundary Wire into the Boundary
Wire Channel on the Barrier Transmitter.The wire should
touch the threads of one of the screws in the channel.
Once you have placed the wire, tighten the screw (4C).
Repeat this step to connect the other end of the
boundary wire to the opposite side of the second screw.
Make sure the bare wires do not touch each other.
5. Place the batteries back into the transmitter and
carefully bend the wires so they fit through the groove
on the battery door (4D).
Be careful not to pull
 
4B
or tug on the wires
once you have placed
them in the channels.
6. Screw the battery door
in place and position the
Barrier Transmitter in
your landscape.
Under normal conditions,
the batteries will operate
the transmitter for up to
one year.Test the system
Screw
Threads Boundary
Wire End
4C 4D
every month to ensure it is working properly.
Test the Barrier Area
Refer to Step 3 on page 4 for instructions on how to test the Barrier Area. Keep the
following in mind when testing the range using the wire option:
• Start with the range set to 3 segments and adjust the range up to 6 segments to get your
desired coverage. Press the (+) button 3 times to set the range to 3 segments.
• When holding the Receiver Collar to check the range, walk toward the Boundary Wire
instead of the Barrier Transmitter.
Once you are satisfied that your system is functioning properly and you are receiving the
desired barrier coverage, you are ready to bury the Boundary Wire. If the Receiver Collar
did not beep or the Test Light did not flash, see the “Troubleshooting” section.
Install the Boundary Wire
For best results, bury the Boundary Wire to protect it. The Boundary Wire can be placed
under mulch, however, be sure that the Boundary Wire is placed in low traffic areas to
reduce the risk of wire damage.
To Bury the Boundary Wire
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 insulation.
Step
3
Step
4

10 Customer Care Center [phone]
To Attach the Boundary Wire to an Existing Fence
The Boundary Wire 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
Range is set high enough for the pet to receive the signal.
• Chain Link Fence (5A):Weave Boundary Wire through the links or use plastic quick ties.
• Wooden Split Rail or Privacy Fence (5A): Use staples to attach Boundary Wire. Avoid
puncturing the insulation of the Boundary Wire.
To Cross Hard Surfaces (sidewalks, pathways etc.)
Concrete Sidewalk (5B): 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 waterproofing compound. For best results, brush away dirt or other debris
before patching.
Gravel or Dirt Pathway (5C): Place the Boundary Wire in a PVC pipe or water hose to protect
the Boundary Wire before burying.
5B 5C
STAPLE WIRE TO FENCE
WEAVE WIRE INTO FENCE
STAPLE WIRE
TO FENCE
5A

petsafe.com 11
Training Guide
The PetSafe®Pawz Away®Outdoor Pet Barrier operates on the principle of positive and negative
reinforcement.Your pet will learn to avoid the Barrier Areas you have set after receiving a progressive
Static Correction (negative reinforcement) and your pet will learn that he is more comfortable when
he avoids the Barrier Areas (positive reinforcement).
In some cases, it may not be necessary to train your pet.You can let your pet wander freely to
determine the new boundaries. Monitor your pet during his first session. Pets learn at different
rates and it may take several times for your pet to successfully understand and honor the Barrier Areas.
Begin Your Pet’s First Session
1. Move your pet away from the Barrier Area.
2. Activate the Receiver Collar by turning the battery door to the ON position. Place the Receiver
Collar around your pet’s neck. Be sure that the Receiver is directly under your pet’s neck.
3. Allow your pet to wander freely to learn the new boundaries.
Further Training
If your pet is confused or unsure how to avoid the Barrier Areas then you may need to teach your
pet how to do so by following these easy training steps:
1. Place a second non metallic collar on your pet ABOVE the Receiver Collar and attach a long
leash.
If you are using a collar and leash for training, be sure the extra collar does not put pressure
on the contact points of the receiver collar.
2. Walk your pet toward the Barrier Area. As soon as you hear the tone or you see that your pet is
receiving a Static Correction, gently pull him away from the Barrier Area and back into the safe zone.
3. Reward your pet with praise each time he leaves the Barrier Area.
4. Practice this technique a few times until you feel that your pet is mastering avoidance of the
Barrier Areas.
If your pet is having trouble recognizing the barrier you may need to provide a temporary visual
aid. PetSafe®Boundary Flags can be placed around the perimeter of the Barrier Area to help your
pet understand where he is not allowed to roam. Once your pet is trained to respect the barrier,
the flags can be removed. Boundary Flags can be purchased through the Customer Care Center.
Important: Be sure to never force or entice your pet to enter the Barrier Areas.

12 Customer Care Center [phone]
Troubleshooting
Barrier Transmitter
does not appear to work
• Check segment indicator on Barrier Transmitter.
• Check/replace batteries in Barrier Transmitter.
• Increase the Barrier Area range on the Barrier Transmitter.
Barrier Area range is
too low
• Check/replace batteries in Receiver Collar.
• Adjust Barrier Transmitter range to increase Barrier Area size.
Barrier Area range is
too high
• Adjust Barrier Transmitter range to decrease Barrier Area size.
No segments on Barrier
Transmitter
• Press the UP (+) arrow button.
• Check/replace batteries in Barrier Transmitter.
Black bar(s) appear next to
range segment on Barrier
Transmitter display
• Contact the Customer Care Center at for assistance.
Pet receiver stimulation
while indoors
• Remove Receiver Collar before bringing dog indoors.
• Adjust Barrier Transmitter range to decrease Barrier Area size.
• Move Barrier Transmitter or Boundary Wire further from house.
Receiver Collar is not
picking up signal (wire
option only).
• Check/replace batteries in Receiver Collar.
• Use Test Light Tool to check for static correction.
• Change switch inside transmitter to Internal and check
transmitter. If transmitter works and the receiver collar is
picking up the signal, then it is likely that there is an issue with
the Boundary Wire. Turn off the transmitter. Check the wire
connection to the transmitter to ensure connection has not come
loose or is corroded. If there is corrosion, cut out the corroded
wire and reconnect the wire to the transmitter. If the connection
is secure and there is no corrosion then you have a break in
the Boundary Wire. To locate the break, check the boundary
for any signs of damage (i.e. recent digging, aerating, rodent
burrowing or any other noticeable disturbance in your yard next
to the Boundary). If there are no signs of damage, you will need
to carefully pull up the wire to determine where the break is.
Once you have found the break, replace the damaged section of
Boundary Wire with new Boundary Wire.Turn the transmitter
on and test the system before re-installing the Boundary Wire.

petsafe.com 13
Terms of Use and Limitation of Liability
1. Terms of Use
The use of this product is subject to your acceptance without modification of the terms,
conditions and notices contained with this product. Use of this product implies acceptance of
all such terms, conditions, and notices. If you do not wish to accept these terms, conditions,
and notices, please return the product, unused, in its original packaging and at your own cost
and risk to the relevant Customer Care location together with proof of purchase for a full
refund.
2. Proper Use
Proper Use includes, without limitation, reviewing the entire Product Manual and any
specific safety information statements.The specific temperament or size/weight of your pet
may not be suitable for this product. If you are unsure whether this product is appropriate
for your pet, please consult your veterinarian or certified trainer prior to use. For products
used with pets where training is desired, Radio Systems Corporation recommends that these
training products are not used if your pet is aggressive and accepts no liability for determining
suitability in individual cases.
3. No Unlawful or Prohibited Use
This product is designed for use with pets only. This product is not intended to harm, injure
or provoke. Using this product in a way that is not intended could result in violation of
Federal, State or local laws.
4. Limitation of Liability
In no event shall Radio Systems Corporation or any of its associated companies be liable for
(i) any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special or consequential damage and/or (ii) any
loss or damages whatsoever arising out of or connected with the use or misuse of this product.
The Purchaser assumes all risks and liability from the use of this product to the fullest extent
permissible by law.
5. Modification of Terms and Conditions
Radio Systems Corporation reserves the right to change the terms, conditions and notices
governing this product from time to time. If such changes have been notified to you prior to
your use of this product, they shall be binding on you as if incorporated herein.
Compliance
FCC
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE:This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a specific installation. If interference does occur to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

14 Customer Care Center [phone]
• Relocate the interfered receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different to that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Contact the Customer Care Center at [phone].
CAUTION: Modification or changes to this equipment not expressly approved by Radio Systems
Corporation may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
ACMA/Australia
This device complies with the applicable EMC requirements specified by the ACMA (Australian
Communications and Media Authority).
Customer Care International
USA & Canada—Tel: [phone]
Monday–Friday 8 AM – 8 PM / Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM
Australia—Tel: [phone]
Monday–Friday 8:30 AM – 5 PM
New Zealand—Tel: [phone]
Monday–Friday 10:30 AM – 7 PM
Important Recycling Advice
Please respect the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment regulations in your country.
This equipment must be recycled. At the end of the product life, do not place it in the normal
municipal waste system. Please check the regulations in your area or return it to where it was
purchased so that it can be placed in our recycling system. If these options are not possible, please
contact the Customer Care Center for further information.
Warranty
One Year Non-Transferrable Limited Warranty
This Product has the benefit of a limited manufacturer’s warranty. Complete details of the
warranty applicable to this Product and its terms can be found at petsafe.com and/or are available
by contacting your local Customer Care Center.
United States and Canada
Radio Systems Corporation
10427 PetSafe Way
Knoxville, TN 37932 USA