SportDOG FIELD TRAINER 400 User manual

OPERATING GUIDE
PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE GUIDE BEFORE BEGINNING

2 1-800-732-0144
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
EXPLANATION OF ATTENTION WORDS AND SYMBOLS USED IN THIS GUIDE
______________________________________________________________________________________
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
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
CAUTION
CAUTION, used without the safety alert symbol, indicates a hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in harm to your dog.

www.sportdog.com 3
WARNING
•Not for use with aggressive dogs. Do not use this product if your dog is aggressive, or if your dog is
prone to aggressive behavior. Aggressive dogs can cause severe injury and even death to their owner
and others. If you are unsure whether this product is appropriate for your dog, please consult your
veterinarian or a certified trainer.
•This device contains Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries; never incinerate, puncture, deform, short-
circuit, or charge with an inappropriate charger. Fire, explosion, property damage, or bodily harm may
occur if this warning is not followed.
•RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT TYPE. DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES
ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS.
CAUTION
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 to the electronic collar; it will cause excessive pressure on the contacts.
•When using a separate collar for a lead, 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.
•You may need to trim the hair in the area of the Contact Points or switch to the longer Contact Points to
ensure consistent contact. Never shave the dog’s neck; this may lead to a rash or infection.
•You should not make the collar any more tight than is required for good contact. A collar that is too tight
will increase the risk of pressure necrosis in the contact area.

4 1-800-732-0144
Thank you for choosing SportDOG Brand.®Used properly, this product will help you train your dog
efficiently and safely. To ensure your satisfaction, please review this owner’s manual thoroughly. If you
have questions regarding this product’s operation, please see this manual’s Frequently Asked Questions
or Troubleshooting section, contact our Customer Care Center at 1-800-732-0144, or visit our website at
www.sportdog.com.
To get the most protection out of your warranty, please register your product within 30 days at
www.sportdog.com. By registering, and keeping your receipt you will enjoy the product’s full warranty
and should you ever need to call the Customer Care Center, we will be able to help you faster. Most
importantly, SportDOG™ will never give or sell your valuable information to anyone. Complete warranty
information is available online at www.sportdog.com.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Components .............................................................................................................................................5
How tHe system works.......................................................................................................................5
key Definitions ........................................................................................................................................6
prepare tHe remote transmitter ..................................................................................................7
prepare tHe Collar reCeiver.............................................................................................................8
fit tHe Collar reCeiver ......................................................................................................................10
finD tHe best intensity level for your Dog ............................................................................11
test ligHt instruCtions....................................................................................................................11
general training tips........................................................................................................................12
program tHe remote transmitter..............................................................................................12
matCH tHe Collar reCeiver anD remote transmitter ......................................................14
program tHe Collar reCeiver for two or tHree-Dog operation ..................................14
aCCessories ...........................................................................................................................................15
frequently askeD questions..........................................................................................................16
troublesHooting .................................................................................................................................17
terms of use anD limitation of liability..................................................................................18
fCC ComplianCe .....................................................................................................................................18
battery Disposal..................................................................................................................................19
sportDog aDD-a-Dog®reCeivers...................................................................................................20

www.sportdog.com 5
COMPONENTS
HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS
The SportDOG™FieldTrainer®400 & 400S have been proven safe, comfortable and effective for all dogs
over 8 pounds. Consistent, correct use of this product allows you to reinforce commands and correct
misbehavior from up to 400 yards. The Remote Transmitter sends a signal, activating the Collar Receiver
to deliver a harmless stimulation. With proper training, a dog will learn to associate this signal with a
command. Like all SportDOG products, this model features adjustable stimulation
levels so you can tailor the stimulation level to your dog’s temperament,
eliminating the risk of over-correction.
IMPORTANT: THE FIELDTRAINER 400 & 400S HAVE A RANGE OF UP TO 400
YARDS. DEPENDING ON THE WAY YOU HOLD THE REMOTE TRANSMITTER,
THE MAXIMUM RANGE MAY VARY. FOR CONSISTENT RESULTS AT LONGER
RANGES, HOLD THE REMOTE TRANSMITTER IN A VERTICAL POSITION
AWAY FROM YOUR BODY AND ABOVE YOUR HEAD. TERRAIN, WEATHER,
VEGETATION, TRANSMISSION FROM OTHER RADIO DEVICES, AND OTHER
FACTORS WILL AFFECT THE MAXIMUM RANGE.
WARNING
Do not use this product if your dog is aggressive, or if your dog is prone to aggressive behavior.
Aggressive dogs can cause severe injury and even death to their owner and others. If you are unsure whether this
product is appropriate for your dog, please consult your veterinarian or a certified trainer.

6 1-800-732-0144
KEY DEFINITIONS
REMOTE TRANSMITTER: Transmits the radio signal
to the Collar Receiver. It is waterproof and can be
submerged in water to a depth of 25 feet.
INTENSITY DIAL: Provides multiple levels of
stimulation so you can match the correction to your
dog’s temperament.
TRANSMITTER INDICATOR LIGHT: Indicates that a
button is pressed and also serves as a low-battery
indicator.
UPPER BUTTON: This button is factory-set to deliver
continuous stimulation.
LOWER BUTTON: This button is factory-set to deliver
momentary stimulation, or a “Nick.”
SIDE BUTTON: This button is factory-set to deliver a
tone without stimulation.
CHARGING JACKS: For connecting the charger.
Although the Collar Receiver and Remote Transmitter
are waterproof without it, keep the cover in place when
not charging to keep debris out of the opening.
COLLAR RECEIVER: Receives the radio signal from the
Remote Transmitter and delivers the stimulation and/or
a tone for correcting your dog. It is waterproof and can
be submerged in water to a depth of 25 feet.
RECEIVER INDICATOR LIGHT: Indicates when the Collar
Receiver has been turned on or off and also serves as a
low-battery indicator.
CONTACT POINTS: The contacts through which the
Collar Receiver delivers stimulation when a Remote
Transmitter button programmed for Continuous or
Momentary Stimulation is pressed.
ON/OFF BUTTON: Momentarily pressing and holding
this button turns the Collar Receiver on and off.
THE COLLAR RECEIVER IS CAPABLE OF DELIVERING
THREE TYPES OF CORRECTION:
CONTINUOUS: You control both when and how long
stimulation is delivered, up to a maximum of 9 seconds.
After 9 seconds, the stimulation will “time out” and the
Remote Transmitter button needs to be released and
then pressed again before additional stimulation can be
delivered.
MOMENTARY (NICK): Stimulation is delivered for
5/100 of a second, regardless of how long the button is
pressed.
TONE: The Collar Receiver will make a rapid beeping
noise when a Tone button is pressed.*
*Tone comes preset and is not adjustable.
REMOTE TRANSMITTER
TRANSMITTER
INDICATOR LIGHT
INTENSITY
DIAL
TRANSMITTER
ANTENNA
UPPER
BUTTON LOWER
BUTTON
SIDE
BUTTON
CHARGING
JACK
COLLAR RECEIVER
RECEIVER
INDICATOR LIGHT
CHARGING
JACK
CONTACT POINTS
ON/OFF
BUTTON

www.sportdog.com 7
PREPARE THE REMOTE TRANSMITTER
CHARGE THE REMOTE TRANSMITTER
1. Lift the rubber cover protecting the Charging
Jack.
2. Connect one of the charger connectors to the
Charging Jack.
3. Plug the charger into a standard 120-volt AC
wall outlet.
4. Charge the Remote Transmitter for 24 hours
for the first charge. Recharges take only 12
hours. NOTE: The Transmitter Indicator Light
will flash after 12 hours of charging. For the
first charge, continue to charge the Remote
Transmitter for an additional 12 hours.
5. When charging is complete, replace the
rubber cover.
NOTE: Approximate battery life between
charges is 40 to 60 hours, depending on
frequency of use.
TRANSMITTER INDICATOR LIGHT
OPERATIONAL MODE LIGHT COLOR BATTERY STATUS LIGHT FUNCTION
Continuous stimulation or
Tone only button pressed
Green Good Light is solid in color while
button is pressed
Continuous stimulation or
Tone only button pressed
Red Low Light is solid in color while
button is pressed
Momentary stimulation
button pressed
Green Good Light flashes once and
turns off
Momentary stimulation
button pressed
Red Low Light flashes once and
turns off
Unit is charging Red Low Light is solid in color while
on the charger
Unit is fully charged
(charger still connected)
Green Good Light flashes once per
second once the battery is
completely charged
CHARGER CONNECTOR
PLACED IN THE
REMOTE TRANSMITTER
CHARGING JACK
STEP :: 01

8 1-800-732-0144
PREPARE THE COLLAR RECEIVER
CHARGE THE COLLAR RECEIVER
1. Lift the rubber cover protecting the
Charging Jack.
2. Connect the charger connector to
the Charging Jack.
3. Plug the charger into a standard
120-volt AC wall outlet.
4. Charge the Collar Receiver for 24
hours for the first charge. Recharges
take only 12 hours.
NOTE: The Receiver Indicator Light
will flash after 12 hours of charging.
For the first charge, continue to
charge the Collar Receiver for an
additional 12 hours.
5. When charging is complete, replace
the rubber cover.
If the Collar Receiver is used in or around salt water, the Collar Receiver should be rinsed with
fresh water following each use. Prior to rinsing, the rubber charging jack cover should be
removed from the power plug socket and left out until the Collar Receiver has air dried.
TO TURN THE COLLAR RECEIVER ON:
1. Momentarily press and hold the
On/Off Button until the Receiver
Indicator Light comes on and the
Collar Receiver beeps 5 times.
2. Release the On/Off Button.
The Receiver Indicator Light will flash
until the Collar Receiver is turned off.
The flashing light indicates the Collar
Receiver is ready to receive a radio
signal from the Remote Transmitter.
TO TURN THE COLLAR RECEIVER OFF:
1. Momentarily press and hold the On/Off Button until the Receiver Indicator Light comes on
solid and the Collar Receiver beeps 2 times.
2. Release the On/Off Button.
To extend the life between charging cycles, turn the Collar Receiver off when it is not in use.
Note: Approximate battery life between charges is 40 hours, depending on frequency of use.
CHARGER CONNECTOR
PLACED IN COLLAR
RECEIVER CHARGING JACK
ON/OFF BUTTON
STEP :: 02

www.sportdog.com 9
RECEIVER INDICATOR LIGHT
OPERATIONAL
MODE
LIGHT
COLOR
LIGHT
FUNCTION
BATTERY
STATUS
SPEAKER
FUNCTION
Unit is charging
< 12 hours
Red Light is solid N/A N/A
Unit is charging
> 12 hours
Green Light is flashing once per
second
N/A N/A
Unit is turned on via
On/Off Button
Green Light is solid in color during
beep sequence
N/A Beeps 5 times
Unit is turned off via
On/Off Button
Green Light is solid in color during
beep sequence
Good Beeps 2 times
Unit is turned off via
On/Off Button
Red Light is solid in color during
beep sequence
Low Beeps 2 times
Unit is on Green Light flashes once per
second
Good N/A
Unit is on Red Light flashes once per
second
Low N/A
Unit is delivering
continuous stimulation
Red Light is solid in color for as
long as button is pressed
N/A N/A
Unit is delivering
momentary stimulation
Red Light will quickly flash once
no matter how long button
is pressed
N/A N/A
Unit is delivering tone Off N/A N/A Unit will beep
for as long
as button is
pressed
RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES
WARNING





•The rechargeable Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are not memory sensitive and do not require
depletion before charging. Batteries should never be removed from the battery compartment for
charging.
•The batteries come partially charged from the factory, but will require a full charge before the first
use (24 hours).
• When storing the unit for long periods, remember to regularly give batteries a full charge (12 hours). This
should be done once every 4 to 6 weeks.
•To maximize battery life, after initial charge, it is not recommended to leave the battery plugged in for
more than 12 hours.
•If your equipment has not been charged for an extended period, you may experience a decrease in
battery life the first few uses. Afterwards, the battery life will return to previous capacity levels.

10 1-800-732-0144
•Youshouldexpecthundredsofrechargecyclesfromyourbatteries.However,allrechargeable
batteries lose capacity over time relative to the number of recharge cycles they experience. This is
normal. If your operating time drops to half of the original life, contact the Customer Care Center to
purchase a new battery.
•Thebatteriesshouldlastforaperiodof3-5years.Whenabatteryneedsreplacement,youcanorder
a new pack by calling our Customer Care Center at 1-800-732-0144, or by visiting our website at
www.sportdog.com. Please do not open the Collar Receiver or Remote Transmitter until you have
received the replacement.
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.
CAUTION
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 to the electronic collar; it will cause excessive pressure on the
contacts.
•When using a separate collar for a lead, 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.
To ensure a proper fit, follow these steps:
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.
CAUTION
•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 more tight than is required for good contact. A collar that is
too tight will increase the risk of pressure necrosis in the contact area.
3A 3B
STEP :: 03