• How much range does the collar have? Range ratings are based on flat open terrain. Hills, Trees, Tall grasses, Buildings even the weather will effect your actual range. We suggest you select a collar with double the range that you feel you need.
  
• What type of correction does the collar offer? - (momentary vs. continuous, non stimulating and tone options)
  
• What type of adjustability for intensity selection does the collar or transmitter offer?
  
• What is the weight of the collar? Small breeds cannot wear some collars because of the weight.

  
  
• Review the training booklet below for proper use of an electronic training collar and proven methods to acheive successful results.
  Basic Training with an Electronic Training Collar by Tri-Tronics
  

Q: How long does it take to have a Training Collar repaired?

Q: What if you cannot fix my Electronic Dog Collar?

A: If for some reason your Trainer is not serviceable, you will be contacted with component replacement or trade-in options.

Q: Where do I find information on Troubleshooting my collar?

A: Collar Clinic has written a convenient Troubleshooting Guide. This guide is designed for Ni-Cad Battery operated systems.

Q: Can my dog go swimming with the collar on?

A: Yes, all the collars that Collar Clinic carries are waterproof and safe for your dog to wear in the water.

This
Troubleshooting Guide has been written for your convenience to help you properly maintain your electronic dog training collar and keep your service expenditures at a minimum. It does not replace proper servicing of collars in need of such attention nor does it replace information regarding the use and care of your trainer provided by the manufacturer's manual.

This Guide lists the four most common problems users experience with their electronic dog training collars and what can be done to solve them. Also listed, you will find guidelines concerning proper charging and maintenance of your batteries. Proper care of your electronic dog training collar will give you maximum reliability and minimum down time.

Should you experience any malfunctions, please review the troubleshooting guide before sending your trainer in for service. For further assistance, our customer service representatives are available to answer your questions Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 5pm ET.
You can call us Toll Free at 1-800-430-2010.

Problem #1: The collar lights the test light, but does not seem to affect the dog.
Problem #2: The remote trainer has diminished or no range.
Problem #3: The collar does not seem to hold a charge.
Problem #4: The collar is dead, will not light test light.
Charging & maintenance of your electronic training collar's Nickel-Cadmium batteries. (Plus long-term storage tips)
Charging & maintenance of your electronic training collar's Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries. (Plus long-term storage tips)

#1: The collar lights the test light, but does not seem to affect the dog.
Solution:
A: The shock intensity level is too low for the dog. Try increasing the level until desired response is achieved.
B: The contact points are too short for the dog. Try using the longer contact points; if you are already using the longest contact points available for your collar, it may be necessary to trim some of the hair on the dog's neck. The metal part of the contact points must be touching the dog's skin or he will not feel the stimulation.
C: The collar strap is not tight enough. The collar must be positioned on the smallest part of the dog's neck and tight enough for both contact points to touch the dog's skin.
D: The transmitter signal may not be reaching the active collar unit. See problem #2, "no range."
E: The collar may be working intermittently. See solution "L."

#2: The remote trainer has diminished or no range.
F: The transmitter and/or receiver antenna is physically damaged or is the incorrect antenna for your unit. Replace antenna with the correct type for your unit.
G: The receiver antenna wire woven through the collar strap has been cut, broken or otherwise damaged. Replace the active collar strap.
H: There is a metal structure, fence, building or vehicle between you and the dog. The radio waves are weakened by conductive materials in their path. For maximum range, operate remote trainer away from these objects.
I: The flexible antenna on the collar has been taped or otherwise tied to the collar strap. For maximum range, the antenna should stick out freely away from the dog. In addition, the insert where the antenna screws in may be pulled out if the antenna is tied to the strap.
J: The advertised range is for flat, open terrain. Trees, heavy brush, moisture, hills, etc. will all diminish your range capabilities. In addition, if there is another transmitter operating in the area, it may interrupt your signal. For maximum range, the transmitter should be held vertically, high above your head. Do not test collar with it sitting on the ground, it should be raised 2 feet, as when it is on a dog. When out in the field and having trouble reaching the dog, you may be in a "dead spot." Try moving 10 or 20 yards in any direction or moving to higher ground if possible.

#3: The collar does not seem to hold a charge.
K: The batteries are not being charged properly or the charger being used is not functioning properly. Review the charging instructions in your owner's manual and the battery maintenance tips listed below. If you suspect the charger is defective, send it in, we will test it for you at no charge.
L: There is an intermittent contact problem between the plug(s) and sockets on the active collar unit. Broken or badly worn plugs will not make reliable electrical contact and must be replaced for consistent operation (dirty plugs should be cleaned). The sockets on the collar unit must be kept clean of dirt, crud and corrosion for the same reason. A scrub brush with liquid soap under running water can be used to remove most of the dirt. To clean inside the sockets, a "Q-Tip" with the paper type stick (not plastic) and the cotton tip removed will get down inside the socket without damaging it. Be careful not to break it off while inserted. Use only rubbing alcohol as a cleaning solvent for plugs and sockets. Harsh chemicals may damage them.

#4: The collar is dead, will not light test light.
M: The 3-prong turn-on plug and/or the 2-prong variable intensity plug is not installed in the collar. The appropriate plug(s) must be installed for the collar to function.
N: The batteries in the collar and/or transmitter need charging or the charger being used is not functioning properly. Review the charging instructions in your owner's manual and the battery maintenance tips below. If you suspect the charger is defective, send it in, we will test it for you at no charge.
O: The plug(s) are not making good contact with the sockets in the collar. See solution "L" above.
P: The proper antenna is not installed in the transmitter and/or collar. The transmitter and receiver must have the correct antenna in order to function properly. In addition, if the transmitter is too close to the receiver, signal overload may occur which will result in no response from the collar. Separate transmitter several feet from collar when testing.
Q: Test light is not properly connected or is not functioning. The test lights with the rubber boots must be firmly seated on the contact points, also the highest intensity plug should be used for the brightest light when testing. Replace defective test light.

Charging & maintenance of your electronic training collar's Nickel-Cadmium batteries.
The rechargeable Nickel-Cadmium batteries supplied with your unit should give you three to five years of service if charged and maintained properly. Following the guidelines outlined below will help you get the maximum life out of your batteries.

1. The 3-prong turn-on plug must be removed from the collar when not in use. The receiver circuit will continue to drain the battery even though the collar is not being activated if the turn-on plug is left in the collar. Leaving the collar turned on for extended periods of time (more than 2 or 3 days) without charging will greatly reduce the life of your batteries. The variable intensity plugs do not affect the batteries or the charger.
2. Always charge your batteries at room temperature. Do not store your unit where the temperature is below freezing or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods of time.
3. Undercharging or overcharging your batteries will also cause premature battery failure. Follow the charging instructions in the owner's manual provided with your trainer. If you do not have a copy of the owner's manual for your particular model, give us a call, we will send you a copy for a $3.00 shipping and handling fee.

Long-term storage tips:
For During long term storage or periods of nonuse of greater than 3 months, the batteries should be charged for 10 to 12 hours every 3 or 4 months. With some chargers, your trainer can be left plugged into the charger continually during periods of nonuse. See your owner's manual.

Charging & maintenance of your electronic training collar's Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries.

1. NiMH batteries do not develop a "memory", so it is not necessary or desirable to deplete your batteries between charges. You can expect approximately 40 hours of service between charges. This estimate will vary depending on your type of use.
2. To conserve the life of your batteries, do not store your trainer in extremely hot or cold places (such as the dashboard of your car)
3. When to charge: You should fully charge the batteries of both the transmitter and receiver before you begin using a new trainer. Thereafter, charge the batteries whenever the LED(s) indicate that batteries are low. Once you see the low battery indicator come on, and depending on use, you should be able to train for another two hours before depleting the battery completely.
4. How to charge: Plug the battery charger(s) into an ordinary household wall outlet. Remove the rubber protection cap from the charging jack on the device (transmitter or collar) to be charged, and plug the correct charger plug into the matching charging jack of the device to be charged. Always use the manufacturers charger. Using the wrong type of charger may damage the batteries. The components should remain on the charger for an uninterupted 12-14 hours.
5. "On Charge" Indicator: The LED on the device you are charging will glow red steadily while the battery is being charged.
6. "Full Charge" Indicator: The Tri-Tronics LED(s) indicate when the battery is fully charged. The collar LED will change from red to green or flicker between red and green.. The transmitter LED will change from glowing steadily to blinking red slowly (about once per second). Dogtra and D. T. Systems LED's does not change when the batteries are fully charged. .
   • You should remover both components from the charger after 12-14 hours. The charge does not switch to a trickle charge.
   • It should take from 12-14 hours to fully charge batteries of both the transmitter and the collar. Remove the charger from the wall outlet when not in use.
   • Batteries should be charged at room temperature. Don't charge at temperatures below freezing. Remember that it could take several hours for the batteries to come up to room temperature if the trainer has been outside in the cold.
7. If you store your trainer for extended periods: If you do not use your trainer for extended periods, remember to keep the batteries charged up. Charge the batteries to full charge about every month.
8. Replacing the Batteries: Tri-Tronics and Dogtra with the Ni-MH batteries are user-replaceable batteries. Batteries can be purchased . You do not need to send the unit in for this service.
   • Open battery compartments only for the purpose of replacing a battery, and open them away from the field to avoid contamination.
   • Do not open the trainer for any reason other than to replace the batteries.
   • Only charge the new batteries when they are installed in the unit. Never attempt to charge a replacement battery when it is not installed in the collar or transmitter.