FAQs

Dogtra Smart Fence (DSF)

Can you set different correction levels for different boundaries like the GPS Fence?

No. The Smart Fence has one circular boundary and one correction zone.

When the dog approaches the boundary, the collar will beep and apply the selected correction once. Unlike the GPS Fence, you cannot assign different correction levels to multiple boundaries.

However, the DSF offers multiple correction styles (for example: Stim → Pager → Stim → Pager over 5 seconds), which provides flexibility in how the correction is delivered.

Can you manually deliver stimulation using the DSF control station?

Yes, but only within range of the base station.

The control station functions like a remote with two buttons (Dog 1 and Dog 2) and can deliver the pre-selected stimulation level to each collar.

Can you set a custom fence distance?

No. The Smart Fence uses preset fence sizes only.

Available boundary options:

  • 10 yards
  • 15 yards
  • 25 yards
  • 30 yards
  • 35 yards

You cannot select arbitrary distances.

Is the Smart Fence a two-tier system (warning zone + correction zone)?

Not exactly.

The Smart Fence uses one circular boundary.

  • When the dog approaches the boundary, the collar beeps and applies correction.
  • If the dog crosses the boundary, no second correction occurs.
  • Instead, the transmitter alerts the owner with louder and faster beeping.

Does Smart Fence use Bluetooth?

The fence signal is transmitted via RF from the base station.

Bluetooth is only used to connect the transmitter to the mobile app for setup and adjustments when nearby.

Dogtra GPS Fence (DGF)

Can you customize the boundary shape?

Yes. The GPS Fence allows custom fence shapes using GPS mapping.

However:

  • The fence must be at least about ¾ acre
  • Sharp 90° corners cannot be created

Does the system notify you if the dog leaves the boundary?

No.

Once the boundary is saved, the collar operates as a stand-alone system and does not send notifications to a phone or app.

Key Differences Between Smart Fence and GPS Fence

Dogtra Smart Fence (DSF)

Best for smaller properties

  • Circular boundary only
  • Fence size presets: 10, 15, 25, 30, 35 yards
  • Uses a base station (RF signal)
  • Boundary comes from the base station
  • Supports up to 2 dogs

Dogtra GPS Fence (DGF)

Best for larger properties

  • Customizable GPS fence shapes
  • Minimum fence size about ¾ acre
  • Boundary stored in the collar’s memory
  • Uses GPS satellites
  • Supports up to 3 dogs

What's the difference between Dogtra GPS and Smart Fences? 

Smart Fence:
A circular wireless fence for smaller yards using a base station.

GPS Fence:
A customizable fence for larger properties created using GPS mapping.

Product Troubleshooting FAQ

My unit won’t power on

  1. Confirm the model number (e.g., 280C, ARC, 1900S).
  2. Verify the correct charger is being used.

Example charger outputs:

  • 280C → 5V 1A
  • 1900S → 10V 1.5A
    1. If the lights turn red then green within seconds, the charger may be incorrect.
    2. Remove the splitter cable and try charging directly.
    3. Try a different power outlet.
    4. If no lights appear, check whether the charging port is loose or damaged. 
    5. If the unit shuts off during use:
      1. Gently shake to check for loose internal parts
      2. Ensure no magnetic collars (e.g., FI collars) are interfering.

My collar or remote isn’t delivering stimulation

  1. Confirm both units are powered on and blinking green every 4–5 seconds.

  2. Do not test on the dog—dogs may ignore stimulation due to adrenaline or coat thickness.

  3. Test on the inside of your wrist using:

    1. Level 15–20

    2. Constant button

If there is still no response:

  • Check if the pager (vibration) works.
  • Try re-coding the system (may require several attempts).
  • If the collar blinks green but doesn’t respond, there may be an RF pairing issue.

My unit has range issues

  1. Place the collar on a table.
  2. Use the pager/vibrate function.
  3. Walk away slowly while activating the pager to test range.
  4. Ensure the collar is:
    1. powered on
    2. tight and high on the neck
  5. If the collar doesn’t respond, try re-coding the system.

My bark collar corrects when my dog isn’t barking

Possible causes:

  • Multiple dogs barking nearby
  • Loose collar fit
  • Incorrect stimulation level

To test the collar:

  1. Turn the dial to T (test mode).
  2. Tap the sensor between the contact points with a pen cap.

The battery isn’t holding a charge

Factors affecting battery performance:

  • Overcharging
  • Long shelf storage
  • Cold weather

Recommendations:

  • Avoid charging for more than 2 hours at a time
  • Keep the unit warm in cold weather

If there are no lights with the correct charger and no splitter, the battery may require service.

How do I clone or duplicate my remote?

  1. Set the power level to 0.
  2. Press and hold:

    1. Nick + Constant (single dog models)

    2. Grey or Orange button (two-dog models)

  1. Record the 4-digit code displayed on screen.

  2. Send the code to Dogtra Canada for programming.

Note: Some models (such as Cue Gen 2 and Dual Dial) must be cloned in-house.

Hands-Free setup (1900S, ARC, B&L)

  1. Power off the remote.

  2. Hold the desired function button + power button until the remote blinks rapidly.

  3. Press and hold the hands-free square until both lights turn solid.

  4. Test the button function.

Still got questions?

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