1. Introduction
The PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System PIF-300 is designed to provide a safe and reliable boundary for your pet within your yard. This system creates a circular containment area without the need for buried wires, offering flexibility and ease of setup. It uses a radio signal from a transmitter to create a customizable boundary, and a receiver collar worn by your pet provides a warning tone and static correction if your pet attempts to cross this boundary.
2. Safety Information
- This system is intended for use with dogs weighing 8 pounds (3.6 kg) or more and at least 6 months old.
- Do not use this product on aggressive dogs. If you are unsure if your dog is aggressive, consult your veterinarian or a certified trainer.
- The receiver collar is not a leash. Never attach a leash to the receiver collar. Use a separate, non-metallic collar for leashing.
- Avoid leaving the receiver collar on your dog for more than 12 consecutive hours. Prolonged wear can lead to skin irritation.
- Regularly check your dog's neck for signs of irritation or sores. If irritation occurs, discontinue use until the skin heals.
- Ensure the transmitter is placed in a dry, protected area, away from extreme temperatures and moisture.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all components are present in your package:
- Wireless Transmitter with Power Adapter
- Receiver Collar with RFA-67 Battery
- 50 Boundary Training Flags
- Test Light Tool
- Short and Long Contact Points
- Operating Guide (this manual)
Image 3.1: Overview of the PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System, showing the transmitter, receiver collar, and boundary flags.
4. Setup
4.1 Transmitter Placement
The transmitter creates the circular boundary. Its placement is crucial for the system's effectiveness.
- Place the transmitter indoors in a central location within your desired containment area.
- Ensure it is at least 5 feet (1.5 meters) from large metal objects (e.g., appliances, metal sheds) that could interfere with the signal.
- Plug the power adapter into a standard wall outlet.
4.2 Collar Receiver Setup
The receiver collar delivers the warning tone and static correction.
- Battery Installation: Twist the battery cap counter-clockwise to remove. Insert the RFA-67 battery with the positive (+) side facing out. Twist the cap clockwise to secure.
- Contact Points: Select the appropriate contact points (short for short-haired dogs, long for long-haired dogs) to ensure proper skin contact. Screw them firmly onto the receiver.
- Collar Fit: The collar should fit snugly, allowing two fingers to slide comfortably under the strap. The contact points must touch your dog's skin.
Image 4.1: Close-up of the PetSafe receiver collar, showing the battery compartment and contact points.
4.3 Boundary Adjustment
Adjust the boundary range using the controls on the transmitter.
- Boundary Switch: Set to 'LOW' for smaller areas or 'HIGH' for larger areas.
- Boundary Control Dial: Rotate the dial to fine-tune the boundary distance. Turn clockwise to increase the range, counter-clockwise to decrease.
- Test the Boundary: Hold the receiver collar at your dog's neck level and walk towards the edge of your desired containment area. The collar should emit a warning tone. Mark this spot with a boundary flag. Continue walking around the perimeter, placing flags where the tone activates.
Image 4.2: Close-up of the PetSafe Wireless Transmitter, highlighting the Boundary Switch (LOW/HIGH) and Boundary Control dial.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 How the System Works
The system operates on a simple principle:
- The transmitter emits a continuous radio signal, creating a circular boundary.
- When your dog approaches the edge of this boundary, the receiver collar emits a warning tone.
- If your dog continues past the warning zone into the correction zone, the collar delivers a safe, static correction.
- The static correction is designed to be startling, not harmful, encouraging your dog to retreat from the boundary.
5.2 Receiver Collar Indicators
- Green LED: Indicates the battery is good. Flashes every 4-5 seconds.
- Red LED: Indicates the battery is low and needs replacement. Flashes every 4-5 seconds.
- No LED: Battery is dead or incorrectly installed.
6. Training Your Pet
Effective training is essential for your pet to understand and respect the containment system. This process typically takes 1-2 weeks.
6.1 Introduction to the Boundary
- With the boundary flags in place, walk your dog on a leash towards the flags.
- When the collar emits the warning tone, immediately pull your dog back into the safe zone, praising them.
- Repeat this several times a day for a few days, always ending on a positive note.
6.2 Introducing Static Correction
- Once your dog understands the warning tone, allow them to experience the static correction.
- Walk your dog towards the flags. When the tone sounds, allow them to take one or two more steps to receive a mild correction.
- Immediately pull them back into the safe zone, praising and rewarding them.
- Never lure your dog into the correction zone.
6.3 Supervised Off-Leash Time
- After your dog consistently avoids the boundary, begin supervised off-leash time within the containment area.
- Gradually increase the duration of off-leash time.
- Continue to monitor your dog's behavior and reinforce positive responses.
Image 6.1: A dog running freely within a contained yard, demonstrating the system's purpose.
Image 6.2: An owner interacting with their dog in a yard, illustrating the freedom provided by the containment system.
7. Maintenance
- Battery Replacement: Replace the RFA-67 battery in the receiver collar when the red LED indicator flashes.
- Collar Cleaning: Periodically clean the receiver collar and contact points with a damp cloth. Ensure the contact points are free of dirt or debris.
- Boundary Check: Regularly walk the boundary with the receiver collar to ensure the system is functioning correctly and the boundary has not shifted.
- Transmitter Care: Keep the transmitter clean and free from dust. Ensure proper ventilation.
8. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Collar not activating at boundary | Dead battery; Transmitter unplugged; Boundary range set too low; Interference. | Replace battery; Check transmitter power; Increase boundary range; Relocate transmitter away from metal objects. |
| Dog crosses boundary | Collar fit too loose; Insufficient training; Correction level too low. | Tighten collar; Review training steps; Ensure contact points touch skin; Consult a professional trainer. |
| Collar activates inside safe zone | Interference from large metal objects; Transmitter too close to boundary. | Relocate transmitter; Reduce boundary range slightly. |
| Skin irritation on dog's neck | Collar worn too long; Collar too tight; Contact points rubbing. | Remove collar for several hours daily; Ensure proper fit; Clean neck and collar regularly. |
9. Specifications
- Model Number: PIF-300
- Item Weight: 6.25 pounds (2.83 kg)
- Product Dimensions: 12 x 9.9 x 13.3 inches (30.5 x 25.1 x 33.8 cm)
- Power Source: AC Adapter for Transmitter, RFA-67 Battery for Receiver Collar
- Containment Area: Up to 1/2 acre (approx. 180 feet diameter)
- Target Audience: Dogs 8 pounds and up, 6 months or older
- Manufacturer: PetSafe
10. Warranty and Support
PetSafe products are backed by a limited warranty. For specific warranty details, product support, or to purchase replacement parts, please visit the official PetSafe website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
PetSafe Customer Service: For assistance, please refer to the contact information provided on the PetSafe official website or within your product packaging.
