How to Use the Dogtra ARC Remote Training Collar

Self-control is the ability to regulate one’s behavior and emotion to inhibit oneself from acting on impulses. This faculty originates from the brain’s prefrontal cortex, known for its executive functions. Executive functions are cognitive processes central to controlling reflexive behaviors, among other things.

Humans and other animals, like dogs, exhibit executive functions. However, a dog's cognitive ability is minimal since the frontal lobe occupies only a modest section of the brain. On the bright side, impulse control in dogs can be cultivated through consistent and proper training. E-collars for dogs are nifty tools in this respect.

In this blog, get to know one Dogtra e-collar to complement your dog training - the Dogtra ARC remote training collar.

Getting Started with the Dogtra ARC

The Dogtra ARC is a remote training collar. Remote training collars are valuable tools for modifying your dog’s behavior and reinforcing learned commands. Remote training collars are also called e-collars, remote trainers, shock collars for dogs, or dog training collars.

Dog shock collars are popular tools in dog behavior modification because of their effectiveness and intuitive design. They come with detailed user manuals making operation easy. E-collars are made for you and your dog to streamline the process for basic obedience, advanced training, and hunting activities.

If you’ve just gotten the Dogtra ARC or want to purchase one for your beloved pooch, here’s everything you need to know.

What comes in the box:

• Handheld Transmitter
• Receiver Collar
• Battery Charger & Splitter Cable
• Belt Clip
• Test Light
• Owner’s Manual

Dogtra ARC Handheld Transmitter

The Dogtra ARC transmitter remote features a slim design and strategic button placement for easy operation. It is expandable to a two-dog system with the purchase of an additional collar.

The remote contains a smooth rheostat/volume dial that allows you to fine-tune the stimulation level from 0 to 127. It offers nick (momentary), constant, and Pager vibration modes, giving you more options on the stimulation type.

The toggle switch is located on the face of the transmitter and used for setting the static stimulation between nick and constant. Designed with color-coordinated buttons, the gray control corresponds to the black receiver, and the orange button for the orange receiver.

Below the Pager buttons is an LCD screen, giving you a quick view of the stimulation level in use and the battery life of the remote. The transmitter is fully waterproof and rechargeable with a quick-charge lithium polymer battery.

Dogtra ARC Receiver Collar

The ARC receiver comes with a black collar design that fits up to 26” neck size. The receiver is slim-designed and ergonomically shaped to fit comfortably around your dog’s neck.

The Dogtra ARC receiver collar delivers a low to medium power output, which makes it ideal for dogs with mild to normal dispositions. It is also fully waterproof and rechargeable.

If you wish to train two dogs at once, you can add a collar to the system for a manageable training setup.

The Dogtra ARC remote training collar comes with the following features:

• 3/4-Mile Range
• 127 Levels of Stimulation
• Nick and Constant Stimulation
• Non-Stimulating Pager Vibration
• Slim Design Receiver
• Checkered Grips
• LCD Screen
• Fully Waterproof
• Expandable to 2-Dogs System
• For Dogs as Small as 15 Pounds

The Dogtra ARC Remote Training Collar – Ergonomic Design

The Dogtra ARC e-collar is an expandable training system (up to 2 dogs). Its ergonomic design provides a seamless fit around your dog’s neck and a non-slip grip during operation.

Featuring 127 correction levels, you’ll have no worries finding the perfect level for your dog by gradual adjustments of the rheostat dial. The ARC system provides three training modes: nick, constant, and Pager vibration. How you want the stimulation will be administered is for you to decide.

Whether for basic obedience or hunting, this Dogtra training collar offers a ¾-mile range, which is sufficient for your training setup. It’s designed for all dog breeds with normal to medium temperaments and sizes as small as 15 pounds.

Train without worry, as the unit has a fully waterproof transmitter and receiver for unfettered training.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an e collar?

• An e collar is a dog training tool. It is also known as a remote trainer, remote training collar, or shock collar for dogs. An e-collar allows you to communicate remotely with your dog. Used correctly, it can help reinforce commands and correct undesirable behaviors in your pet. It provides you the means to train your dog with more precise timing and consistency. This makes an e-collar a very effective training tool.

Will an e collar hurt my dog?

• A remote trainer works by sending a signal from the transmitter to the collar on the dog’s neck. The signal then triggers the stimulation, which can be in the form of static shock. The stimulation is meant to distract the dog from doing something they’re not supposed to or mark the desired behavior. The stimulation may be unpleasant but generally harmless.

For people who prefer not to use static stimulation, the Dogtra ARC comes with a Pager vibration system.

Are e-collars effective?

• E-collars can be invaluable training tools, but only when used correctly. If you are unsure about using one or do not know how to start, please consult with a professional trainer.

When can I use an e collar for dogs?

• PetsTEK does not recommend using an e collar for dogs younger than 6 months old. Supplement training with a remote trainer only when your dog has already learned the basic commands.

Are Dogtra collars worth it?

• Yes. Dogtra shock collars are safe and effective training devices trusted by professional dog trainers and pet owners alike.

How does the Dogtra ARC work?

• The Dogtra ARC transmitter remote sends feedback to the receiver collar attached to the dog’s neck. The collar has two contact points, also called prongs, that deliver static stimulation. You can also set the remote to deliver vibration to mark the message you’re sending your pet. In highly distracting situations, you can use the boost option.

Does the Dogtra ARC have any safety features?

• Yes. The Dogtra ARC has a safety feature wherein the stimulation stops automatically if the button is pressed for more than 12 seconds.

Operating the Dogtra ARC Remote Training Collar

How do I fit the e-collar?

• Making sure the e collar fits correctly will ensure more consistent correction. To fit the e-collar properly:

1. Put the receiver on your dog’s neck below the ears, on the side of the windpipe.
2. Make sure the contact points are touching the skin.
3. Check the fit. You should be able to put a couple of fingers between the strap and your dog’s skin.

If the collar is too loose, it won’t administer correction reliably. Meanwhile, a too-tight collar is an irritation risk. So, make sure your dog is comfortable. Rotate the collar every 2 hours and never leave it on for more than 10 hours every day.

How do I charge the Dogtra ARC e collar?

• Recharge the unit if the indicator light turns red or does not come on, the transmitter LCD shows only 1 bar on the indicator, or the system will not stay on when any button is pressed.

1. Open the rubber plugs on the battery charging receptacles.
2. Connect the charger to the ARC transmitter and receiver using the splitter cable.
3. Plug the charger into a 120-volt outlet.
4. All indicator lights should glow red when properly plugged in, and the unit will automatically shut off during the charging process.
5. The lights will turn green once the unit is fully charged. Charging time will take approximately 2 hours.

How do I turn the Dogtra ARC e-collar transmitter on and off?

• To turn the transmitter on, press the button on the right side of the transmitter until the LCD screen illuminates. To turn the transmitter off, press the same button until the LCD screen shuts off.

How do I turn the Dogtra ARC e-collar receiver on and off?

• To switch on, place the magnetic red dot on the back of the transmitter to the red dot on the receiver. Hold the two red dots together until the LED indicator on the receiver lights up. Repeat the same procedure to turn off the unit until the LED light turns red momentarily, indicating that the receiver has now shut off.

How do I adjust the stimulation level of my Dogtra ARC collar?

• Adjust the stimulation level using the Rheostat Dial on top of the transmitter, with stimulation levels from 0 to 127. Adjust the setting (upward or downward) depending on your dog’s temperament. Always start at the lowest level and work your way up. The appropriate level can be found when the dog responds to the stimulation with a mild reaction.

Can the Dogtra ARC stimulation intensity be adjusted when in use?

• Yes.

Why can’t I get the full range on my e-collar?

• The ARC system has a 3/4-mile range. The actual range may vary depending on how you carry the transmitter and training conditions. To get the maximum range, hold the transmitter with the antenna facing away from you. Keep your unit properly charged for maximum signal strength.

How do I know if my Dogtra ARC e-collar is ready for use?

• When the LED indicator flashes every 4 seconds, the receiver is on and ready for use. The LED indicator will blink on both the transmitter and the receiver when the transmitter buttons are pressed.

What do Nick and Constant stimulation mean?

• Nick emits a single pulse of static stimulation when the Nick button is pressed. On the other hand, Constant gives continuous, static stimulation as long as the button is pressed, for up to 12 seconds.

What is the Dogtra ARC Pager?

• The Pager button sends a vibration for up to 12 seconds for as long as the button is held down.

Troubleshooting the Dogtra ARC Remote Training Collar

• Why is my dog not reacting to the e-collar?

• The test light turns on, but I do not feel anything.

You may simply have a high tolerance. Try turning the level up. This could also be due to the battery being low. Check your LCD for battery life.

• The range is less when the dog is farther away.

Check if the antenna is not damaged. If it’s not an antenna issue, it could be due to terrain. Heavy brush or tree cover can affect the range of the device. Similarly, any electrical conductors in the area will affect the range of the e-collar.

• My Dogtra ARC is not holding a charge.

Check if the batteries are charged properly. If the charging port is dirty, try cleaning the dirt with a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol. If the charging pin is damaged, you will need to contact Dogtra for repair.

For more information on how to use your Dogtra ARC remote training collar, please check the user manual.

Looking for a different Dogtra collar? Find what you need with the help of our Dogtra E-Collar Buying Guide.