The Complete Guide to Using the FOB Educator FE-580 by E-Collar Technologies

It is hardly surprising that E-Collar Technologies constantly receives top ratings for its electronic dog training collars. As a brand, it continuously innovates its dog remote training systems to offer the finest training experience to both dog owners and professional trainers.

Many have heard about the Mini Educator ET-300 remote training collar with its many variants in yellow, black, and Zen design. But not many may know that Educator has a new product offering in the FOB Educator FE-580.

Getting Started with the FOB Educator FE-580 Remote Training Collar

Training large breeds of dogs require tools that are light but powerful. Large breeds are typically more challenging to train since they are stubborn and need a lot of effort and patience on our part. A remote training collar is one of the most common and effective tools to train these dogs. It can help to correct undesirable behavior and reinforce learned commands. E-collars also come with powerful receivers that enable you to train your dogs from a distance.

If you’ve just purchased the FE-580 by E-Collar Technologies or one of its variants, or are looking to get one for your beloved furry companion, here’s everything you need to know.

What comes in the box:

• FOB Remote Transmitter
• Collar Receiver with Biothane Strap
• Battery Charger (120V/220V)
• Extra Contact Points – 3/4”
• Contact Point Removal Tool
• Test Light
• Lanyard
• Owner’s Manual

FOB Educator FE-580 Remote Transmitter:

The FOB Educator FE-580 remote transmitter has a similar design to the FE-560. The remote is the shape of a rectangle, contrasting the Educator shock collar remotes, which look like a stopwatch with a turning dial to change its stimulation.

The transmitter has a "power button" on the side. On the back, there is a program button. The "L" and "R" buttons, as well as a micro B-USB port for charging, are located on the other side of the transmitter.

FOB Educator FE-560 Receiver Collar:

A distinguishing feature of Educator collars is the waterproof Biothane material used for the collar receiver strap. The central contact points on the back of the receiver can be swapped out for different sizes, and a rubber receptacle secures the charging port. The power button can be found directly next to the contact points.

The receiver's status light is located on the side. A green light will start flashing once the receiver is turned on. A red light will flash if the collar receiver receives a signal from the transmitter.

Finger Trainer (FT-030)

The FOB Educator FE-580 does NOT come with the finger trainer out of the box. If you want extra convenience, the device can be bought independently and is an excellent addition to your FOB system. The top of this small, helpful tool features a nice, soft button. On the side, there is a little on/off switch.

It is off when you turn the device to the "o" position. When you turn it to the I position, it is on. A tiny red light will flash when the button on top is pressed to show that a signal is being delivered to the transmitter, which then transmits a signal back to the receiver. Attached to it is a velcro tape that you can adjust to the size of your finger.

On top of that, it also has four screws at the back, which you can remove if your batteries need to be replaced.

The FE-580 FOB Educator e-collar comes with the following features:

• 500-Yard Range
• 100 Levels of Adjustable Static Stimulation
• 5-100 User Settable Max Limit Level
• User-Settable Ramping Up Speed
• Continuous and Ramping Stimulation Modes
• Blunt Stimulation
• Vibration or Tapping Sensation
• Tone
• Lock and Set Feature
• Collar Receiver Light
• Quick Charge Lithium-Polymer Batteries
• Fully Waterproof Transmitter and Receiver

The FE-580 is a one-dog system but can be converted to a two-dog system with the purchase of additional collars. An out-the-box two-dog system is also available, the FE-582.

Best for dogs 5 pounds and larger.

The FE-580 FOB Educator – The Smallest Educator Remote for Large Dogs

The FOB Educator FE-580 has the smallest remote transmitter E-Collar Technologies has ever designed. This is a reliable e-collar with up to 500 yards of signal range, making it an excellent choice for basic obedience training. The FOB versions maintain the distinctive "blunt" stimulation methods, much like all Educator collars, with a user-adjustable duration between working and maximum stim level.

An excellent addition to the FOB FE-580 is the "optional finger trainer," which may be paired with the remote. It can trigger static stimulation, vibration, or tone. It is a more practical method of using the 580 system than holding the remote each time a signal needs to be sent to the collar.

The FOB Educator 580 is a small but mighty tool for dog owners. Training your stubborn dog with the proper equipment, information, and dedication doesn't have to be complicated. It allows your dog to explore the world in a safe and supervised way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an e-collar?

• A dog's e-collar is an electric training tool. The device, sometimes referred to as a remote training collar or shock collar, consists of a wireless remote that the trainer uses and a wireless receiver that the dog wears around his neck. By providing feedback through the collar, e-collars teach dogs the difference between acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

Will an e collar hurt my dog?

• Modern e-collars come with safety features to guard against an extended or harmful shock to your dog. You can also employ audible tones and vibrations as an alternative to the static setting. An e-collar used correctly won't harm your dog. Positive reinforcement should be used to teach new behaviors in a range of settings and situations.

For those who would rather not use static, the FE-580 also has vibration and tone training settings.

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. We recommend supplementing training with a remote trainer only when your dog has already learned the basic commands.

Are Educator collars worth it?

• Educator collars by E-Collar Technologies are highly reliable and effective if used correctly and as intended. It has a good range and features that make it worth your money.

How does the FE-580 FOB Educator e-collar work?

• Electric training collars such as the FOB Educator FE-580 use radio signals to give a gentle stimulus from a remote control (transmitter) to a receiver collar placed around the dog's neck, either to deter undesirable behavior or to promote command obedience. 

If you have the FE-580B, the included finger button mimics one button function of the remote. As long as the transmitter is within 12 feet, you can use the finger trainer the same way you would the remote but limited to one function only.

Does the FE-580 FOB Educator have any safety features?

• The E-580 FOB Educator remote training collar comes with a “Lock and Set” feature to ensure you don’t change stimulation levels unknowingly.

The collar is also set to time out automatically after 10 seconds of continuous stimulation. These features are in place to prevent accidental over-stimulation of your pet.

What is the difference between the popular Mini Educator ET-300 and the FE-580 FOB Educator?

• Physically, the Mini Educator ET-300 has a round, stopwatch-style remote. The FE-580 FOB Educator has a distinct fob-style remote transmitter. They also differ in their features and functionality. 

Is using the FOB Educator convenient?

• Yes, all remote training collars are built for convenience. Some, like the FOB Educator, has the edge of having an additional finger trainer option. This automatically relays preset signals to the collar receiver.

Operating the FE-580 FOB Educator 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 FE-580 FOB Educator e-collar?

• Before using your FE-580 FOB Educator collar, ensure the remote and transmitter batteries are fully charged. The charging port can be found on the remote transmitter's right side and on the collar receiver's back. Lift the rubber flap cover and connect the Micro-B USB to the transmitter's charging port.

The batteries should not be fully discharged as they may cause irreversible damage. The light indicator will turn red during the charging time and green right after it's fully charged. Charging time takes approximately 2 hours. Please keep it away from extreme temperatures.

How do I turn the FE-580 FOB Educator e-collar transmitter on and off?

• The transmitter can be turned on/ off by pressing the power button on the left side.
  1. Press the power button for at least 0.5 seconds to turn the transmitter on.
  2. The LCD will turn on, display "On," and then show the current stimulation level.

• To turn the transmitter off:
  1. Press the power button for 1.5 seconds or more to turn the transmitter off.
  2. The LCD will display “OF.”

How do I turn the FE-580 FOB Educator e-collar receiver on and off?

• To turn the receiver collar on, press the power button at the back for 1 second or longer.
• To turn it off, press the power button for 1 second or longer.

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

• Actual range may be affected by training conditions, including weather and terrain. Hold the transmitter away from your body and above your head for best results. If the dog is visible to your straight line of sight, you can hold the transmitter at shoulder level to get the most range. Having the remote at the torso level may give a shorter range. You should also not touch the antenna as it will significantly reduce range.

How do I know if my FE-580 FOB Educator e-collar is ready for use?

• Check the LCD on your FE-580 remote. If turned on, the LCD will display the settings.

How do I know if my FE-580 FOB Educator e-collar is ready for adjustment?

• A flashing “1D” on the LCD screen indicates the stimulation can be adjusted.

How do I find the proper stimulation for my dog?

• To identify the right stimulation, you should start at the lowest stimulation setting. Observe your dog and gradually increase the stimulation until your dog feels it. Usually, 5-20 or the "conditioning level" in the stimulation settings is enough to get your dog's attention. For stubborn dogs, higher stimulation may be needed.

How do I lock FE-580 FOB Educator e-collar?

1. The "1D" icon on the LCD will be blinking to indicate the e-collar is unlocked.
2. Hold the "P" button and simultaneously press the "-" button to activate the Stimulation Level Button Lock.
3. If done successfully, the "1D" icon will change to solid.

How do I unlock FE-580 FOB Educator e-collar?

1. Hold the "P" button and simultaneously press the "-" button to deactivate the Stimulation Level Button Lock.
2. If done successfully, the "1D" icon will change and start blinking.

How do I program rising stimulation on the FE-580 FOB Educator collar?

• What is rising stimulation? The rising stimulation option lets you increase the stimulation from the current level to the maximum level.

1. Set the stimulation level to “0.”
2. Hold the “P” button at the back of your transmitter for about 2 seconds to enter Programming Mode.
3. The LCD will display display "P1", "P2", "P3"... each second. Press the "P" button once you find the function you want to set.
4. Press the black "S" button to select the "St" icon displayed on the LCD screen.
5. Press the "+" button and choose from the "1+, 5+, 10+" setting.
6. Lastly, press the "P" button to save the changes that you have made and exit the programming mode.

• The stimulus level rise time is the time to reach maximum stimulation from the current set level. To set the stimulus level rise time:
  1. Keep pressing the “R” button on standby until you reach the desired time.
  2. The last selected time is automatically set.

What is the tapping sensation on the FE-580 FOB Educator?

• Tapping refers to vibration and is best for sensitive or hearing-impaired dogs.

Does the FE-580 FOB Educator have a tone?

• Yes.

What do the icons on the LCD mean?

• "1D" - refers to Dog 1
• "2D" - refers to Dog 2
• "number icon" - refers to the current stimulation level or for other settings and operations.
• "V" - refers to High Vibration
• "v" - refers to Low Vibration
• "+" - refers to Rising Simulation and steps to increase it.

Can I add another dog to my FE-580 FOB Educator remote training collar system?

• Yes, the FE-580 is expandable to a 2-dog system. It also comes in a 2-dog version, the FE-582.

How can I add another collar to my FE-580 FOB Educator remote?

1. When the display reads "2D" and the receiver is off, turn on the transmitter and set the stimulation to "0."
2. For around 5 seconds, hold down the receiver's button until a flashing green light appears.
3. Press the "-" and "L" buttons together until your receiver makes a confirmation sound.

How can I change my FE-580 to a 2-dog remote system?

1. Turn on the transmitter and select "0" for the stimulation level.
2. Press the "P" and "+" buttons simultaneously for around two seconds.
3. Wait until a confirmation sound is heard.

How can I replace the FOB Educator contact points?

• Using the included contact point tool, loosen the contact points by rotating counter-clockwise. Install the replacement prongs and tighten them by rotating clockwise.

How long does the FE-580 e collar battery last?

• One full charge can last between 40-60 hours. An Educator collar battery typically lasts 3-5 years. However, please note that this can vary depending on usage. Battery life also deteriorates over time.

Does the FE-580 FOB Educator come with a warranty?

• The FOB Educator remote training collar comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Please check the user manual for more information on how to use your FE-580 FOB Educator remote training collar.

Looking for a different Educator collar? Find what you need with the help of our Educator buying guide.