The kit includes the SwiftPaws CHASE! device (the powered unit), three pulleys, flags, line, stakes, tethers, and tote bag.
DOWNLOAD THE SWIFTPAWS APP
You can begin even before your kit arrives by downloading the free SwiftPaws App - and viewing Get Started Guides in the app. Select the Chase device to access the appropriate videos.
BEFORE YOU SET UP THE COURSE
INTRODUCTION (two steps)
Step1 - Allow your dog(s) SUPERVISED time to sniff and explore the equipment before turning it on - to satisfy their natural curiosity and have a chance to realize there's nothing threatening invading their space. (Step 2 comes after you've set up and tested the course).
Once the pup(s) thoroughly checked everything out - it's time to check the equipment (and set up the course)! We recommend doing this WITHOUT the dog present. This will prevent frustration for you & your dog, but also to prevent accidental damage to the equipment if the dog realizes you're not watching and takes the opportunity to pilfer parts or chew on the equipment.
CHECK THE EQUIPMENT
- Plug in the Chase device
- The blue light on the bottom of the device will begin to blink once per second - indicating it has power.
- Open the SwiftPaws app* and follow the prompts to Add a device to the app & play
- When the device pairs with the app the blue light on the bottom will blink more slowly - once every 3 seconds.
- To operate the device using the app - touch the pawprint and keep your finger on the screen for as long as you operate the drive - slide your finger up or down to control the direction of the pulley/line/lure.
- Once you verify the drive will respond to your input and the pulley is moving in both directions, it's time to set up the course!
*If you are prompted to install updates you must do so before continuing.
SET UP THE COURSE
Lay out your course. Your course size must be less than 100 feet total. Adding more line or pulleys will not allow for larger courses. This limit is due to the power of the motor.
If your course is too large:
- the drive will struggle to work;
- or quit working after a few seconds;
- or quit working after a play session or two;
- or will stop working;
- or will not work at all.
- Start with a course about 80 feet or less. You can use one, two, or all three pulleys.
- Anchor the Chase device and field pulleys. The main device and three field pulleys come with tethers attached. Use the stakes included in the kit to anchor the pulleys in place.
- Thread the line. Run the line around the pulleys and tie the line ends together to form a continuous loop.
- Tie the lure onto the line. For more on #'s 3 & 4 See: Tie the Line & Flags onto the Line
- Adjust for the LIGHTEST TENSION POSSIBLE by adjusting the position of the Main Device. See this video: Adjust Line Tension
- Plug in the drive. Note: If the drive is plugged in and sitting idle for 20 minutes or longer, it will go into a sleep mode. If the blue light on the bottom of the device is not blinking, unplug the drive for at least 30 seconds. If necessary, press and hold the pairing button until the blue light begins to blink.
- Blinking once per second indicates it has power
- Blinking once every 3 seconds it has paired with the controller app.
Test the course. In the app, touch and hold the pawprint and slide your finger up or down on the screen. The line should move in both directions - corresponding to sliding your finger up or down on the screen.
Misc.
Speed is variable and reversible.
There are three modes to chose from:
- Outdoor
- Indoor
- Wind-Up
SECOND INTRODUCTION - introducing your pup(s) to the course!
Step 2 - It's best if there are two people for this step. One to operate the drive, the other to bring the dog into the center of the course and hold them so that they can watch as you move the lure around the course.
The pup should notice and become very interested in the lure as it moves. Keep holding them so they have an opportunity to become really engaged. "You want what you can't have" is particularly true for most dogs 😅
You know your dog best. You'll know when they're ready and the person holding the pup can let them go to chase the lure!
PLAY SESSION TIMER
The app has a 1:30 (minute and a half) countdown timer that will stop play when it reaches zero. This is a safety feature. Most dogs will chase till they drop so it's up to you to make sure they have time to catch their breath and get some water.
These breaks also allow time for the motor to cool between sessions, even on mild days, the internal temperature inside the device can become quite hot.
ALLOW THE PUP TO CATCH THE LURE EVERY TIME!
It's particularly important for dogs to be allowed to complete the chase. They love the chase, but they live for the victory! And they want to make you proud of them. Lavish praise, even treats or rewards like a quick game of tug are all perfectly appropriate.
To really drive this point home - imagine how willing you would be to play a game of catch if you were never allowed to touch the ball. Be sure to let the pup catch the lure!
It is common for the dog to keep tugging on the lure and they may even uproot the anchors. It's not really a big deal to have to re-anchor the pulleys. But you do not really want them to drag the Chase device around the yard. The best way to make the lure uninteresting is to remove the tension on the line. Most dogs will drop the lure immediately once there's no resistance. These are the quickest, most effective ways to do that:
- Cut the line (at a point far away from the pup to be safe)
- Grab the Chase device and pull up the stake - removing the tension by moving it towards the center of the course.
Let them know what you expect using a combination of praise and rewards to teach them to "drop it" - most dogs are happy to let it go once they figure out the fun can only continue once they drop it.
PACK IT UP
Once everyone has had a couple of play sessions, pack up the course and bring it inside. The Chase device is not waterproof or weather proof. None of the equipment is chew proof 😅 and this type of damage is not covered under the warranty. The Chase kit was designed to be set up and taken down for each use. We do not recommend leaving the course set up or the equipment left unattended where the pup has unsupervised access to it.
WIND UP THE LINE
Select Wind Up mode in the app to wind up the line for storage. Chase! Line Wind Mode
OBSESSED
Many dogs really love their Chase. You may need to secure the equipment inside a closed cabinet "Out of sight - out of mind"