This section sets out the criteria that determine if a dog is suitable for use with the Echo-blinddog system. For your dog to benefit from this echolocation device, he must meet the following conditions:

Significant Vision Loss:
Your dog must have substantial vision loss, making him dependent on alternative methods to navigate his environment.

Correct Hearing:
Your dog must have functional hearing to hear the sound signals emitted by the Echo system.

Sufficient Concentration Capacity:
Your dog must have satisfactory concentration ability to interpret and react effectively to echolocation signals.

Good General Health:
Your dog must be in good health, without major ailments, ensuring safe and optimal use of the system.

Suitable Age:
Your dog should be in an appropriate age range, generally avoiding use on puppies, due to their continued development of spatial learning.
Older dogs should be evaluated individually based on their health and adaptability.

This chapter provides detailed information on the essential criteria for determining a dog’s eligibility for use of the Echo-blinddog system, ensuring successful integration based on the specific needs of each canine user.

When using the Echolocation System for Blind Dogs, it is essential to take certain precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of the dog. Carefully follow the following recommendations:

Constant monitoring: Even with the echolocation system, it is crucial to carefully monitor the dog while traveling. The system offers support, but the vigilance of the owner remains essential to anticipate unforeseen situations.

Communication with the dog: Learn to interpret the dog’s signals when using the system. Observe their reactions and adapt your communication accordingly. Using Echo-BlindDog in complex or unfamiliar terrain requires great concentration from your dog. If the dog seems stressed or confused, be extra vigilant to anticipate dangers and reassure your dog.

Avoid excessive sound distractions: In noisy environments, the dog may have difficulty distinguishing the sound signals from the system. Avoid areas with high noise levels as much as possible to optimize the efficiency of the system.

Caution: Although the echolocation system is a valuable tool, it does not replace the owner’s responsibility. Be attentive to the environment, adapt your behavior based on the dog’s reactions, and do not hesitate to intervene manually if unforeseen situations arise. If in doubt, it is always preferable to prioritize the safety of the dog by intervening directly.

I just received the Echo box for my dog.

Unpack the case.

Apply the “reference telephone” method. (see FAQ “Checking sound emissions and “Reference Telephone” method”)

Attach Echo to the dog’s collar by passing the collar through the straps and stabilizer.

Ensure optimal positioning of Echo at the dog’s chest.

Check that the box does not dip into the water bowl when the dog drinks.

Press the operating mode selection button to bring the unit out of pause mode.

Echo-BlindDog offers three operating modes: pause mode (1), indoor mode (2), and outdoor or active mode (3). The indicator light indicates the current mode.

The user can switch between modes by pressing the mode selector button. On reception, Echo-BlindDog is in pause mode (mode 1): – No sound emissions. – No signal from the indicator lamp is emitted. Pressing the mode selection button once switches to mode 2: – One (1) flash of the indicator lamp indicates the selection of “Mode 2”. – Then, the indicator light emits regular, slow flashes. – The box starts to emit sound signals in “indoor mode”. Pressing the mode selection button again switches to mode 3: – Two (2) flashes of the indicator lamp signal the selection of “Mode 3”. – Then, the indicator light emits regular and rapid flashes. – The box then emits sound signals in “external or active mode”. For the comfort of your companion, be sure to manually return to mode 2 when returning indoors. If you forget, active mode is automatically deactivated after 40 minutes to automatically return to mode 2. By pressing the mode selection button again, you return to mode 1: – Three (3) flashes of the indicator lamp indicate the selection of “Mode 1”. -No signal from the indicator lamp is emitted. – No sound emissions are detected.

Teaching your dog with Echo-BlindDog takes place gradually in three distinct stages, each with recommended durations to ensure optimal understanding and build your canine companion’s confidence.

Step 1: discovery (5 hours to several weeks) Start in a familiar, uncomplicated environment. Activate the system and gently guide the dog while allowing him to get used to the sound signals emitted by Echo-BlindDog. Positively reward each success and make sure the dog associates the sounds with the correct actions.

Stage 2: Progression (1 to 3 months) Once the dog has acquired a basic understanding of the system, progress to more complex environments. Introduce additional obstacles gradually, encouraging the dog to actively use Echo-BlindDog to navigate. Continue to provide rewards and positive encouragement to reinforce the desired behavior.

Step 3: Assimilation (beyond 3 months) To fully reinforce the dog’s skills, simulate real situations. Take regular routes with your dog using Echo-BlindDog to detect and avoid obstacles. Repeat these scenarios to build the dog’s confidence and competence in various environments. Continue to reward positively and adjust the difficulty level based on your companion’s progress.

These recommended durations serve as guidelines, but it is essential to adapt to your dog’s individual pace, paying particular attention to their safety, reactions and comfort throughout the learning process.

Echo emits sounds outside the frequency of human hearing, so you won’t be able to hear it!
In order to test the correct functioning of the box, you must:

Check for the regular blue visual indicator which tells you that the program is working correctly! 

Check that the sound transmitters are working using the “reference cell phone” method.

Note: all other “blue” visual operating indicator sequences indicate a malfunction. You must then remove Echo-blinddog from your dog and contact us via the contact form describing the blue light sequence.

Although Echo-BlindDog’s sound emissions are outside the frequency of human hearing, you can verify proper operation by following these steps:

– Make sure the regular blue visual indicator is present, indicating that the program is working properly.

– Take your cell phone and launch your sound recording application.

– Place your phone’s microphone approximately 1 cm from the Echo piezoelectric transmitter you wish to test.

– Record for approximately 30 seconds.

– Restart the broadcast of the recording.

– When streaming the recording to your mobile phone:

If you hear the audible clicks, this confirms that the case is working properly and emits the beeps. You can use this cell phone as a “reference phone” for all future checks that the case is functioning properly.

If you are unable to hear the clicking sounds, your phone microphone may not be able to record the frequency emitted by Echo-BlindDog. Repeat with a different phone model until you find a “reference phone” that can record Echo-BlindDog’s sound frequency.

Note: We recommend defining a reference telephone upon receipt of Echo-BlindDog. This will allow you to ensure that your dog’s enclosure is completely functioning properly during future checks.

In the event of a malfunction or abnormal indicator light sequence, follow these steps to reset the Echo-BlindDog box:

Using a pen, hold down the Reset button and the mode selection button for 10 seconds.

Release the buttons and observe the indicator light sequence.

If the indicator light sequence returns to normal, the unit is successfully reset.

If the indicator light sequence remains abnormal, please repeat the reset procedure.

Before refitting the  dog, ensure that the test light sequence has returned to normal and perform the “reference phone” test described in chapter 2.6 to confirm proper operation of the case.

Echo’s battery charge is estimated at 90 to 120 days for the Echo-Large model and more than 40 to 60 days for the Echo-Small model.
Echo battery charging is done using a USB Type-C port and a phone charger.

Note 1: It is not recommended to use rapid type chargers.
Note 2: We recommend charging the battery for one hour every month to preserve its capabilities and maximize battery life.

Piezoelectric Transmitters
Piezoelectric transmitters are essential components of the Echo System.
Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure their proper functioning and extend their lifespan.

Regular Cleaning
Avoid accumulation of dirt: Transmitters can accumulate dust, dirt or other particles. Use a dry brush and a soft, dry cloth to gently clean the external surfaces of the transmitters.
Do not use solvents or other products: Do not use harsh chemical solvents, alcohol or other substances that could damage the surfaces of the transmitters.

Visual inspection
Check Physical Condition: Periodically visually inspect transmitters for signs of damage, cracks, or excessive wear.

Protection Against Humidity
Avoid prolonged exposure to humidity: Although the system is weatherproof, avoid prolonged exposure to excessively humid environments as this may affect the performance of the transmitters.

Use and Drying in the Rain or in tall wet grass
If your dog’s behavior changes during a walk: If the transmitters are wet, their sound emissions can be significantly altered. Then blow strongly on the transmitters to remove excess water/humidity so that your dog can regain sound assistance. Repeat the operation as many times as necessary.

Dry Thoroughly After Use in the Rain: If the system is used in the rain, be sure to dry the transmitters/receivers thoroughly after each use to avoid moisture damage.

Periodic Test
Perform functional tests: Periodically, perform functional (reference phone) tests of the system under controlled conditions to ensure that the transmitters/receivers are functioning properly.

By following these maintenance recommendations, you will ensure optimal operation of the piezoelectric transmitters/receivers, thus contributing to the overall performance of the Echolocation System for Blind Dogs.

Water:
Echo technically cannot be waterproof. It is strongly recommended not to immerse the case, as this could damage the internal electronic components and compromise the proper functioning of the system.

Humidity:
Although the system is resistant to normal weather conditions, prolonged exposure to moisture of the piezoelectric transducers may temporarily affect the sonic performance of the enclosure.

Note: Also if your dog’s behavior changes during a walk: remember to check if the transmitters are damp, their sound emissions can be significantly altered. Then blow strongly on the transmitters to remove excess water/humidity so that your dog can regain sound assistance. Repeat the operation as many times as necessary.

Dry Thoroughly After Use in the Rain: If the system is used in the rain, be sure to dry the transmitters thoroughly after each use to avoid moisture damage.

The Echo-BlindDog box is covered by a one-year warranty from the date of purchase, guaranteeing its quality and reliability. The warranty covers manufacturing defects and problems related to normal use of the case.

However, the warranty does not apply in the event of abnormal use of the case, in particular in the following situations:

Unauthorized Alterations: Any unauthorized modification to the enclosure will void the warranty.

Physical Damage: Damage caused by rough handling, shock, lack of maintenance, or exposure to extreme environmental conditions or immersion is not covered.

Improper Use: Use contrary to the instructions provided in the manual voids the warranty.

Unauthorized Repairs: Attempts at repair by unauthorized persons will void the warranty.

For any warranty claims, please contact us via the website

www.echo-blinddog.com