Personal Drag Lure Coursing Machine�

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL�

Congratulations on your new ZippityDog! You have�purchased the smallest, highest quality machine on the mar-�ket and it will give you and your dog years of fun. Very little�maintenance is required to keep it running in top condition;�this manual will assist you in taking care of your machine.�

All information and drawings in this manual are protected by�Copyright. Patent Pending 2008-2013. ZippityDog™ and Wicked�Coursing™ are registered trademarks™. All rights reserved.�

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL�

Pg.� Contents�3-10� Maintenance�3 Battery�4 Motor and Powered Leveler (ZDZ only)�5 Preventing Backlash�5 Speed Control - ZDZ model�6 Spool and Line�7 Threading the Lure�8 Field Pulley; Our Warranty�9 -10 Disassembly;�

11 - 13� Operation�11 - 12 Operation;�13 Using the Pulley and Preventing Accidents�

14 - 19� Sample Courses and Training�20 A Word About Puppies and Angles�21 Contact Info�

Congratulations on your ZippityDog™! This precision�machine has been shipped to you with everything you�need to run your dog. Please make sure there is no�damage to the shipping box, then test your new ma-�chine without a dog present before you head out to play.�

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MAINTENANCE�THE BATTERY.� Depending on the model you have, your ZippityDog™�will have either a 6v or 12v battery:�ZippityDog Standard�: contains a 1.4Ah sealed 6 volt battery�that will provide you with about 30 runs on one charge, de-�pending on how what type of lure you use and how tall the�grass is.�ZippityDog-Z�: contains a 0.8Ah sealed 12 volt battery; you�should get about the same amount of runs per charge as�with the 6v system in the Standard. Lure weight and course�layout/vegetation will also be a factor, as more drag will slow�the machine down and shorten your run times.�You should charge the battery when the machine starts to�lag; use only the recommended battery charger that comes�with your machine. You can plug the charger into the DC�port located on the top black plate of the machine, the other�end into a wall socket, and leave it overnight without harm-�ing the battery, as it has a float mechanism that will not allow�the battery to be overcharged. Plug it in and leave it; it’ll be�ready to run when you are!�

DC power jack for�charging: located on the�back right corner of the�plate�

è�ZippityDog Standard�

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DC Power charge port�located just behind the�motor block in the mid-�dle of the plate�

ZippityDog-Z�

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THE MOTOR.� The ZippityDog™ (both standard and Z models) mo-�tor is a 23,000 rpm power plant with clockwise (CW) rota-�tion. It has a top speed of about 35mph using a very light�lure such as a plastic bag.�

THE POWERED LEVELER - ZDZ ONLY.� The ZippityDog-Z™ (“ZDZ”) is equipped with a pow-�ered leveler mechanism that is designed to prevent back-�lashes (tangles) on the spool. The motor that drives the�leveler is a 200rpm geared motor with a high torque output.�It drives a small wheel which in turn drives a leveler arm and�string lead. As the lead goes back and forth it keeps the line�spooling evenly while the machine is running.�

The leveler motor runs at a much slower speed than�the main motor and spool; the system is designed to run that�way and this is normal.�

The string lead should move freely back and forth�while the machine is running, however when the speed con-�trol is engaged on it’s lowest setting, the leveler may not run.�For very slow speeds you may need to just hold onto the line�to keep it from tangling.�

Do not allow the line/lure to crash into the machine on�either model, as you’ll damage the components, especially�the leveler, and break the swivel. Just stop pushing the but-�ton before the lure and your dog get to the machine.�

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View of the string�lead from the back�Leveler mechanism with mo-�

tor, platform and armature�

NON-LEVELER MODEL� The standard ZippityDog™ does not come with a lev-�eler. Preventing backlash can be accomplished by moving�with the machine as you’re running it, similar to playing pin-�ball. Until you get the hang of it, you can also hold the string�lightly between index finger and thumb while running - do not�squeeze the line and it will not hurt you. Do not let your dog�grab the lure an run off with it, as that, too, will create a�backlash. Let him/her catch the lure but use a throw-down�lure to distract her.�

Again, do not allow the line/lure to crash into the ma-�chine - either model - as you’ll damage the components and�break the swivel. Just stop pushing the button before the�lure and your dog get to the machine. The lure and line will�coast in toward you so you’ll need to get a feel for how fast�it’s going and when to stop pushing the button.�

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SPEED CONTROL (ZDZ only)�

Because the ZDZ is a 12v system and is very fast, it�is equipped with a speed control. Your machine has been�shipped with the knob turned to full speed. Rotating the�knob will slow the motor, leveler and speed of the lure down.�

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Always use a swivel on the end of your line to prevent�the line from twisting as it comes in. Without the swivel, you’ll�end up with a big rat’s nest instead of smooth line.�

THE SPOOL AND LINE:� On the ZippityDog standard, the spool comes loaded�with 150 feet of 80-pound braided Dacron�®� no-stretch line.�The ZippityDog-Z has 200’. Both the spool and the line are�very sturdy and will not break, but please do not let your�dogs pull on the line, as you may experience a backlash tan-�gle, the spool alignment may be changed and/or the string�lead and leveler on the ZippityDog-Z may be damaged.�

If the swivel breaks or comes off, you’ll want to attach�a new one to the end of the line by threading the line through�the end of the swivel and then tying the line in a loop as�shown. The next page shows how to attach the lure.�

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Standard ZippityDog - no�leveler. Note the small,�round string opening.�

ZippityDog-Z with leveler.�Note the oblong string open-�ing; you can see the string�lead through it.�

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1. Open the swivel and�poke it through one corner of�the bag/lure. This picture�shows a knot in the line right�next to the swivel, but tying�loop in the line as shown in�the previous photo works�much better.�

3. Twist it, then thread it�again for strength, then�close the clip.�

2. Thread the lure onto the swivel like a safety pin.�

THE LURE.� You can use a few different things but we recommend�using a feather lure or one white plastic grocery bag for the�lure (�be sure to slice open the handles before your dog�chases it�).�You MUST use a swivel to attach the lure or�the line will twist and you’ll never untangle it.� (your Zip-�pityDog™ comes with two). Do not use anything heavier as�a lure.� The following shows how to attach the lure to the�swivel. Starting with the point of one corner at the bottom of�the bag (don’t start in the middle) will ensure that the bag will�flutter and zip along so it looks like prey to your dogs.�

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THE FIELD PULLEY.� Your ZippityDog™ comes with one field pulley. With�the Standard ZippityDog we don’t recommended using more�than one due to the short length of string on the spool. With�the ZDZ, you can use a maximum of two.� The pulley is designed for smooth running with two�stainless ball bearings housed in a precision-machined�Acetyl® body; a 6” steel spike is screwed into the base. Us-�ing it is easy – simply press it into soft ground or grass and�string your line along the indentation in the pulley body, but�do not wrap the line around the pulley�.�

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WARRANTY� The ZippityDog™ machine and pulley are warranted�by Wicked Coursing for 30 days against manufacturer de-�fects.� We know you’ll absolutely�love� your ZippityDog™, but�if you’re not happy, please call us and tell us why. We’ll do�our best to assist you with whatever problem you’re having.�

Do not use a hammer of any kind�, as you will deform�and destroy the pulley top and hardware.� Please do not push the pulley hard against the ground�as that will restrict the pulley body from spinning. If the pul-�ley can’t spin, the line may jump the upper lip while running,�creating extra drag and possibly allowing your dog to catch�the lure prematurely.� Because you’ll be using this pulley in all types of con-�ditions, cleaning the pulley after use will keep it in good�working order. Applying a small amount of very light oil at�the end of the day will help prevent rust on the shaft.�

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DISASSEMBLY:� If you need to disassemble your ZippityDog™ for any�reason, we recommend you call us first to avoid causing�damage to the machine and voiding the warranty. However�if disassembly becomes necessary for repair or mainte-�nance, it is a very simple process:�Standard ZippityDog:�1. Push the swivel back through the ingress/egress grommet�so the string is on the inside of the case.�2. Make sure the power switch is turned OFF.�3. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the four screws in the�top of the interior cover (�Fig. A�).�

ZippityDog-Z:�1. Cut the swivel off the end of the line and remove the string�from the string lead.�2. Make sure the power switch is off�3. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the four screws in�the top of the interior cover (�Fig. B�).�

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A.�

4. The entire assembly is attached�to the black interior plate and will�come out as a unit.�5. Once the cover and motor/�spool assembly are free, you’ll be�able to see the battery, electrical�wiring, and components.�6. Replace the 4 screws and string�when finished.�

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B.�

4. The motor/spool assembly and switches are mounted to�the black plate but the battery, leveler and speed control are�permanently mounted to the bottom of the blue case. Wires�connect the motor assembly on the black plate to the com-�ponents in the blue case; when removing the black plate do�not pull hard on it or you may accidentally disconnect some-�thing.�5. Carefully rotate the motor/spool assembly and the black�plate over on its back, keeping it right next to the blue case.�You’ll now be able to see the battery, electrical wiring, and�components.�6. Zip ties hold the wires together; you may need to cut them�to work on the wiring harness but be careful not to cut the�wires.�

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7. Zip ties hold the wires together; you may need to cut them�to work on the wiring harness but be careful not to cut the�wires.�8. When replacing the plate and motor/spool assembly,�make sure the connectors that are attached to the toggle�switch do not hit the upright on that holds the leveler motor.�Do not force the plate back on but gently push things out of�the way until they fit back into place.�9. When finished, replace the 4 screws in the plate and run�the line through the string lead.�

If you need to remove the spool to untangle the line,�hold the motor block firmly and pull the spool straight out -�do not angle it or you can bend the shaft on the motor. The�spool fits over a small gear on the motor shaft and will go�back on easily.�

PLEASE CALL US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS!�

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OPERATION� All ZippityDogs™ are extremely easy to use:� 1. Set the machine on the ground where you want to start.� 2. Walk the line straight out 150’ - until it stops playing out�(if you’re using the pulley, see the discussion on the next two�pages).� 3. Lay the lure on the ground and walk back to the ma-�chine.� 4. Pick up the machine and hold it against your stomach�at about mid-body with the lid open. Turn the toggle switch�to the “on” position (�Fig. C�). You’re now ready to run.�Tell your dog “go look” or “go get it” and watch the fun.�

Make sure the line is threaded through the ingress/�egress grommet on the front of the case (�Fig. D�).�

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C.�

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With very fast dogs, once the dog is running away from you�and toward the end of the line with the lure on it, wait until�the dog is nearly to the lure before hitting the switch, then�hold it down until the lure passes the dog and the dog gives�chase. Then continue intermittent touching of the button. If�you start drawing the line in too soon, your dog will cut over�in the middle and catch the lure as it comes by her or him.� Please keep in mind that on straight-line runs, your�dog(s) will be coming straight at you - at full speed - so you’ll�need to run it in much faster at the end unless you want to�get plowed under. See the pictorial on the next page for one�way to avoid this.� Don’t forget - when other dogs are in the area, you’ll�need to shout out “hold your hounds” in a very loud voice.�You really do want to prevent every dog in the dog park from�chasing after the lure along with your dog - or chasing your�dog!� If you’re using the pulley to make a turn, place it either�at the end of the line (about 30’ from the end), or nearer to�the beginning. The strategy of this is discussed below.� The speed of your dogs will determine how you oper-�ate the button. Holding the red button down will draw the�line in at about 35/40 mph - way too fast for many dogs, so�you’ll need to just experiment. Intermittent tapping on the�button will keep the lure out in front of your dog and allow�you to manage the speed at which it’s flying in.�

USING THE PULLEY�.� You can use the pulley to make one turn or a slight�angle in the line. Using the pulley will help you see how�close the dog is to the lure so s/he doesn’t catch it at the be-�ginning. It can also be used to prevent a dog from running�straight at you, especially if you have very fast dogs or really�big dogs. One way to set up the course to minimize the pos-�sibility of your dog running into you at the end of the run is to�place the pulley about 30 feet in front of you and run the rest�of the line out at a right angle to the pulley in either direction.�Please refer to the diagram and notes on Page 14.�

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SAMPLE COURSES�AND�

TRAINING YOUR DOG TO COURSE�

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Pulley�

2. Start by using the pulley to�make one turnaround 75’ (or�100’ with the ZDZ) out. Your�dog will run away from you�chasing the lure, make the�turn and come back.�

Keep the lure about 10 feet�ahead of your dog, then race�through the turn so s/he can�see it; let off the button and�let the lure coast until your�dog catches up, then jog it til�it’s close enough to the finish�to let off for the end of the�course.�

1. You can nearly�double the course�length by training�your dog to eventu-�ally “go look” or “go�get it” using the�method on this page�and the next.�

Start out with a half-�length course and�gradually open it up�to make it nearly�double.�

4. Stop pushing�the button about�here and let the�lure coast in. In-�stead of letting�your dog catch the�lure on the line, try�bringing the lure�all the way in and�using a throw-�down lure for her�to catch instead.�

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3. Race through the�turn ahead of your�dog so s/he can see�it turning and follow�without twisting or�turning too sharply.�

ZD/ZDZ�

1.�

Pulley�

1. Next run open up�the turn, creating a�less acute angle -�safe if you rush�through the turn so�the dog can see it�coming ahead of�time and not slip or�crash (the challenge�is to not get too far�ahead of your�dog...)�

2. Every run you’ll�start further away�from your dog say-�ing “go look” or “go�get it.�

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3. Again,�race�through�the turn�ahead of�your dog�so s/he�can see it�turning�and fol-�low with-�out�twisting�or turning�too�sharply.�

ZD/ZDZ�

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Start�

Finish�

Pulley�

1. Finally, you can�set the course to�about an 80�o� angle,�tell your dog to “go�look”. S/he’ll run out�to the lure where�you’ll hit the switch�when s/he’s about�20-30 feet from it,�and run it back in.�

You’ve now trained�your dog two differ-�ent things and a new�command, plus�shown him/her how�to have some fun�running the lure.�

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ZD/ZDZ�

3.�120’ (ZD

)�30’ (ZD/ZDZ)�

170’ (ZDZ)�

30 feet�

120

feet

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B�.�

Pulley�

ZippityDog�

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4. Depending on�where your dog is rel-�ative to the lure, your�dog will likely keep�running past the pul-�ley (�Point D�), giving�you time to stop the�lure and step out of�the way.� 1. The dog will�

start at�Point A�and run over to�the lure.�

2. You will engage�the motor by pushing�the red button when�the dog gets to�Point�B�. If you start too�soon, your dog will�cut across the line�and catch the lure�mid-run.�

3. Once the dog is�chasing the lure�(�Point C�), keep her�running. When the�lure gets to the pul-�ley and makes the�turn, stop pushing�the button.�

50 feet�

100 f

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A�.�

B�.�

Pulley�

ZippityDog� You�

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D�.�

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Lure�

1.� The dog will start�at�Point A� and run�over to the lure.�You will engage the�motor by pushing�the gold button�when the dog gets�approximately to�Point B�. If you start�too soon or too late,�your dog will catch�the lure.�

2.� Once the lure starts�moving, your dog will�come around and start�chasing the lure (�Point�C�). Keep her running�with the lure just ahead�of her. Each dog is�different so you’ll just�have to play with it to�see what works for the�two of you.�

3.� You’ll want to�stop� pushing the�button at about�Point D.� You can�let your dog catch the lure but,�again, don’t let her run off with it�or you will get a backlash tangle.�NOTE: you should avoid crashing�the lure into the machine, as that�can break the swivel and the lev-�eler (ZDZ) and also severely tan-�gle the line.�

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Again, although the ZippityDog is easy to use, we do�not recommend children using this equipment unless accom-�panied by an adult. Kids don’t always have enough life ex-�perience to understand consequences so, to be safe, just go�out there with them.�

A WORD ABOUT PUPPIES.� Please do not run puppies under 4 months of age,�and don’t take them through turns until they’re a year old.�They might look like adults but their joints can’t take it and�they’ll have�serious injuries�. Call Pat if you have questions.�

In order to prevent injuries to your dog, you’ll need to�keep the angles on your turns between 120° and 150°. Re-�member, dogs just can’t turn on a dime, so please refer to�this guide when laying out�all� your courses.�

ANGLES AND CORNERS�

Make sure there’s nothing�in or around� the path of�your dog that could cause an injury such as gopher and�squirrel holes, trees, posts, rocks, twigs & branches, fences,�etc. Remember, they’ll run wide and on both sides of the�line.�

One last thing: You can let your dog catch the lure but don’t�let her drag it away, as this will create the dreaded backlash!�You might want to just have an extra lure handy to let her�have - and destroy - instead. Shake it at her and throw it�down away from the line. Fortunately, most dogs are easily�diverted so the switch shouldn’t be too hard!�

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As always, if you have any questions at all, to order�more pulleys or to find out about our reversible machines, or�other updates, please call Pat at Wicked Coursing.�

The phone number is�619-741-9940 PST�. Please�don’t call in the middle of the night or very early in the morn-�ing! Between the hours of�9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.� will work�just fine. You can reach me by email, too, at�pat@wickedcoursing.com�.�

http://wickedcoursing.com�

Each consumer is responsible for determining the suitability of these�products for their individual situation. Consumer accepts all responsibility�

by purchasing and using these products.�

Talleyho!�

Our mailing address is:�

2790 New Jersey Avenue�La Mesa, CA 91945�