Setting up your Home Original Course
Maximum Course Size
The maximum Home Original course size is approximately 200–300 feet for a straight out-and-back course using the main drive and one field pulley.
Your actual maximum will vary based on your setup and conditions.
The Home Original includes a 250-foot roll of line, which is a good starting point for most setups.
Additional factors that can affect course size include:
- Grass length and condition
- Uneven or sloped terrain
- Line tension
- Number and placement of pulleys
- Type and weight of lure
- How much drag the line encounters along the course
Adding more line or pulleys does not increase the maximum course size. The limit is determined by the power of the motor.
Because of these variables, we cannot guarantee an exact maximum course size for every setup.
Important: Home Original is designed to operate with very light line tension. See: How to Adjust Line Tension - video
If the line slips or you need more control, place two field pulleys close to the drive—one on each side. This increases the amount of line in contact with the drive pulley and can improve traction.
Allow the Motor to Cool
Always allow sufficient time between play sessions for the motor to cool.
The motor inside the drive case can become significantly hotter than the surrounding air, even in mild weather.
How to Find Your Maximum Course Size
Because every setup is different, the best way to determine your maximum course size is to start small and gradually increase the course size.
Test your course before bringing your dog(s) out to play. This prevents your dog from stepping on the line during testing and triggering an automatic shutdown—and avoids making them wait while you troubleshoot! 😂
1. Start Small
Set up a small course and make sure everything is running properly.
Your Home Original includes a 250-foot roll of line. You can cut the line shorter or add more line if your specific conditions allow for a larger course. You can cut the line shorter or tie on more line if your conditions allow for a larger course. The white line sold separately on the website is 500 feet.
If purchasing additional line, use #18 braided nylon mason line. This is the only line recommended for our equipment because its breaking point is specifically selected as a safety feature.
2. Prepare the Area
For the best results:
- Mow the grass.
- Remove leaves, sticks, stones, and other debris.
- Walk the course and check for high spots where the line could drag.
- Use field pulleys strategically to keep the line from dragging on the ground.
3. Adjust the Line Tension
Adjust the tension until the course runs smoothly without erratic stalls or bursts.
4. Keep Your Controller Close
Keep the app or remote within 10–15 feet of the drive to maintain a reliable connection.
5. Gradually Increase the Course Size
Once the smaller course is running well, gradually increase the course size.
You can add line by tying it onto the existing line. Stay within the 300-foot maximum. Test the course after each increase.
6. Find Your Maximum
Continue increasing the course size until performance begins to decline.
Then reduce the course to the largest size that runs reliably and smoothly. This is the maximum course size for your particular setup and conditions.
If your Home Original cannot reliably run the course you have set up, try reducing drag by:
- Shortening the course
- Adjusting pulley placement
- Reducing line tension
- Using a lighter lure
- Improving the condition of the course area
If you still need a larger course, Home Original may not be the right system for your needs. The Home Plus system may be a better option.
For information about upgrading, contact support@swiftpaws.com.
Search our Support Center for more information about setting up and getting the most out of your SwiftPaws Home Original system.