Abstract: Systems for containing, training, and tracking animals (e.g., pets) utilize electronic animal tags or collars, including IR reception and two-way RF communication. An aimable IR directional zone defining unit includes selectable different modes of operation relative to an animal collar or tag. A RF base station arranged to communicat with an animal collar or tag includes is arranged to automaticlaly communicate with at least one terminal responsive to a receipt of a RF signal indicative of at least one of: condition of the animal, behavior of the animal, and proximity of the animal to the base station. The base station may further generate a user-perceptible alarm signal. A handheld remote controller adapted to communicate with the electronic animal collar or tag includes memory for digital media files, and an audio output element to deliver audible animal training instructions from the memory element.