February 24, 2011
By Angela Pham
A look at some of the top e-collars available in the marketplace today
By Angela Pham
SportDOG WetlandHunter 1825
With 16 stimulus levels and the ability to control up to six dogs, the Wetland Hunter 1825 training system can be customized to suit various waterfowling situations, whether hunting in a wide-open cornfield or a dense swamp. Continuous and momentary correction modes are available, with vibration and tone options. Range is up to 1 mile. Waterproof and coated in Realtree Advantage Max-4 HD, the collar is slim and adjustable to fit just about any size dog. The transmitter is compact enough to handle easily, even in wet conditions. The system can be customized to program two or more transmitters to control the same collar receiver.
Contact: SportDOG, (800) 732-0144
Check out the Dogtra 300 M Series on page two
Dogtra 300M Series
Smaller retrievers and mild-mannered or sensitive dogs can especially benefit from the 300M Series receiver and collar, which can be used on younger canines. A large range of adjustable holes in the collar provides a snug fit for any dog. Made for precise commands, stimulation levels range from 1 to 100. A low- to medium-power system, it has three stimulation modes for various training reminders: nick/momentary, constant or simply pager/vibration. This no-frills remote trainer has a half-mile range and is waterproof with rechargeable batteries. An LED battery-life indicator lets you know when it is time to charge up. To use with two dogs, the 302M Element option is also available for purchase.
Contact: Dogtra, (888) 811-9111
Check out the Tri-Tronics Field 90 G3 EXP on page three
Tri-Tronics Field 90 G3 EXP
The Field 90 G3 EXP is ideal for backyard training, as well as on the most demanding hunts. The waterproof training system delivers six levels of intensity with one-button activation. Continuous or momentary stimulation can be used, in addition to tone. Control up to three dogs with additional collars. Range is up to 1 mile. The 2 1/2-inch transmitter antenna is enhanced to prevent falling off or being broken with rough handling. A slim design ensures the transmitter is easy to hold with gloved hands. Stainless-steel, insulated long and short contact points can be interchanged depending on dog's fur thickness, so whether your retriever is a golden or a curly-coat, stimulation will be delivered.
Contact: Tri-Tronics, (800) 456-4343
Check out the D.T. Systems H20 1800 Series on page four
D.T. Systems H20 1800 Series
Four varieties of e-collars fall under the umbrella of the 1800 Series waterproof and weather-resistant line, each of which has 1-mile range, 16 levels of intensity and a rechargeable battery. All four of the two-dog models also feature nick and continuous stimulation. For trainers with more advanced needs, jump and rise stimulation are also available, along with a beeper locator that can be heard up to 450 yards away. Jump stimulation is a useful function in emergency situations when an over-excited dog needs a quick, clear command, and rise stimulation allows a gradual build-up of strength until a dog responds. For sensitive dogs, the Gentle Touch option delivers extra-mild stimulation.
Contact: D.T. Systems, (214) 350-9446
Check out the Remington Sporting Dog Sidekick on page five
Remington Sporting Dog Sidekick
The travel-friendly, lightweight transmitter and compact receiver collar are diminutive, but offer a bulk of options for the backyard or the blind. Adjustable to nine different levels or tone-only with a 400-yard range, the Sidekick also uses Remington's Consistent Reliable Stimulation technology, which ensures a regular level of stimulation in wet environments and through thick layers of dog fur. Fully submersible, the collar has a potential two-year battery life, and the 915-megahertz frequency band means less interference with other transmitter signals. More than 500,000 ID codes exist to further avoid a potential clash of signals.
Contact: Coastal Pet Products, (800) 321-0248
Check out the Unleased Technology GT-3 on page six
Unleashed Technology GT-3
Three different-colored buttons on the GT-3 remote trainer each offer 15 levels of stimulation, giving a trainer up to 45 different combinations to find the best setting for individual dogs and situations. Train sensitive dogs and stubborn retrievers with the ability to deliver soft vibration or quick on-off electrical impulse signals. For each button pressed, a trainer can send a quick alert impulse stimulus for an initial response, and then follow it up with a second reinforcement signal if necessary. Fully waterproof with a reliable signal at half-mile range, the GT-3 system has the capability to add a second dog. Pack everything up for the field into the carrying case, which includes a training guide and lanyard for the transmitter.
Contact: Unleashed Technology, (866) 795-7387