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Training Collars #6624805 01/10/17 02:12 AM
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RutledgeRealtyGroup Offline OP
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I'm new to the training collar world and I'm searching for some inside advice. Between the SportDOG SD 425 and the Garmin Sport Pro, does anyone have any personal experience with either? I have a friend that recommends the SportDOG because he has had Garmins and he wasn't too impressed with them. I have two, one year old labs.

Thanks in advance!

Last edited by RutledgeRealtyGroup; 01/10/17 02:16 AM.

Chase Rutledge
RUTLEDGE REALTY GROUP, LLC.
Located in Parker County
Cell: 817-694-2954 (Call or Text)
Email:rutledgechase4@yahoo.com
Re: Training Collars [Re: RutledgeRealtyGroup] #6624934 01/10/17 02:59 AM
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Leonardo Offline
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I use a Garmin Pro 550 two collar system. Train 4 to 5 days a week and dont have any issues.

Re: Training Collars [Re: RutledgeRealtyGroup] #6624939 01/10/17 03:02 AM
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BradyBuck Offline
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In general Garmin and Dogtra are the top of the line e-collar manufacturers. Most pros who use e-collars day in and day out year after year use Garmin and Dogtra....

You will get a wide range of opinions but the facts are that Garmin and Dogtra are the better collars.

With that said I guess if you bought a lower end Garmin vs the top of the line SportDog they could be similar in quality.

I personally use the Dogtra 1900s and I really like it. I use it almost every day and Ive charged it twice in a year. The next collar I get will probably be the Dogtra edge RT or Garmin Pro 550 due to the difference in level selection.


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Re: Training Collars [Re: RutledgeRealtyGroup] #6625518 01/10/17 02:22 PM
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I've used them all and Sportdog, in my opinion, is the best. I'd go with the 1225 instead of the 425 if cost is an issue. If not then jump up to the 1825. Sportdog is the only company that will warranty their transmitters if they are dropped in the water and suffer damage because of it. The others only claim to be water resistant and the fine print states the warranty doesn't cover water damage.


Kevin Buckley
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Re: Training Collars [Re: RutledgeRealtyGroup] #6625654 01/10/17 03:35 PM
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I've used the sportdog for a few years now.

Think a lot of it's personal preference. I liked the sport dog because of the dial rather than having to press a button each time I wanted to change the electricity level. Allows me to adjust without looking and still know what level I'm on. If I lose track I just go all the way up or down and count the clicks til I'm back where I want.

Re: Training Collars [Re: RutledgeRealtyGroup] #6625936 01/10/17 06:17 PM
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Mundo Offline
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Garmin 550 easy to step up very good low range. (You want to train as low as possible. You can get dogs to respond to a constant level 1 on a Garmin if train the dog properly before hand.

Re: Training Collars [Re: kbobbjr] #6626877 01/11/17 03:49 AM
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Leonardo Offline
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Originally Posted By: kbobbjr
I've used them all and Sportdog, in my opinion, is the best. I'd go with the 1225 instead of the 425 if cost is an issue. If not then jump up to the 1825. Sportdog is the only company that will warranty their transmitters if they are dropped in the water and suffer damage because of it. The others only claim to be water resistant and the fine print states the warranty doesn't cover water damage.


I know you train for a living so i am interested in your preference other than warranty. Stimulus levels, the transmitter feel in your hand ect... please tell me all you can about it.

Re: Training Collars [Re: Leonardo] #6627874 01/11/17 10:15 PM
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Migillicutty Offline
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Originally Posted By: Leonardo
Originally Posted By: kbobbjr
I've used them all and Sportdog, in my opinion, is the best. I'd go with the 1225 instead of the 425 if cost is an issue. If not then jump up to the 1825. Sportdog is the only company that will warranty their transmitters if they are dropped in the water and suffer damage because of it. The others only claim to be water resistant and the fine print states the warranty doesn't cover water damage.


I know you train for a living so i am interested in your preference other than warranty. Stimulus levels, the transmitter feel in your hand ect... please tell me all you can about it.


He doesn't believe that tripe. Lyle is sponsored by sportdog. No one that has ever had any real experience training day in and day out would choose a sportdog over Garmin and Dogtra.

Re: Training Collars [Re: Migillicutty] #6627900 01/11/17 10:24 PM
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popcorn


Bobby Barnett

Re: Training Collars [Re: Leonardo] #6628759 01/12/17 02:11 PM
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kbobbjr Offline
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Originally Posted By: Leonardo
Originally Posted By: kbobbjr
I've used them all and Sportdog, in my opinion, is the best. I'd go with the 1225 instead of the 425 if cost is an issue. If not then jump up to the 1825. Sportdog is the only company that will warranty their transmitters if they are dropped in the water and suffer damage because of it. The others only claim to be water resistant and the fine print states the warranty doesn't cover water damage.


I know you train for a living so i am interested in your preference other than warranty. Stimulus levels, the transmitter feel in your hand ect... please tell me all you can about it.


Give me a call so we can talk and not have to worry about others speaking on my behalf. Just for the record, I'm not sponsored by Sportdog and the last time I checked, my name is not Lyle.


Kevin Buckley
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Re: Training Collars [Re: RutledgeRealtyGroup] #6628900 01/12/17 04:05 PM
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OP the truth is Sportdog is junk. Do a search on any of the dog forums including rtf and you will see that they have issues regularly, they die, they don't hold a charge, and are well known for being an inferior product to Garmin and Dogtra. Dogtra has amazing service as well. It depends on what application you are looking for. I have a Garmin (tri tronics) pro 200 for everyday training as I like the tubular style transmitter for every day training and ease of use (larger buttons and dial control for stim level with clicks). I have the dogtra arc for hunting, as I like the slim line design of the receiver collar and the light small transmitter for hanging around my neck during the hunt.

Every serious trainer not sponsored by or not working for a trainer sponsored by Sportdog uses Garmin or Dogtra(make no mistake Kevin has to support Sportdog). Spend the little bit extra and find the right Garmin or Dogtra for your application. It will save you the headache of replacing it sooner rather than later.

Re: Training Collars [Re: RutledgeRealtyGroup] #6629409 01/12/17 08:51 PM
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I have Dogtras.


[Linked Image]

Re: Training Collars [Re: Fooshman] #6629935 01/13/17 02:04 AM
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Just my two cents worth, but I insist on having a dedicated button for each dog. No switch to mess with, no changing screens. That translates in my book, to being too late for a timely correction.

I run pointing dogs, and recently updated to the Garmin Alpha system...BUT ONLY after I found that you could dedicate the buttons on top to a specific dog (collar in my case...I swap dogs out regularly during the hunt).

That is the main feature I look for regardless of the brand of the system.

That said, I have used Tri-tronics (now Garmin)and Garmin GPS equipment for yrs, and have had outstanding service and longevity out of all the equipment I have used.

Their tech support and warranty policies have always been stellar In my experience.

Re: Training Collars [Re: Migillicutty] #6629990 01/13/17 02:19 AM
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Originally Posted By: Migillicutty
OP the truth is Sportdog is junk. Do a search on any of the dog forums including rtf and you will see that they have issues regularly, they die, they don't hold a charge, and are well known for being an inferior product to Garmin and Dogtra. Dogtra has amazing service as well. It depends on what application you are looking for. I have a Garmin (tri tronics) pro 200 for everyday training as I like the tubular style transmitter for every day training and ease of use (larger buttons and dial control for stim level with clicks). I have the dogtra arc for hunting, as I like the slim line design of the receiver collar and the light small transmitter for hanging around my neck during the hunt.

Every serious trainer not sponsored by or not working for a trainer sponsored by Sportdog uses Garmin or Dogtra(make no mistake Kevin has to support Sportdog). Spend the little bit extra and find the right Garmin or Dogtra for your application. It will save you the headache of replacing it sooner rather than later.


I like this answer.

Re: Training Collars [Re: Migillicutty] #6630023 01/13/17 02:33 AM
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Originally Posted By: Migillicutty
OP the truth is Sportdog is junk. Do a search on any of the dog forums including rtf and you will see that they have issues regularly, they die, they don't hold a charge, and are well known for being an inferior product to Garmin and Dogtra. Dogtra has amazing service as well. It depends on what application you are looking for. I have a Garmin (tri tronics) pro 200 for everyday training as I like the tubular style transmitter for every day training and ease of use (larger buttons and dial control for stim level with clicks). I have the dogtra arc for hunting, as I like the slim line design of the receiver collar and the light small transmitter for hanging around my neck during the hunt.

Every serious trainer not sponsored by or not working for a trainer sponsored by Sportdog uses Garmin or Dogtra(make no mistake Kevin has to support Sportdog). Spend the little bit extra and find the right Garmin or Dogtra for your application. It will save you the headache of replacing it sooner rather than later.


Incorrect again, I work for myself. No matter, since I use inferior products therefore I must be incompetent.


Kevin Buckley
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Re: Training Collars [Re: RutledgeRealtyGroup] #6630048 01/13/17 02:46 AM
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Thank you everyone for your help! I wasnt familiar with any SportDog products or knew of anyone who used them. The friend that has the Garmin 550 got it on discount through Gander when he worked there so he was trying to find a more affordable option for me. However, after research and talking to fellow hunters and friends they confirmed everything mentioned on here. They are either running Dogtras or Garmins. Now my research is between the Garmin Sport Pro or the Dogtra 1900s...
Everyone that I talk to that dislike Garmins said that they didnt offer enough "pop" BUT they had older models that didn't have the longer contact points. Everyone that ran Dogtras said a con is they are bulky...the Garmin Sport Pro seems small and compact and easy to use with one hand.

I guess I just need to buy one and get my own thoughts..


Chase Rutledge
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Located in Parker County
Cell: 817-694-2954 (Call or Text)
Email:rutledgechase4@yahoo.com
Re: Training Collars [Re: RutledgeRealtyGroup] #6630209 01/13/17 04:41 AM
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The Dogtra 1900s is very compact. The collar itself now has the same design as the ARC which I really like.

The only con (if it's a con) I can think of with the 1900s and ARC is that for me I'm not really crazy about the 1-127 levels of stim. You do get used to it and I run mine at about 4 levels on that spectrum...20,30,40,50. That's the only reason I'd like to have the Edge RT or Pro 550. All other aspects of the 1900s are great.


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Re: Training Collars [Re: RutledgeRealtyGroup] #6630564 01/13/17 03:14 PM
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Dogtra has the edge with retriever people--they like higher stimulation. Garmin models, especially high end ones, are favored by upland folks. I feel garmin models are easier to step up--increase the stimulation without stoping it.

You really don't need a lot of high end stimulation--you are much better off using low levels of continuous.
(I could don without the nick or momentary button, but must have the ability to step up from low levels at 1 and 2 on the garmin)

Re: Training Collars [Re: RutledgeRealtyGroup] #6630730 01/13/17 05:03 PM
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Garmin 550 pro and garmin astro. Works for me but my dog is a big ranging upland hunter.

Re: Training Collars [Re: RutledgeRealtyGroup] #6630889 01/13/17 06:50 PM
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I'd recommend Garmin, I haven't heard great reviews of SportDOG stuff. I know a few people that have had sportdog but most have switched to Garmin or Dogtra by now.

I personally like Garmin over everything.


Say When.....
Re: Training Collars [Re: RutledgeRealtyGroup] #6631633 01/14/17 02:20 AM
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My tritronics/ garmin was junk right out of the box. Tritronics wouldn't back it up. My 6 year old sport dogs have been superb

I would take dogtra over garmin

Last edited by blanked; 01/14/17 02:34 AM.
Re: Training Collars [Re: RutledgeRealtyGroup] #6631876 01/14/17 11:57 AM
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I've never had real good luck with sportdog, and was always a tritonics person. Then garmin ruined what was a great ecollar. Out of the 3 companies mentioned, I would rather use Dogtra.



Shopping with your husband is like hunting with the game warden.
Experience is what you get, when you didn't get what you wanted.


Re: Training Collars [Re: RutledgeRealtyGroup] #6631981 01/14/17 02:53 PM
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Which garmin do y'all not like?

Re: Training Collars [Re: changedmyname] #6631992 01/14/17 03:10 PM
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Originally Posted By: changedmyname
Which garmin do y'all not like?

550 has low range options in constant , two stepup buttons, allowing three stimulation options in a second.

Re: Training Collars [Re: Mundo] #6632111 01/14/17 04:33 PM
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Originally Posted By: Mundo
Originally Posted By: changedmyname
Which garmin do y'all not like?

550 has low range options in constant , two stepup buttons, allowing three stimulation options in a second.


Yes, I have one.

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