Hey gents, I need some help.

If mine can be fixed that'd be better but I digress.

I have a Sportsdog 825 model. After about a year I started to notice my dog would not respond out past about 15 yards (if that). I did some research and realized the number one suspect is a dead or dying battery. I ordered new batteries for the Transmitter and the receiver and I thought that fixed it but I'm realizing that the same problems still are persisting.

Any ideas what else could be causing this limited range?

Also, what are y'all's thoughts on a replacement unit? I'd be looking to spend no more than about $300... So something in that price range please. Links would be helpful! Thanks guys!

Dogtra 1900s

Going on 3 years, crazy long battery life.

Garmin/Tritronics Pro 550

Sounds like you got a lemon. Have you called them and told them what was going on? They may replace it?

I have two 825s that get used on my labs every day (live out in the country - no pet fences) plus hunted with from dove through duck season; one is 5 years old, the other collar is 4 years old. Both still work great and battery life is still good.

I have a DT Systems H20 1810 plus I really like. CCbirddogman recommended it to me.

I have a two collar 550 I would be willing to sell.

The garmin pro 550 is tops. Garmin pro sport ain't bad either. I have both and like both.

The Pro 70 is in your budget and a great easy to use collar. I’ve had mine for 4 years and the batteries will last all weekend on the collars and all week on the handheld before needing recharge. I like mine but will buy the new 550 with GPS before season starts. I’ll keep the 70 to use around the house.

I have not contacted them. I just assumed that it'd be out of warranty. It's over 2 years old but that is worth a shot I suppose.

Thanks for the suggestion.

I bought a Garmin in the spring because it has the exact same transmitter as the Tri-Tronics. I was glad because the buttons are the same and I wouldn't have to retrain myself on a new transmitter.

As a professional dog trainer I am here to tell you Garmin sucks!!!! The strap they put on is already tearing because it is a half inch instead of the thick 3/4. They don't even give you a D-ring on the collar. I feel ripped off.

I started out with Tri-tronics but they charged so much to fix them I quit them and went with Sportdog. I have two Sportdog 1825's that have worked flawlessly. One I've had many years the other is two years old. I use them a lot but since Sportdog has come out with the TEK 1.5 Track/Train system I probably will not buy another straight E collar because for around $400 you can get it all and it works really well and is easy to use. I got one when they first came out and it has been used almost every day since with zero problems. I'm not real good with complicated control devices but this TEK 1.5 is so simple to use that even an old dummy like me can use it like a pro.
Sportdog offers excellent customer service and I bet if you call them they will either fix your unit or sell you another one at a reduced cost. It has been my experience they stand behind their products really well.