Gun dog owners typically have strong opinions about e-collars, either loving or hating them. When used correctly, these collars are effective training tools. However, improper use can lead to serious issues for dogs, potentially resulting in lasting problems.
To those who don’t own dogs, and even some dog owners unfamiliar with e-collars, these devices might appear harsh. In reality, this perception is misleading. The enthusiastic dogs that eagerly approach their trainers, bouncing in excitement and offering their necks for the e-collar, serve as evidence. They understand that this means they are about to engage in enjoyable activities — actions they instinctively love — and recognize that wearing the collar is the initial step toward that enjoyment.
Today’s e-collars have evolved far beyond the simplistic “shock collars” of the past. While some models are designed exclusively to provide stimulation — be it a beep, buzz or gentle electrical impulse — they certainly serve a purpose in training various breeds, including bird dogs, retrievers, spaniels, hounds and many other hunting and non-hunting dogs.
Some collars are specifically made for tracking dogs and come equipped with a GPS feature in both the collar and the handheld device. They inform hunters of the dog’s direction and distance from the transmitter. This is particularly useful for big-running bird dogs that can be out of sight for long durations and may point at birds for hours, ignoring calls. These tracking collars usually have a long range, often monitoring the collar from five miles away or more.
Many hunting dog owners won’t turn any dog loose without a tracking collar securely fastened, and I became one of those people. A few years back, I was preparing to let two six-month-old puppies run in the field. To save time, I decided to release them alongside a couple of older dogs that had tracking collars. At the last moment, I put one of the older dogs away and placed his collar on Zip, just to be cautious. Sure enough, after five minutes, Zip had vanished. When I checked the tracker, it indicated he was still 70 yards away from where I last saw him. I rushed over to find that he had fallen into an old well and was dog-paddling to stay afloat, too far down for me to reach him. I feared he would drown, but I finally fashioned a loop using my horse’s rein, slipped it over his head and one leg, and managed to pull him to safety.
Other collars are designed as “track and train” units, giving dog owners the ability to track their dogs and also administer training stimulation with the same unit. Typically, these tend to cost more, yet many consider them worth the additional expense as they serve dual purposes, eliminating the necessity for separate collars for training and tracking.
Now, let’s take a look at three e-collars that might help bolster your bottom line this year.
DT Systems D.O.G Director 700
The excellent name is just one aspect your dog-training clients will value about the DD700. This device boasts a 700-yard range, enabled byDT Systems’ unique MAXX-Range 360 technology, which ensures reliable FM signal reception regardless of the terrain. Furthermore, it is completely waterproof and comes with DT Systems’ quick-charge Li-Poly batteries. The SmartLED light indicates when charging is finished and displays the remaining charge during use — a particularly useful feature.
The E-Stim feature offers 10 levels of stimulation that can be easily adjusted at your fingertips, ensuring the optimal setting every time. Additionally, the patented “Jump” feature allows for instant adjustments to a higher or lower stimulation level with just one touch and can be programmed to any level from 1 to 10. For alternative training methods, hunters have options like vibration assistance and a beeping tone for training that doesn’t involve e-stim. This unit can also be expanded to accommodate two or three dogs by adding DD 700 collars, and a toggle switch facilitates simple switching between dogs.
The remote is powered by a replaceable 9-volt battery, while the collar features a rechargeable lithium battery that takes two to three hours to get to full charge. Priced at around $150, this product offers excellent value for those new to dog training or working with a tight budget.
Dogtra 1900X
This is another high-quality, dependable training unit designed for a diverse array of hunting dog owners, no matter their chosen breed or pursuit. With a ¾-mile range, the Dogtra 1900X is effective even for some big-running pointing dogs. Notable features include a BOOST button for quick recall and XPP vibration for immediate engagement. Additionally, an audible tone offers versatility to accommodate various training methods, and the collar system can be expanded to manage up to three dogs simultaneously.
The unit features a central command button for convenient one-handed operation. Users can choose from various stimulation settings: nick, continuous and XPP vibration, with adjustable intensity levels ranging from 0 to 100 in 10-point increments. The transmitter is compact, measuring just 3.9 x 2.1 x 1.3 inches, while the receiver is 4 x 1.4 x 1.4 inches. The collar’s contact points are removable, allowing for use without stimulation, and the unit boasts the highest waterproof rating in its class.
The metal protective e-collar case functions as armor for the collar, enhancing durability under the harshest conditions. Additionally, the LED light ensures a dog is visible in low-light situations. The package includes a remote transmitter, e-collar receiver, collar strap, a 5V 2.5A charger, USB-C charging cable, test light, belt clip and lanyard. That’s a great assortment for an MSRP of around $250.
Garmin Alpha 10
My top recommendation for customers looking to train and track with a single device is the Garmin Alpha 10. It’s priced at $ 499, but don’t let the name intimidate you: This handheld unit is significantly more affordable than previous Garmin tracking and training models, and I personally use it several times each week.
The Garmin 10 can track and train up to 20 dogs, boasting an impressive range of approximately nine miles. Users can save personalized training settings for each dog and switch between them on the screen using a joystick situated above the display (note: mastering this feature may require some practice to do swiftly).
If your customers don’t need the training function, the Alpha 10 can pair with Garmin’s tracking-only T5 or T5 mini collars. This compatibility is acceptable for most pointing dog field trials, where the transmitter typically remains off during competition unless a handler needs to locate a lost dog. Additionally, the Alpha 10 works seamlessly with my Garmin Instinct watch, enabling me to keep the handheld device in my vest pocket while effortlessly monitoring my dogs’ locations during training just by checking my watch. Overall, this collar offers excellent value and has enabled many individuals to acquire a Garmin who previously thought it was unattainable before the release of this unit.
