( 20 reviews )
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Posted: Jul 7 2009
This is a mid level collar, it's better than the Innotek and PetSafe but not as good as the TriTronics. It has a decent range, small, easy to hold transmitter, and will get the job done. The DVD is also useful. I find the stimulation a bit sharper than the TriTronics but if you have a hard dog that may be an asset. The single charger charges the transmitter and the receiver and the charge lights flash to let you know it's charged from solid when the charging starts. It's solidly built and won't fall apart on you. A convenient holster can be purchased separately which is more convenienty than a lanyard. It looks to be waterproof though I haven't tested that.
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Posted: Jun 21 2009
The product works as advertised. After a few weeks of careful use, Maizy learned that coming was no longer 'optional'. It has greatly increased our ability to control her outside, so that she can now spend more time out with us off-lead. Both owner and dog are happier with this. At this point, we still have her wear the collar when she is going to be out for an extended time, but corrections are rarely required any more. The product has held up well after two months of regular use. - Battery life is fine. At least 12 hours of use per charge. Might last longer, but I've never let it go that long. - Range is at least 100 yards. I have not tried it past that. - Waterproof the few times she has gone swimming with it. I usually take it off before she swims. - I wish they packed a second collar with it in a different color. This is a professional quality product. I've not used any of the less expensive ones out there, but I feel like I got the quality I was looking for. Some tips for use: - Make sure the collar is snug. If you don't have it snug, you won't get any shock, or worse, it will work intermittently which is confusing for both you and the dog. - Follow the directions for getting the dog used to the collar. We had her use it for a week before I even turned it on. - I've found that Maizy would ignore nicks (very brief shocks) up to level 4, but even a half-second continuous shock at level 3 always gets her attention. Now that she is trained with it, even a nick is enough of a reminder to get her to respond.
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Posted: May 29 2009
We purchased this collar because our 4 year old yellow lab sometimes has a mind of his own and wanders away; Despite calls of "come" and "here" which usually works well at times, he would look back at us and just keep going (usually when he has a smelly rotten treat he has found previously in the woods). Watched the video and when we get ready to put the collar on him, we make it seem like fun and throw a ball, etc. for him to retrieve. He seems like a different dog with the collar on. I only had to use the short shock once when the tone didn't alter his course. Now when he hears the tone and our command, he comes right back to us. So far everything has been great with the Sportdog 400 collar.
