E-collar preference

[mferg]

Okay, I'm going to ask this question on several different forums:

Tri-Tronics or Dogtra? Not the big, whopping, dumbbell size controller that Tri-Tronics has, but the smaller version that looks much like the Dogtra. Model? Why? Multi-dog, single?

Also, any insights to the DT-Systems brand?

Use would be for obedience and protection. Mid-level (mid-priced) model.

Thanks a lot!

[GypsysMom]

ALot of members here do not like the e-collar, I however have one for Gypsy I have the dogtra 1500 I think that is the model its small and the remote is small it has the pager button which Is all i need for her, I bought mine from my trainer for $175 they have them online as well.. Also you must have proper training with the ecollar you cant just go and start pushing buttons

[lblax]

dogtra is by far the better e-collar. why are you thinking e collar??? if your having training issues other avenues should be looked at 1st. im not against e collars an i use them but the thing you have to remember once you go to electric and if not used properly and there are still training issues then you no longer have a step up in reinforcemant where as if you go to other avenues 1st you always have the electric if needed.

[s1960]

Originally Posted by mferg

Okay, I'm going to ask this question on several different forums:

Tri-Tronics or Dogtra? Not the big, whopping, dumbbell size controller that Tri-Tronics has, but the smaller version that looks much like the Dogtra. Model? Why? Multi-dog, single?

Also, any insights to the DT-Systems brand?

Use would be for obedience and protection. Mid-level (mid-priced) model.

Thanks a lot!

I have a Tri Tronics sport 50, about 3 years old. Its a smaller controller but I have always wished it had more levels. I know the newer ones have more but on mine I wish I had something between 1-2 and 2-3. The Dogtra 1700 NCP has 127 levels. I also read that the Dogtra recovers ( if thats the right word) faster so if you want to use it on nick and go one after another it isnt a delay between the nicks. I don't think theres much difference though as far as quality or reliability.

[mferg]

Thanks for the insights. I'm around a number of people both online and in person that have their preferences, but I'd like to hear practical experience from more folks.

I understand the concerns, limitations, and cautions about e-collars. I train with people that have very good experience with them and have seen them put to good use. I certaily will not go "pressing buttons" willy-nilly. I feel I may well reach a point with my dog where an e-collar is a valuable training too. I have not gotten there yet, but it may well come. I like to think ahead and have a good idea of what I will do down the road.

BTW, about 90+% of the folks around here have Dogtra and that is the way I'm leaning, but Tri-tronics has been around forever and they must have something going for them if that's the case.

[s1960]

I'm not even using mine, and I haven't paid too close attention, but I think it's mostly Dogtras that are used where I train.

[GypsysMom]

with Gypsy I dont have to use mine since she has had it all I have to do is put it on if she is acting up and decides to disobey commands and never even turn it on and her attitude changes, such as getting in the garbarge, jumping on the counter etc..

When looking for new trainers I contacted one and she was " button happy" thats how my trainer referred her lol when they do agility and other shows, she was telling me no matter the temperment to use them, when I was explaining how well Cash is behaved she said doesnt matter he needs one. Well lets just say I chose a different trainer

[sch1rot]

I have both, along with a number of friends & police officers who have both. Those including myself who have both prefer Tritronics. I like the Field 90. The Tritronics from our experience has been closer in response time to use as compared to the Dogtras which seems to be slower.

[Mick Trainer]

I would go the Dogtra due to its adjustment system but for me no e-collar hasa been built with all the facilities I'd like so it comes down to what you like. I much prefer a collar to have a lot of adjustment in the low range of stim so the dogtra is the better collar as far as that goes.

Mick.

[IJF1]

I would say it comes down to personal preference - they are both decent quality.

Many people prefer the Dogtra for the way you can vary the stim constantly. Some believe the Tritronics performs better in water.

[IJF1]

Originally Posted by lblax

im not against e collars an i use them but the thing you have to remember once you go to electric and if not used properly and there are still training issues then you no longer have a step up in reinforcemant where as if you go to other avenues 1st you always have the electric if needed.

I disagree. If you use the e-collar at a low level (normally using the constant button), I don't see that there is any additional risk over any other tool.

[mferg]

Originally Posted by IJF1

Many people prefer the Dogtra for the way you can vary the stim constantly. Some believe the Tritronics performs better in water.

I probably won't be using mine in water much, but that's nice to know.

I haven't really looked at either collar "in person" for a while, so I can't really remember, but do you run into the likelihood of inadvertantly changing the stim. level while you're using it? I seem to remember the adjustment is a knob on top of the unit. Or, has it been changed to a wheel? And, how easy is it to turn without meaning to? Do your fingers get near the dial while working the other controls?

Thanks for everybody's insights. I really like hearing all the impressions and observations. It helps me keep in mind the advantages and disadvantages when making a choice. I know no collar is going to be perfect and certainly not at the mid-level model I'd be going for. I can't bring myself to go for top of the line as my first collar.

[debbiej]

I have the Dogtra 200 NCP gold. I got it from my trainer for $199. the dial for the stim level is on the top, with the little antenna. the nic and constant buttons are on the front. the dial on the top is pretty much out of the way and not likely to be accidently changed. I do check it frequently. the low is quite low, the high is a real jolt. I've been happy with it.

the dog does know when it is on, I wish the contacts were not such a "presence".

our first training session back, I took out the collar and had forgotten to charge it. one of the trainers said "put it on anyway, he will not know it isn't charged". so true. I decided to work him without it, and he did fine. a bit excited, but that was ok.

[poohbearsmom]

Dogtra, for the reasons Mick mentioned.

If you ever get the chance, check out a Robin MacFarlane Seminar, or contact her for functions at her establishment, "That's My Dog!". She is FABULOUS, she loves the dogs, and really teaches us humans how to get past a lot of mental issues using this tool. She implements this tool in the most humane manner.

We just hosted a two day Foundation Workshop with Robin, and I'll be attending a 3 week session in Wisconsin this August.

Can't say enough great things about her!

[Jaan]

You might want to check out the Innotek line of collars, as well. I was dickering between the Dogtra and the Innotek when I bought my last collar (this is my third one in 20 years) but what won me over was the big digital display of the Innotek---much superior to the dial with small numbers on the Dogtra. Also, the Dogtra dial can move from the position you set it at if it gets caught in your clothing.

As Mick mentioned, there are lots of settings on the low end and that is where most of your use will be, and it is very easy to run up to a higher setting if necessary. Caveat--they changed the collar strap material from a nicely flexible one to a horrible stiff one. That is the only drawback I have found.