Track and train collar system suggestions

[Rick Roemer]

Hi. I’ve used the Sportdog Tek 1.0 gps collars on my dogs for several years. They’ve worked well, no complaints. Recently they are not holding a charge and the company no longer supports this model. I was told they would offer a discount on a newer model since I’m a returning customer.

Before I do I’d like to ask what others have used with success?

I’d like to stick with a combination track and train model.

Thx for your feedback.

Rick

[Phillip Carr]

I really like my Garmin. I have been using the Tritronics ( now Garmin ) for about 20 years. Great system and great customer service the few times I have needed it. You can replace batteries as well as collars and antennas very easily.

[Allen Peterson]

I have been using Garmen for years and am used to it. both are good at our club people use both. I use mine for the tracking function and love it the ability to add multiple dogs and share info with other hunters is a nice feature.

[Chris Pope]

Ive had the Garmin GPS collars for almost 10 years and use them almost every day for training or just exercising the dogs. They take a beating, can handle salt water and hot temps as I leave the collars in the back of my truck when not in use. Had to replace one battery in that time. The rubber protective coating on the GPS handheld unit is almost completely worn off. According to tech support that will not affect the waterproof features or function of the unit.
I will say they are very expensive but so far the quality is there. Will likely stick with Garmin.

[Dan Steingraber]

I've been using Garmin systems for 20 years too. I've been using the Alpha 100 for a few years and love it for tracking dogs in the woods (and keeping me from getting lost) but don't care for it from a training perspective. I had a 550 + that was much better for training and has a more basic but functional tracking system.

[Aaron Beck]

Agree with all thats been said on garmin.
I will add that connectivity can be spotty, especially in overcast weather. The units do not work in all buildings, even the training features which are only reliant on radio signal. Not useful for bench work. If you have the units on inside the building and let your pooches out, there is no gaurantee that it will be connected should you need to use the collar. It will eventually reconnect but it may take a few minutes whilst your dog does as they please.
Direction and distance are helpful but not always as accurate as you might want in heavy cover, despite that they are much better than nothing when it comes to locating a dog.

[Tom Jay]

Garmin, Garmin or Garmin

[Garry L Gordon]

Yup, Garmin.

[chris dawe]

I just recently got into the sportdog 200 system ,its the only legal option in Canada and the price was right ,its a nice system fast update and accurate,I know lots of guys running the garmin up here successfully it's an excellent system but it was too much of an outlay of money for me to risk having it shag up with the Canadian satellite
Would not hesitate to buy either

[Dave Tatman]

Rick, I just got an email from Gun Dog Supply, announcing their September sale on all Garmin products. I think they are knocking up to $100 off on Garmin systems.

I have no interest or connection to GDS, other than being a satisfied customer.

Dave

[allen newell]

Garmin Tri-Tronics

[Harold Lee Pickens]

Collar Clinic also having a Garmin sale, been thinking about a 200i

[Dan Steingraber]

Collar Clinic also having a Garmin sale, been thinking about a 200i

Harold, I’ve been considering the same upgrade so I reached out to a friend that does field testing for Garmin. He’s had 2 seasons with the 200 and is using the 300 now. His advice was to go straight to the 300 from the 100 for the extended battery life and clearer screen graphics.

[Garry L Gordon]

The Pro 550 has really served us well.

[tom tutwiler]

Pro 550 Plus hands down if you have used the Pro 550 before. It will track 3 dogs and is about as simple as simple can be. I have a Garmin 320 and sold it. I didn't use half the stuff on it and every time I pulled it out I had to sorta figure it out all over again. FWIW, I run two dogs and also keep the spare collar in the truck and running. Therefore no matter where I wander off to looking for a dog, I can always hit a button and see an arrow to take me right back to the truck. Easy Peasy.

[Garry L Gordon]

On the Pro 550 Elaine carries the handheld with the screen, I carry the version that is like a training collar model. It makes quick communication for me (my dogs are trained to respond to tone) with the informative handheld.

[Aaron Beck]

Garry
Is that the 550 you are referring to? Training but not tracking with no screen?

I have eyed the alpha 10 as an option which combined many of the things i like about the 550plus but included a mark your truck feature and is pretty compact. Handy when you need it.

[Garry L Gordon]

Garry
Is that the 550 you are referring to? Training but not tracking with no screen?

I have eyed the alpha 10 as an option which combined many of the things i like about the 550plus but included a mark your truck feature and is pretty compact. Handy when you need it.

Aaron, there is a Pro 550 transmitter that is like the regular training transmitter but with a small directional screen. Perfect for us with Elaine carrying the handheld gps as backup.

[tom tutwiler]

Aaron, there is a Pro 550 transmitter that is like the regular training transmitter but with a small directional screen. Perfect for us with Elaine carrying the handheld gps as backup.

That is the pro 550 plus model. Uses the same collars as the 200 and 300, but much simpler. See arrow, walk to dog.

[Phillip Carr]

I have a friend that owns the 550 plus. Like Garry and Tom mentions it has a small screen and gives you ability to mark the truck, where is the dog, whats he doing, As well as tone, vibrate, or stimulate if needed. Just the basics but has everything I ever use 95% of the time.

[Garry L Gordon]

I have a friend that owns the 550 plus. Like Garry and Tom mentions it has a small screen and gives you ability to mark the truck, where is the dog, whats he doing, As well as tone, vibrate, or stimulate if needed. Just the basics but has everything I ever use 95% of the time.

That transmitter works well for me. I have a hip holster for it, so it’s out of the way (but handy). I also pair it with the smaller TT mini collar units. I’ve never had an issue with battery life.

[allen newell]

Garmin

[Brett Farley]

I use the SportDog Tek 1.5 and SportDog Tek 2.0. This is only my 3rd season using a GPS system. Like the Garmin 550 the Tek 1.5 show the dogs location, your location and alerts on point. It can be itilized w/or w/o e collar system. I added a second collar to that system and SportDog was excellent to work with and help set it up. I bought the SportDog 2.0 system as a “used” never used system and as advertised it was never on a dog. It also has two collars and more collars/dogs can be added if needed. The screen shows a map and the dog’s speed, direction, etc. I have been pleased with it so far. I don’t know why but the Tek 2.0 system connects more quickly to the collar. I looked and looked at new units but the prices are crazy. My only complaint on the SportDog units is the lack of a holster for the handheld. I haven’t been able to find one whereas they are readily available for most of the Garmin models. I do like the piece of mind of having the GPS tracking of the dogs!!!

[Harold Lee Pickens]

Family bought me a Garmin 300i and TT25 collar for Christmas, after losing Doodle overnight in SD last January , they felt I needed one. Ive been messing with it inside and out but not put it on dogs or hunted with it in case I want to return it. Every thing is just so complicated and inconveinent as compared to my Dogtra TB 2700 dual collar system. For example, the beeper clips easily to my vest, or fits in a front shirt pocket--not so the 300i. I can just reach down and hit either locator button on the beeper unit without a glance, not so the Garmin--have to get it out, bring up the screen and stare at it like a teenager staring at his cell phone while walking down the street. I thought the Garmin was supposed to have a tone/beeper and it does but it is just for the dog to hear--you couldnt hear it past a few yards.
I dont want to put b0th collars on the dog, nor carry 2 hand units, plus their bell collar, seresto collar, jeez, they'd need longer necks. They not big running dogs, nor are they boot polishers. Willie is the biggest runner and hit a covey of quail 200 yds out the other day, but could hear the beeper , used on locate mode only) at that distance. I never use the correction/shock mode, nor use the point mode on the beeper, and the dogs are trained to return when beeped or with the vibration mode. I wish I knew someone local to give me a tutorial on the dam thing, leaning toward returning it.

[Tom Jay]

Sorry I don’t live near you, but the 300i is simple to use. I’m 68 and have used the Garmin Alpha and upgraded this year to the 200i plus Garmin watch with dog tracker app. Couldn’t live without them. I track 2 mid-ranging setters in heavy grouse cover and quite often don’t have visual on my dogs. The Garmin is a godsend.