2024 Dogtra Collar Buying Guide

Navigating the vast array of remote dog training e-collars can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. The market is flooded with options from various e-collar brands, which makes the decision-making process quite challenging.

As you explore the realm of electronic collars, you will likely come across Dogtra as a prominent brand. This blog post aims to address common queries like: Is Dogtra a good brand? What makes Dogtra e-collars stand out from the competition?

(Short on time? Scroll down for a handy buying chart.)

Who Is Dogtra?

Dogtra has been a key player in the dog training industry for over 30 years. They offer a range of top-notch products, including remote training collars, GPS trackers, bark collars, and an e-fence system. Dogtra tailors their e collars to different dog breeds, catering to hunting dogs, working dogs, sporting dogs, and even your furry friend at home.

Why Dogtra?

• Membership in Electronic Collar Manufacturers Association (ECMA) and Partnership for Electronic Training Technology (PETT)
• E-collar development involves input from dog training professionals.
• Manufacturing facilities are certified for environmental and quality management standards.

What Distinguishes Dogtra E-Collars from Other Brands?

Dogtra stands out in the industry for a reason. Their dog collar lineup boasts a unique set of features that truly sets them apart from the rest.

Here are some of them:

1.  Stimulation Control

Dogtra takes pride in its patented "Exact-Stim" technology, designed for precise and tailored training. This innovative feature allows you to fine-tune the stimulation level according to your dog's temperament. With over 100 stimulation levels, this ensures seamless adjustments using the rheostat dial without jumps between levels.

2.  Power Output

Stimulation output determines the power generated by an e-collar device. Dogtra offers two types of stimulation output units:

• Low/Medium - suited for small dogs or those with sensitive or normal dispositions
• Low/High - designed for more challenging training situations or dogs with stubborn temperaments

3.  Types of Static Stimulation

Dog training e-collars, sometimes called shock collars, utilize a mild static shock. Rest assured, this form of stimulation does not cause any harm or burns to your dog's neck.

Dogtra e collars offer the following stimulation types:

• Nick: This delivers a rapid burst of stimulation to quickly grab your dog's attention.

• Constant: This feature allows you to deliver a continuous stream of static stimulation for up to 12 seconds. To ensure the well-being of your dog, every Dogtra collar comes with an auto shut-off feature to prevent overstimulation. Constant stimulation is particularly useful in highly distracting situations, or when dealing with a particularly stubborn dog.

Some Dogtra ecollars come with a Boost option that provides an instant increase in stimulation levels. This is especially handy in highly demanding scenarios where quick and heightened response is essential.

4. Alternative Stimulation Options

In addition to static correction, your Dogtra remote training collar may offer additional stimulation types depending on the model:

• Vibration: Often referred to as a "pager" in Dogtra manuals, this non-stimulating vibration function is an excellent alternative if you choose not to use static. It's particularly suitable for shy, timid dogs, or those with hearing impairments.

• Tone: The audible tone option provides another alternative to static correction.

5. Reduced-Size Receiver

Some Dogtra collars are tailored to fit dogs as small as 10 pounds. Low/medium output units, specifically designed for smaller dogs, feature a reduced-size collar receiver for enhanced comfort. Meanwhile, low/high output units are suitable for dogs weighing 20 pounds and larger.

6. Range

These training collars, as the term "remote" implies, grant you off-leash control over your dog. Think of an e-collar as an extended leash, with the range determining the extent of this "leash."

Dogtra offers e-collars with different ranges: 1 mile, 3/4 mile, 1/2 mile, and 400 yards. Additionally, certain Dogtra models, especially those designed for GPS tracking, have ranges reaching up to an impressive 9 miles.

7. Waterproof Design

Most Dogtra e-collars are fully waterproof, including the handheld transmitter and collar receiver. This feature ensures that your training sessions can continue seamlessly in wet conditions.

Dogtra remote trainers also feature quick-charging rechargeable batteries (2-hour span) and backlit LCD screens.

Key Considerations When Choosing the Right Dogtra E-Collar

Choosing the right e-collar for your dog goes beyond just looking at the features of a brand. It involves considering factors that are specific to your dog and how you plan to use the collar.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

1.  What is the e-collar for?

Defining the purpose behind getting an e-collar is key to choosing the perfect remote dog training collar. Consider why you need it—is it for hunting training, GPS tracking, basic obedience, or another purpose?

Dogtra offers various e collars for different types of training, so knowing the intended use of the collar can help streamline your selection.

2.  Where do you plan to take your dog?

Consider the locations where you plan to bring your dog. This decision is crucial in determining how far your dog can go off-leash while still remaining under control.

Shock collars typically come with a standard range of at least 500 yards, suitable for basic obedience training. However, if your plans involve venturing into the countryside or going on hikes, opt for a longer range.

3.  What is your dog’s sensitivity to physical stimuli?

Have you noticed how your dog reacts to physical stimuli? For example, if your dog gets very excited while chasing after “prey,” do they run through thorny bushes without hesitation? Will they jump into frigid waters to fetch a ball without a second thought?

If your answer is yes, it means that your dog has low sensitivity to physical stimuli when highly agitated. For stubborn dogs or those with low sensitivity, a high output e-collar may be necessary. Otherwise, a medium output remote trainer would suffice. Nevertheless, if you have extra bucks to spare, there is no harm in purchasing a low/high output device.

4.  How big is your dog and what breed?

Make sure you choose an e-collar that is suitable for your dog's size and breed. If the collar receiver is too small, it might not provide sufficient stimulation. If it's too large, it could cause discomfort and strain your dog's neck. To be sure, check the actual size and weight of the collar receiver.

5.  How many dogs are you planning to train?

Most remote training collars can accommodate up to 2–3 dogs, and in some cases, even more. These ecollars enable you to connect additional collars to a single transmitter, making it easy to train multiple dogs simultaneously.

If you have several dogs that require training, it's worth considering an expandable e-collar. This will help you save money and simplify control, avoiding the hassle of carrying multiple transmitters while training.

Choosing the Right Dogtra Collar for Your Dog

Currently, Dogtra has over 10 remote training collar models in their product lineup.

• 1900S Series – including the 1900S, 1900S Black, 1900S Wetlands, 1900S Handsfree Plus, and 1902S
• 200C Series – including the 200C and 202C
• 280C Series – including the 280C and 282C
• ARC Series – including the ARC and ARC Handsfree Plus
• Boost & Lock Series - including the 1900S Black B&L, 1900S Handsfree Plus B&L, 1902S Handsfree Plus B&L, ARC Handsfree Plus B&L, and 1900S Wetlands B&L
• CUE Series - including the standard CUE and CUE Gen2
• Pathfinder2 Series - including the Pathfinder2 and Pathfinder2 Mini
• 2300NCP
• T&B 2-Dog
• 2700 T&B and its 2-dog version, 2702 T&B
• 3502X
• EDGE Series – including EDGE and EDGE RT

Dogtra also collaborates with various companies to create co-branded collars, such as the 200NCPT PetsTEK edition remote training collar.

What distinguishes these collars from each other? Let’s find out below.

1900S

The 1900S series is considered the ultimate tool for dog training and is also a Dogtra bestseller. Renowned for its durability and reliability, this e-collar is crafted to withstand the most demanding conditions. This makes it the preferred choice for dedicated enthusiasts and accomplished professional trainers engaged in pet obedience, hunting, competition trials, and K-9 activities.

The Dogtra 1900S series carries the following features:

• 3/4-mile range
• Up to 127 stimulation levels
• Low to high power output
• Nick, constant, and high-performance pager
• For mild to stubborn dispositions

The models in this series share similar features, with distinctions as follows:

• 1900S Black - offers an extended range of 1 mile.
• 1900S Wetlands - features a camouflage design for wetlands

The 1900S series is not expandable. If you have more than one dog, the 2-dog version, 1902S, is an available option.

The Handsfree model has been succeeded by the Handsfree Plus. Both include a handsfree remote controller in addition to the regular transmitter. The key difference is that the older model supports only one handsfree controller, while the Plus version accommodates up to 14. This makes the upgraded version suitable for multiple users, households, or trainers working with clients.

200C and 282C

If you want the features found in larger trainers but in a compact package, the 200C model is an excellent choice. This model is ideal for dogs with mild to normal temperaments and provides 100 levels of medium output stimulation. This is great for basic obedience training and entry-level fieldwork.

However, if you need a more advanced ecollar, you should consider the 280C. 

While neither model is expandable, they are both available in 2-dog versions: 202C and 282C.

ARC

The Dogtra ARC series is designed with you and your dog in mind. This ecollar is crafted to fit the curve of your dog’s neck, making it almost indistinguishable from any regular collar. Its remote transmitter is slim and user-friendly with easy-to-use buttons.

Similar to the 1900S Handsfree, the ARC Handsfree also has been upgraded to the ARC Handsfree Plus. The set comes with a handsfree remote, as well as the regular transmitter and collar set. Unlike the Handsfree version, the Plus version is expandable to a 2-dog system.

Boost & Lock

The Boost & Lock series is basically an enhanced edition of Dogtra’s popular collars. While retaining all the features you love, this series introduces two new ones: a customizable boost and a stimulation level lock.

If you want the most advanced features available, you can never go wrong with this e collar series. The B&L lineup includes the 1900S Black B&L, 1900S Handsfree Plus B&L, 1902S Handsfree Plus B&L, ARC Handsfree Plus B&L, and 1900S Wetlands B&L.

CUE

The CUE series introduces a revamped remote transmitter design, featuring a minimalist look with a unique carabiner hook. This comes with a customizable boost function on top of static stimulation and Pager vibration. The CUE (Yellow) is only available on Amazon, while the CUE (Green) is sold on the Dogtra website.

Recently, the CUE series got a model upgrade with the release of the CUE GEN2. This comes with 99 levels of static stimulation and customizable transmitter buttons.

While the CUE draws comparisons to the discontinued iQ series, it comes with notable enhancements. Nevertheless, for those interested, the iQ Mini and iQ Plus are still available for purchase until stocks last.

Pathfinder2

The Pathfinder2 series is an advanced version of the original Pathfinder series, designed for hunting dogs and field use. It offers the longest range among all Dogtra models, making it an ideal choice for those who require maximum range.

The Pathfinder2 features a 9-mile range and comes equipped with both e-collar and GPS functionalities. On the other hand, the Pathfinder2 Mini is a compact version that offers almost all the features of its bigger counterpart. Designed for smaller dogs, this comes with a smaller receiver design and a 4-mile range.

Both models share several key features, including:

• 100 Stimulation Levels
• Nick/Constant Stimulation, Pager Vibration
• Audible Tone
• 2-Second Update Rate
• Geo-fence Option
• Offline Maps
• Precise and Up-to-date Maps
• Tracking-Only Mode
• Expandable to 21 Dogs and Hunters

You can also get the Pathfinder 2 TRX Additional GPS Collar, which can be linked to the Pathfinder 2 system. Keep in mind that this collar is a tracking-only collar and doesn't have contact points or e-collar features.

2300NCP

The 2300NCP remote trainer is a versatile electronic collar that is popular among police K-9 trainers. It's suitable for advanced pet training, competition training, K-9 work, or any type of hunting, with a reach of 3/4 mile. Setting it apart from other Dogtra collars is its expandable capability, allowing for a 2-dog system.

T&B Dual 2-Dog

The T&B Dual 2-Dog remote training collar is an improved version of the original T&B Dual system, which is no longer available. T&B stands for Training and Beeper. This comes with a dual dial transmitter, featuring 127 stimulation levels, HPP vibration, Locate Beeper, Run/Point Beeper Modes, and a 1.5-mile range.

2700 T&B

The Dogtra 2700T&B e-collar is designed for upland hunting, delivering the control and tracking capability needed for long-range bird dogs. It features a single-body, downward-facing beeper horn that is integrated into the receiver. This innovative design eliminates bulkiness and minimizes the risk of snagging on obstacles like fences during field activities.

The 2700T&B is available in a 2-dog system, the 2702T&B. If you prefer an all-orange set, the GVDS Edition is your best match.

3502X

The 3502X e-collar is a 2-dog counterpart of the older 3500X model (discontinued). This professional-grade dog collar is tailored for serious trainers and hunters, featuring a substantial 1.5-mile range. It comes with a dual dial for independent 2-dog control and a dimmable OLED screen. This shock collar is fully waterproof and ready for any adventure, enabling you and your dog to achieve new levels of performance.

EDGE

The Dogtra EDGE series comprises the EDGE and EDGE RT remote dog training collars. The EDGE handheld transmitter is tube-shaped and fits right in your hand for one-handed operation. It features an interchangeable correction dial that provides options for a smooth and precise Rheostat Dial or an immediate and intuitive Selector Dial with clicks. The 1-mile EDGE is expandable up to a 4-dog system, while the EDGE RT allows up to 3 dogs.

200NCPT

Finally, introducing the Dogtra 200NCPT PetsTEK Edition. This is a co-branded remote training e collar that offers various features as the 1900S. What makes it stand out is its unique tone function, which is very rare among Dogtra collar models.

Summary

A remote training collar is like a helpful guide for training your dog. While it may not be a magical fix, it’s a tool that can truly help your dog over time.

Remember, the tool is only part of the equation. You also need time, patience, and consistent training methods to have well-behaved dogs. So, while the right collar is a good start, the rest is up to you.

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