2024 E-Collar Educator Buying Guide

E-collars are game changers in modern dog training, and E-Collar Technologies is at the forefront of this innovation.

Their reputation precedes them. Take the Mini Educator e collar, for instance, which has lived up to expectations, earning the favor of dog trainers and owners alike.

If you're considering buying or upgrading to an Educator collar, here's a peek at their latest lineup of models.

Who Is E-Collar Technologies?

E-Collar Technologies was founded by Greg Van Curen, a renowned figure in the dog training industry known for his innovations over the years. The company prides itself on its patented Control of Stimulation (COS) technology, which enables precise stimulation adjustments to effectively train pets.

E-Collar Technologies is based in the United States, where its products are assembled and tested to ensure exceptional quality and performance.

What Makes Educator Collars Special?

Educator collars redefine remote dog training with exceptional features and innovative technology, setting them apart from conventional options. Here's what makes them stand out:

1.  Blunt Pulse Stimulation

Educator collars utilize proprietary stimulation called "Blunt Pulse" technology, which differs from “sharp” stimulation found in other brands. Think of it as giving your dog a gentle tap on the shoulder instead of a harsh pinch. That's what distinguishes Educator dog e-collars from the rest.

This "Blunt Pulse'' stimulation is gentler for dogs, providing effective training without causing undue stress to your furry friend. Unlike other shock collars that could cause discomfort and head jerking, the "Blunt Pulse'' technology used by Educator is a cleaner, more humane form of stimulation. This is similar to medical devices like TENS machines, often utilized by physical therapists and chiropractors.

2.  Patented Control of Stimulation (COS) Technology

Educator e collars have a unique feature called COS (Control of Stimulation), which works like a precise knob. Compared to other remote trainers with limited settings, COS technology allows fine-tuning to the exact level that grabs your dog's attention. This way, there's no more guesswork or accidentally going too strong during training sessions.

3. Wide Array of Stimulation Levels

Educator dog collars typically offer 100 levels of static stimulation. But don't worry – you probably won't need to use the highest settings. The benefit of having more levels is the ability to make smaller adjustments that suit your dog's training best. This ensures you can find the perfect correction level without making your dog uncomfortable.

4. Multiple Modes of Static Stimulation

Educator e-collars offer different modes to deliver stimulation:

• Continuous: This enables you to deliver uninterrupted stimulation for up to 10 seconds until an automatic safety feature kicks in to stop it.

• Momentary: Also known as "nick," this mode provides a split-second burst of stimulation when you press the button, regardless of how long you hold it down.

• Boost: All E-Collar models come with a boost feature. This lets you pre-set a higher stimulation level in the collar's transmitter. It's useful in highly distracting or challenging situations, providing a stronger stimulus without requiring manual adjustment on the remote.

5. Multiple Stimulation Options

Educator remote training collars offer various ways to communicate with your dog, including static stimulation, vibration, and tone. Most E-Collar Educator models incorporate all three stimulation types, including their unique Pavlovian tone feature.

Here's how the Pavlovian tone works:

When this is activated, the dog hears a brief tone before getting stimulated unless the button is released. Over time, dogs associate this tone with stimulation, eventually responding to the tone alone.

While some E-Collar models offer only one vibration and one tone level, their 900 series e-collars provide adjustable vibration levels and different tone types.

6. Lock & Set Technology

Educator collars come with Lock & Set technology, allowing you to “lock and set” the level on the transmitter. Once you find the perfect setting, you can lock it in, ensuring it stays fixed without accidental changes.

This feature means you won't need to constantly check or adjust the settings during training. Plus, this feature remembers each dog’s settings if you train multiple dogs. You can switch between them easily without messing up the levels.

7. Expandability

All Educator e-collars are expandable. This means you can purchase a 1-dog system and add more collars later. Depending on the model, you can expand your system to manage up to 4 dogs. For instance, the stopwatch-style models accommodate 2 dogs, while the PE-900 can handle up to 3 and the EZ-900 up to 4 dogs.

8. Night Tracking Light

The night tracking light on Educator remote dog training collars acts like a flashlight for your dog. It has strong LED lights that can either flash or stay on constantly. This helps you spot your dog when it's dark or hard to see.

Educator dog e-collars are equipped with rechargeable batteries that charge within 2 hours. They also have backlit LCD screens that display precise levels and other settings. Additionally, these collars are fully waterproof and impact-proof for added durability.

Choosing the Right Educator Collar for Your Dog

Educator E-Collars currently has 7 distinct models in their dog e-collar lineup:

• 300 Series – featuring the ET-300 Mini Educator, ME-300 Micro Educator, and PG-300 Pager Only
• 400 Series – including the ET-400 Educator and K9 Handler K9-400
• 800 Series – featuring the ET-800 Boss Educator and K9 Handler K9-800
• 900 Series – including the EZ-900 Easy Educator and PE-900 Pro Educator
• 1200 Series – aka “The Upland Educator”
• Finger Trainer Series – including the Finger Trainer FT-330
• FOB Educators – including the FOB Educator FE-560 and FE-580

So, how do these collars stand apart from each other? Here's a quick rundown of these models:

The key distinctions lie in their range, stimulation power, transmitter design, and expandability. Let's zoom in on these factors for a closer look.

1.  Range

An e-collar works like an invisible leash, which allows you to communicate with your dog via a remote transmitter. The range denotes the distance this "invisible leash" can cover. If your dog goes beyond this range, the e-collar loses its effectiveness. That’s why range is important.

Your choice should align with your training needs. Shorter ranges, like 300 or 500 yards, are suitable for daily routines or basic yard training. However, if you have specific needs, like training working or hunting dogs, opt for a more extended range.

Keep in mind that obstacles like trees or buildings can impact the actual range. Holding the transmitter above your head may help you get the maximum range.

Educator dog collars have the following ranges:

• 300 yards - FE-560
• 500 yards - FE-580
• 1/3 mile - ET-300
• 1/2 mile - ET-300, PG-300, EZ-900, PE-900, and FT-330
• 3/4 mile - ET-400 and K9-400
• 1 mile - ET-800, K9-800, and UL-1200

2.  Stimulation Power

Educator collars are divided into two categories based on their stimulation power output:

• Low to Medium: These models offer milder stimulation, suitable for dogs with soft to normal temperaments, regardless of size. They come with smaller receivers weighing 2.4 ounces and are generally ideal for most dogs, except those with strong prey drives.
• Low to High: These models are approximately 50% more powerful at higher levels and are designed for larger, stubborn dogs. They feature larger receivers weighing 4 ounces and are recommended for bigger, higher-drive dogs. However, they might not be suitable for dogs under 25 pounds.

The 300, 400, and 900 models offer low to medium power, whereas the 800 and 1200 series boast low to high output.

3.  Remote Transmitter Design

E-Collar Technologies offers 3 distinct types of transmitter designs with their Educator collars. Each design provides unique benefits to training beyond just its appearance.

• Stopwatch-Style Remote: These types are highly popular and user-friendly. Featuring a round and lightweight design, these transmitters are ergonomic and comfortable to hold. They're waterproof, float in water, and available in various color options or skins. The stopwatch style includes models like the 300, 400, 800, 1200, and the Finger Trainer series.

• Bar-Type Remote: Unlike the stopwatch style, these remote types let you fine-tune the training experience. Take the EZ-900 and PE-900 in the 900 series, for example. They come with a special "P" button for setting things up, like choosing from 6 different vibration levels and 3 unique tones (with volume control). However, it's important to note that you need to make these adjustments via computer software, not on the fly.

• Fob-Type Remote: These remotes have a unique design that is distinct from the others. They are rectangular in shape and lightweight, featuring the smallest handheld remote created by E-Collar Technologies. Unlike the Mini Educator's rotating dial, it features plus (+) and minus (-) buttons to adjust the stimulation. Models like FE-560 and FE-580 from the FOB Educator series utilize this remote design.

So, if you want a straightforward remote that’s easy to handle, the stopwatch style is your best bet. If you want more features and functionalities, opt for the bar type. And if you're looking for a compact, discreet option, the fob-type remote is the smallest among Educator models.

4.  Expandability

Both stopwatch-style and fob-type remotes can handle up to 2 dogs, although they also have dedicated 2-dog variants. In contrast, bar-type remotes offer greater expandability: the PE-900 is expandable for up to 3 dogs, while the EZ-900 can support 4 dogs.

Summary

Considering your options? If you have a small or sensitive dog under 10 pounds, the 300 series, particularly the ET-300 Mini Educator, is a great choice. It's user-friendly and has a reasonable range.

For an extended range, consider the ET-400 model instead.

If you have multiple dogs and want more advanced features, the EZ-900 and PE-900 are excellent options. The PE-900 has a slight edge in features, being the only Educator e-collar with a “Ramp” and “Ramp Boost” mode. This allows you to increase the pre-set stimulation level for up to a couple of seconds.

Handling a larger or more stubborn dog? The ET-800 might be your best fit.

For training hunting dogs, the UL-1200 should be your go-to.

Looking for added convenience? The FT-330 is an upgrade to the popular ET-300, offering a tiny remote controller that mimics one correction setting.

For enhanced comfort, the tactical K9 Handler K9-400 and K9-800 use a biothane bungee design for added stretch and convenience.

Meanwhile, the FOB Educator FE-560 and FE-580 provide the smallest remote ever developed by E-Collar Educator.

Final Word

Remember that while these tools are valuable and effective, success ultimately hinges on your patience, consistency, and training methods.

Ready to make your decision now? Don't hesitate to reach out.

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