The Complete Guide to Using the Dogtra 3500X Remote Training Collar

Many trainers would agree that using e-collars is a crucial element of a professional dog training system. E-collars significantly boost advanced training and aid professional trainers in achieving their goals.

E-collars helped pave the way for training dogs for search and rescue operations, hunting, and show events, among other canine jobs. With proper training, these tools can do wonders for your dog’s behavior to unleash their full potential.

For this blog, check out this Dogtra e-collar specially developed to assist professional handlers in their training - the 3500X remote training collar.

Getting Started with the Dogtra 3500X

The Dogtra 3500X is a remote training collar intended for competition, hunting, and K9 training. Remote training collars are also called e-collars, remote trainers, shock collars for dogs, or dog training collars. Professional trainers and dog owners use e-collars to reinforce commands, modify dog behavior, and teach advanced obedience.

Contrary to myths surrounding ecollars, these tools are safe and humane. Shock collars are training tools and shouldn’t be wielded as punishment devices for dogs.

If you’ve just gotten the Dogtra 3500X or want to purchase one for your hunting dog, here’s everything you need to know.

What comes in the box:

• Dual Dial Transmitter Remote
• Waterproof Receiver Collar
• Battery Charger & Splitter Cable
• Antenna Hinge
• Belt Clip
• Test Light
• Owner’s Manual

Dogtra 3500X Handheld Transmitter:

The Dogtra 3500X transmitter remote features a professional-grade dual dial that allows you to train up to two dogs independently. With this setup, the remote has two sets of Selector Dials, permitting seamless correction without letting you switch levels back and forth.

With dog safety in mind, the control has a Stimulation Level Lock that prevents accidental level jumps during action or training. It also offers four correction options with completely independent buttons dedicated to each collar or dog.

The 3500X remote has a dimmable OLED screen display that shows each dog’s correction setting, the transmitter’s battery life, and the type of stimulation used.

Dogtra 3500X Receiver Collar:

The Dogtra 3500X receiver collar is packed with a discreet matte finish and an ergonomic slim design receiver. Designed as a hunting dog collar, the collar has a 1.5-mile range, perfect for hunting and field activities.

The receiver yields high-power output with enhanced correction modes, such as nick, constant, HPP vibration, and audible tone.

The 3500X receiver collar is fully waterproof and submersible, which can withstand high water pressure and extreme training conditions. The collar is ideal for dogs as small as 35 pounds.

Antenna Hinge Accessory:

As an added feature, the Dogtra 3500X e-collar system introduces an antenna hinge that bends 180 degrees to prevent antenna breakage during action. This accessory, in turn, extends the original range that may be lost when the transmitter touches the body or there’s interference from surroundings.

The Dogtra 3500X remote training collar comes with the following features:

• 1.5-Mile Range
• Expandable Dual Dial with 8 Stimulation Levels
• Low to High Power Output
• Stimulation Level Lock
• Nick/Constant Stimulation
• High-Performance Pager (HPP) Vibration
• Audible Tone
• OLED Screen
• Fully Waterproof
• Rechargeable Batteries
• For Dogs 35 Pounds and Up

The Dogtra 3500X Remote Training Collar – Designed for Professionals

The Dogtra 3500X remote training collar is built for advanced dog handlers for elevated hunting, K-9 training, and competition experience. Made with independent buttons and two separate dials, this Dogtra training collar gives you the ultimate control and performance while never losing focus on your two dogs.

This Dogtra e-collar has action-oriented features, such as a 1.5-mile range perfect for all settings. With 8 levels of stimulation and four correction modes, the 3500X e-collar lets you enjoy precise control, allowing you to find the right stimulation level for your dog and the best correction setting.

The Dogtra 3500X remote trainer is a 1-dog unit but is convertible to a 2-dog system by simply adding a second collar to the system. However, if you’re looking for a 2-dog trainer with identical features, the Dogtra 3502X remote training collar should best fit you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an e collar?

• An e collar is a dog training tool. It is also known as a remote trainer, remote training collar, or dog shock collar. An e-collar allows you to communicate remotely with your dog. Used correctly, it can help reinforce commands and correct undesirable behaviors in your pet. It provides you the means to train your dog with more precise timing and consistency. This makes an e-collar a very effective training tool.

Will an e collar hurt my dog?

• A remote trainer works by sending a signal from the transmitter to the collar on the dog’s neck. The signal then triggers the stimulation, which can be in the form of static shock. The stimulation is meant to distract the dog from doing something they’re not supposed to or mark the desired behavior. The stimulation may be unpleasant but generally harmless.

The Dogtra 3500X comes with a high-performance Pager vibration and audible tone for people who prefer not to use static stimulation.

Are e-collars effective?

• E-collars can be invaluable training tools, but only when used correctly. If you are unsure about using one or do not know how to start, please consult with a professional trainer.

When can I use an e collar for dogs?

• PetsTEK does not recommend using an e collar for dogs younger than 6 months old. Supplement training with a remote trainer only when your dog has already learned the basic commands.

Are Dogtra collars worth it?

• Yes. Dogtra shock collars are safe and effective training devices trusted by professional dog trainers and pet owners alike.

How does the Dogtra 3500X work?

• The Dogtra 3500X transmitter remote sends feedback to the receiver collar attached to the dog’s neck. The collar has two contact points, also called prongs, that deliver static stimulation. You can also set the remote to deliver vibration to mark the message you’re sending your pet. In highly distracting situations, you can use the boost option.

Does the Dogtra 3500X have any safety features?

• Yes. The Dogtra 3500X has two safety mechanisms: the stimulation level lock and automatic shut-off. The stimulation level lock prevents accidental correction level jumps during action by locking the level in use. The automatic shut-off is a safety feature common to Dogtra e-collars, which automatically stops the stimulation after 12 seconds.

Operating the Dogtra 3500X Remote Training Collar

How do I fit the e-collar?

• Making sure the e collar fits correctly will ensure more consistent correction. To fit the e-collar properly:

1. Put the receiver on your dog’s neck below the ears, on the side of the windpipe.
2. Make sure the contact points are touching the skin.
3. Check the fit. You should be able to put a couple of fingers between the strap and your dog’s skin.

If the collar is too loose, it won’t administer correction reliably. Meanwhile, a too-tight collar is an irritation risk. So, make sure your dog is comfortable. Rotate the collar every 2 hours and never leave it on for more than 10 hours every day.

How do I charge the Dogtra 3500X e collar?

• When to charge the unit:

1. The indicator light turns red or does not come on.
2. The transmitter LCD shows only 1 bar on the indicator.
3. The system will not stay on when any button is pressed.

• How to charge the unit:

1. Open the rubber plugs on the battery charging receptacles and plug in the charging cable.
2. Plug the charger into a 120-volt wall outlet.
3. All indicator lights should glow red when properly plugged in, and the unit will automatically shut off during the charging process.
4. The lights will turn green once the unit is fully charged. Charging time will take approximately 2 hours.

The Dogtra 3500X transmitter and receiver can be charged simultaneously using the splitter cable.

How do I turn the Dogtra 3500X e-collar transmitter on and off?

• To turn the transmitter on, press the button on the right side of the transmitter until the OLED screen illuminates. Press the same button to turn the transmitter off until the OLED screen shuts off.

How do I turn the Dogtra 3500X e-collar receiver on and off?

• Hold the on/off button on the receiver until the LED indicator turns green. To turn it off, press the same button until the LED indicator turns red.

How to code the Dogtra 3500X remote transmitter?

• Before coding the Dogtra 3500X remote transmitter, decide how you would like to use the transmitter.

1. Is it for use as a 1-dog unit or 2-dog unit?
2. Which side (front or left side) of the remote do you want to code for Dog 1?

Note: If you want to pair an additional receiver, you must use the “2-Dog Setup” instructions.

Setting Mode

1. Set the toggle switch in the “Unlocked” position.
2. Ensure the transmitter is off.
3. Hold the on/off button until there is a rapid green LED light on the transmitter and the OLED screen shows "Setting Mode.”
4. After the transmitter is in “Setting Mode,” proceed to your desired dog setup.

1-Dog Setup

1. Press the top button to set the transmitter as a 1-dog system.
2. The OLED screen will show that “Dog 1” has been set up and that “Dog 2” is “AVAILABLE TO PAIR'' if needed.

Note: If you want to change the side, you must start over by putting the transmitter in “Setting Mode.”

2-Dog Setup

1. Press the middle button to set the transmitter as a 2-dog system.
2. The screen will show that both “Dog 1” and “Dog 2” have been set up.

Note: To change the side, you  must start over by putting the transmitter in "Setting Mode."

How to code the Dogtra 3500X receiver?

1. Turn the transmitter on (or leave it on after the code setting).
2. Set the Selector Dial to Level 1.
3. With the receiver turned off, hold the on/off button on the receiver until the LED light rapidly blinks green.
4. On the transmitter, press simultaneously the bottom two buttons of the Dog 1’s side you selected. For the second receiver, repeat the same process but, this time, on the opposite side for which you coded Dog 1.
5. When pairing is complete, the LED light on the receiver flashes every 4 seconds.

Note: Do not code both receivers to the same side.

How do I adjust the stimulation level of my Dogtra 3500X collar?

• The Dogtra 3500X has two Selector Dials on the top of the transmitter. To adjust the stimulation level between 1 and 8, turn the Selector Dial clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on your dog’s temperament. Always start at the lowest level and work your way up. The appropriate level can be found when the dog responds to the stimulation with a mild reaction. 

Can the Dogtra 3500X stimulation intensity be adjusted when in use?

• Yes.

Why can’t I get the full range on my e-collar?

• The 3500X system has a 1.5-mile range. The actual range may vary depending on how you carry the transmitter and training conditions. To get the maximum range, hold the transmitter with the antenna facing away from you. Keep your unit properly charged for full signal strength.

Also, you can attach the antenna hinge to the transmitter to achieve an extended range.

How to attach the Antenna Hinge to my Dogtra 3500X transmitter?

1. Remove the antenna from the transmitter by turning it counterclockwise.
2. Attach the Antenna Hinge to the antenna base and turn clockwise.
3. Insert the antenna into the Antenna Hinge and turn clockwise.

How to lock/unlock the stimulation using the Stimulation Level Lock?

• The Stimulation Level Lock is found topmost at the back of the transmitter. To lock the stimulation level, move the toggle switch to the right. To unlock the stimulation level, move the toggle to the left.

• Once the stimulation level is locked, the OLED screen displays a “locked” symbol next to the battery life indicator. The symbol will be gone once you’ve unlocked the stimulation level.

How do I know if my Dogtra 3500X e-collar is ready for use?

• When the LED indicator flashes every 4 seconds, the receiver is on and ready for use. The LED indicator will blink on both the transmitter and the receiver when the transmitter buttons are pressed.

How to adjust the brightness setting of the OLED screen?

• The OLED screen has three brightness settings:

1. Pressing the OLED screen button (the same button as the on/off switch) for the first time gives partial brightness.
2. Pressing the OLED screen button for the second time shuts the screen off.
3. Pressing the OLED screen button for the third time gives full brightness.

*The default setting is full brightness.

What do Nick and Constant stimulation mean?

• The Dogtra 3500X transmitter has three buttons on its front and left side. The Nick/Constant button is the top button on each side of the remote. The Nick function is activated and emits a single pulse of static stimulation when the Nick/Constant button is pressed within 1 second.

On the other hand, the Constant function is activated when the Nick/Constant button is pressed for more than 2 seconds. The Constant mode sends continuous, static stimulation for as long as the button is pressed, up to 12 seconds. If the button is pressed for over 12 seconds, the stimulation automatically stops to avoid prolonged correction.

What is the Dogtra 3500X HPP vibration?

• The Pager button sends a vibration for up to 12 seconds for as long as the button is held down. It is the middle button on the left and front side of the transmitter, intended for each collar or dog.

What is the tone function?

• The Tone function is the bottom button on the left and front side of the transmitter. Pressing the Tone button will release an audible tone for as long as the button is pressed, up to 12 seconds.

Can I change stimulation levels while pressing the remote buttons?

• Yes.

Troubleshooting the Dogtra 3500X Remote Training Collar

• Why is my dog not reacting to the e-collar?

Your dog not reacting to the e-collar stimulation could be a simple matter of the receiver and transmitter not being turned on. It could also be due to the prongs not touching your dog’s skin. Check the fit. If the fit is okay, check the prong length. If the contact points are too short, you may want to get longer ones to get the collar to work correctly. If you are already using the longest length, you may want to consider shaving your dog’s hair to get better contact.

Check our blog for more reasons why your dog is not reacting to the e-collar.

• The test light turns on, but I do not feel anything.

You may simply have a high tolerance. Try turning the level up. This could also be due to the battery being low. Check your LCD for battery life.

• The range is less when the dog is farther away.

Check if the antenna is not damaged. If it’s not an antenna issue, it could be due to terrain. Heavy brush or tree cover can affect the range of the device. Similarly, any electrical conductors in the area will affect the range of the e-collar.

• My Dogtra 3500X is not holding a charge.

Check if the batteries are charged properly. If the charging port is dirty, try cleaning the dirt with a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol. If the charging pin is damaged, you will need to contact Dogtra for repair.

For more information on how to use your Dogtra 3500X remote training collar, please check the user manual.

Looking for a different Dogtra collar? Find what you need with the help of our Dogtra E-Collar Buying Guide.