E-Collar Spotlight: The Boss Educator ET-800 vs K9 Handler K9-800

Most trainers agree that the most successful form of dog training is positive reinforcement. The goal of positive reinforcement training is to promote positive conduct in pets. One of the best and more convenient ways to train your dog with positive reinforcement is with the help of an e-collar. 

What is an E-Collar?

A dog e-collar is an electric training tool. The device, sometimes called a remote training collar or dog shock collar, consists of a wireless remote and a wireless receiver that the dog wears around their neck. By providing feedback through physical signals supplied by the collar, e collars teach dogs new commands, reinforce already learned ones, or unlearn bad behavior.

One of the best e collar brands today is E-Collar Technologies. Formerly known as Educator Collars, this brand is dependable, durable, and humane. In this article, we'll compare two more popular Educator models - the K9 Handler K9-800 and the Boss Educator ET-800 remote training collars.

Both ecollars have great features for big or stubborn dogs weighing 20 pounds and up. Both retain the distinctive stopwatch feature of the well-known "Mini Educator ET-300,” making them ideal for a no-look operation that lets you focus more on your dog.

Feature 1: Range

When you've dealt with destructive behaviors in your dog, it can be tough to contemplate letting him off-leash. Using a remote training collar is the quickest and safest way to teach your dog to be independent when unrestrained. You'll be able to camp out, hike in the mountains, or visit the beach confidently so that your dog is free to roam in a matter of weeks. 

The ET-800 Boss Educator and K9 Handler K9-800 remote training collars have a 1-mile range. You can maintain command, speak with, and safeguard your dog from your backyard to larger, open spaces.

Feature 2: Stimulation Levels and Output

Finding the appropriate level for your dog is one of the most essential steps in getting ready to train with a remote training collar. The K9 Handler K9-800 and the ET-800 Boss Educator both deliver the same levels of stimulation, from (0) being the lowest level and (100) being the highest. This helps your dog pay attention to the trainer and the instructions and gently correct mistakes. Instead of repeating ineffective behavior, it allows your dog to adjust to the moment. Additionally, with such a wide range of levels, you can adjust the corrections to be "just right" or suitable for each dog.

Feature 3: Training Modes

The K9 Handler K9-800 and ET-800 Boss Educator have quite different training modes. When operating the remote, you can customize how the stimulus is delivered to the receiver through this feature.

Both of these remote trainers have three (3) training modes:

• Continuous Stimulation- emits a single stimulation when the button is pressed.
• Momentary Stimulation- emits a stimulation for a fraction of a second no matter how long the button is pressed.
• Tapping Sensation- emits a mild pulse or vibration when you press the button.

The K9 Handler and the Boss Educator shock collars also offer 1-60 levels of additional boost. This is especially helpful when you need extra power in emergency and high-distraction situations. They also have the same lock and set feature to ensure that there won't be any unintentional level changes or discharges.

Each dog's personality is different. As such, they may react differently to different levels and training modes. Having several options then makes for easier customization and personalization.

Feature 4: Transmitter LCD

The transmitter remote of the K9-800 and ET-800 look very similar, with both having the same LCD screen. The blue display shows the stimulation intensity and whether you use the 1 or 2-dog option.

Feature 5: Receiver Collar Strap

This is where the difference between the K9 Handler and the Boss Educator ET-300 remote dog training collars becomes very apparent. While both systems come with Biothane strap collars, the K9-800 is a bungee-type collar. This is preferable for training working dogs and those engaging in bite training. You also have the option to choose a 33" or a 37" length strap.

Other Similar Features

Similar lithium-ion batteries power the K9-800 and ET-800 Boss Educator, making charging even faster and more practical. Both remote training e collars are waterproof. The small remote floats in the water so you can splash around and enjoy your beach vacation without worrying. Additionally, a splitter wire enables you to charge the transmitter and receiver simultaneously for just a matter of hours. 

The K9-800 K9 Handler Remote Training Collar

Price: $299.99

Complete Features:

• 1 Mile Range
• 100 Levels Static Stimulation
• Non-Stimulating Vibration
• Pavlovian Tone
• Lock and Set Technology
• Waterproof Transmitter and Receiver
• Ergonomic "Stopwatch-Style" Transmitter
• LCD Display
• Low Battery Indicator
• Biothane Bungee Collar
• Quick Charge Lithium-Polymer Battery
• Expandable to 2-Dog System, the K9-802
• For Medium to Large Dogs 

The ET-800 Boss Educator Remote Training Collar

Price: $279.99

Complete Features:

• 1 Mile Range
• 100 Levels of Static Stimulation
• 3 Stimulation Modes – Momentary, Continuous, and Combo Mode
• Non-Stimulating Vibration
• Pavlovian Tone
• Lock and Set Technology
• Ergonomic "Stopwatch-Style" Transmitter
• Convenient Intensity Dial for Quick Adjustment
• Biothane Collar
• Waterproof Transmitter and Receiver
• Quick Charge Lithium-Polymer Battery
• Expandable to 2-Dog System, the ET-802
• For Medium to Large Dogs

Final Word

The K9-800 K9 Handler and the Boss Educator ET-800 remote training collars are capable and reliable dog training systems. The features and functionality are very similar, perhaps the only difference being the collar strap. Can you change your ET-800 strap to a bungee-type? Yes, you can. But for the $20 extra cost for the K9 Handler, you can save yourself the hassle and get the bungee collar out of the box instead of ordering it extra.