Was looking for input regarding a new electric collar. I was looking at the dogtra collars, and like the idea of being able to continuously adjust the stim level as opposed to having plugs with three levels each like the old tri-tronics collars, but was wondering if there is any difference in power between the 1100 NC and the other models. Also it appears that tri-tronics has a similar type collar with their Sport models, any comments comparing these two would be very much appreciated.
Thanks,
Chad

Chad, I will bet money ol boy Lou Castle will be here soon to respond to your question. But in the meantime (LOL) be aware that e-collar snake oil does exist and can infect mere mortals everywhere.

Jerry

I'll throw on my opinion, wlthough there are many that take the e-collar thing to the extreme, I look for a few things in the collar. Reliability, service, and that it has the nick or momentary feature as well as continous.
Currently, I have several tri-tronics pro 100's in use and several dogtra 1100's. I'm looking at the box for a innotek. I've got uses for several and my garage looks like a e-collar graveyard.
I am feeling very comfortabel with the pro-100's and the dogtra 1100's right now. I've had an earlier model of the dogtra and it had reliability problems but dogtra was superb at getting me replacements!! I've never had turn around so fast. I need to mention that I have yet to own a collar type that didn't at some point go back to the manufacturer for either repair or new batteries. The collars I use are worked hard, they're worked every day. So I think I am a good judge of reliablity.
Features that are now necessary to me are the ability to rapidly adjust intensity from the transmitter. It allows a degree of finess that wasn't available in the past when plugs and switches on the collar needed to be thrown, and cumbersome changes could be made inside some transmitters.
A word of warning. if you plan on using your collar in a particular discipline, find a mentor that has participated in that discipline for a long time with the assistance of e-collars in their training, someone who has done SchH if that is your interest, someone who has worked a service dog on the street w/ a collar if that is your interest, or a Ring sport participant if that is your interest. Find a good pet dog trainer if that is your need. Their approach and understanding of the discipline and experiences with the collar in that arena will make a BIG difference in the performance level in that discipline.

Thanks for the input Kevin,
Chad

Chad S. wrote: Was looking for input regarding a new electric collar. I was looking at the dogtra collars, and like the idea of being able to continuously adjust the stim level as opposed to having plugs with three levels each like the old tri-tronics collars, but was wondering if there is any difference in power between the 1100 NC and the other models. Also it appears that tri-tronics has a similar type collar with their Sport models, any comments comparing these two would be very much appreciated.

LC: Hi Chad, take a look at this link for a review of the Dogtra 1200NCP that I wrote awhile ago.

http://www.leerburg.com/cgi-bin/UBB/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=23&t=000004

LC: At that time my main criticism was that the dial could be brushed and change the level accidentally. This was mainly aimed at use by LE officers who were wearing it in their LBV’s (load bearing vests). Dogtra has come up with a fix in the form of a doo hicky (that’s the technical term) they call a “Dial Locker.” It consists of a replacement knob for the dial and a plastic part that goes over the dial and jams between the dial and the antenna. It just fits the 1200 series of collars. You can’t change the level when it’s in use but it’s intended to keep it from being bumped and having the level changed inadvertently, It works for that. When not in use it’s held on the TX by a piece of nylon cord that I thought would break in about ten minutes. So far mine has been on for over 6 months of use and shows no signs of wearing out. If anyone wants one of these Dial Lockers let me know by email. NOT ON THE FORUM please!

LC: In any case, all of the collars in the Dogtra line give about the same level of stimulation except for the 150NCP. On that unit the highest level of stimulation is about 2/3 of the highest level of stimulation available on the other units. They intend it for smaller dogs but I’ve found that using my low level stimulation method it works fine. The major drawback is it’s limited range, 200 yards.

LC: The advantage to the 1200 and the 2000 over the 1100 is the waterproofness of those models. But for the average person (whatever that is) that’s really not a problem. But if you work outdoors in all kinds of weather or if you work around boats or water you’ll need the waterproof models. Just a reminder, on all major brands the collar unit is waterproof. Only Dogtra makes a waterproof TX unit. I think that someone said that Innotek was coming out with one but I don’t know if that’s the case or if it’s available yet. If you have some other brand, you can always use a plastic bag over the TX, but I find that a nuisance.

LC: Going back to your original question, changing plugs is pretty much a thing of the past with the TriTronics units. They adjust from the sending unit with the turn of a dial.

LC: In reality the only similarity between the TT Sport series and the Dogtra units is the size. The Sport series is limited by the fact that it only has 6 levels of continuous and 6 levels of momentary. They’re Ok for a collar literate dog but I don’t care for them for a dog that's new to Ecollar training. You may find that one level your dog can’t feel and the next one is too high for him. The Dogtra gives you a much wider selection of power. If you do go with the TT Sport series, whatever you do, DON’T IMMERSE IT IN WATER. Very bad things happen.

Jerry Cudahy wrote: Chad, I will bet money ol boy Lou Castle will be here soon to respond to your question.

LC: LOL. I’m back at work and haven’t visited the Forum for awhile. If not for Chad’s “thank you” to Kevin, I woulda missed it.

I am really rather fond of my TT pro 1000 (updated to pro 500). But I have worked with pro 100's (newer collar's with 24 levels of stimulation, 18 continuous and 6 momentary). The pro series is also completely waterproof. Of course it is more expensive, but you do get what you pay for <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />