Garmin Delta Smart Review

by The K9 Guy, 01-02-17

03-24-17 UPDATE: I continue to use this collar for activity tracking. However, my opinion now is "NOT RECOMMENDED" for any training or barking remediation. The collar frequently detects "barks" that are simply motion (dog jumped or is running), so it is not able to reliably detect and address barking with one of my dogs. Training limitations are mentioned below.

01-27-17 UPDATE: I am continuing to evaluate this collar. Since writing this article I have had 2 times where the collar documented barking without providing a stimulation. I've also had several occasions where the collar has fired and the dog was NOT barking (unacceptable). Stimulations seem to be triggered at times by something bumping the collar (tags, setting the device on a hard surface, etc.). Also, Garmin needs to provide an online manual with updated information regarding features of this device. A recent update provided some control over max stimulation levels, but I had to call support to get details on how to set this up.

About 1 month ago I purchased a Garmin Delta Smart for trial and assessment. Over the years I have relied on Garmin Bark Limiters for help with persistent barkers, even using the early devices from Tri-Tronics (Tri-Tronics was bought out by Garmin several years ago.). They have always proved reliable and useful, so I was interested in assessing the added functionality of this new device. Here are some thoughts after 1 month...

The Device

The device itself is smaller and lighter than many bark collars I have used. It has a rechargeable battery that will last several weeks on a charge (with daily use), and firmware that can be udpated online or via the app (below). One unique feature of the collar is its elliptical, plastic stimulation tips. I've seen these plastic tips on (maybe?) one other device in the past year. Overall I like them. They seem to maintain better contact, and are less irritating to dogs with sensitive skin, than typical stainless tips. However, if you have a dog with long hair or a dense coat, you may be better served considering manufacturers that provide interchangeable tip lengths (although those are hard to find).

The App

The app that powers the device is fairly well laid out. It's been reliable, not causing any issues, and connects to the device via bluetooth. There is precious little information provided with the device about the collar or app, however. I had to call Garmin to figure out how to refresh the data in the app - you can swipe down on the activity screen to do so. After a few days it was easy to find, control, and use the app and collar. Having an app control the device also allows for future updates (I've received one already in the past month) so the manufacturer can continue refining the system.

As an Activity Tracker

While turned on, the device provides activity tracking. You can find activity levels for your dog over the course of the day, and there is ability to drill down for additional detail. You can also track/compare details for past days/months. This isn't a function I use much, but it does provide one nice benefit (below).

As a Bark Collar

The bark limiting function of this device is pretty well thought out and flexible. Another nice function is that every bark is time stamped, as are stimulations. Comparing this data to your activity data (above) can provide some useful insights into what may be triggering barking. On one occasion I had a dog bark over 100 times in 5 mins - activity was also high. My guess is that someone was near our fence in the yard. Overall this device will give you a great deal more information about barking than even a standard bark collar with a counting feature. This, IMO, is the best selling point of the Delta Smart.

For Boundary Training

I did not purchase any additional pods that allow the device to be used for boundary training. These are available, and you can program them into the app to warn or stimulate your dog if it approaches one of them. I can see where this might be helpful for counter surfers or keeping a dog out of some area in a home. The pods are battery powered (not rechargeable) and run around $50. I really can't comment on them since I didn't purchase any, but a nice feature to have available as well.

For Training

The app does allow you to send a tone, vibration or stimulation to the collar manually. While Garmin may be trying to create "one device for everything" here, I would strongly recommend AGAINST using this collar for any training purposes. I am a strong advocate of Ecollar training, but this device connects by bluetooth (which can be unreliable), has limited range, and has limited stimulation levels which can't be adjusted on the fly. Not a recipe for success when training a dog with a remote trainer.

Summary

Overall I would give the Garmin Delta Smart a B grade. I like it primarily as a bark collar, but still think Garmin can refine some of the features here (I'll be calling them soon). The activity tracker adds another dimension of information that is helpful, and available boundary training features will prove helpful for many users. I do feel the price is a little steep ($150) - I would suspect that will come down in time. If it ever reaches a $100-$120 price point I'd rate it a bit higher.