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Tri Tronics vs Dogtra Review

by the K9 Guy, 11-13-09

I frequently read comments from users of various dog products. I've posted information before regarding what a useful tool an Electronic Collar (Ecollar) can be in training a dog. Of the products available, 2 manufacturers have earned the respect of professional trainers as being the most reliable in terms of durability and consistent stimulation levels - Tri Tronics and Dogtra.

Many online opinions are from people who have used Ecollars from only one of these manufacturers. In my own experience, I find each manufacturer offers things I like and some things I would change. I thought a comparison from someone using BOTH DOGTRA AND TRI TRONICS, with many dogs and clients, would be beneficial. In this post I will be giving opinions regarding my favorite device from each manufacturer, the DT 280 and TT G3 Combo.

Before getting into details, I will say that I have found both of the Ecollars below to be of professional quality. Both manufacturers offer comparable 2 year warranties and provide excellent customer service. Both units are waterproof and provide a 1/2 mile range which is more than adequate for most training needs.

Dogtra 280 NCP

The Dogtra 280 NCP (replaced by the 280C) is a very nice unit that has a lot of things I like. Both the Ecollar (receiver) and hand held unit (transmitter) are relatively small, nicely rounded, and solid black. The transmitter provides 127 variable levels of stimulation, the levels being adjusted by a rheostat/dial at the top of the unit. There is also an on/off button, a "pager" button that vibrates the receiver (like your cell phone), plus nick and continuous buttons. The "nick" button delivers a brief (1/100th of a second) stimulation for each depression of the button, the "continuous" button will deliver constant stimulation up to 12 seconds while depressed. The unit is shipped with a adjustable resin strap on the receiver. Contact post length is chosen at purchase (standard is 5/8", I believe 4 lengths are available). The receiver is turned on and off by momentarily touching a red dot on the transmitter to a red dot on the receiver (magnetic switch). The transmitter has a digital display that shows stimulation level and has a blue backlight that comes on for a few seconds with each button tap. Cost of this unit is currently $225 through certified dealers.

Pros: The unit's physical size makes it useful for small to large dogs - I've used it comfortably on dogs down to 10 lbs. The 127 levels of stimulation allow for precise control of stimulation levels, which is a great advantage when working anxious dogs or dogs particularly sensitive to simulations. The unit's smooth lines and black color make is an unobtrusive unit. Placement of buttons and knobs make the unit intuitive and easy for many owners to understand and use.

Cons: One handed operation can be a bit difficult for many users to master. The unit is a low to medium stimulation device, which may lack needed levels for less sensitive or easily distracted dogs. Dogtra makes a higher energy unit (1900 NCP), but the receiver is HUGE in comparison (approx. 80% larger). The pager function is not one I use, at it can frighten many dogs resulting in undesired reactions. Charging the unit requires plugging a cord into both receiver and transmitter (cumbersome), and charging a depleted unit requires 14 hours. The receiver and transmitter are "married" at the factory, requiring an owner with a lost or damaged receiver/transmitter to contact Dogtra for a replacement that will match their remaining half. The magnetic on/off switch for the receiver is unique but seems an answer to a question nobody was asking. I've had receivers 'turn themselves on' during travel if not carefully separated from the controller's magnet, and it's rather cumbersome in use with users often thinking the unit is turned on/off when it is not. Only one set of contact posts is provided with a unit, so some owners might order an inappropriate length.

My 'Wish List' for the 280s: Faster charge times, easier 1 handed operation, and doing away with the magnetic on/off switch.

Tri Tronics G3 Combo

Tri Tronics has a great reputation for bullet proof performance, and my experience bears that out. The G3 Combo is the middle unit in their "Sport" Series. The receiver is a bit larger than the Dogtra, and also more square in detail. It is turned on and off using a waterproof rubber button, comes with an adjustable resin band, and recharges in a supplied cradle in 2 hours. The transmitter is also larger than the Dogtra's with several buttons and dials. The dials determine the function of the buttons on the face of the unit, and owners will need to study the manual to fully understand their function. In short, the unit can provide about 30 various levels of momentary or continuous stimulation. The transmitter uses a consumer replaceable 9V battery which typically lasts 6-12 months, and is colored black and army green. There is no digital readout, Tri Tronics uses stepped dials for setting stimulation levels. The cost of this unit is $269 through certified dealers.

Pros: In use, most owners find this unit easier to operate with 1 hand than the Dogtra, once they familiarize themselves with the controls. My favorite feature of this unit is the ability to choose a stimulation level with a dial setting, then use the 3 buttons on the face of the transmitter for a low/med/high stimulation within the range chosen by the dial. Most dogs will work at a given dial setting unless environmental distractions are rapidly changing, so this allows one to simply use the low/med/high buttons in many situations - very easy. Transmitters and receivers can be "married" in the field, as well as matched across various product lines (see below). All G3 transmitters can control up to 3 receivers (a cost savings if you have multiple dogs). The receiver charges in only 2 hours, and I find replacing the transmitter's 9V battery once a year easier than routinely charging the transmitter as on the Dogtra. This is a low to high energy unit, making it more suitable for dogs that are less sensitive to stimulation or easily distracted by the environment. It is shipped with short and long contact posts and a tool to easily interchange them based on coat length.

Cons: Due to the multitude of cryptically marked buttons and dials, users can find this unit a bit confusing initially. The manual and Tri Tronic's website could be more clearly written IMO. The receiver and transmitter both look more 'clunky' than the Dogtra, and the color scheme for the transmitter may put off some pet owners (think hunting colors and construction). The unit is physically larger than the Dogtra by about 10%, so smaller dogs may find the receiver less comfortable. (NOTE - Tri Tronics just introduced a Sport Junior model with a receiver even smaller than the Dogtra which can be field married to this G3's transmitter allowing 30 levels of stimulation.) While having only 30 levels of stimulation spread over a broader energy band (low to high) could be a problem for some highly sensitive dogs, in practice it is more than adequate for most training situations and a bit easier for owners to control.

My 'Wish List' for the G3 Combo: A single dog unit with lower pricing, refinement/downsizing of receiver and transmitter, and more levels of stimulation (perhaps).

Final Thoughts

Overall these are both great units. If someone asks me which I prefer, my answer will depend on the dog and the owner. Each has advantages and disadvantages - like everything in life. In some situations I may only offer one model to a client and their dog, other times I'll offer a choice. When offered a choice many owners seem to prefer the Tri Tronics G3 Combo, even though it is a bit more expensive. With my own dogs I've used and enjoyed both, but often prefer the compactness of the Dogtra.

Because either unit involves expense, I suggest owners consult a certified professional trainer who can help them make an appropriate choice for their situation, and demonstrate use of the device in a manner that builds trust and communication.