Best Hunting Dog Collars [Don't Forget This One Thing!]

The best hunting dog collar is here, and it's now up to you to make that final choice!

This blog is going to summarize several the top dog e-collars that are going to make your next training session and hunting adventure more enjoyable. 

With each hunter needing something a little different, I decided to list the top option within some very popular categories. Of course, there are other options out there, but I pretty much guarantee you you're going to keep coming back to these...

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The Quick Summary
Overall, the Best Hunting Dog Collar is the Garmin Pro 550!
Below you can check out other top training collar options including the... 
- Best Hunting Dog GPS Tracking Collar: Garmin Alpha 200 Series
- Best Budget Hunting Dog Collar: SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X
- Best New-To-Market Hunting Dog Collar: Garmin Alpha 300 Series
And scroll down to find out the one thing to remember when picking your hunting dog e-collar!

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I personally picked these hunting e-collars because this is what I've used out in the field on my dogs for the past 8 years!

You just can't beat the reliability of these brands and models, and I'm sure you're going to be more than satisfied no matter what choice you make. Of course, I'd recommend always thinking about your own hunting style and situations to make sure the features and benefits line up with your needs.

And if you're new to hunting or training your dog, these models are perfect for any novice as they offer reliable construction in an easy-to-use format. Good luck with your pick!

Trivia Question: How long have humans used dogs for hunting specific purposes? (Click here to see answer).

Full Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. If you follow an affiliate link and end up making a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  

 

Best Overall Hunting Dog Collar

Garmin Pro 550 Training Collar

The Garmin PRO 550 is the perfect training and hunting system designed for multi-dog owners, and the best collar for a gun dog. With its impressive range, advanced features, and user-friendly design, this device offers effective control and training options.

Take a look at the highlights below to understand why it's a top choice for dog owners seeking a one-stop-shop training system.

The PRO 550 allows you to train multiple dogs simultaneously by adding extra dog devices. With a range of up to one mile and a reliable 27MHz radio frequency, you can easily communicate with your dogs during training sessions. The built-in BarkLimiter with advanced correction technology helps address excessive barking in a humane way. With 21 levels of stimulation and a vibration control option, you can customize the training experience based on your dog's needs. The PRO 550 even offers the ability to remotely operate the Upland Beeper accessory for specialized tracking purposes.

And a final note - this the exact training collar I've used on my two GSPs for the past 8 years. It offers an unmatched no-look design that I enjoy while out in the field. Because of this, I can keep my eye on the bird and other hunters, while managing my dogs on the device.

For latest prices, and more information about the Garmin Pro 550, click below!

Best GPS Tracking Collar

Garmin Alpha 200 Series

The Garmin Alpha 200 series caught the eye of each and every upland hunter when it first released several years ago.

To put it simply, it ushered in a new level of dog tracking and training solutions designed to enhance your outdoor experiences with your four-legged companions. With its intuitive touchscreen display, extensive dog monitoring capabilities, and compatibility with the Garmin Explore platform, this bundle offers unmatched convenience and performance. Let's explore the key features of the Garmin Alpha 200/TT 15X Bundle and understand why it's the ultimate tool for dog tracking and training.

Don't forget that this model is equipped with a sunlight-readable touchscreen display. The Garmin Alpha 200 provides clear visibility and ease of use in various lighting conditions. Its dog-focused design and intuitive interface allow for quick and precise adjustments, ensuring a seamless experience during training and tracking sessions.

Finally, it allows you to set up and monitor up to 20 dogs using additional dog devices. Leveraging multiple global navigation satellite systems, this bundle provides reliable tracking from distances of up to 9 miles. With real-time updates and accurate location data, you can ensure the safety and security of your dogs while on your next hunting trip.

For latest prices, and more information on the Garmin Alpha 200 Series, take a look below!

Best Budget Hunting Dog Collar

SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X

The SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X is a highly versatile and reliable e-collar that doesn't break the bank.

With a generous range of 500 yards and the ability to support training for up to 3 dogs with additional collars, this collar offers flexibility and convenience. It has customizable stimulation levels, including vibration and tone options, to cater to your dog's unique training needs.

The SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X is also built to withstand outdoor conditions with its waterproof and durable design. Let's explore why this e-collar is an excellent choice for any upland hunter.

The SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X offers 21 levels of static stimulation, allowing you to tailor the intensity based on your dog's temperament and training requirements. It also provides vibration and tone options, offering alternative training methods. Furthermore, this e-collar is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor activities, thanks to its waterproof and durable design. Whether you're training in wet conditions or engaging in water-based activities, the SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X remains reliable and effective.

For latest prices, and more information on the SportDog FieldTrainer 425X, we have that as well!

Best New-To-Market Hunting Dog Collar

Garmin Alpha 300 Series

The Garmin Alpha 300i is Garmin's latest addition to their sporting/hunting dog collar lineup. With its advanced technology and user-friendly interface, this device offers unparalleled convenience, connectivity, and control.

The Garmin Alpha 300i boasts a 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen display that is easy-to-read even in bright sunlight. Its intuitive interface allows for quick adjustments and easy access to important information. With the ability to monitor up to 20 dogs, the Alpha 300i enables you to track their locations from up to 9 miles away (depending on the collar's range) with a 2.5-second update rate. This device also provides dog list and group management, simplifying the process of keeping track of multiple dogs.

Additionally, the Garmin Alpha 300i offers access to premium mapping content through an Outdoor Maps+ subscription. You can download updated maps wirelessly, ensuring you have the most accurate and detailed information at all times. The device is equipped with essential navigation tools, including preloaded TopoActive maps, downloadable satellite imagery, a built-in 3-axis compass, and a barometric altimeter. It even supports two-way messaging and interactive SOS alerts via the global Iridium satellite network, enabling you to communicate directly with Garmin Response in case of emergencies.

And throw in the new Garmin TT25 tracking/training collar, and you have a top of the line option!

For latest prices, and more information on the Garmin Alpha 300 Series, we have that as well!

Things To Consider When Choosing A Hunting Dog Collar

Handheld Device

When shopping for an e-collar, you're ultimately shopping for the handheld device that's going to power and control that collar.

Back in the day, there were limited options when it came to this category, but with today's advancements in technology, hunters have much more to choose from.

When you really break it down, you're going to have two main options - Display and No-Display handheld devices.

Display handhelds are going to include some sort of screen to display your most important features, while also offering you ways to control your collar. Most of these are going to be touchscreen displays, but that's not guaranteed. However, because they do have a display, these collars are going to offer more features such as GPS, tracking, hunt metrics, satellite imagery, just to name a few.

On the other side, no-display handheld devices are going to be much more simple. They are not going to house any visual display on the handheld, but instead the devices is going to features toggles and buttons that are used to control your e-collar. While these might not have as many features as the aforementioned option, the single-hand, more simplistic design, allows hunters to quickly and easily control their dogs with minimal interference.

Pro Tip: Let your puppy wear his/her new e-collar around without any stimulation for extended amounts of time so you don't associate the collar with anything negative.

Stimulation Features

Long gone are the days where your hunting collars have one stimulation option at one level - I know dogs appreciate this too!

Most of today's e-collars are going to give you options up to and around 21 levels of electric stimulation. Of course, some offer more and some offer less. This amount is plenty enough for any hunter as it gives you a low enough range to train puppies, but a high enough range in case you're dealing with a very stubborn dog. 

Additionally, e-collars now give you the option of using vibration and tone to complement the electric stimulation that's used most often. There's several benefits to both of these options, with a key piece of information listed at the very bottom of this blog article...

Battery, Number of Dogs, & Range

Another important factor when figure out how to choose a hunting e-collar is battery, the number of dogs you want to manage, and the distance of the device...

1. Battery: Battery life for collars really depend on the capabilities, size and features, with most lasting around 10-40 hours, while some extend all the way up to 60+. Additionally, this is the case with handhelds as well.

2. Number of Dogs: Some handhelds are limited to 1 collar, while others can connect to up to 3, and then there are a limited few that track and train up to 20 at a time.

3. Range: A hunting dog shock collar can reach a range of a ½ mile to 1 mile with long range options stretching out to 9 plus miles.

GPS Capabilities

The latest and greatest hunting e-collars now include GPS tracking capabilities for both you and your dog.

The options range from simple, at-a-glance tracking to full detailed maps and trail displays.

Of course, these collars come at a high price and do not last as long in the field when it comes to battery life. While I don't think these handhelds and collars meant for everyone as they can be somewhat difficult to use and bulky, they do offer a great deal of benefits for hunters that are looking for the ultimate package.

Most Popular Dog E-Collar FAQs

1. What Is A Hunting E-Collar?

An e-collar is the modern version of a shock collar. Many e-collars have a shock function, but also include vibration and sound functions (as well as much more). They can be used to train and track your hunting dog, both in and out of the field. 

2. What's The Difference Between E-Collars And Shock Collars?

'Shock collars' is a term that's used by many people to describe an electronic collar, otherwise known as e-collar. 

There's really no difference between a shock collar and an e-collar. 'E-Collar' is more commonly used to reference today's training collars because they do much more than 'shock'. Today's e-collars now offer multiple stimulation levels, several stimulation types, and many more amazing features that weren't available 10 years ago.

3. What Are The Top E-Collar Brands?

The best hunting e-collar brands including the following....

1. Garmin

2. SportDOG

3. D.T. Systems

4. Dogtra

4. Are E-Collars Waterproof?

Yes, and the best e collar should be waterproof - handling what's needed by most hunters.

For instance, SportDOG collars are submersible up to a depth of 7.6 metres. And Garmin collars are rated for IPX7 or 1 ATM - meaning IPX7 can withstand incidental exposure to water of up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes, and 1 ATM can withstand pressures equivalent to a depth of 10 meters.

5. What Are The Pros & Cons Of E-Collars?

Listed below are a few of the pros and cons of using an e-collar for your hunting dogs...

Pros: 

- They allow hunters to track their dogs.

- They provide proper and custom levels of negative reinforcement. 

- They can be an added tool for training and hunting.

Cons:

- They can be somewhat expensive.

- If not introduced properly, they can create a negative experience for your dog.

- They can be unreliable if not purchased from a reputable brand.

6. What Is The Best Way To Start Using An E-Collar?

There are several ways to properly introduced your collar to your hunting partner, and as you'd expect, there are some key things to avoid.

Many of the top hunting e-collar brands offer great introduction videos and manuals that cover this topic. 

One of my favorites, is the following video provided by SportDOG. 

One Thing To Remember...

Make Sure You Can Use Silent Commands

Based upon my 8 years of experience using e-collars, I'd have to say the most important feature to have on any e-collar is the tone option.

By having a tone option available on your collar, you can use what's known as 'silent commands'.

Obviously, using a tone feature isn't silent to the dog - it's silent to you and the individuals you're hunting with. For instance, I get somewhat annoyed hunting with individuals that constantly use their whistle to recall dogs. For me, I can talk to those hunting around me, hit the tone command (which isn't heard by anyone else but the dog), and my dog recalls without any unwanted noises.

Additionally, I've heard of several hunters using the tone option to have their dog sit on command.

Answer: Dogs have been used for hunting, guarding and hauling weight as far back as 12,000 years ago.

For a blog about the Best Upland Hunting Vests, take a look today!