When choosing the best Dogtra collar for you and your dog, there are a few things you’ll need to consider before making your purchase. In this article I go over 3 key factors you need to know when deciding which Dogtra remote e-collar is right for you. After reading this post you’ll be ready to make a solid buying decision to get exactly what you need to reinforce your commands and/or solving behavioral issues.

“Dogtra makes so many models! I am a bit overwhelmed and don’t which Dogtra collar I should buy!”

I hear this quite a bit. However, at the time of this writing Dogtra only manufactures 12 models and they group these models into 2 categories: low to medium power and low to high power. There are 6 low to medium power units and 6 low to high power units so this narrows your search down quite a bit depending on what type of dog you have.

#1) What type of dog do you have?

Low to medium power units
The low to medium output units are more gentle and designed for softer, mild mannered dogs. The receivers are smaller and dogs as small as 10lbs are able to wear it comfortably without dragging their little heads around on the ground. However, the collar straps are typically 28”, are available up to 33″, so the low to medium power units can be used with any size dog (over 10lbs) with a softer disposition.

The receivers on the newest models such as the 200c series, 280c series and the COMBO are the smallest on the market and weigh in at 2.2 ounces (without the strap) and are 2.3″ x 1.5″ x 1.3″

Low to high power units
The low to high output units are designed for any dog temperament from super soft to super stubborn / high drive dogs. However, for these higher output units the transformer in the receiver needs to be larger, making the receiver a bit larger, and not recommended for dogs weighing under 20lbs to wear comfortably.

The newer model receivers weigh in at 4.1 ounces and are 3.1″ x 1.8″ x 1.5″

Low to medium vs low to high stimulation levels
Most Dogtra collars feature 127 levels of static stimulation which makes it easy to fine tune it to your dogs specific temperament and find just the right level without big jumps between levels like you see in other brands that have 7, 10 or 15 levels. The low to medium and low to high power units have the same output to about level 60 where the low to high power units jump up about 30% more powerful, for larger, tougher dogs in high distraction situations.

With that said, the first thing you’ll need to do is determine your dog’s type. Is your dog sensitive to correction or on the tough, thick-skinned side? If you’re unsure, and your dog is over 20lbs, one to the low to high power units is a safe bet.

#2) Are you training multiple dogs?

Most Dogtra collars come in either a 1 or 2 dog system. However, Dogtra does make a few models that are expandable. Meaning the the transmitter comes already set up for 2, 3 or 4 dogs. These units are sold as a 1 dog system but allow you to purchase additional receiver-collars if you currently have multiple dogs, or plan to acquire additional dog(s) at any time in the future.

For example, the Dogtra EDGE transmitter is setup for 4 dogs, with 4 different color buttons, and comes with 1 receiver-collar. If you currently have 2 dogs you can purchase the system with 1 additional receiver-collar and purchase the 3rd and 4th receiver-collar as you acquire additional dogs.

If you currently have 1 dog but think you might be getting only 1 additional dog in the future, sometimes all those extra buttons on a 4-dog transmitter just get in the way, so another option is to purchase purchase a 2-dog system and toss the 2nd receiver-collar in a drawer and only use the e-collar with 1 dog until you get the 2nd dog.

#3) How much transmit range do you need?

Since the low to medium power units are smaller in size, making the antenna smaller, they typically have a shorter transmit range. Depending on the model, they have a range from 400yds to ½ mile whereas the low to high power units have a longer ¾ to 1 mile range.

E-collars work off a radio signal, like a walkie-talkie, and the manufacturer stated transmit range can vary do to conditions such as trees, hills and even bad weather can reduce the range by up to 50%, so keep this in mind when selecting your model. The standard e-collar range is typically 1/2 mile but a good rule of thumb is to figure about how much you need and double it.

Are you a companion pet owner, live in the city and use the e-collar to walk your dogs off leash in the local bark park? Or using the Dogtra collar for close up hunting? One of the standard ½ mile units should be plenty. Maybe you live in the country and your dog has lots of room to roam or you’re using the Dogtra collar for long range hunting dogs, police or military K-9 training, you’ll probably want to select one of the longer range models.

Miscellaneous Dogtra collar options

LCD Screens
Most Dogtra collars come with an LCD screen that show the exact stimulation level you’re on (0 -127) and have a 3 bar low battery indicator like a cell phone. The LCD screens have a blue back-light and are great for night and low light situations. Other models are more basic and do not have this feature and are typically lower cost.

On / Off Buttons
The low to medium power models are smaller and require you to touch red magnet dots on the receiver and transmitter together to turn the components on and off whereas most of the larger, low to high power units have On / Off buttons on the receiver and transmitters that allow to easily and quickly turn the components On and Off when your are taking a break to save battery charge.

Waterproof / Water Resistant
Most Dogtra collars are fully waterproof and submersible to 25ft. However, a couple of the basic, low to medium power units have only water resistant transmitters and not recommend if you live in a wetter climate.

In a Nutshell

#1) What is your dogs disposition; sensitive or more on the stubborn side?
#2) Are you training only 1 dog or do you plan to add more dog’s in the future?
#3) Will you be using the Dogtra collar for up close training or will you need a longer transmit range?

When i’m training, I choose the low to high power 1900s for larger, tougher breeds and its little brother, the low to medium power 280c for smaller, mild mannered dogs. These 2 models are tried and proven and in my opinion have the least amount of mechanical issues.

View low to medium power Dogtra collar reviews | View low to high power Dogtra collar reviews

I hope this article was helpful for you in selecting the perfect Dogtra collar for you and your dog(s). If you’re still unsure about which Dogtra collar is best for you, please feel free to ask me any questions in the comments section below.