Training/Hunting Collar

C

cyclonenation10

Well-known member
Looking for some input on the training/GPS collar. I know this topic has been discussed plenty before. I currently run the Garmin Sport Pro on my flushing retrievers and it has been great. However, I would really like to know the dogs "stats" for each day (distance traveled, average speed, etc.). I know the Garmin Alpha's all have this, along with tons of other features I can't imagine ever using with my flushers. Is this the best route to go? My concern is the "ease" of switching between multiple dogs (usually 3). With the Garmin Sport Pro, I don't even have to look anymore to toggle between dogs and nick one if they are getting out of range or something. Is it that simple with the Alpha? I've never had any issues with dogs running off or getting lost, and they are not pointers, so I'm not sure there is much value added from the GPS component. Is there another route to go that would allow to easily switch between dogs, and also give me basic data as discussed earlier?

Thanks!
 
I have the Garmin Alpha and you are correct that it has more functions and capabilities than I'll ever use. I only have one dog so can't speak from experience about using it with multiple dogs but from what I've heard it isn't that easy to switch between dogs. You would certainly have to be looking at the handheld unit. Another collar to look at would be the Sportdog TEK 2.0. It would do all you want but I don't know anything about them. There were some issues with the first TEK collars to come out but I'm assuming they have corrected a lot with the 2.0. I'm sure others on here will be able to give some better guidance. Good luck.

If all you are looking for from a GPS collar is to know the distance and speed of your dog I would question if it's worth it.
 
There are three buttons on the handheld of the alpha.
Each button can control a dog. You do not have to look at the handheld to control, up to three dogs.
 
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I've only owned the alpha, no info on the Astro.
 
i like it simple. i have one dog and use the dogtra 200. it has three modes: vibrate, nick, and steady, each with a different button. it has been very reliable in contrast to other makes i've tried.
 
If it's mostly the GPS and tracking that you are looking for take a look at the Dogtra Pathfinder. I was very close to buying one one but didn't like that the correction controls were all done with a cell phone and ended up going with a Garmin Sport Pro as a training collar. Still might get a Pathfinder for hunting season though, the GPS seems to get rave reviews.
 
I run my Garmin Alpha 100 with my 2 dogs (pointers). Like 5 Stand said, they have 3 buttons at the top of the handheld that can be customizable to provide a tone, nick or continuous stimulation (your choice which you want and can be different per dog if you want) for each dog OR you can switch the "input" (not sure how else to describe it) on the screen to change what dog you're controlling.

For me, I just change the input per dog. My 3 buttons are for tone, nick and continuous stimulation then I just change which dog needs the correction at that time. Typically it's my 2 year old that needs a tone versus my 10 year old who I can just hit with the whistle to snap her back to reality.

I believe the new Alpha 200 has 5 or 6 buttons. Not sure on the customisation but I'm sure Garmin's website would tell you.

Personally I love my Garmin Alpha. Having the GPS collar is great peace of mind so I know where they are at all times and should they get lost somehow (or worse caught in a trap out of sight) I know I can find them. The price is a tough pill to swallow but I'm glad I bit the bullet 2 years ago on the unit. So much so I'm looking at picking up a Garmin watch that can pair with the Alpha.
 
I'll add little more for what it's worth. We keep saying that the alpha has three buttons = tone, Nick, Continuous. The alpha also has vibrate. So you can use one of the four for any of the three buttons.

Munster
I have the Garmin instinct watch. It shows up to three dogs (at once), distance and direction.
It connects to your phone so phone calls, text, and emails show up on your watch. I don't carry my phone around at work, so it's been pretty handy for me.

If you hunt 5 to 10 days a year, the alpha is probably not for you. If you hunt 20 to 50 days a year, it's a very nice tool. It's also probably more beneficial to people with pointing dogs.

I also looked into the dogtra Pathfinder it could be a good option, maybe it'll fit your needs.

YouTube has several videos about the alpha, and the dogtra Pathfinder. Extensive research usually pays off.
 
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Dakotazeb said:
I have the Garmin Alpha and you are correct that it has more functions and capabilities than I'll ever use. I only have one dog so can't speak from experience about using it with multiple dogs but from what I've heard it isn't that easy to switch between dogs. You would certainly have to be looking at the handheld unit. Another collar to look at would be the Sportdog TEK 2.0. It would do all you want but I don't know anything about them. There were some issues with the first TEK collars to come out but I'm assuming they have corrected a lot with the 2.0. I'm sure others on here will be able to give some better guidance. Good luck.

If all you are looking for from a GPS collar is to know the distance and speed of your dog I would question if it's worth it.
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Thanks, I will look into that!
 
5 stand said:
Monster
I have the Garmin instinct watch. It shows up to three dogs (at once), distance and direction.
It connects to your phone so phone calls, text, and emails show up on your watch. I don't carry my phone around at work, so it's been pretty handy for me.
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Thanks for the info 5. A guy I dog train with gave me a 20% off coupon for Garmin so naturally I have to look up some new gear. I've pondered getting the Instinct since last year and may pull the trigger since I got a coupon now.
 
Munster927 said:
Thanks for the info 5. A guy I dog train with gave me a 20% off coupon for Garmin so naturally I have to look up some new gear. I've pondered getting the Instinct since last year and may pull the trigger since I got a coupon now.
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Last year I was clicking around on the Cabela's site and they had a Garmin instinct watch for $100 off. Regular price $299.00, had a couple hundred in cabelas points so I ordered it. Glad I did, it's a dandy.
Look for a sale (between now and fall) I think you might be able to find one for 150 to 200?
 
Good to know. Thanks again 5. I was looking at the solar edition, $399 currently but I can pick it up for $320 after the coupon. Not sure if the solar would go on sale also or not?
 
After thinking about it, if they didn't manufacturer many last year because of covid. Demand might be keeping up with the supply?

My instinct runs for 10 days as advertised.
 
I have the Garmin Alpha 200i with a two dog collars setup. I also have the Garmin Instinct. I got a deal on both and the price was very right but honestly I think the Alpha 200i is overkill. Like your smartphone, it'll do dozens of things you will likely either never use or never even realize you have them. There are some pretty cool features, marking coveys/flushes, getting distances traveled and being able to put the OnX maps on it, etc. I could live without all that though.

I DO like the watch and the ability to display dog location on the watch face because the Alpha transmitter is pretty big and bulky. A quick glance at the watch face is easier than getting hold of the transmitter and checking it.

I try not to run both dogs simultaneously. I've done it and probably will again. Heck, I've had 4 dogs out at one time pre-Garmin. I find though that I do better if I just have one dog to watch along with the cover, other hunters, etc. The Alpha 200i transmitter is reasonably easy to use with both dogs down though.

Summing up, I doubt I'll ever use half the stuff the Alpha will do. If I had a do-over, I'd definitely get the Instinct and probably mate it to the Garmin Pro 550 Plus. It's all you need in a training collar and it's the basic info you need for location.
 
cyclonenation10 said:
Looking for some input on the training/GPS collar. I know this topic has been discussed plenty before. I currently run the Garmin Sport Pro on my flushing retrievers and it has been great. However, I would really like to know the dogs "stats" for each day (distance traveled, average speed, etc.). I know the Garmin Alpha's all have this, along with tons of other features I can't imagine ever using with my flushers. Is this the best route to go? My concern is the "ease" of switching between multiple dogs (usually 3). With the Garmin Sport Pro, I don't even have to look anymore to toggle between dogs and nick one if they are getting out of range or something. Is it that simple with the Alpha? I've never had any issues with dogs running off or getting lost, and they are not pointers, so I'm not sure there is much value added from the GPS component. Is there another route to go that would allow to easily switch between dogs, and also give me basic data as discussed earlier?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Have you looked at the 550+?
 
Nice to hear I won't be there only one out there with a Garmin Instinct now haha I just ordered one tonight. We'll find out how handy it is. Of course had I ordered it 2 weeks ago it was on sale for less than my coupon code is getting me but I hadn't really thought about it since last year till I got ahold of a coupon.

For anyone wanting to pick one up, look for sales soon. Since I bought one, you're guaranteed it'll be on sale soon 😂
 
I've been looking for a GPS collar for over a year, hunt with a flusher for pheasants so it's not as important as those hunting thick grouse cover or wide ranging pointers that often go out of site. That being said I want one mainly for the peace of mind. For a long time I thought I'd go w/a Garmin Alpha 200i, after reading Chestle's post I'm leaning towards a Garmin 550+. I would love an Alpha, but wouldn't use 70% of the features and wonder about how to holster one. I believe dog stats can be tracked with a 550+ if used in conjunction with Garmin's phone app. As the dog is already collar conditioned I'm going to hold off on a gps collar and hope for a sale.
 
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