If you’re looking for a training/e Collar for your dog, you’ll want to check out this Sportdog Field Trainer 425 Review.

The 425 is a popular training collar, so we wanted to see if it was really worth it’s money.

We outline the best features and drawbacks of this e collar, as well as consider who it might & might not be for.

Let’s take a closer look!

(NOTE: this is a general information guide only, and is not professional advice, or a substitute for professional advice. A qualified vet or animal expert is the only person qualified to give you expert advice in regards to your pet/s)

SportDOG Field Trainer 425 Review: Is It Worth It?

If you’d like to go straight to viewing the SportDOG 425, you can do so here:

SportDOG Field Trainer 425 Training/E Collar (on Amazon)

**You can also get extra collars/receivers for the 425 – SDR-AF Collar Receiver (on Amazon).

These extra collars are also compatible with the SportHunter 825 (SD-825).

SportDOG Field Trainer 425: Review

Features

• This is a dog training collar/e collar receiver, that comes with a handheld remote transmitter with controls for functions
• Overall, it’s one of the best of it’s kind on the market
• It allows you to work with static stimulation, vibration and tone
• The transmitter has a 500 yard range to the receiver/collar
• The transmitter’s dial allows you to select one of the 7 levels of static stimulation in low or medium ranges
• The transmitter’s buttons allow you to deliver your choice of momentary (nick) or continuous stimulation
• You also have the option to train with vibration (buzz) and tone (beep)
• Both the Remote Transmitter and Collar Receiver feature DryTek technology making them waterproof and submersible to 25 feet
• The devices have rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that charge in 2 hours and last 50-70 hours per charge
• Both the Transmitter and Collar feature a low battery indicator and can be charged at the same time using the included split-end charger
• The Transmitter button functions can be customized
• You can train up to 3 dogs with the same Remote Transmitter with purchase of additional Add-A-Dog Collars (SDR-AF) – SDR-AF Collar Receiver (on Amazon).
• The Collar Receiver fits dogs 8 pounds or larger with neck sizes 5″ – 22″
• With the transmitter and collar kit, you get a detailed operating guide, training DVD, and a  Customer Care Center, available 6 days a week, provide support when you need it
• Comes in both black and camo colors
• Overall, the SportDOG products are designed with the heat, cold, rain, snow, dust, mud, and wind in mind
• SportDOG provide some of the best customer support we’ve seen compared to other companies

Drawbacks

• Works better in wider open areas than areas of lots of obstacles and obstructions
• The charger connectors don’t stay super secure while charging. You’ll have to make sure you have them securely jacked in before you leave the transmitter and collar to charge
• No LCD display. If there isn’t much light out or you don’t have a light source, it can be hard to see the dial setting
• The layout and default functions of the buttons and dial are pretty good, but could use some more improvement
• Overall, despite the drawbacks, this is one of the better e collars on the market, despite it’s price. It’s definitely worth the money

View the SportDOG Field Trainer 425 Training/E Collar on Amazon

SportDOG Field Trainer 425: Buyer’s Guide

What Is The SportDOG Field Trainer 425?

A remote transmitter, and a training collar/e collar receiver.

The transmitter transmits the radio signal to the collar receiver. The collar receives the radio signal from the transmitter and delivers the static stimulation, vibration or tone for correcting or cueing your dog.

What Is the SportDOG 425 Designed For?

• Basic in-the-field training > it’s designed for reinforcing skills and commands you’ve already taught your dog 
• Hunting with close-working dogs

Who Might The SportDOG Field Trainer 425 Be For?

• Those looking for a training collar with a range up to 500 yards
• Those with dogs 8 pounds or larger with neck sizes 5″ – 22″ (that’s what size dogs the collar receiver fits to
• Those looking for a training collar with shock, sound and vibration options

Who Might The SportDOG Field Trainer 425 NOT Be For?

• People wanting a range of transmission from transmitter to collar of more than 500 yards
• People with dogs smaller than 8 lbs
• People with dogs whose necks are small than 5 inches
• People with dogs whose necks are bigger than 22 inches

What Do You Get In The SportDog Field Trainer Kit/Pack?

• Remote Transmitter
• Collar Receiver on 3/4″ Black Collar Strap
• Charging Adaptor
• Standard and Long Contact Points
• Lanyard
• Test Light Tool
• Operating Guide
• Basic Training Manual and DVD

How Does The SD-425 Transmitter Work, & What Buttons/Dials Are On It?

It transmits a radio signal to the Collar Receiver. It is waterproof and can be submerged in water to a depth of 25 feet. The buttons and dials on the transmitter are:

• Side Button – delivers a tone without static stimulation.
• Transmitter Indicator Light – indicates that a button is pressed and also serves as a low battery indicator.
• Intensity Dial – Provides multiple levels of static stimulation so you can match the correction to your dog’s temperament.
• Upper Button – delivers continuous static stimulation.
• Lower Button – delivers a momentary (nick) static stimulation.
• Charging Jack – connect the charger to the jack.
• Mode Button – allows you to customise the transmitter button functions.

How Does The SD-425 Collar Receiver Work, & What’s On It?

Receives the radio signal from the transmitter. Delivers static stimulation, vibration, or tone for correcting or cueing your dog.

The collar is waterproof and can be submerged to a depth of 25 feet.

The components on collar are:

• Contact Points – the contacts that deliver static stimulation.
• On/Off Button – turn the collar on and off by pushing this button for a few seconds.
• Receiver Indicator Light – tells you when the collar is on or off. Tells you when static stimulation is being delivered. Indicates when the battery is low.
• Collar Strap – The strap that goes around a dog’s neck.

What Is The Best Way To Use A Shock Collar For A Dog?

For professional advice on using a shock or e collar, see a vet or a professional dog trainer, or animals expert.

But, in general, you DEFINITELY want to read the instruction manual and guides on any e collar you get, and buy from a reputable company that cares about the dogs.

The manufacturer can tell you how to safely and effectively use their products.

The best way to use an e collar might be as a temporary device for associating negative or undesirable behavior with a cue (such as a vibration or noise), or a stimulus (such as a nick/static stimulus).

They can be used to teach or retrain a certain behavior, and then put away. They may only be brought out again if your dog/s forget that behavior, or need retraining.

So, really, they could be used ideally as a temporary training and teaching tool (not permanent) for happy and healthy dogs. 

If you notice any negative side effects to your dog’s physical or mental health from using an e collar, discontinue use immediately.

The benefits of an e collar might be:

• You don’t have to set the collar to shock. You can set it to vibrate or sound.
• The lowest shock settings on good e collars will provide a small amount of discomfort, not pain
• The feedback to your dog is instantaneous and not delayed
• It works at range
• It saves you shouting and getting frustrated
• + many other benefits

Note that on the SportsDOG 425, some people like to test the lowest and highest shock/static settings on their own skin first (unless they have their own health conditions that would prevent this like pacemaker for example) to get a sense of what their dog would experience. 

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