Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Wow, SportDOG has really made some improvements since their previous model. Read my detailed personal experience further below if you're a first time user wondering if this is right for your dog. If you've purchased previous models, here's what you need to know about this one: The remote is MUCH lighter and the buttons are easier to press (not that it was difficult before, but still easy to the touch). The momentary, continuous and sound functions remain the same, but the vibration feature is new. The collar itself has a streamlined design - it's also lighter, the electronic component is MUCH smaller, and the standard collar color is black. There are two power settings, versus only the one on the previous 400 model. Each of those settings uses the 8 levels on the remote. On the Stubborn Dog model, you have 3 power settings, each using the 8 levels. The 425 model is much more powerful than the 400. We've had to rotate the two models on the dogs and reduce the typical levels we use to keep it safe for them. The charger and charging ports are a 2-prong set, so you cannot use your old chargers. You can still sync multiple dogs (collars) to one remote...with this feature, one button stimulates ALL dogs. We prefer to keep it separate. I am not a hunter, so I don't use the Field Trainer to "work" my dogs. I have two lovely rescue dogs - neither clearly ever lived inside a home before we met. They peed in the house, chewed on whatever they pleased, dug up my ENTIRE garden. I used to cry because they were so bad. We worked with them on a lot of their issues, but some seemed impossible. Long story short - my 40 lbs beagle pit bull mix is very strong and follows his nose - the best of both breeds. I couldn't keep him under control if he saw another dog, a lizard, bunny, etc. My smaller 25 lb mutt also has a very strong prey drive and is absolutely nasty to other dogs...but only when she's on a leash. Leash laws...she's always on a leash when off property. With PROPER USE, these collars have been a wonderful TOOL. Proper use: you're using electronic means to train your dog, not punish them. Read every word of the manual and training booklet, watch the DVD that comes with the set. I tried the collar on myself so I know exactly what it feels like. I would consider my dogs both to be "stubborn" but I only use the lowest power setting (see my first paragraph) and generally use the 1-3 levels on the dial and only go up to 5 if I've lost them and their senses are overly heightened. I wouldn't even mess with the Stubborn Dog model. Tool: The collar shouldn't be the only method you use. We walk, hike, they run alongside when I bike. I use treats and games to teach verbal and nonverbal commands. "Exercise, disciple, then affection." My dogs have manners because I work with them consistently at every opportunity. After two years, I trust leaving my dogs off leash with plenty of distractions to tempt them. I put the collars on and often don't even use the remotes. I've put in 1000% effort so these dogs will never see the shelter again. I've read books, watch videos, gone to classes, shelled out $$ on one-on-one sessions. It was all worth it, but the remote collar has been invaluable...as a part of an entire routine.