"I just wish my puppy were better trained .... it does not come back as fast as I would like ... I wish it would stay when I ask it to....". An obedient dog is a wonderfully rewarding experience and the difference between a misbehaved pet and a pleasant and gratifying companion totally depends on you. Indeed the great news is that you can be a successful trainer if you agree to follow a program and to invest a little time.

Dog training devices have gone a long way from the initial idea of an electronic "shock collar". By definition, and somewhat design, those devices were almost entirely associated to a NO command. Our knowledge in the design and usage of these training aids has indeed progressed immensely. Today we are leaps ahead of what it was accepted as main stream just few years ago.
The new generation of e-collars are better engineered, better used and they yield great results, if they are used correctly. Almost any professional trainer I know uses them. E-collars have become a "leash-less" training system. Think about a e-collar as a remote training tool. A canine wireless device with which you can control the dog close or far.

Thus, a better trained dog requires a little commitment of time and a proven system: which means state of the art device and a program. The product we tested (actually we are still using it) is the SPORTHUNTER 1800 made by SportDOG a front-runner in the new generation of e-collar training systems..

Packaging
SPORTHUNTER 1800 comes nicely packaged in a sturdy orange box which includes:

• Remote Transmitter (waterproof)
• Collar receiver (waterproof)
• 1 black and 1 orange collar straps
• Charger Unit
• Basic Training Manual & Operating Guide
• Basic Training DVD
• Test Light Unit
• Neck Strap
  

The SPORTHUNTER 1800 is rated for ¾ mile Range.
The Operating Guide is simple to read and consult. The preparation and setting of the units (transmitting and receiving) is organized in 8 simple steps easy to understand and to follow [e.g.. 1.Preparing the Transmitter 2.Preparing the Collar Receiver 3.Fit the Collar Receiver and so on]

Ergonomics & Design
The SPORTHUNTER 1800 Remote Transmitter fits well in your hand. It is the same size of a small modern walkie-talkie radio. The toggle switch, buttons and dial are well place and intuitive. Both the Collar Receiver and the Remote Transmitter are waterproof. The Collar Receiver needs to be properly fit to the collar of your dog, but this is easily accomplished by following the DVD and/or the instructions in the Operating Guide. SPORTHUNTER 1800 (both receiver and transmitters) are solidly built and very well finished. In all good design and good execution.

Weight & Dimension
SPORTHUNTER 1800 Transmitter unit tipped the scale at 6 oz. while the Receiver and Collar combined weighed a dismal 10 oz. This won't be burden on your dog's neck.

How did it work for us
We received our SPORTHUNTER 1800 test unit from Gretchen Goodson of SportDOG. In a way this is not the usual testing because - as I opened the box - I made a commitment to myself and my dog.

NOTE - A E-collar is NOT a PLUG & PLAY gadget. You should not under any circumstance, charge the unit, install the collar and press the button. Your dog deserves better than that.
I suggest you sit down and before you do anything else, watch the DVD "Basic Training" (included in the with SPORTHUNTER 1800 system). It will answer many of your initial questions and it will prepare you mentally to the next steps ahead. I actually watched it a couple times and I shared it with my daughter who will be my partner in our training program. If you don't have a DVD, or if you prefer reading, you may follow the same material on the "SportDOG Basic Training Manual" (included). The manual is a 30 page booklet easy to read and organized by professional dog trainers that will guide you, step by step.

This is not our usual testing but rather the introduction of a LONG TERM TESTING. I will report from time to time to time my successes (and failures) SPORTHUNTER 1800 about the proper fitting.

FIRST Week - our first week of training we concentrated to allow our dog (Toby) to accept the e-collar as a "fun thing". We have been spending our training time in basic commands. I still have a hard time with the "DOWN" command which seems to be totally foreign to Toby. There is, by the way, a great trick shown on the DVD on how to accomplish an easy result with DOWN - simply step on the leash as you voice the command. Unfortunately, Toby managed to pull back as I started to apply downward force to the leash. I got tangled in the leash, which sent me flat on my back. My daughter laughs add insults to my embarrassment. The DOWN command is now last in our training program.

SECOND Week - we started to apply some e-collar in combination with our voice and leash. The system seems to add greatly to the effectiveness of the training. Our challenge is to stick to the training schedule. However, I must say that the student "Toby", is very eager to learn and please and we could not ask for a better companion.

Final Comments (after two short weeks)
We are impressed with SPORTHUNTER 1800 System and its program. SPORTHUNTER 1800 is both a sophisticated tool and a well rehearsed training program. You must get in the "training" state of mind and stick with the program. We are still very much in the "trainer learning" mode; the more we learn, the more we will work with our dog. The training adventure continues, and Toby is getting better day by day.

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