Best E-Collar For German Shorthair Pointers: These 3 Are The Only To Consider


For Sporting breeds like the German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP), an e-collar can be an excellent training (or enforcement) device when the tool is in competent hands. So, what are some of the best e-collars for GSPs? 

The best overall E-collar for a German Shorthaired Pointer is the SportDOG 425X. However, the Garmin Sport PRO and the Dogtra Edge RT are great alternatives. The most significant difference in the three options appears to be in the yard range and unique features. 

While the SportDOG 425X stands out among the Garmin Sport PRO and Dogtra Edge RT, you might find that one of the alternatives suits your training needs better. 

Best E-Collar For German Shorthair Pointers

Individual training requirements will determine what product would best fit specific outdoor activities. Selecting from different brands with different qualities (range, affordability, etc.) should give you some good options to consider.  

Tips On How To Select The Right E-Collar For Your GSP

With all the options out there, how do you know which choices to weigh up against each other in the first place? So, let’s consider one of the leading brands’ tips on choosing the right e-collar for a GSP. 

  1. Consider the activities you and your GSP need the e-collar for; basic obedience, hunting, etc. Dogtra warns owners that the terrain around them can hamper the performance of range capabilities. And if you routinely take your dog for runs on the beach, you’ll have to look at waterproof options. 
  2. The second thing is to establish how sensitive your dog is to stimulation; it would not make sense to have an e-collar with high range stimulation when your GSP is very sensitive. 
  3. Less is more; look for options with remotes that have easy-to-use controls. Complicated switches, buttons, and dials might require you to look down at the remote all day instead of keeping your eye on your dog. 
  4. The last step would be to look for e-collars that cater to your specific requirements. Some models are equipped with fancy features (and a price to match), and you might not even need the advanced technology. 

The Top Three Picks: Best E-Collars For GSPs

Knowing what to look for in an e-collar makes it easier to refine your search instead of hopping between endless tabs and options. So, here are the top three picks for your GSP. 

  1. SportDOG 425X – Best Pick
  2. Garmin Sport PRO – Close Second
  3. Dogtra Edge RT – Longest Range

SportDOG 425X (Best Pick)

The FieldTrainer 425X and the 425XS are more affordable than other brands, with great features, an ergonomic design, and a price that makes the wallet happy; this is our best overall pick. 

The 425X has low-to-medium sensation ranges, which makes it great for sensitive dogs, where the 425XS comes with medium-to-high ranges for dogs that need clearer corrections. 

Features of the 425X and the 425XS: 

  • It has a 500-yard range (over a quarter-mile) 
  • Three-dog system (additional collars sold separately) 
  • Customizable training with additional stimulation levels
  • With 21 levels, users can opt for vibration or tone training 
  • DryTek technology that supports depths of up to 25 feet
  • Two-hour quick charge batteries that last for up to 70 hours (with low battery indicator) 

The user-friendly controls give owners the freedom of no-look operation. When using an e-collar, you need to be precise in your corrections; delayed response to unwanted behavior might confuse the dog. 

What’s in the box?

  • Remote and e-collar (3/4″)
  • Charging adaptor
  • Standard and long contact points
  • Lynard and test light tool
  • Operating guide and basic training manual

Garmin Sport PRO (Close Second)

Personally, I own this one and love it. It works great in all scenarios from neighborhood walks to long days chasing pheasants and ducks (yes ducks-read here about GSP and duck hunting).

The Garmin Sport PRO came in close to the SportDog 425X because it has an extended range, but you’ll have to spend another couple bucks for the extra yards.

Remember that range capabilities are affected by trees, hills, etc., so the additional range is excellent but only if you intend to use it in wide-open areas.

Another compact and lightweight unit with built-in extras like a beacon fitted on the dog device to easily find your GSP within low-visibility areas/weather and BarkLimitor to prevent your GSP from potentially warning your target. 

Features of the Garmin Sport PRO:

  • It has 1320 yard range (3/4 mile)
  • Three-dog system with a toggle switch (additional dog devices sold separately) 
  • BarkLimiter
  • Beacon light
  • Two separate buttons for vibration and tone training
  • Two different buttons for continuous or momentary stimulation
  • Ten levels of stimulation ranges 
  • Remote and dog device is water-rated IPX7 and can float
  • Remote battery life of up to 80 hours and dog device up to 60 hours

The Sport PRO handheld remote is compatible with the Delta XC, Delta Sport, and the PT 10 dog devices. The economical remote also provides users with the no-look operation benefit. 

What’s in the box?

  • Remote, dog device, and 3/4-inch black collar strap
  • AC adapter, split adapter cable, and charging clip
  • Contact point sets (short and long) with a wrench
  • User manual

However, quite a few users were surprised to receive the transmitter only. So make sure you select the option that includes the collar.

Dogtra Edge RT (Longest Range)

The Dogtra Edge RT is the most expensive unit out of the three; however, it also provided users with the longest yard range while delivering straightforward controls that allows user to watch the GSP and not the handheld.  

It has medium-to-high stimulation levels that are suitable for more stubborn dogs. The Edge RT has eight stimulation levels where each level also gives you low, medium, and high settings which technically is 24 levels of stimulation and not just 8. 

Dogtra Edge RT features:

  • It has a 1760 yard range (1 mile) 
  • Three-dog system with a toggle switch (additional dog devices sold separately) 
  • Nick/momentary and constant stimulation buttons 
  • Eight stimulation levels
  • Non-stimulation vibration option
  • Two-hour rapid charge
  • Waterproof remote and e-collar with an IPX9K rating 
  • Belt clip

A great thing about the design of the transmitter is the round (or tube) shape; the intention behind it is to bump up the no-look operation as the remote fits snugly and securely in the user’s hand. 

What’s in the box?

  • Remote and e-collar
  • Charger and splitter cable
  • 3/4″ and 5/8″ contact points and adjustment tool
  • Test light
  • User manual
  • Carry case

One of the disadvantages listed by users is that there is no way to correct multiple dogs at once. 

Alternative E-Collar Picks For GSPs

To give you a few more possibilities to consider, we took a quick look at some of the other devices SportDOG, Garmin, and Dogtra have to offer. 

  1. SportDOG SportHunter 1225X – Top Pick
  2. Garmin Delta Sport XC
  3. Dogtra 1900S

SportDOG SportHunter 1225X

This rechargeable unit is the SportDOG SportHunter 1225X, with an extended range of 1320 yards but also more costly than the SportDOG 425X. 

The 1225X is a three dog unit (additional collars sold separately) and has a 4.5 user rating, and comes with loads of great features: 

  • The upgraded version has 21 levels of static stimulation
  • Choose between shock, vibrate, or tone
  • DryTek technology
  • Rechargeable batteries (2-hour quick charge)
  • It fits dogs small, medium, large, extra-large, and giant
  • Personalized remote functions

Garmin Delta Sport XC

Compared to the Garmin SportPRO, the Delta Sport XC is not only a little more affordable while giving the exact yardage, but you’ll be gaining some additional training levels as well. 

The Garmin Delta Sport XS is rechargeable and can handle three dogs (additional collars sold separately). It has a 4.5 user rating, and some of the features include: 

  • Built-in BarkLimiter
  • 36 Stimulation levels
  • Waterproof
  • Interchangeable contact points (long and short)
  • Rugged but compact design

Dogtra 1900S

Another rechargeable model and a cheaper option compared to the Edge RT, with a range of 1320 yards. It also comes with a PetsTEK Training Clicker to work on positive reinforcement. 

The Dogtra 1900S is a one-dog system (the 1902S supports two dogs) and scores a 4.8 user rating and appears to be one of the most recommended devices of this range. Some of the features include: 

  • Collar shaped for ease and comfort
  • Various training modes, including vibration
  • Level settings that are suited for all dogs 
  • Waterproof collar and receiver 
  • Rapid Charge Batteries

Condensed Comparison Guides: E-Collars For GSPs

A summarization and contrast of the top functional features of each option might help you reach a final decision. Here is a quick comparison guide for the top three picks (and commendable alternatives). 

The Top ThreePrice RangeYard RangeNumber Of DogsWaterproofRechargeable BatteriesUser Ratings
SportDOG 425X$500 yards3YesYes4.5
Garmin Sport Pro$$1320 yards3YesYes4.7
Dogtra Edge RT$$$1760 yards3YesYes4.4

Some of the options below provide for extended distance control; if the SportDOG 425x didn’t make your list because of its shorter yardage, the 1225x might be what you were looking for all along. 

Alternative PicksPrice RangeYard RangeNumber Of DogsWaterproofRechargeable BatteriesUser Ratings
SportDOG SportHunter 1225X$$1320 yards3YesYes4.5
Garmin Delta Sport XC$$1320 yards3YesYes4.5
Dogtra 1900S$$1320 yards1YesYes4.8

Should Non-Working GSPs Wear E-Collars? 

The common consensus of professional hunters or dog trainers on e-collars is that these collars are great for enforcing already learned behavior and only when this device is in the right hands.

There are some concerns regarding amateurs using e-collars.

Inexperienced users can cause more harm than good during the training process if they don’t effectively use an e-collar. Experts suggest that novice hunters or trainers should undergo training before using this method. 

Dogtra also reminds trainers that factors such as breed, individual personalities, and age will determine what training methods work best for each dog.

Some breeds might need extra guidance, like an e-collar, while others are more reliable in obeying instructions.

When To Introduce An E-Collar To Your GSP’s Training Program

Experts caution against using an e-collar on your GSP the same day you welcome them home; there are steps to be followed before introducing stimulation training.

Have a look at this YouTube video Dogtra posted, where Tom Dokken gives trainers some tips on how to get started with e-collar training.

In the video, Dokken emphasizes the errors owners make during the pup’s training program, “You can either have control, or the dog can have control.

So really 99% of the time, any problems you’re going to have with your puppy or dog, later on, is a result of the foundation that you already started when they were young.”

Positive Reinforcement VS. E-Collars For GSPs

Animal organizations and activists do not support aversive training techniques as studies have concluded that positive reinforcement is the most efficient form of behavior modification.

However, e-collars can be extremely useful to remind working dogs of trained behavior.

Owners of non-working GSPs (housepets) should carefully consider if the use of e-collars is necessary for their everyday activities.

But keep in mind GSPs have high prey drives, so these collars might become helpful when owners want to prevent their GSPs from pursuing small animals like the neighborhood cat.

However, if positive reinforcement gets you better results for your GSP, there isn’t a good reason to use an e-collar for non-working dogs.

Some dogs might even act negatively to the sensation especially if they haven’t received the proper introduction to an e-collar.

Conclusion

If first-rate quality and affordability are what you are after, the SportDOG 425X would be an excellent pick for your German Shorthaired Pointer (it also has the most consumer reviews).

While the Dogtra Edge RT has the best yardage range, the Garmin Sport PRO appears to be another popular pick among canine owners.

meastt09

An Owner and a huge fan of GSP's! I have owned my GSP for 7 years now and learned so many things along the way to share with you all about German Shorthaired Pointers!

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