Sportdog field trainer 400

Katies Dad · Post by **Katies Dad** » Tue Jul 05, 2005 2:37 pm

I was just browsing today and saw the new sport dog field trainer 400 and was wondering what you all thought. It has 1/4 mile range and 8 different levels of correction. Its only 149 at gundogsupply. Anybody with any experience with these units?

Addict · Post by **Addict** » Thu Jul 07, 2005 11:35 am

Katies Dad,

I have talked to a someone at gundogsupply.com about the sportdog training collars. They say that they are pretty good and have a lifetime guarantee.

I was looking at getting another collar. I have a TT sport 50 that just broke and is past the warranty. It will cost me $75 for a complete rebuild. I only got a little over three years out of it. I loved it and think it broke because I dropped the transmitter on the pavement one too many times.

The only thing that would concern me about the 400 model your looking at is range. The 400 yard range is only obstical free range. If your dog drops over a hill or is in thick brush you won't get that range. I would probably look at something with 1/2 or 3/4 mile range. Just my thoughts.

Addict

Wagonmaster · Post by **Wagonmaster** » Thu Jul 07, 2005 12:03 pm

Would definitely agree on the range, or lack of it. That rating is sight line. If you get anything in the way, it drops sharply, so 1/4 mile is pretty much limited to yard work. Used one of TriTronics first ecollars years ago, that had a 1/4 mile range, which was the most you could get at the time. Dogs got good at learning when they were "over the hill," meaning behind an obstacle or otherwise out of range, and they would take off.

Katies Dad · Post by **Katies Dad** » Thu Jul 07, 2005 4:36 pm

thanks for the info I will keep the range thing on my mind when looking!

markm · Post by **markm** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 7:55 am

Katies Dad,

I recently (1 month ago) bought the Sportdog 400, and have been very pleased so far.

I have a 14 month old Vizsla who I have introduced to the collar. In the field, she is a close working dog, probably never more than 40-50 yds from me. I knew the collar would work perfect for me, especially considering the price.

I too live in Kansas and do most of my hunting out in the western part of the state. Obviously pretty flat terrain. So I'm not worried about her getting outta range.

All in all, the 400 has worked just as I expected. You may want to consider a different model if you concerned about the range, but as far as I'm concerned, you can't go wrong with the Sportdog brand.

ckfowler · Post by **ckfowler** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 8:25 am

I don't use ecollars but have the very bottom level Petsafe beeper ($29 Cabelas special) and it works fine. It has been completely submerged, beaten on blowdowns, and run through seedy grasses. Still on the first battery so not sure if it will last through a second season yet. Everything I hear about thier warranty and customer service is great, even for user error. I'm told they are working on a beeper with remote locate without the ecollar which will be high on my list.

markj · Post by **markj** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 11:48 am

I use the SD1200 with 2 collars, replacable batteries and lifetime full garuntee sealed the deal. Try ebay for great prices on these.

I also recommend the Pet Safe radio fence. I have the buried wire running 4 acres with no troubles so far. I had Innotec but the collars would break and had to buy a new one so after this twice I switched over the malews get the stubborn dog collars and the bitchs get the ultra light collars. Gotta keep them out of the road cause the new folks drive real fast. Cant wait until a deer jumps out in front of them. smack wrecked car then drive slow from then on

lifes lessons are hard sometimes..

Katies Dad · Post by **Katies Dad** » Fri Jul 22, 2005 4:03 am

Hey markm where at in Kansas? My hunting buddy just moved and am looking for someone to go with! Thanks for the info on the 400!

markm · Post by **markm** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 7:45 am

katies dad,

I live in Topeka currently, but do all my hunting in Western Kansas. I'm originally from Russell. My parents still live there and own land out there, so that is where I hunt primarily.

I went to graduate school at Wichita State so I have some old friends down there in your neck of the woods. I get back down there several times a year.

I'd definitely be interested in getting out into the fields this fall, I've got a 14 month old Vizsla who I'm sure could learn a lot from you and your dog, as could I.

Katies Dad · Post by **Katies Dad** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 8:18 pm

Whoa markm I am new to hunting with a pointer also! I used labs before! So this year will be a learing experience for me as well! Hopefully we can get together sometime this year! I usually hunt in moline and mitchell county lots of walk in land both places! Pheasant hunting was great last year in mitchell!

markm · Post by **markm** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 7:19 am

I guess I just assume I know very little compared to everyone else here. There are some pretty knowledgeable folks on here.

Although I've been hunting since I was young, this is my first bird dog. Maybe we can both learn from one another. Anyway, I'd be up for getting together anytime.

Wesley Boothe · Post by **Wesley Boothe** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 7:03 pm

For a new pup I think the SD400 would work great. It is has a small receiver on the collar and small transmitter. As far as the range goes I think it depends on how you train your dog. I run GSP's but I dont trial so I train my to work close (+- 100 yds) so the range on the 400 would work for me. I will say that I have had Tritronics, DT and Sportdog brand collars and for the value I dont think you can beat the Sportdog brand. Good luck.

TAK · Post by **TAK** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 12:40 am

This is how I look at it: The bigger named collars have been tested over and over by more dog people than we can shack a stick at. I just believe that having something that is proven is worth just a little more coin.....

For the money around a couple of hundred or so... The Tri Tronics Sport series. I have I think the 50? I have had it about a year or so and LOVE it! Again for the money and the years of testing of the TT name it is worth it.
I also have the Dogtra 2000 2 dog unit. Much more money but also has Mile plus range.

portsider44 · Post by **portsider44** » Tue Sep 13, 2005 1:21 pm

Katies Dad, did you end up getting an e-collar? IF so which one did you get?

I thinking about getting the SD400 as a starter e-collar for my pup, knowing I may have to upgrade down the road due to the range limitations.