petsafe deluxe ultralight receiver collar Review
Sportdog Brand Yardtrainer 350
In this day and age, dog training tools
and containment systems are abundant and come in all shapes and sizes. One method that is gaining in popularity over the last decade or so is the wireless or in-ground electrical fence paired with a trustworthy collar around your pet's neck.
While we already covered some containment systems that offer full features, today we are specifically going to take a look at a model that can be used as a supplementary or a replacement collar.
It comes from a brand that is already familiar to passionate pet owners, but before you jump to any conclusions we suggest you find out how it did on our comprehensive test.
Specifications
- Fits neck sizes 6 to 26 inch
- Compatible with most PetSafe in-ground systems
- Ideal for dog breeds that weigh 8 pounds or more
- Features 4 levels of correction and a tone-only mode
- PetSafe RFA-67 battery
Collar fits dogs that weigh 8 pounds or more
5 -22 inches neck size
Eight levels of static stimulation and tone-only mode
Waterproof and submersible
300 yards of range
Fits neck sizes 6-23 inch
Compatible with PetSafe PIF-300 wireless fence
Fits dogs weighing 5 pounds or more
Five levels of correction as well as a tone-only mode
Rechargeable batteries
In-ground system
Waterproof collar
Four levels of stimulation plus vibration
Utilizes a conventional 9V battery
Low battery indicator light
System supports multiple collars
PetSafe In-Ground Fence Receiver Collar (PUL-275) – The Basics
Sportdog Brand Yardtrainer 350 – The Basics
Petsafe Stay and Play Fence Receiver – The Basics
This model is a simple, lightweight collar that is a great addition to your PetSafe containment system, especially if you're looking to expand your existing system and use more at the same time. It's compatible with most PetSafe products with the exception of YardMax and UltraSmart. These units are discounted and use older collars that are specifically designed for them. It features 4 levels of static correction and on top of that a tone-only mode that gives your pet a warning sign or can be very useful for training purposes.
Set aside some time to figure out what level works best for your dog, the idea is to find the right amount of shock that grabs your pet's attention while not inflicting too much pain. Speaking of intensity, we found that, even on smaller levels, the static simulation on this collar might be too much for particularly smaller dog breeds.
The collar is waterproof and won't have any trouble with handling any kind of rough weather. It comes with two sets of prongs, a durable nylon strap and previously installed RFA-67 batteries. Before testing the collar, make sure to adjust it accordingly so it fits close around your dog's neck. While we haven't had the chance to test the collar on a cat, judging by the size and the level of the static simulation, we would recommend using it only if you are an owner of a larger breed like a Maine Coon.
This particular model is designed for owners with particularly stubborn and feisty pets. Now, that doesn’t mean you can’t use it on dogs without behavioral issues, but the sole purpose of it is to deliver a somewhat uncomfortable static signal which is responsible for toning your pet’s behavior down.
As you can tell, it has eight levels of correction. Most other models on the market usually don’t have more than four or five. Those three more levels are what makes this collar so effective when restless pets are in question. The 300 yards of range gives you more than enough time to react properly if something goes wrong. In other words, you can rest assured that it won’t go out of signal range before you press any of the buttons on the controller.
The first thing you need to know is that this isn’t a fully functional system but a collar. That means it won’t work without a proper transmitter. In this case, if you have the PetSafe PIF-300 system already installed, this particular collar won’t have any issues when synchronization is in question.
This model offers five different levels of static correction and a tone-only mode for training. Five levels offer more than enough variety for you to fine-tune the unit and find the one that doesn’t over-stimulate your pet. It fits on any breed as long as they weigh more than five pounds. Therefore, if you own a particularly small breed, you might want to look for something with less correctional intensity.
The batteries are rechargeable, and the charger is included with the unit. You have the choice of buying the collar without the charger, but do that only if you already own one. In case this is your first PetSafe product, we recommend buying the whole set in order to avoid unpleasant surprises and additional costs.
The Features
The Design
The entire model is pretty neatly designed. It's so lightweight that your pet will barely notice it while wearing it around its neck. The receiver is made out of high-quality plastic and is of moderate size. The included nylon strap is adjustable and will fit nicely on almost any dog, although it does slightly fit better on medium sized breeds. From our experience, nylon straps work much better than plastic ones and rarely cause any sort of irritation on your dog's neck.
Two sets of contact points are included so you will have options depending on the length of your pet's coat. It comes with replaceable batteries already installed that are located on the front of the collar and safely sealed so don't worry about the waterproof capabilities of this model.
The collar is pretty neatly designed. The biggest upside of it is the fact that it isn’t bulky or cumbersome. That being said, we did find the two contact points on the collar a bit peculiar and invasive, but it’s not a massive concern as it is more of a matter of your pet getting used to it. The on/off button might not seem like a big deal, but many other models simply don’t feature one. When you have a battery powered gadget, an on/off button is of utmost importance when it comes to efficiency and energy saving.
The transmitter works well and it’s quite easy to get the hang of it. It features two buttons of which one sends a short-timed signal whereas the other sends a continuous signal. On top of that, you can choose between eight different levels or even select the tone-only mode if you’re just getting started. Keep in mind that you need to find the optimal level of correction as soon as possible because not all dogs react the same to respective impulses.
The Battery
The battery that is included with this unit is a proprietary PetSafe RFA-67 6-volt model. While we personally are fans of rechargeable battery packs, the ones that are included have a decent lifespan and last about a month according to customer reviews. This will, of course, vary depending on how many times your dog challenges the boundary line, however, we didn't have any problems during our two weeks of testing.
There is an indicator light located on the collar that will blink red if the battery power is low so it will give you a heads-up before it goes completely flat. In order to preserve and extend battery life, make sure to turn the collar off when it's not in use.
This model features rechargeable NiMH batteries that last about 40-60 hours per charge. The biggest complaint most people have is the fact that this model does not feature Li-Ion batteries which are more efficient and offer better performance.
Both the collar and receiver feature a low-battery indicator and can be charged at the same time thanks to the included split-end charger. Make sure to keep them charged at all times and you shouldn’t run into any major issues.
While many people consider this feature pretty irrelevant, the difference between rechargeable and switchable batteries does exist and it’s worth mentioning. As far as the advantages go, the biggest one is the fact that you don’t have to stack on batteries and plan ahead. Instead, all you have to do is plug it into the charger and let it recharge. The cycle lasts only about two or three hours, meaning there isn’t much downtime in the first place.
The drawback of this system is that the battery is built-in. In other words, if anything happens to the battery itself, the whole unit becomes more or less worthless. Luckily, these batteries aren’t prone to failing and breaking often.
The correction levels are excellent. The difference between levels isn’t massive which allows you to adjust the collar quite precisely. Furthermore, if you don’t want to use the correction system right away, there is a tone-only mode which is designed to help your pet get used to wearing and using its new accessory. The fact that everything is wireless makes this model perfect for parks, camping, RVs, and etcetera.
One of the great features is the vibration mode. It allows the owner to train their pet without having to use the electric stimulation. It helps you to gradually train your faithful companion instead of making you use progressive methods immediately.
Other features
While most pet collars look pretty similar to each other, some crucial differences need to be pointed out. As far as the advantages go, the biggest one is the build quality. One can easily tell that this unit is made to last, even in case you have a particularly feisty furry friend. The gadget isn’t too bulky or cumbersome, but it’s not the most comfortable thing on the market either. The collar features a plastic clip which does its job relatively well.
The system box is pretty straightforward, and there’s not much more to it. It comes with an adapter which can be a nuisance for some people due to its somewhat short wire. Therefore, make sure you plan the positioning thoroughly and install the box near an electric outlet to avoid issues with the length of the adapter wires.
While most pet collars look pretty similar to each other, some crucial differences need to be pointed out. As far as the advantages go, the biggest one is the build quality. One can easily tell that this unit is made to last, even in case you have a particularly feisty furry friend. The gadget isn’t too bulky or cumbersome, but it’s not the most comfortable thing on the market either. The collar features a plastic clip which does its job relatively well.
The system box is pretty straightforward, and there’s not much more to it. It comes with an adapter which can be a nuisance for some people due to its somewhat short wire. Therefore, make sure you plan the positioning thoroughly and install the box near an electric outlet to avoid issues with the length of the adapter wires.
PROS:
• Lightweight, moderate size
• Decent build quality
• Compatible with most PetSafe fences
• Easy to use
• Affordable
• Good coverage
• Easy to setup
• Good build quality
• Smooth correction levels
• Easy to use
• Affordable
• Good build quality
CONS:
• Battery is not rechargeable
• Static shocks too intense for tiny dogs
• Underwhelming battery
• Batteries are built-in
• No on/off switch
• Batteries don’t last long
• No OFF button
We loved the simple design of this collar and the compatibility with other products from the same manufacturer. If you are a seasoned consumer of the PetSafe brand, this will be a terrific add-on model that you can use on your existing system. It's great for adding another dog or just replacing your older collar.
The simplicity of the design makes it easy to use and very accessible even to inexperienced users. Also, it won't break your bank. This particular model is considered one of the
more affordable
ones coming from a manufacturer of this caliber.
The best thing about this particular model is its portability. In other words, you don’t have to set up any invisible fences or hassle with miniature flags. All you have to do is put the collar on your pet and start the training. Also, the user manual is well-written, and it contains quite a bit of useful information on how to start the training process if you’re a complete novice.
The other thing we liked is the price. Many people expect it to be more expensive than the wireless containment system, but it’s not. In fact, it comes at an affordable price meaning that most pet owners can indeed plan on investing in such a gadget without having to think about their budget too much. However, it may not be as versatile as some containment systems that are available on the market nowadays.
The overall versatility and build quality are the things that we liked the most. In the sea of cheap and underwhelming dog collars, this stands out as one that’s worth investing in. As we already said, if you own the PIF-300 system, this particular unit is one of your safest bets.
The fact that it’s very easy to use makes it ideal for beginners and inexperienced pet owners. It’s also an affordable piece in comparison to some other models that offer similar capabilities and features. It isn’t the best thing on the market, but it’s certainly a piece that’s worth checking out.
People who are searching for high portability combined with great efficiency should find this collar interesting, to say the least.
What We didn’t Like
What We didn’t Like
The biggest drawback by a mile is the battery. If you're going to include proprietary batteries at least make them rechargeable. While one month is not necessarily a short lifespan, newer models today utilize rechargeable lithium-ion polymer technology that offers up to 400 charges before going completely flat. On top of that, the RFA-67 model that comes with this collar is very hard to replace and will require some effort.
On the upside, the price of the batteries is cheap and they are available for purchase online or at most local pet stores. We recommend you plan ahead and stockpile on them so you don't get caught off-guard.
The batteries are probably the weakest point of this product. While they aren’t bad per se, the engineers could have implemented Li-Ion batteries without a problem. The included ones may be considered obsolete and subpar in comparison to Li-Ion. While 40-60 hours seems long and sufficient, you may run into battery issues occasionally.
The other thing a lot of users complained about is the inconsistency of the signal. In other words, if you select the level seven, the device might output a level four signal. It’s not a frequent occurrence, but it can happen. If you’re worried about consistency, consider checking some other models out, this one might give you troubles in the long run.
The battery is okay, but the fact that it cannot be changed might be a deal-breaker for some people. The recharging cycle doesn’t last long, but it can catch you off-guard. However, there is a low-battery LED light on the collar, meaning you should keep an eye on the levels.
The pet area cannot be changed into a square or rectangular shape. While this is usually typical for most wireless containment systems, it’s still worth mentioning. If you have anything against a circular shape of the area of effect, you might want to look into wired units as they offer more adjustability.
The lack of the OFF button is a major issue for many pet owners. Even though the process of changing the batteries is incredibly simple, it’s not uncommon for people to forget about it. That means you’ll have to go to the nearest store in case you forgot to stack on batteries the last time you were shopping.
As we already said, this fence does not come with wire included. While it’s clearly stated in the description, you would be surprised by the number of people that oversee it. Therefore, if you don’t have wiring installed in the yard, make sure you purchase it separately.
Conclusion
If you're already invested in the PetSafe brand, this collar should be a great addition to your lineup. Also, it's a great choice if you're looking for a more lightweight and appropriately sized collar than the one you are currently using. It's going to perform great on even the most stubborn pets out there and it will make sure they stay in the desired perimeter.
Overall, a great product, especially considering its the price tag. We would definitely recommend it but before making your purchase you could read more collar reviews and check out some other products we listed.
The Yardtrainer 350 is a decent remote trainer; there is no question about that. Is it the best one on the market? It certainly isn’t. Is it worth checking it out? Yes, it definitely is. In the end, it all comes down to your requirements and preferences. If its features and capabilities fit your idea of a perfect dog trainer, don’t hesitate to give it a chance. On the other hand, there are plenty of other models to choose from.
As far as the advantages go, the biggest one is its ease of use. If you’re an absolute beginner, this model won’t be much of a challenge thanks to its simplistic concept. As for the downsides, the battery and signal inconsistency should be your primary concerns.
This collar is a universal answer for most of your problems. If you have a feisty or disobedient pet, the Stay and Play Fence Receiver can help you when it comes to behavioral corrections. On the other hand, you have to be prepared for trials and errors because nothing happens overnight, especially when it comes to radical changes.
Beginners and inexperienced owners love the ease of use and simplicity of this unit. On the other hand, people who already trained their pets usually look for something with more features. In the end, it all comes down to your needs and preferences. As far as we are concerned, it’s definitely worth checking it out.
If you’re looking for a long-term solution when it comes to training your pet and correcting their behavior, an invisible fence is one of your safest bets. Now, make sure you fully understand your possibilities and responsibilities towards your furry friend. These things can easily become an instrument of abuse if you don’t use them correctly. That doesn’t always mean it’s the owner’s fault, but it does correlate with owner’s ignorance or lack of experience.
As far as your budget goes, you won’t damage it too much. As we said earlier, these fences aren’t cheap but are certainly a good investment, especially if you own a problematic dog. Many people spend hundreds of dollars on professional trainers, and they don’t always guarantee success. This way, you can take a role of a trainer even if you don’t have any experience, and train your pet according to your own preferences. It does take a bit of effort and time, but it definitely pays out in the end.
