SIT BOO-BOO Advanced DOG FENCE (FLEXTRAINER) review
Sportdog Brand Yardtrainer 350
We already introduced this company with an earlier review of one of their more affordable models, but today we are looking into another one that is a feature packed wireless
fence with more than one improvement.
So does it justify the increased price tag?
Well, that will depend on your needs. If you're like us and you like having as many options as possible then this just might be the right choice for you. But all aside, let's get right into the review and see how this product scored a 4.3 out of 5 on our list of best long-range wireless dog fences.
Specifications
- In-ground wired system
- Auto-adjusting level of correction
- Safety-Shutoff feature
- Supports unlimited number of collars
- Waterproof collar, entirely submergible
- Fast recharging Lithium Polymer 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
Sit Boo-Boo Advanced In-Ground Electric Dog Fence System – The Basics
Sportdog Brand Yardtrainer 350 – The Basics
Petsafe Stay and Play Fence Receiver – The Basics
So there are a couple of things that set this particular model apart from others. First of all, there is the auto-train feature, our favorite. It automatically adjusts the level of correction based on your dog's behavior. So for instance, If your dog completely ignores the audible beep, it will get a vibration warning. Only if that doesn't stop him from going out of bounds will he get an electrical jolt.
The intensity will gradually increase until he turns around and comes back to safety. Now you might be worried about your adventurous pup getting hurt this way, but worry not. There is a safety precaution in the form of a special Safety-Shutoff feature that will stop the collar from continuously issuing static corrections.
Also, compared to the more affordable unit from the same manufacturer, this model comes with a better quality wire so you can expect better results right from the box. If you like optional accessories, there is a compatible remote trainer bought separately. It can function anywhere within the boundary zone or outside. This makes it perfect for off-leash training. The remote itself has a range of up to 1200 yards which is amazing.
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 collar that comes with this unit is of good quality. It's not too big so it should fit even on smaller dogs. According to the manufacturer's instructions, your pet should weigh at least 8 pounds so we would not suggest using this model for teacup sized pets. The included strap is kind of lackluster and definitely not our favorite.
We highly recommend you swap it for a custom strap
of your choice. The collar is waterproof and can even be entirely submerged up to 1 centimeter, however, we do not recommend testing its submersible capabilities too often. It will deal with your backyard sprinkles very well though.
The manufacturer also included an upgraded transmitter that can now cover up to 20 acres
of range if you add more wiring. The box is not waterproof so it is still recommended to place it indoors with no metal objects in close proximity.
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 collar features a rechargeable Lithium polymer battery that will last up to one week on a single charge. These usually tend to last longer than other types of batteries so you won't have to worry about replacing them anytime soon. Remember to recharge them only if the indicator is showing low percentages of battery life. The manufacturer even claims to offer replacements free of charge, luckily we didn't have any malfunctioning while testing.
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:
• Automatically adjusts the level of correction
• Considers the safety and well-being of your pet
• Upgraded wire and transmitter
• Can be used with an optional remote trainer
• Easy to use
• Affordable
• Good coverage
• Easy to setup
• Good build quality
• Smooth correction levels
• Easy to use
• Affordable
• Good build quality
CONS:
• Not always reliable, depending on your layout
• Buying a thicker wire is still better than using the default one
• Underwhelming battery
• Batteries are built-in
• No on/off switch
• Batteries don’t last long
• No OFF button
There is a lot to like about this model. More range that comes with the upgraded transmitter, better wiring by default, collars that are really waterproof and last but not least, the correction level that is tailored specifically to your pet's temperament.
While it does cost more, for more demanding users that have a bigger budget, the added features will justify the price. The system works great right out of the box, but we are really a fan of the optional remote trainer and would recommend you consider buying it as well.
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
A flaw we noticed is not something that happened frequently while we were testing, but it's still worth noting. When we were adjusting the settings of the distance before your pet gets a warning tone we noticed some reliability issues. Sometimes the collar would go off even if our dog was nowhere near the perimeter line. This might be due to our yard layout and the signal from the wires interfering with each other. A solution we found works best is setting the distance to about 5 feet.
While the included cord is definitely an upgrade compared to the last model, we still recommend getting a thicker one separately. Especially if you own a bigger property and plan to buy additional wiring.
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
So the verdict - an amazing product with a reasonable price tag considering all it has to offer. You can definitely tell that Sit Boo-Boo as a company listens to their customer's feedback since they really improved in almost every aspect.
Who would we recommend this product for?
Pretty much every average dog owner that's willing to invest a little more and is looking for something more than a basic model. If you're looking for a more affordable option, maybe this long-range wireless dog unit will be a better option.
Safety comes first so be sure to read the user manual before setting up, choose your layout in advance and make use of the included training flags to give your dog a better understanding of where the boundary line ends. Make sure the collar fits tight, but not too tight. Check the battery indicator light and make sure to wipe the contact points from time to time. If you follow all the instructions you and your pet will both be happy campers and enjoy your time in a safe and harmless environment.
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.