Sportdog Brand Yardtrainer 350
PETSAFE ELITE BIG DOG REMOTE TRAINER REVIEW
Are you an owner of a hyperactive working dog that runs 3 laps around the house when you say "sit"?
Positive reinforcement training with treats doesn't cut it?
With the right tools, training your dog can be a piece of cake or better said - a walk in the park. Today we are looking at a product from a well-known brand in the world of dog behavioral training devices. The PetSafe Elite Dog Remote Trainer is a medium to long range system that is simple, lightweight and very portable.
We already covered a model from the same company and you can check it out here. They are by no means fully comparable, and while we did find the first one to be more versatile, we noticed right from the get-go that the design on this unit was improved. You can tell that they really listened to customer feedback and many downsides of the previous model did not carry over to this one.
So let's get into it...
Specifications
- Up to 1000 yards of range
- Up to 28 inches neck size
- For dogs that weigh over 40 pounds
- 15 levels of static simulation and a tone-only mode
- Collar and Transmitter are waterproof
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 Elite Dog Remote Trainer (PDT00-13625) - The Basics
Sportdog Brand Yardtrainer 350 – The Basics
Petsafe Stay and Play Fence Receiver – The Basics
This device falls into the category of medium- to long-range. It covers up to 1000 yards which is by many standards the ideal range for a wide variety of training options. You will definitely be fine while training your pet indoors, but it won't let you down even in outdoor surroundings. Going for a quick hike with your canine pal? Pop on the collar and put the transmitter in your pocket.
One thing to note, this is a unit that was specifically designed for medium- and large-sized dogs. If you're an owner of a dog that weighs less than 40 pounds, consider looking at a different device.
15 adjustable levels of static simulation and a tone-only mode deliver a precise way of managing your dog's behavior and are a great help in reaching your desired goal. You can fine tune it until you find what works for you. Like always we recommend starting out with only the beep mode. We got great results with it even when using the lowest levels of static shock. Both the transmitter and the collar are waterproof. Snow, rain, you name it, nothing will stop you and your dog from having your training session.
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 is plastic and well made. It's large but not huge and on our medium-sized dog, it had a snug fit. The on/off switch is located on the front, there is also an indicator light to let you know if it's working. The band itself is of good quality and is made out of fabric. The two contact points that come with this collar are the largest one Petsafe makes and should work fine even on longhaired breeds.
The transmitter has a digital display which is something we are definitely a fan of. It shows you the correction level you selected and remaining battery life. You can use the plus and minus buttons to set the desired level since the system features a whopping 15 levels of correction. To emit the static simulation at the desired level you press the yellow button. The red "plus 2" button is used if you want to emit two levels higher than what you have it set on. There is also a green button used for the tone-only mode.
We were kinda boggled by the fact that a transmitter of this size was able to achieve a range of 1000 yards. This is not a feature that we usually find in standard obedience remote trainers.
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
One of the biggest downsides we found in other models we reviewed is the old NiMH technology, so it was refreshing to see that both the collar and transmitter use the newer Lithium-ion batteries and are rechargeable. It takes about 3 to 4 hours in order to get a full charge, after that you're good to go until that indicator light starts flashing. The package includes a 2 in 1 charger so you can charge the entire system at the same time.
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 system supports only two collars at once which gives it even less versatility and to be honest, the two-dog mode is kinda confusing and the transmitter controls for it are very wonky. This was one of the let-downs but it wasn't a deal breaker for us. We kind of accepted that this particular model was not made for it even though it was advertised as a two-dog mode unit.
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:
• The range is great
• Rechargeable Li-ion battery
• 15 precise corrections levels
• Easy to use
• Affordable
• Good coverage
• Easy to setup
• Good build quality
• Smooth correction levels
• Easy to use
• Affordable
• Good build quality
CONS:
• Lacks versatility
• Limited to two collars at the same time
• Underwhelming battery
• Batteries are built-in
• No on/off switch
• Batteries don’t last long
• No OFF button
Great range, 15 levels of correction, fast recharge, and good battery life. Pack that all into a waterproof compact body and you got to ask yourself what's not to like?
Sure, this is not a perfect device, but what standard obedience remote trainer is? If you're an owner of a slightly larger dog that is hyper by nature and gets distracted easily, then this is the right device for you. Verbal commands just won't cut it and having the right tool to help is essential. It's going to make your life much easier, also it's going to affect your relationship with your canine pal in a very positive way.
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
Besides the already stated lack of versatility, we weren't really happy with the finish on the transmitter. While the size is great, the buttons are too rigid and small. We were testing this in a colder environment and pressing the buttons was quite challenging while using gloves.
In a perfect world, this device is more suitable for smaller-sized dog breeds and it can handle more than two collars at the same time. But hey, you can't get everything right?
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
We gave this device a solid 4 out of 5 stars, and trust us we were being stingy. If there were a couple of more features for the price it would definitely top our list. Maybe a more clever transmitter design while keeping the digital display and the range. All in all, definitely an improvement compared to some other products from the same company, and a strong competitor in its category.
Proper training and behavior correction is not easy, but it doesn't have to be a nightmare either. Pack yourself with patience, a sense of humor, combine all that with a wireless remote trainer, and you're set.
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.
