The SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X is a training collar that can be used to reinforce commands with dogs that are off-leash. This particular collar is designed for hunting and field dogs, but can be helpful for everyday owners when used correctly.
I introduced the collar into my training sessions with my young golden retriever over the course of a few weeks. The retriever generally responded well to the collar, though there were some instances where she was distracted and didn’t respond right away.
Overall, I found that the SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X was a helpful tool in training my dog.
Design
The SportDog FieldTrainer 425X is a versatile e-collar that is well made and looks solid. It has a small, comfortable transmitter that is easy to grip and fits nicely in your hand. The collar receiver is also small, lightweight, and unobtrusive, making it a good option for dogs that are sensitive to bulky equipment.
Moreover, it’s mounted on the dog’s neck using a quick-release snap buckle, which makes it easy to put on and take off.
The receiver has two prongs that make contact with your dog and comes with 2 different sizes of rubber covers (short for dogs with less fur and long for dogs with longer fur,) to ensure a comfortable fit for all dogs. The prongs can also be removed if you want to use the collar for vibration-only training.
Although the build quality of this training collar is excellent, I believe that the user experience could be improved. Without labeled buttons, the remote was confusing to use and I had to rely on the manual.
The three buttons offer different levels of stimulation, with low, medium, and high settings.
In addition, there is a dial that allows you to choose the level of stimulation between 1-7, as well seven different settings for tone and vibration. There are a total of 21 stimulation levels, seven settings with three buttons each.
Although the product design wasn’t great, I loved that this training collar came with a manual. Many people don’t understand how to use these types of products correctly, so the guide was helpful.
The manual not only provides instruction on teaching dogs the basics, but also how to use the SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X during training sessions.
E-collars are demonstrated as well so that owners will know how to properly incorporate them into their pet’s education. I found this information extremely useful and believe other dog parents would benefit from it as well.
With SportDOG, you can have up to three collars on the same remote, which comes in handy if you’re a multiple-dog owner. The only downside is that when using multiple receivers, you have to choose between tone or vibration mode.
If you are intending on using this for multiple dogs, please be aware that the upper button controls collar #1, the lower button is for collar #2, and finally, the side button operates collar #3.
Also of note, you will only have tone, vibrate, and stimulation options available on a single collar when in multiple-dog mode.
How It Works And How Many Modes Of Training It Has
The SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X is a remote-controlled training collar that emits static stimulation to reinforce commands with your dog.
The static stimulation is similar to the sensation you feel when you touch a doorknob after walking across a carpeted room. It’s not painful, on low settings, but it is enough to get your dog’s attention.
The remote can be used to deliver static stimulation at one of 21 levels along with vibration and beep sound settings. The levels of static stimulation can be increased or decreased depending on your dog’s response.
For example, if your dog doesn’t respond to the lowest level of static stimulation, you would increase the level until you find one that gets their attention without being too much for them.
I found that Level 10 was generally effective for my dog. There were a few times when she was particularly distracted and I had to increase it to Level 14, but for the most part, Level 10 got her attention without being too much for her.
During these training sessions, I’ll let my pup explore an open field while I walk around with the remote in my hand.
If she wanders too far away or doesn’t respond to my calls, I’ll give her a quick beep with the remote followed by continuous stimulation if she doesn’t come back to me until she is close enough that I can see her.
As soon as she turns to me, I give her lots of excitement and praise. Overall, this method of training has been successful in getting my dog to come back to me when she is off-leash.
Ok Range But Could Have Been Better
The SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X comes with a 500 yard range that is ok but not great. There have been times when my dog has been close to the 500 yard limit and I’ve had to run to catch up to her.
For most people, the 500 yard range will be sufficient. However, if you’re planning on using this collar to train a hunting dog or a dog that will be running off-leash in very large open spaces, you may want to consider a collar with a longer range.
One thing to note is that the range can be affected by things like trees, buildings, and hills. If you’re planning on using this collar in an area with a lot of obstacles, you may want to test it out first to see how well it works.
Battery Life
The SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts for about 50-60 hours on a single charge. I’ve found that I need to charge it about once a week if I’m using it every day.
The battery life is good and the recharge time of quick 2 hours is a plus for me. Its manual says these batteries would last around 3-5 years and you can buy the replacements via the SportDOG website when they do die.
Low Battery Indicators
The SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X has both an LED battery life indicator on the remote and a low battery indicator that beeps when the battery is running low.
I really like this feature because it allows me to know when the battery is getting low before it actually dies. This way, I can charge it before I need to use it and don’t have to worry about it dying in the middle of a training session.
Waterproof
The SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X is waterproof and submersible up to 25 feet. This is great if you’re planning on using it around water or in wet weather.
I’ve used it in the rain and my dog has gone swimming with it and it’s still working just fine.
Price
The SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X is priced at around 179$, which is on the high end for dog training collars. However, I think it’s worth the price since it lasts a long time and is very easy to use.
I would gladly spend more on a product if I am confident it will work, especially when my pet’s safety is at stake.
My Overall Training Session
I used SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X during our daily walks with my canine. I would attach the receiver to her collar and put it on the lowest level of static stimulation.
Then, I would give her a command such as “sit” and if she didn’t respond within a few seconds, I would deliver a static correction.
After a few days of this, she started responding more quickly to my commands because she knew that if she didn’t, she would get a quick shock.
I then started using it during our weekly obedience training sessions. Again, she quickly learned that if she didn’t obey my commands, she would get corrected.
Overall, I found that the SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X helped me train my dog more effectively. She responded well to it and learned her commands more quickly than without it. I would definitely recommend this product for anyone who is looking for an effective way to train their dog.
At the end of each training session, I would take off the receiver from her collar and put it away. I believe this helps keep my pet safe since she knows that when the training session is over, the static corrections will stop.
Overall, I am very happy with my purchase of the SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for an effective way to train their dog.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an effective way to train your dog particularly if you’re having trouble with commands such as “come” or “stay” the SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X may be a good option for you.
The price is a bit on the higher side but if you’re ok with it, you will get a collar that provides good range, long battery life, and a waterproof feature.
Moreover, its high-quality construction, ease of use, and proven effectiveness make it a great product for anyone looking to train their pet.
So, if you’re in the market for a training collar, the SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X will certainly provide you with all the features and quality that you need.
FAQs
How do I introduce my dog to the FieldTrainer 425X?
It is important to introduce the collar to your dog before actually using it during a training session. Start by putting the collar on your dog and letting them get used to it.
Then, turn on the receiver and give your pet some commands while they are wearing the collar. Give them positive reinforcement when they follow the commands correctly.
When you start using the collar for actual training purposes, start at the lowest setting and increase the level of static stimulation slowly.
What are some basic commands I can train my dog with the FieldTrainer 425X?
You can use the FieldTrainer 425X to train your dog basic commands such as sit, stay, come, down, and heel. You can also use it to teach them more advanced commands such as roll over and shake.
How do I fit the FieldTrainer 425X onto my dog?
The SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X comes with an adjustable collar that is designed to fit any size dog.
To fit it on your pet, simply adjust the collar to fit their neck size and then secure it with the buckle. Make sure that the receiver is snug against your pet’s skin so that it won’t move around while they are wearing it.
You should also double check the fit of the collar regularly to make sure that it is still secure and comfortable on your pet.
How do I know if the FieldTrainer 425X is working?
The receiver of the FieldTrainer 425X has an LED light that indicates when the collar is working. When the light is on, it means that the collar is activated and ready to deliver a static correction.
If you do not see the light, it means that either the receiver is not activated or the batteries may need to be replaced.
What should I do if my dog is not responding to the FieldTrainer 425X?
If your dog is not responding to the collar, you should try adjusting the intensity of the static stimulation. Start at the lowest setting and gradually increase it until you find a level that your pet responds to.
You should also make sure that the collar is fitted snugly against your dog’s skin and that the receiver is activated.
If you’re still having trouble, consider seeking help from a professional trainer or behaviorist for additional guidance.
How do I clean the FieldTrainer 425X?
To clean the FieldTrainer 425X, use a damp cloth and mild soap to wipe away any dirt or debris from the receiver and collar. Do not submerge the receiver or collar in water or use any harsh cleaning products.
Once you have wiped down the collar, air dry it completely before using it again.
Additionally, you should inspect the collar and receiver for any signs of wear and tear regularly and replace any parts as needed. This will help to ensure that the FieldTrainer 425X is in proper working condition.
How often should I use the FieldTrainer 425X with my dog?
It is recommended to use the FieldTrainer 425X with your dog a few times per week. You should also keep training sessions short and rewarding so that your pet will remain interested and willing to learn.
Also, make sure to switch up the commands and activities during training sessions so that your pet does not become bored or frustrated. This will help to keep their training sessions fun and engaging, while also helping them learn more quickly.
Are there any safety precautions I should be aware of when using the FieldTrainer 425X?
Yes, there are a few safety precautions to take when using the FieldTrainer 425X. First, always make sure the receiver is securely fitted against your pet’s skin. Too loose or too tight can cause discomfort and may not deliver the static stimulation properly.
Second, make sure to start at the lowest static stimulation level and gradually increase as needed. This will help ensure that your pet is not overwhelmed by too strong of a stimulation.
Finally, never leave your pet unattended while wearing the collar. This can be dangerous since they may become tangled or choke.
By taking the proper safety measures, you can help ensure that your pet has a safe and successful training experience.
Welcome to my blog, where I share my love for all things canine! As an older lady who has spent a lifetime surrounded by dogs, I feel it’s important to share my experiences and the joy that these furry companions bring into our lives. From my first dog, a spunky little mutt, to the loyal and loving dogs who have been by my side throughout the years, each one has left an paw print on my heart. Through my blog, I hope to inspire others to appreciate the love, loyalty, and companionship that dogs bring. So come along on this journey with me as we celebrate the wonderful world of dogs!
