Last Updated on October, 2024
Garmin is well known when it comes to tech, but not so much when it comes to their dog related products. But as of the 2020s, this tech giant has conquered the dog training sector as well.
Today, there is a wide range of Garmin dog collars that are designed for none other than training your dogs. With unparalleled features, the brand has managed to be trusted amongst dog parents and even professionals.
If you’re planning to buy a Garmin dog tracking collar, you’re in the right place. With my recommendation, I assure you that you will get the best Garmin training collar.
But why should you trust my recommendation?
Table of Contents
- Why Trust My Recommendation?
- The Best 9 Garmin Dog Training Collars
- 1. Garmin Alpha 200i + TT 15 Mini Dog Tracking Collar Training Bundle (Editor’s Choice)
- 2. Garmin Alpha 10 Handheld (#2nd Best Choice)
- 3. Garmin Alpha 100+ TT 15 Bundle (#3rd Best Choice)
- 4. Garmin Astro® 430
- 5. Garmin Astro 900 Dog Tracking Bundle
- 6. Garmin Pro 550 Plus Handheld and TT 15X Dog Device
- 7. Garmin Delta Sport XC Bundle
- 8. Garmin Pro 70 Dog Training System
- 9. Garmin Pro 550 Dog Training Collar
- Top Factors to Consider in Buying a Dog Training Collar
- About Garmin
- Why Garmin Collars are Better?
- Benefits of Garmin Collars
- In Conclusion
- FAQs
Why Trust My Recommendation?
Garmin has a 30-day return policy for all of its collars. So, I bought all the trackers, tested them, and kept three of them with me.
Since I read between the lines and tested the collars myself, you don’t have to go through the trouble of testing yourself.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
The Best 9 Garmin Dog Training Collars
1. Garmin Alpha 200i + TT 15 Mini Dog Tracking Collar Training Bundle (Editor’s Choice)
Gamin 200i with the TT 15 mini training collar is one of their most popular products. Let’s look at how it benefits you.
The Alpha 200i and the TT 15 mini training collar are made from synthetic plastic built to last.
The Alpha 200i comes with these dimensions; 2.7 x 6.4 x 1.3″ and weighing 9.9 oz with the battery and the antenna.
The display side is 1.8″ (width) x 3.0″ (height) with 3.5″ of the screen with a display resolution of 282 x 470 pixels.
ALL GARMIN COLLARS FIT A 9.5 INCH NECK SIZE.
All these numbers make the handheld tracker easier to hold.
The TT 15 mini, on the other hand, weighs 7.5oz. Its dimensions are 3.1″ x 1.8” x 1.4” (Width x height x thickness).
Since the range depends on the training collar, the TT 15 mini has a range of 4 miles.
The collar’s stimulation is what enables dog training. There are three types of corrective simulations.
Traditional simulation in the collars allow you to change between low, medium, or high. Predetermined simulation allows six levels, and linear simulation (default method) allows eighteen progressive levels.
All these levels can be applied by either tone (sound), shock or vibration.
To me, it worked just fine. My Great Dane, Max, responded perfectly in the mid-levels.
There’s geofencing too. That lets you draw a safe zone boundary. When the dog crosses the boundary, the collar triggers corrective simulations and alerts your phone.
Garmin 200i uses inReach technology and is independent of cell services. Wherever you go, the location updating speed will be 2-2.5 seconds; that’s real-time.
You also can track up to 20 dogs simultaneously.
The battery life of the Alpha 200i is up to 20 hours, and mine lasted for about 17. The battery is rechargeable Li-ion. The TT mini collar has the same type of battery that lasts up to 30 hours.
The Alpha 200i is waterproof with an IPX7 rating. The TT mini comes with a 1 ATM waterproof rating (submersible up to 1m). That definitely increases the overall safety of both the equipment.
The package has the Alpha 200i, the TT 15 mini, one belt clip, one AC adapter, one Li-ion battery pack, documentation, and USB cables for charging.
The product is loaded with special characteristics.
If I were to pinpoint some of the most significant ones, this is what I would pick:
Pros
Cons
2. Garmin Alpha 10 Handheld (#2nd Best Choice)
Garmin Alpha 10 is another best-selling product at Garmin. Garmin Alpha 10 handheld can be used with either TT 15 or TT 15 mini.
Alpha 10 was announced one year following the release of 200i in 2020. 200i clearly has the most features, but Alpha 10 is a fantastic training collar nonetheless.
The surface and material finish is identical to the Alpha 200i.
However, the Alpha 10 is a bit smaller than the Alpha 200i having dimensions of 2.8 x 4.8 x 1.1 and weighing only 5.6 oz.
The display is 1.8″ diagonally and is 128 x 128 pixels, lower than the Alpha 200i. However, the display is sunlight-readable, monochrome, and transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP).
The range depends on the collar of your choice of the collar. For example, the TT 15 has a range of 9 miles.
In addition, the TT 15 has the same training stimulation levels as the TT 15 mini discussed earlier. The only difference is the change of range between the two collars.
The fit is 9.5 inch neck size.
So, this too has momentary stimulation that triggers brief stimulation when you press the training key. Continuous stimulation applies for 8 seconds. You also get training by tone, and also vibrations.
Similar to the TT 15 mini, you can switch between low, med, and high in the traditional mode. The predetermined stimulations permit 6 levels, and the default (linear) method permits 18 levels.
It’s up to you to decide how to use different correctional feedback to train your dog. As a rule of thumb, be sure to start from tone-only, and the lowest level.
The location updating rate is 2.5 seconds, thanks to the multi-GNSS support, while tracking up to 20 dogs at once.
I experienced a battery life of around 6 days. Garmin has listed one week/40 hours of use as the maximum battery range. So, the numbers check out.
The TT 15 has 40 hours of battery life.
The Alpha 10 comes with an IPX7 waterproof rating, while the TT 15 and TT 15 mini come with a 1 ATM waterproof rating. The product as a whole is waterproof.
The collar compatibility is 1″ width, and the TT 15 has rescue modes and LED beacon lights similar to the TT 15 mini.
As per special characteristics, you can track storage for up to 10 days while being compatible with the Garmin explore the mobile app.
Pros
Cons
3. Garmin Alpha 100+ TT 15 Bundle (#3rd Best Choice)
I believe buying both the handheld device and the collar as a bundle is cheaper.
Because Garmin sells their handheld devices and the collars separately due to multi-device compatibility across several design types.
The Garmin Alpha 100 with the TT 15 collar is an investment in such a background.
The design and the finish are identical to the Alpha 200i and 10. So, what are the differences?
The Alpha 100 comes with the dimensions of 2.5 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches.
Its weight is 8.8 oz with the standard antenna and battery.
The TT 15 is 3.5″ in width, 1.75″ in height, and 1.85″ in thickness, weighing 10.0 oz with the collar. It fits a neck size of 9.5 inches.
The screen resolution is 240 x 400 pixels with a 65K color TFT touchscreen, unlike the Alpha 10.
With a range of 9 miles, the TT 15 can track up to 20 dogs, with a location update rate of 2.5 seconds. The secret is the high-sensitivity GPS/GLONASS receiver.
The battery life of the Alpha 100 is up to 20 hours (mine ran for about 18 hours with intense use). The TT 15 has a maximum battery life of 40 hours, whereas my collar ran close to that.
Stimulation in terms of tone and vibration along with shock is present in this package. With 18 levels to choose from, you can efficiently train your dog.
The Alpha 100 also has geofencing. By using geofences, you’ll be able to receive notifications when your dog enters or exits that boundary.
The Alpha 100 has an IPX7 waterproof rating, and the TT 15 comes with a 1 ATM waterproof rating. That makes the entire package adventure-proof in a way.
The collar compatibility is 1″ in width with the tracker.
Max could easily fit into the TT 15 just as much as the TT 15 mini. So, unless your dog is exceptionally small, this collar should fit them fine.
The Alpha 100 has more unique features than the Alpha 10 and fewer than the Alpha 200i.
Some notable special features are auto-routing for outdoors, a compass, an area calculator, a hunt/ fish calendar, and compatibility with custom maps. The Alpha 100 is also compatible with storage of up to 4GB with SD cards.
Pros
Cons
4. Garmin Astro® 430
Garmin’s Astro series is as strong and recognized as the Alpha series. I chose two Astro training systems, and the 430 is the first.
Let’s start with design, dimensions, range, location updating, battery life, and training features.
The orange color of the Astro 430 stands out with a premium synthetic plastic body.
The compactness of the Astro 430 handheld locator is certified with dimensions such as 2.4 x 6.3 x 1.4 inches.
It weighs 9.2 oz with the batteries.
The display size is 1.43″ x 2.15″ with a diagonal length of 2.6″. The display resolution is 160 x 240 pixels with a transflective 65K color TFT screen.
All of these numbers increase the user experience with the Astro 430 handheld device.
The location updating and range apply when the collars are considered.
But as mentioned before, the typical location refreshing rate is 2.5 seconds, and the range is 9 miles because it comes with the T5 collar which fits 9.5 inches in neck size just like as it is for all Garmin collars.
The battery life of the Astro 430 is up to 20 hours; mine ran for about 18h and 30mins, so the numbers check out.
The T5’s runtime is between 20-40 hours and mine was closer to 40 hours.
In addition the T5 has sound and vibrational stimulation, the Astro 430 handheld has vibration too. This vibration feature increases your awareness during training activities.
Now, let’s move to resistance capacity, suitable neck size, package details, and special characteristics.
The Astro 430 is IPX7 waterproof rated, and the T5 is 1 ATM rated..
Since you should buy the tracking collar separately, this is what you get in the package: the Astro 430 handheld, 5″ standard and 13″ extended range antennas, belt clip, USB cable, and documentation.
Garmin’s Astro series is loaded with special features. In the right context, you could train your dog to be a hunting dog with these.
For example, you can track your dog’s activity patterns, such as the distance traveled and speed. On top of that, There are Topo US 100K and HuntView maps along with the preloaded ones.
Many others, such as BaseStation and BaseCamp, let you monitor your dog from a field control center. You also can store all the data in an installed SD card with a capacity of up to 4GB.
Not only store, but you can also share the data wirelessly across other Garmin-compatible devices. The cherry on top is the bark detector; you’ll be alerted even if your dog is outside your hearing range.
Checkout our Garmin Astro 430 review, if you want to learn more about this device.
Pros
Cons
5. Garmin Astro 900 Dog Tracking Bundle
The second Astro product I chose was the Astro 900. I bought it as a bundle with the T9 collar, and its performance was admirable.
Its distinctive orange color body makes the Astro 900 handheld easy to spot. The premium plastic makes it durable by design.
Astro 900’s dimensions are 2.4″ x 6.3″ x 1.4″ with a transflective 65K color TFT display.
The display’s size is 1.43″ x 2.15″ x 2.6″ (diagonal length) with a pixel capacity of 160 x 240.
The T9 dog tracking collar, weighing 9.2 oz, with a total range can be up to 5 miles.
The location refreshing is the same as all the Garmin dog training collars; 2.5 seconds, and you can track up to 20 dogs at once.
The Astro 900 has a maximum battery life of up to 20 hours. It works with NiMH or standard AA batteries, which must be bought separately.
The T9 lasts up to 40 hours at max, but mine lasted for around 37 hours with repetitive use. So, the numbers check out.
T9 doesn’t have those 18 levels of vibrational or tone setting for dog training. But you get access to dog metrics data.
When you select “start a new hunt,” you can see the state of motion (moving or still), distance traveled, and average speed. It’s up to you to decide how to utilize this information to train your dog.
You also get Garmin’s superior geofencing features in the Astro 900. I wanted Max to stay in one place, especially at work, and geofencing helped me greatly.
Now, let’s move to resistance capacity, package details, and special characteristics.
The Astro 900 is IPX7 waterproof rated, and the T9 dog tracking device is 1 ATM rated — which is definitely a relief.
The Astro 900 bundle has one Astro 900 handheld, one T9 dog device with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, one 1-inch orange collar strap, one 4.2-inch antenna for Astro 900, one 14.2-inch antenna for T 9, one belt clip, one AC adapter, one vehicle power cable, one charging cable for T 9, one USB cable and one manual.
As for the special characteristics, the Astro 900 comes with Preloaded Topo mapping for both US and Canada. Since you can use a memory card of up to 4GB, the Astro 900 is compatible with Garmin custom maps.
In addition, you also can share the collected data with Garmin-compatible devices. It is also Garmin’s signature BaseCamp and BaseStation software preloaded in it.
Pros
Cons
6. Garmin Pro 550 Plus Handheld and TT 15X Dog Device
Garmin’s Pro series is yet another well-performing dog-tracking collar series.
Amongst the list, their Pro 550 plus stood out due to its dog training and tracking features, along with the TT 15x dog device.
Let’s start with design, dimensions, range, location updating, battery life, and training features.
It reminded me of a professional walkie-talkie when I held the Pro 550 Plus. The build material felt like a mixture of synthetic plastic with metal, made to last.
The Pro 550 Plus, handheld, comes with these dimensions: WxHxD: 1.8″ x 11.4″ x 2.1″. The handheld weighs around 8.9 ounces, and all the numbers certify its ease of handling.
The display size is 0.91″ x 0.91″ with 1.28″ diagonal distance with a screen resolution of 128 x 128 pixels.
The TT 15X is 3.50″ x 1.75″ x 1.85″ (W x H x D) and weighs 10 oz with the collar. The minimum neck size is 9.5″ in circumference.
The location updating rate is every 2.5 seconds, and the range is up to 9 miles with the TT 15x dog collar.
The battery life of the Pro 550 Plus is 24 hours, and that of the TT 15X is up to 80 hours (more than 3 days). For me, these numbers were almost accurate on the dot.
As per training features, the stimulation is available in tone and vibration. Vibration is available on the handheld too. With 18 levels of correction, you’ll easily be able to train your dog better.
However, the Pro 550 Plus doesn’t have geofencing.
Now, let’s move to resistance capacity, package details, and special characteristics.
The Pro 550 Plus is IPX7 waterproof, and the TT 15X is 1 ATM waterproof rated. If you didn’t know, the IPX7 rating means that the device can be submerged for up to 1m for 30 minutes. On the other hand, 1 ATM means the device can stay underwater for 10 meters.
The bundle package contains one PRO 550 Plus handheld, one TT 15X dog device with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, one 1″ red collar strap, one 18.5″ standard antenna, and 22.5″ extended-range antenna (for TT 15X), one AC adapter, one vehicle power cable (for TT 15X), one charging cable (for TT 15X), one contacts kit, and the documentation.
The special features include LED beacon lights, sleep mode, rescue mode, and replaceability of collar straps while being compatible with many Garmin devices to share the data wirelessly. The Pro 550 Plus is also compatible with the Garmin Explore App.
Pros
Cons
7. Garmin Delta Sport XC Bundle
The Delta Sport is another Garmin top-seller series for dog training. There are some differences between the Alpha and Astro series.
The series’ Delta Sport XC definitely stands out as a fantastic product.
Let’s start with design, dimensions, range, location updating, battery life, and training features.
The premium synthetic plastic seems to be the build material of the Delta Sport XC. The design of the dog collar is pretty durable too.
The design is done to operate the handheld with three main buttons and a small circular screen at the bottom of the buttons. Don’t worry; you can easily read whatever is shown on the screen.
The dimensions of the Delta Sport XC handheld are 2.1″ x 5.4″ x 1.1″ (WxHxD), weighing 3.7oz which is a bit smaller than some other Garmin handhelds.
The dog device, on the other hand, is made with dimensions 1.5″ x 2.3″ x 1.5″ (WxHxD) and weighs only 2.3 oz.
The dog collar in the XC bundle has a range of 0.75 miles, with a battery life of 2.5 days (60 hours). The Delta Sport XC handheld, on the other hand, can last longer; 80 hours on one charge.
The Delta Sport XC has 36 correctional levels. With 5 training configurations, there’s momentary and continuous correction along with vibration and tone correction.
With improved false-correction control, I’m optimistic that this is the Garmin device with the most training features.
Delta series comes with geofences, so there’s training capacity there as well.
There’s also a built-in BarkLimiter. The BarkLimiter recognized wanted and unwanted barks as well as vibration from scratching.
The purpose is to eliminate false and over-correction. Since you can adjust levels on the BarkLimiter, training customization is pretty high in the XC.
Now, let’s move to resistance capacity, package details, and special characteristics.
Both the XC handheld and the dog device are IPX7 waterproof rated.
The bundle package contains the Delta Sport XC handheld, the Delta Sport XC dog device with built-in BarkLimiter™, one black 3/4-inch collar strap, one contact point set (long and short) with a wrench, one charging clip, one lanyard, one USB cable, one AC adapter, and one Manual.
The special characteristics are the ones we discussed under dog training features. Basically, almost all special features in the XC are relevant to dog training.
However, you should know that there are no Topo maps or color screens showing your dog’s location. If those features had been included, this device would have become the best on the list.
Pros
Cons
8. Garmin Pro 70 Dog Training System
Garmin Pro 70 is the first screen-less training system in this list.
But even without a screen in the handheld, it does a magnificent job in training dogs which comes with the PT10 device blue collar.
Let’s start with design, dimensions, range, location updating, battery life, and training features.
I felt the distinctive material quality in the Pro 70 as well. Which ultimately ensures durability.
Unit dimensions of the Pro 70 are such as 1.8″ x 8.2″ x 2.1″ (WxHxD), weighing 7.8 oz. The dog device is smaller with dimensions such as 3.1″ x 1.7″ x 1.7″ (WxHxD) with a weight of 3.5 oz.
There is no location tracking feature integrated into the Pro 70 because its purpose is to train dogs. However, its range is up to 1 mile, and that’s decent for a training collar.
The maximum battery life of the Pro 70 is up to 80 hours, and mine ran for about little above three days at a stretch. The maximum battery life of the PT10 device is 60 hours, thanks to its rechargeable li-ion battery (included).
As per the training features, you can train up to 6 dogs with 6 levels of continuous stimulation and tone setting. The simulation level selection dial is at the top of the handheld. You also can remotely operate LED beacon lights for low light operations.
BarkLimiter is available in the Pro 70 as well.
Now, let’s move to resistance capacity, package details, and special characteristics.
While the Pro 70 comes with the IPX7 waterproof rating, the PT10 dog device has a 1 ATM rating.
The package contains one PRO 70 handheld, one PT10 dog device, one 3/4 inch black collar strap, one AC adapter, one split adapter cable, one charging clip, one contact point set with a wrench, and one manual.
We talked about all the special characteristics under training features. It once again proves how the Pro 70 is built to train dogs.
Pros
Cons
9. Garmin Pro 550 Dog Training Collar
Garmin Pro 550 is similar to the Pro 70 as all the Pro series comes with handheld devices without screens.
But what are the differences and the similarities? Let us find out.
Let’s start with design, dimensions, range, location updating, battery life, and training features.
The design material is identical to the Pro 70, but instead of three dials, there are a bunch of buttons and a flip switch.
The dimensions of the Pro 550 are 1.8″ x 8.2″ x 2.1″ (WxHxD), and it weighs 7.8 oz. Whereas the dog device comes with the dimensions of 3.1″ x 1.7″ x 1.7″ (WxHxD).
The dog device comes with 2 sizes of contact points. They are removable, stainless, and insulated. This ensures reliable performance in wet conditions and guarantees your dog’s comfort.
The range is 1 mile.
The Pro 550 is designed to last up to 80 hours. On the flip side, the dog device has a maximum battery life of 60 hours; mine lasted for 57 hours. So, the numbers check out.
As per the training features, you can train up to 3 dogs simultaneously. There are 21 continuous and momentary stimulation levels and vibration and tone settings.
In addition, there is the built-in BarkLimiter as well. Since the device has beacon lights, you can remotely use them to find your dogs in low-light situations.
Now, let’s move to resistance capacity, package details, and special characteristics.
The Garmin Pro 550 is IPX7-rated, whereas the dog device is water-rated to 1 ATM (10 meters of submersion).
The Pro 550 bundle includes the PRO 550 handheld, the PT 10 dog device, one 3/4 inch black collar strap, one AC adapter, one split adapter cable, one charging clip, one contact point set with a wrench, and one manual.
All the special characteristics are explained under training features. So, it’s clear this training device is also highly focused on dog training and nothing else.
Pros
Cons
Top Factors to Consider in Buying a Dog Training Collar
About Garmin
Garmin was founded in 1989 by Gary Burrell and Min Kao in Kansas, United States. The company was mainly launched as a GPS services provider for the aviation sector.
Today, the company’s GPS products have expanded to several notable fields. Some featured areas are sports and fitness, automotive, marine, aviation, and dog tracking and training.
Their Alpha, Pro, and Astro series are considered some of the industry’s best training and tracking collars.
Why Garmin Collars are Better?
Most Garmin training collars not only let you train your dog, but also track them real-time. Going beyond, these collars also let you contain them in safe spaces.
This is a versatility not present in any other training collars in the market.
Training collars in the market come with correctional settings for dog training.
But they always forget one crucial feature, and that is levels.
Without levels of any correctional feature, the device will be useless when the dogs get used to the correctional setting without training.
Garmin devices that come with correctional features always come with multiple corrective levels.
On top of that, the training areas are 100% portable and independent of cell service. Which means you can use them anywhere.
The cherry on top is how all the Garmin trackers run with no monthly subscriptions.
Most of the subscription and GPS-based training and tracking collars have a location updating frequency every 5-10 seconds.
But Garmin collars have changed the game with 2-2.5 seconds of location update speed — this qualifies as real-time location updating.
The build quality of all Garmin dog collars is top-notch — they are built to withstand all sorts of adventurous and heavy water damage.
With the brand value of the Garmin trackers, they become the BEST training collars in the market.
Benefits of Garmin Collars
In Conclusion
Garmin collars are the best dog training collars in the market. With such diversity, it is convenient both you and your dog to complete the training process.
Out of the lot, Garmin Alpha 200i and TT15 mini bundle comes in first place thanks to all the dog training features it contains — that’s the dog training collar I chose too.
So, if you desire to train your dog effectively, with the least effort but also on time, going with one of my top 3 recommendations will be more than enough.
After all, as dog parents, it is our responsibility to train our little furry friends. That’s going to make everyone safe and happy down the lane.
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