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This is our review of the Garmin Sport Pro.
After thoroughly researching the best training resources, we spent weeks compiling the most valuable information on collar training features, options, and alternatives so you can make the best decision for your dog.
We looked at features like device range, vibrations, tone settings, lights, bark training, size, weight, and customer reviews to analyze what features dog owners find most beneficial in a dog training collar.
This comprehensive review will look at the key features of the Garmin Sport Pro and how they can be beneficial to dog owners. We will also take a close look at what customers have to say about the design and value along with discussing possible alternatives.
Let’s dive in!
Garmin Sport Pro
It didn’t take long to understand why many dog owners liked the design and many features of the sport pro that are all controlled with one remote.
Feature Analysis
Dog trainers can use this system to train up to 3 dogs at one time using a multi-dog toggle switch, but the dogs will need separate collar devices, which is an additional investment. It has about a 3/4-mile range for training and the system is water-resistant; the handheld device also floats.
The system has remote controlled beacon lights on the dog collar device to help with visibility for up to 100 yards. Some dog trainers noted the remote lights have been more beneficial than they expected for evenings and areas with low lightning.
The Garmin Sport Pro comes with a quick turn dial that can help you change between the 10 vibration levels, tones, and positive clicks. Users like the options and many use the tone-only setting to get their dog’s attention or a mild vibration when needed.
If your dog likes to make excess noise, there is a BarkLimiter feature to help train barking behavior as well.
Size and Weight
Both components of the Garmin Sport Pro weigh in at a few ounces. The handheld device is 4.4 oz, while the collar device is slightly less at 3.5 oz. Weight can be especially important to consider if you have a smaller dog.
Its handheld device is a compact size for dog trainers who might also have their hands full with training treats, water bottles, or personal items like a cell phone or wallet. The handheld device measures 2.1” x 5.4” x 1.4” and the dog collar device is 3.1” x 1.7” x 1.7”. The strap on the collar is ¾” wide and 27” long.
Most Garmin Sport Pro customers find the size and weight of the product to be valuable and like the less bulky approach to the design. Many users have offered reviews noting they can operate the system with one hand, even when toggling between multiple dogs.
Garmin also makes lanyards and belt clips that some dog owners find useful for carrying devices and keeping them in close reach throughout the training.
Battery Life
We’ve reviewed several products with dog owners complaining about short battery life and devices that seem to constantly need charging. This is less of an issue for the Garmin Sport Pro.
Rechargeable batteries are included in the training system, and most owners are happy with the battery life. The handheld device can go about 80 hours on a charge and the collar device lasts around 60 hours.
There are battery life indicators to remind you when it’s time to recharge. Users like that the batteries seem to charge quickly but some have mentioned that using the beacon light may drain the battery life faster.
BarkLimiter
The BarkLimiter function has several adjustable levels to help control the noise that might come along with your outings. This can also be adjusted between the dogs, if you are using the system for more than one canine.
If you don’t want or need this feature for your dog, it can easily be turned off.
Before You Start Collar Training
As with any training, it’s important that you have spent some time learning how to appropriate use training collars and that you’ve spent time training with your dog so they know what to expect before using a training collar.
In addition to the training manual, Garmin’s website also has videos to help users better understand the Sport Pro training system and collar training.
Training collars should not be used for discipline or on young dogs.
This is not a tracking device, so if you have a furry escape artist, you may want to consider other options with a GPS system specifically for tracking. The Garmin Sport Pro system is for training.
While the Garmin Sport Pro system can be used on smaller dogs, many users agree that this training system is a better fit for larger dogs. Dog Training Boss has also reviewed an alternative option to consider for smaller dogs.
Alternatives
If the Garmin Sport Pro isn’t the best fit for you and your dog, here are a few similar products that you might want to consider.
SportDOG SportTrainer 875
This device is made for field and hunting dogs, up to a ½ mile range. Like the Garmin Sport Pro, it has a multi-dog option for up to three dogs, is water resistant, and has adjustable levels for tones and vibrations.
The SportTrainer 875 has a bright OLED screen to view the level options and battery life status. Rechargeable batteries offer between 50-70 hours per charge. The receiver weight is 3.2 oz, and some users mention this device is also better suited for medium-large dogs.
Some dog owners have noted the charger connectors can be a bit challenging and may require a little wiggling or pushing to make sure they are connected properly.
PetSafe Remote Training Collar Lite
PetSafe makes a training collar designed for smaller dogs. It is water resistant, has a tone-only mode and adjustable vibration settings. Battery life is up to 40 hours before needing a recharge.
The PetSafe Remote Training Collar Lite has a range of about 100 yards and the collar device weighs in at about 1.4 oz. Many owners of small dogs say like the less bulky collar for their pup.
Users like the lower-intensity, smaller, lightweight option for smaller dogs and are generally happy with the customer service PetSafe provides.
Our Final Thoughts
For dog owners looking for a successful training collar from a well-known company, we recommend the Garmin Sport Pro for its training tone and vibration levels, battery life, and bark limiting options.
Before you make an investment in the training system, review the available bundles Garmin provides. Some of the accessories and additional dog collar devices for multiple dogs will be an extra cost.
With any training collar system you use, be prepared to study the device and what it does so you can provide a positive training experience and make the best choice for your canine.
A Word About Collar Training
We at Dog Training Boss do not recommend using shock collars on pets. Shock collars can cause pain, anxiety, and promote a negative relationship with training relationships. Animal experts do not advise the use of shock collars. Ask your vet for more information about the use of shock collars.
The difference between shock and vibrating collars is that a vibrating collar uses a mild sensation to redirect the dog away from undesirable behaviors. In some cases, the level of vibrating intensity can be controlled by a remote.
However, in high-anxiety or fearful dogs, even a mild vibration might negatively impact your dog and be less effective in training. If that’s the case with your canine, speak with your vet about possible options that would be a better fit specific to your dog’s needs.
