Dogtra Edge RT Vs. Garmin Pro 550 Dog Collar For Training Pup

Dog training collars have come a long way from the shock collars of the past. Modern collars use vibration, tones, and progressive static stimulation to reinforce commands and correct behaviors in a humane way.

Two of the most popular and highly rated models on the market are the Dogtra Edge RT and the Garmin Pro 550. But which one is right for you and your pup?

In this in-depth comparison, we’ll explore the key features, pros and cons, and real-world performance of the Dogtra Edge RT and Garmin Pro 550 collars. Read on to find out which device is the best investment for training your dog.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Dogtra Edge RT	Garmin Pro 550
Stimulation Levels	100 levels	21 levels
Training Modes	Momentary, Continuous	Continuous, Momentary, Tone Only
Range	1 mile	3/4 mile
Battery Life	5-7 days	3-6 days
GPS Tracking	Yes	Yes, with detailed mapping
Smartphone App	Optional	Integrated with collar
Waterproof Rating	5 feet	10 feet
Build Quality	Durable polymer	Rugged aluminum
Ease of Use	Very simple	Steeper learning curve
Price (1 dog kit)	$299.95	$599.99

Overview of the Dogtra Edge RT Collar

The Dogtra Edge RT is Dogtra’s newest and most advanced dog training collar. It has a slim and ergonomic receiver that sits comfortably against your dog’s neck.

Some of the highlights of the Edge RT include:

• 100 stimulation levels – Delivers tones, vibration, and static stimulation from Level 1 (mild) to 100 (firm) for very precise reinforcement.
• 1 mile range – Gives you ample range for training in parks, hiking trails, and during hunting trips.
• Rechargeable and waterproof – Both the transmitter and receiver are rechargeable and waterproof for all weather use.
• Multiple dog compatibility – Lets you control up to 9 dogs from one transmitter.
• GPS tracking – Built-in GPS tracks your dog’s location and path history.
• E-collar and bark limiter – Functions as both a training collar and bark control device.

The Edge RT has all of the must-have features you would expect in a premium dog training collar.

It gives you precise control and a wide range of stimulation levels for reinforcing obedience commands and addressing behavioral issues like excessive barking.

Overview of the Garmin Pro 550 Collar

The Garmin Pro 550 is Garmin’s flagship dog training collar and part of their PRO series. Like all Garmin collars, it has an emphasis on GPS dog tracking.

Key features of the Pro 550 include:

• 21 stimulation levels – Delivers progressive static stimulation from Level 1 to Level 21. Also has beep and vibration modes.
• 3 training modes – Has mode buttons for continuous, momentary, or tone-only stimulation.
• 3/4 mile range – Provides up to 3/4 mile range line-of-sight.
• Rechargeable and waterproof – Both handheld and collar are rechargeable and waterproof.
• GPS tracking – Uses GLONASS satellite tracking to track your dog’s movements.
• Dog training app – Syncs with Garmin’s Canine training app for customizing stimulation levels.
• LED beacon lights – Helps locating your dog after dark.

Like all Garmin collars, the Pro 550 places emphasis on high-precision GPS tracking and integration with Garmin’s dog training mobile app. It’s an excellent choice if location tracking is one of your top priorities.

Key Differences Between Dogtra Edge RT And Garmin Pro 550 Dog Collars

Now that we’ve covered the key features and specs, let’s do a detailed comparison of these two great e-collars.

Stimulation Levels

One of the first things to compare is the stimulation range on the Dogtra Edge RT vs Garmin Pro 550.

• The Dogtra Edge RT has 100 adjustable stimulation levels. This gives you more precision in “dialing in” the exact level of stimulation your dog needs. You can deliver very mild sensations for sensitive dogs or increase to more firm corrections.
• The Garmin Pro 550 has 21 stimulation levels, from Level 1 being the mildest up to Level 21 being the most intense. 21 levels is still good range for most training purposes. However, the Edge RT does allow for more nuanced “in-between” levels.

Both collars also offer beep and vibration tones before stimulation, which is useful for initial obedience training. However, the Edge RT’s 100-level range gives greater flexibility for setting the right stimulation strength for your pup.

Training Modes

The Dogtra Edge RT provides momentary and continuous stimulation, while the Garmin Pro 550 adds a “tone only” mode.

Having tone-only is handy for initial training when you want to reinforce commands with just a beep or vibration before introducing static.

It helps prevent overstimulating your dog at first.

However, the continuous setting on the Edge RT allows you to deliver longer stimulations to deter intense behaviors like aggressive barking.

So the Edge may have better versatility for both training and correction.

Range

For range, the Dogtra Edge RT advertises 1 mile while the Garmin Pro 550 provides up to 3/4 mile.

Real-world range depends on terrain. Flat parks or fields allow for longer distances while heavy woods or mountains decrease range.Either collar will provide ample range for most training contexts. But if you need maximum distance, the Edge RT has the edge.

Keep in mind that effective training generally occurs within closer ranges, as distant stimulations can confuse your dog on what behavior is being corrected. Unless you’ll be training fast-running dogs over huge areas, 1/2 to 3/4 mile is sufficient.

Battery Life & Recharging

Both collars offer rechargeable batteries with multi-day battery life:

• The Dogtra Edge RT offers 2 hours of rapid charging and 5-7 days of battery life, depending on usage.
• The Garmin Pro 550 states up to 40 hours in training mode and 3-6 days of battery life.

These are quite generous numbers for modern e-collars. You can train for several days before needing to recharge.

The Edge RT does have a slight battery advantage, especially with its quick charging capability. But both units earn high marks in this category.

GPS Tracking & Mapping

One area where Garmin dominates is with its GPS and dog tracking capabilities:

• The Garmin Pro 550 uses ultra-sensitive GLONASS satellite tracking to map your dog’s movements, with location updates every 2.5 to 10 seconds. You can track previous walks and hikes on the Garmin Canine app’s interactive map to see where your dog roamed and their speed.
• The Dogtra Edge RT also provides GPS tracking that shows your dog’s path history. However, Garmin’s GPS tech is far superior in terms of mapping detail and location frequency.

If you want rich and precise maps of your dog’s locations, travels routes, distance traveled, and speed over time, the Garmin Pro 550 can’t be beat. The level of GPS tracking detail blows away any other dog e-collar.

But if you only need general location monitoring, the Edge RT’s GPS will suffice. Just don’t expect the advanced tracking and history mapping of a dedicated Garmin device.

Also Read: Differences Between Dogtra And Mini Educator Dog Training Collars.

Smartphone Apps

Both collars work in conjunction with smartphone apps:

• The Dogtra Edge RT pairs with the Dogtra smartphone app for iOS and Android. You can adjust stimulation levels, track your dog’s location history, and monitor battery levels. However, the app is not required for using the collar’s basic functions.
• The Garmin Pro 550 works with Garmin’s Canine training app. The app provides much more detailed data on your dog’s movements, plus training tips and the ability to set custom stimulation levels. However, it does require the app to change settings.

Garmin’s training app offers a more integrated experience.

But Dogtra’s streamlined app still provides helpful tools without being mandatory for the collar to work.

So if you dislike relying on a mobile app, the Edge RT functions fine right out of the box. But the Garmin gives you more advanced data when paired with its smartphone software.

Wet Conditions Durability

Modern collars offer extensive waterproofing, which is essential if you train a sporting or working dog in wet environments.

Both the Dogtra Edge RT and Garmin Pro 550 provide excellent water and weather resistance:

• The Dogtra Edge RT is submersible up to 5 feet and can operate in heavy rain or snow. Users report it holds up very well when soaked.
• The Garmin Pro 550 is rated to withstand complete submersion in water up to 10 feet deep. It’s designed for hardcore waterfowl hunting dogs.

For most pets that may swim or get rained on during walks, both collars offer plenty of wet weather protection. The Garmin is built to handle truly rugged water conditions, but both are among the most waterproof collars available.

Build Quality

These two collars both earn praise for durability and reliability:

• The Dogtra Edge RT uses industrial plastic polymers in the transmitter and receiver to create a very rugged but lightweight unit. It has stellar ratings for holding up to years of daily use.
• The Garmin Pro 550 features an aircraft grade aluminum housing and thick rubber bumpers around the collar for extreme durability. Garmin products are known for bulletproof reliability.

When it comes to build quality, either model is easily among the most durable in the e-collar market. Both the Dogtra and Garmin collars are made to deliver years of hard use.

Ease of Use

For basic functionality right out of the box, most users find the Dogtra Edge RT slightly more intuitive:

• The Dogtra Edge RT provides simple clearly-labeled momentary and continuous stimulation buttons, plus clear intensity dials. While it has advanced features, the basics work great without any configuration required.
• The Garmin Pro 550 has mode buttons for various functions that require reading the manual to decipher. It also relies heavily on syncing with the mobile app for setup. This provides more versatility but isn’t as instantly easy to use.

Garmin’s added capabilities do require some learning curve and configuration using the app. Dogtra keeps things simple for people who just want to start training quickly.

So the Edge RT gets the nod for most user-friendly. But the Pro 550 rewards those who take the time to unlock its full range of functions.

Cost Comparison

As flagship models for their respective brands, both of these collars carry premium price tags:

• The Dogtra Edge RT has an MSRP of $299.95 for the one-dog system. Each additional dog collar is $199.95.
• The Garmin Pro 550 costs $599.99 for the bundled 1-dog kit. Add-on dog collars are $174.99 each.

The Garmin Pro 550 does cost nearly double the Dogtra Edge RT for the one-dog system. However, its add-on collars are quite reasonably priced for upgrading to multi-dog control.

Both represent significant investment compared to basic “entry-level” e-collars. But you get what you pay for in terms of features and durability. These are built to be the last training collars you’ll need to buy for many years.

Also Read: Comparison of Garmin Pro 550 And Sport Pro Dog Collars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Verdict

Based on this head-to-head comparison, choosing between the Dogtra Edge RT and Garmin Pro 550 comes down to your specific needs and priorities:

The Dogtra Edge RT shines for its ample 100-level stimulation range, excellent 1-mile range, bombproof durability, and intuitive simplicity right out of the box. It’s easy to figure out and has all the core features you need, making it our top pick for most dog owners.

The Garmin Pro 550 can’t be matched for its integrated smartphone app, super detailed GPS dog tracking abilities, and rugged waterproof design. If you need advanced data tracking and analysis for serious training, it’s a phenomenal collar system.

Both represent the highest echelon of modern dog training collars with prices to match. For its balance of intuitive use and high-end performance at a slightly lower cost, the Dogtra Edge RT earns our recommendation for the best electronic collar for improving obedience and behavior in most dogs.

But the Garmin Pro 550 takes the crown for hardcore hunting, field, and competition trainers who need the most durable design and in-depth GPS tracking. It provides unparalleled location data integration for keeping track of your pup’s movements.

At the end of the day, choosing between these two exceptional collars comes down to budget and matching performance to your specific training needs. Either model will serve dutifully for years as an invaluable asset in communicating with your dog.