Introduction
Electronic training collars, often referred to as remote dog training collars or shock collars, have evolved significantly over the years. While early models were rudimentary and harsh, today’s technology offers more humane and effective solutions for dog training. The Dogcare Dog Training Collar TC-01 represents a modern advancement in this field, designed by a team of dedicated pet owners at Dogcare, a Rockville, Maryland-based startup. This collar aims to enhance the bond between families and their furry companions through advanced training features.
Design and Specifications
The Dogcare TC-01 collar is engineered for comfort and durability. It is adjustable, measuring 7.3 inches long, 1.9 inches wide, and 0.9 inches thick, with a lightweight design weighing only 10.4 ounces, ensuring dogs won’t be bothered by wearing it. Both the collar and its receiver are constructed from high-quality ABS plastic, making them robust enough for active dogs. The collar’s adjustable size makes it versatile for dogs ranging from 15 to 100 lbs.
The receiver is IPX65 waterproof, allowing dogs to swim or play in water without the need to remove the collar, offering great flexibility for outdoor activities. The accompanying training remote features a smart chip for professional training needs and a security keypad lock on the left side to prevent accidental activation of vibration or shock functions. This safety feature is crucial for preventing unintentional shocks to the dog.
The remote’s digital screen provides clear, easy-to-understand icons indicating:
- Shock Level Value (0-99)
- Battery Level Indicators for both the remote and receiver
- Number of connected collar receivers (up to 9)
- Safety Lock status
- Wireless Connectivity status
Connectivity and Range
A key advantage of the Dogcare TC-01 is its ability to support up to nine receiver units simultaneously. This allows dog owners to train multiple dogs (up to nine) within a single training session. The training remote offers an extensive wireless control range of up to 330 yards, providing considerable freedom during training.
Battery Life and Charging
Both the training remote and receiver are equipped with built-in rechargeable batteries. They can be conveniently recharged via Micro-USB ports using standard charging cables, compatible with power banks, smartphone chargers, or laptop USB ports. The remote’s battery provides up to 45 days of standby time, while the receiver’s battery lasts approximately 15 days in standby mode. The remote’s screen displays battery levels for both units, eliminating guesswork.
Features
Fully-Adjustable Static Level
The TC-01 offers a fully adjustable static level, allowing users to precisely set the shock level between 0 and 99. This feature is beneficial for both novice and experienced trainers, enabling them to start with very low levels to avoid causing distress to their dogs while teaching appropriate behavior.
Three Training Modes
The collar provides three distinct and effective training modes: Beep, Vibration, and Static/Shock. The Beep and Vibration modes should be utilized first, with the Static/Shock mode serving as a last resort for expressing strong disapproval of severe misbehavior. This tiered approach prioritizes gentler training methods.
Safety Shutdown
A crucial safety feature is the automatic Safety Shutdown function, which turns off the remote transmitter after 20 minutes of inactivity. This conserves battery life and prevents accidental shocks if the remote is left on. The remote’s security lock also requires deactivation before use after extended periods of non-use.
How to Use
Using the Dogcare TC-01 is designed to be intuitive. It’s recommended to start with a low shock level, such as 3-5, which is comparable to a gentle pinch of fur and often sufficient for most dogs to understand commands. Even for larger breeds, beginning with a medium level like 30-40 is suggested, avoiding excessively high settings that could frighten the dog. Gradual progression based on the dog’s reaction is key to successful and humane training.
Final Thoughts
The Dogcare Dog Training Collar TC-01 is a highly reliable tool for simultaneous training of up to nine dogs within a 330-yard range. Its features, including adjustable static levels, three training modes, and a safety shutdown function, make it one of the top dog training collars available. Each unit is priced at $45 and can be purchased directly from the official Dogcare website.
David Novak is an internationally syndicated columnist, TV and radio personality, and expert in consumer electronics. For over 20 years, his column has appeared in over 200 newspapers around the country, and enjoys over 15 million in viewers and readers. He’s appeared in Wall Street Journal, USA Today, GQ, the Living Magazines, The Mark Levin Radio Show, The Laura Ingraham Talk Show, Paul Harvey Radio Show, Today, Good Morning America and Kelly and Ryan. Read all the tech news at GadgetGram.com.
