Introduction
The SportDOG SDT00 is a shock collar designed for dog training and behavior modification. It is part of the YardTrainer product line from SportDOG which focuses on contained, in-yard training (SportDOG).
The SDT00 has several key features that make it versatile for training dogs. It is designed for dogs 8 pounds or larger with a neck size 5 to 22 inches. The collar has 7 different static stimulation levels so you can adjust the intensity as needed during training. It is also waterproof and rechargeable, with a lithium-ion battery that lasts around 40-60 hours per charge (SportDOG).
The SDT00 comes with a remote transmitter that can control up to 3 collars at once. It has a range of 500 yards to allow training in the yard. There is also a tone-only mode for non-shock related training. Overall, the SDT00 provides a variety of stimulation levels and flexibility for training dogs safely and humanely (SportDOG).
What’s Included
The SportDOG SDT00 package contains the following items (Source):
- Collar receiver
- Transmitter
- Charger
- Short and long contact points
- Collar strap
The system requires two lithium ion battery packs which are included. One battery pack is needed for the collar receiver, while the other is required for the transmitter (Source). The batteries are rechargeable and last around 50-70 hours per charge.
Key Features
The SportDOG SDT00 shock collar has several key features that make it a versatile and effective training tool.[1][3]
It has a range of up to 1/2 mile, allowing you to train your dog even over long distances. The collar offers 7 modes including tone, vibration, and 15 different static stimulation levels. This range of modes and stimulation allows you to find the right training method for your specific dog.
The SDT00 has a waterproof rating of IPX7, meaning both the collar and remote can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. This makes it a great choice for training dogs who love water activities.
The rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in both the collar and remote provide around 40-60 hours of life per charge. This long battery life means you can train for multiple days between charges.
[1] https://www.sportdog.com/media/downloads/L400-1823.pdf
[3] https://www.sportdog.com/media/downloads/400-834-2.pdf
How to Charge
The Sportdog SDT00 collar and transmitter require 2 hours for an initial charge and every charge thereafter. According to the Sportdog operating guide, both the collar receiver and transmitter contain lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries provide long battery life between charges – up to 20-25 hours depending on usage.
To charge the collar receiver, plug the supplied charger into a standard 120/240-volt AC wall outlet. Then, connect the charging cables to the stimulation posts on the collar receiver. The light on the collar will glow red to indicate it is charging. The light turns green when fully charged. Allow a full 2 hours before first use.
The transmitter is charged by plugging the supplied charger into the port on the back of the unit. A solid red light indicates it is charging. The light turns green when fully charged. Allow 2 hours for a full charge.
It’s important not to overcharge the batteries. Once fully charged, unplug the chargers. To maximize battery life, turn the units off when not in use.
Sources:
https://www.sportdog.com/media/downloads/L400-1823.pdf
https://www.sportdog.com/media/downloads/400-2248.pdf
Fitting the Collar
It’s important to fit the collar properly on your dog’s neck. According to the SportDOG support page, “The Collar Receiver should fit snugly, yet loose enough to allow one finger to fit between the strap and your dog’s neck.”
The collar should be fitted high on your dog’s neck, just behind the ears. You want to avoid placing it too low on the neck, as this can cause discomfort. When fitted properly, you should be able to fit one finger between the collar strap and your dog’s neck.
Make sure not to overtighten the collar. It needs to be snug enough to make contact but loose enough for comfort. A properly fitted collar allows the electrical contacts to work while avoiding applying excess pressure on your dog’s neck.
Refer to the SportDOG training guide or support videos to see proper collar fitting techniques. Getting the tightness and placement right is key for effective use of the shock collar.
Transmitter Buttons
The SportDOG SportTrainer SDT00 has several buttons on the transmitter that control different functions:
- The mode switch has three positions – Low Stimulation, Medium Stimulation, and High Stimulation. This controls the intensity level of the stimulation.
- The “Nick” button provides a momentary stimulation to get your dog’s attention.
- The “Constant” button provides continuous stimulation as long as the button is pressed, to reinforce commands.
- The “Up” and “Down” arrow buttons increase and decrease the intensity level of stimulation.
- The blue “ID Code” button matches the collar receiver to the remote.
It’s important to find the right stimulation level for your dog using the mode switch and arrow buttons. Always start with lower levels and give your dog time to respond before increasing. Proper training will condition your dog to respond to the stimulation.
For more details, refer to the SportDOG SDT00 operating guide: https://www.sportdog.com/media/downloads/L400-1823.pdf
Setting Stimulation Level
One of the most important steps when using the SportDOG SDT00 e-collar is finding the right stimulation level for your dog. This allows you to choose the level that provides effective training feedback without over-stimulating your dog.
According to SportDOG experts, it’s crucial to find your dog’s “just right” level for optimal training results (https://www.sportdog.com/hunting-training-tips/finding-your-dogs-just-right-e-collar-level). This is the lowest level that gets your dog’s attention.
Start at the lowest level and work up until you find the right intensity. Watch for slight reactions like head turns or ear movements to find the right level without overdoing it. The stimulation should get their attention, not startle them.
It’s also important to test in different situations. A higher level may be needed to get their attention when highly distracted or excited vs in a calm state (https://www.sportdog.com/en-gb/support-topic/e-collars-setup-step-4-stimulation-sd-3225-2525-1875-1825camo-1225-1825).
Adjusting the stimulation level properly allows you to reinforce commands and correct behaviors humanely and effectively.
Training Guide
The SportDOG SDT00 collar has multiple training modes that can be effective for obedience training. According to the SDT00 manual[1], the collar has static stimulation, vibration, and tone modes.
Static stimulation can be useful for more stubborn behaviors. Start at the lowest level and increase if needed. It’s important not to over-stimulate. Refer to the Stimulation Level guide for appropriate levels based on your dog’s temperament.
Vibration can be good for getting your dog’s attention or marking a behavior. It is less intrusive than static stimulation.
Tone is useful as a warning cue before applying stimulation. Tone by itself does not reinforce behavior but alerts your dog that stimulation may follow if they do not comply.
When using different modes for training, ensure you allow your dog time to respond before moving to a higher level of stimulation. Pair verbal commands with the stimulation so your dog learns to associate the two. Stimulation on its own does not reinforce behavior – you must reward your dog with praise or treats when they perform the desired behavior.
Consult the training manuals for more tips on effective use of the static, vibration and tone modes for obedience training[1][2].
Troubleshooting
Some common issues and solutions when using the SportDOG Shock Collar SDT00:
Collar not turning on – Make sure the collar is charged. The battery may need to be replaced if it’s no longer holding a charge. Refer to the charging instructions in the user manual (SportDOG user manual).
Remote not communicating with collar – The remote and collar may need to be synced again. Follow the pairing instructions in the user manual (SportDOG user manual) or on the SportDOG support site (SportDOG support).
Beeping meanings:
– 1 beep every 5 seconds means the collar is on
– 2 beeps means the collar battery is low
– 3 beeps means the collar battery is very low and needs to be charged immediately
Conclusion
To summarize, the SportDOG SDT00 shock collar provides a range of useful features including adjustable static stimulation levels, tone and vibration modes, and a 500 yard range. The waterproof and rechargeable collar makes it suitable for training in all environments. With proper use, it can help reinforce commands and correct behaviors in your dog.
For further assistance with setting up and using your SportDOG shock collar, consult the user manual. You can also find helpful training tips, videos, and resources on the SportDOG website. Reach out to SportDOG customer support for any troubleshooting or questions. With patience and consistency, the SportDOG SDT00 can be an effective training tool for your dog.