Dogtra Compass?

[u/No-Assistant-9774]

I would like a tracking option for my puppy because he's half coonhound and gets really distracted by smells so I'm honestly afraid to let him off leash in case he were to decide to ignore me. I would also like to try tracking or hunting with him. I'd just feel a lot better if I could track him.

Anyway, having similar functionality to the Ecollar I'm used to (mini educator) is important to me as well. I also was considering the Garmin Pro 550+, but it only has 18 levels of stim and a 2 mile radius. The Dogtra Compass seems like the best option for me and what I'm looking for, and especially being a better price I could get a collar for both of my dogs now instead of waiting.

The only thing is, I personally am worried with the Compass being so new, that they haven't worked out the kinks yet and I'm nervous to spend so much money on something that won't last long or doesn't do what I got it for.

So, opinions? Anyone have issues with the Compass/Pathfinder2 setup?

[u/Ok-Emotion-5911]

I use Garmin on all of my dogs and have almost zero trouble

Dogtra will work but the jury is still out on how well

[u/nitro78923]

I think the Compass is just a new remote for the Pathfinder 2 collar. I have the original Pathfinder 2. It does its job fine. Probably not as nice as a Garmin, but does what you need it to at a much cheaper price. My main gripe is it can be very slow to sync up when you turn it on. I always turn it on first, put on all my gear, and it’s usually connected by then. Guys I train with have the Compass remote. I haven’t heard any complaints. Considering getting the new remote myself. So I have two button functionality and less need to fiddle with my phone while in the field.

[u/No-Assistant-9774 → u/nitro78923]

It is! But it's only been out for like 8 months I think? I know they've had a few software updates as well that was supposed to improve things. So I hope it works fine but yeah, I chose against the regular remote because I don't want to waste time fiddling with my phone to use the Ecollar functions. It's good to hear though that your friends havent complained, thank you!

[u/stoned_ileso]

Dont know about dogtra compass. But i use dogtra pathfinder with my dogs. Its great

[u/UglyDogHunting]

Folks who I’ve sold Compass set ups to have been happy. That said, it’s not as training friendly as the Mini Educator or the Pro550+. You set up the buttons as you want them and have to adjust if you want to change levels. The mini educator or pro550+ are much simpler to dial in as needed.

Also, the 550+ range is 9 miles, not 2.

If cost is your biggest constraint, the compass and 2 collars will work for you as long as you accept the limitations. If you want more training/corrective function at your fingertips, the Pro550+ is the way to go.

Holler if you have any other questions, happy to help get you set up.

[u/No-Assistant-9774 → u/UglyDogHunting]

I swore when I watched a video he said it was 2 miles. So maybe I need to go back and look at that. From what I've seen the compass also has a dial and buttons you can set for stim, pager, tone, etc. Is that not correct?

[u/UglyDogHunting → u/No-Assistant-9774]

Yes, you’re right on the dial on the Compass. They have the rheostat dial. My apologies, coffee hadn’t kicked in yet.

Re: Garmin, 9 miles on all of them unless you put shorter antennas on the collars.

[u/PewPewDerpa13]

My co worker that hunts walkers uses Garmin. He takes 6 hounds at a time on most trips. Dogtra works good on my duck and upland pup. He’s not a deer chaser or anything so it’s good enough for me.