Category: Product Reviews

Halo Dog Collar Review (Our Honest take)
Today we are giving you our detailed, unpaid Halo Dog Collar review! The Halo Collar is a dog training collar that in theory, allows your dog to be off-leash anywhere you go. If you’ve found this popular post on our site, awesome! That means you are a dedicated pet owner looking to safely and humanely get your pup off-leash. We love that!

People are interested in the Halo Dog training collar (and now the Halo 3 for dogs) because it offers something no other device has yet: automated boundaries for your dog using a phone app. Allow me to clarify:

The idea is amazing. Put this Halo Collar on your dog, draw a boundary on a map in the phone app, and the collar will keep your dog inside of the boundary (with some training, of course!).

Imagine the possibilities! This is an idea that many people have asked about but no company had done gracefully yet. Many other similar boundary collars and invisible fences for dogs are clunky, huge, and unreliable. Underground boundary fences can be hard to install (not to mention expensive!). Worse, many other off-leash training fences utilize painful shocks that cause dogs to scream and fear being in the yard.

The Halo Dog Collars are marketed as a modern, more humane, and more effective alternative to traditional invisible shock fences.

The difference between a Halo 3 collar and an invisible fence is huge.

We were DEFINITELY intrigued and know that a lot of Great Dane owners are asking about Halo, Halo 2+, and Halo 3 Collar reviews.

This is our review of the HALO dog Collar by Cesar Milan. Is this a Halo Collar buyer beware, or a Halo Collar buyer buy it? Read on, friends…

Does the Halo 3 Dog Collar Shock the Dog?

The Halo Dog Collar uses tone, voice corrections, and stimulation.

Stimulation is an electrical current that causes the muscle to twitch. Think of this like a tactile sensation, no different than leash tension or touch. When used at low levels, muscle stimulation can be used as a positive tactile communication. This sensation is not the same as ‘shock’ and should not cause negative associations or feelings for dogs that are trained properly to understand what it means.

On the other hand, when used at high levels, muscle stimulation is an aversive sensation that can be used as a correction. However, at low levels, it is an incredible tool that replaces leash tension.

Think of it this way:

Shock = sharp poke with a stick
Low level stimulation = gentle leash pressure
High level stimulation = stronger leash pressure + squeeze pressure from a collar

Shock (which is intended to be painful) and stimulation (which is intended to be a gentle tactile sensation) are two different things.

While Halo pet collar did NOT pioneer modern stimulation like what is used in E-Collar technologies e-collars, they are using stimulation (not shock) in the Halo, Halo 2, and Halo 3 collar. Modern stimulation collars are the ONLY kind we recommend, so Halo gets 5 stars from us for this!

Halo Dog Containment Systems Reviews – What is the Halo Dog Collar?

The Halo, Halo 2, and Halo 3 Dog collar is an automated E-Collar. It uses sound, vibration, and electronic stimulation to teach and reinforce invisible boundaries. This can keep your dog safe while off-leash!

Imagine this. You create a virtual fence using the Halo App on your phone. In this example, you might draw a map that is meant to keep your dog on your front lawn.

As your dog approaches the boundary of the edge of the lawn, the collar lets the dog know that they are nearing it. If the dog chooses to disregard the first communication, the collar can use stimulation (a form of pressure) to discourage continued movement towards the boundary. It will then reward them for turning away from the boundary (back onto your lawn, yay!).

From what we understand, the user has a lot of control over how corrections are implemented and used. This is very helpful because every dog is different!

The collar will, with training, keep your dog inside of that invisible fence. This could be very helpful technology! We definitely like the concept.

If your dog gets out of the boundary that you set, despite warnings and corrections, a feature it built in that will allow you to find your dog with the included GPS tracker. This is a nice feature.

The Halo collar retails for nearly $1000 (yes, you read that correctly!) but is occasionally seen offered at around $699.

2023 Update: The Halo 3 has been released with updates to the GPS capabilities and overall build.

Is There a Monthly Fee for the Halo Collar?

Yes, there is a monthly fee associated with the Halo Collar app.

We have noticed that it’s something many buyers are VERY surprised by!

The monthly fees to use the required app are an additional cost. Without a paid monthly subscription, the features of the Halo Dog Collar are very limited.

The Cesar dog collar comes in two colors and three sizes; the largest size Collar expands to 30.5″ and may or may not fit a giant breed dog. Measure your dogs neck before ordering!

Now, if you have spent any time on our site, you know that we support ethical, positive, and humane E-Collar use.

We are not going to have any issue at all with the concept of the Halo Collar as an electric training device. Keeping a dog safe by using tactile electric communication is one of the most gentle, humane, and responsible things dog owners can do.

How Well Does the Halo Collar Work?

The idea behind the Halo Collar is that it automates boundary training. It’s kind of like a modern ‘invisible fence’.

The Halo marketing department focuses heavily on this tool easily giving dogs off-leash freedom anywhere you go. How cool would it be to go camping, and be able to keep your pup on your campsite?

It’s important to note that all training devices require diligent training and conditioning. The Halo, Halo 2, and Halo 3 are no exception. Do not expect to put this collar on your dog and be quickly and easily safely off leash anywhere you go.

Because it works on GPS and a phone APP, your dog’s safety relies on the system not experiencing a technical failure of some kind.

As with ANY training tool, it also relies on your ability to follow the training instructions and work with your dog on a regular basis.

If the Halo 3 collar gps system is functioning and you’ve spent time teaching your dog how to respond to the communications from the Halo Collar, it can absolutely work beautifully!

The Halo Dog Collar by Cesar Milan

People are Talking: Real-Life Halo Dog Collar Reviews

Unfortunately, there have reports from people that their smart off-leash dog collar has broken, stopped functioning, doesn’t work, and is cheaply made.

A lot of people on Youtube cite that the original Halo collar is made primarily of weak plastic parts which may fail and leave your dog unprotected. Halo made improvements to their dog off-leash collar with the Halo 2, and we are optimistic that the Halo 3 is a game changer!

JUNE 2022 UPDATE: We’ve read that Halo has supposedly completely fixed and updated many reported issues.

If you are looking to purchase a Halo Collar for your dog, you should in theory feel much more confident in the newer model. We are giving this some time before updating our review with information about the quality and consistency of the newer version.

GPS Automation Failures on the Halo Wireless Fence

There have been some reports out there that the GPS aspect of the collar, on the original and currently updated version, can at times be unreliable. This is largely related to the nature of technology and GPS.

Unreliable electronics and poor use of corrections are a massive reason that we never advocate for the use of cheap shock collars (remember, a properly used E-Collar is different).

Normally we say to stay away from cheap shock collars….but this device isn’t cheap! We believe that a solid amount of technology and research has gone into this device.

How the Halo Dog Training Collar Works

IF the Halo collar is actually functioning properly with a strong, reliable GPS connection to the ‘fence’ you built in the app, you do still have to work on training.

Don’t be made to believe that this is an ‘easy fix’ to a well-trained dog.

Proper conditioning and training are important with any training tool, including harnesses, so this is to be expected. However, this training should be fun and easy!

The Cesar dog collar functions by using a tone or audible voice and then static (muscle stimulation) to remind dogs to turn away from a boundary.

The company does say you have to train your dog how to respond to the collar, and the app walks you through the process. It’s automated, but not automatic.

Once your dog understands how to respond to the communication from the collar, you should be able to draw a boundary and have your dog understand it, almost anywhere that you go.

The collar will issue sounds, verbal communications, and static stimulation as needed to direct your dog into the boundary.

Is the Halo Collar Worth It?

The price of the Halo Dog Collar is premium, there is no question about that. For some dog owners, this is cost prohibitive. A simple long leash can accomplish a similar thing for much, much less.

As before, we are hopeful that recent updates to their device will give millions of dogs a valuable opportunity to be off-leash! The Halo Collar may be the ideal solution for you if:
- You don’t have a fence
- You regularly visit people where there is no fence
- You like to go camping and want your dog to stay within a boundary of the tent site
- You want a simple, user-friendly training tool
- You don’t mind automating parts of your off-leash training
- You have a dog that likes to learn, likes to be near you and already has a least a basic recall
- Your pet is not reactive or aggressive, or has reactivity that is well managed
SUMMARY

Now that you’ve read our Halo Dog Collar review, would you buy one?

Do we think you should buy a Halo dog collar?

Do we believe that the Halo 3 for Dogs is a solid update to what was previously a somewhat unreliable product?

I am optimistic in my belief that the Halo Dog Collar is a great choice for many pet owners. We LOVE that they no longer focus so much on their relationship with Cesar Milan (a very controversial dog trainer), and that they are continually improving their products.

The main reason we’d recommend a HALO collar is for people who cannot build a physical fence around their property and want something slightly more flexible than a traditional invisible fence.

Halo Dog Treats Reviews

Are Halo dog treats legit? Some people confuse the Halo Collar with the Halo dog food and dog treats company.

We do not recommend Halo Dog food, but the treats may be ok!
August 23, 2021
EZ Educator ET-900 E-Collar Review for Great Dane Owners
Today we are providing an EZ 900 Educator E-Collar review for Great Dane owners (or for any dog lover!) This is our honest, unsponsored review of the Easy Educator E-Collar model 900, AKA the ‘EZ EDUCATOR’ series from E-Collar technologies.

As Great Dane lovers, it’s important to us that owners are choosing the most humane tools and training methods for their dogs.

Our training relies heavily on positive reinforcement, but we also believe that dogs appreciate it when they know what their boundaries are.

EZ Educator ET-900 E-Collar Review

We believe in educated ownership and don’t support use of any kind of inexpensive electric shock collar as a corrective ‘easy button’. We do stand behind properly used E-Collars though, with the belief that humane, effective, and positive off-leash educator training involves conditioning the dog to the stimulation and teaching the dog to understand that it means GOOD things, not punishment.

The stimulation from a quality remote dog training collar will be blunt and feel like a small tingle or muscle twitch, not a sharp static shock.

Fun fact: A properly used modern remote collar is less aversive than a long leash, head harness, no-pull harness, or squirt bottle.

We believe in this training method because off-leash freedom = a beautiful life for you and your family pet.

Not only that but momentary stimulation is an incredibly gentle replacement for physical restraint. If your dog could safely be off-leash, and all they have to do is be responsive to mild stimulation levels only when needed, then why wouldn’t you consider it?

(If you need more information on the important difference between a SHOCK (sharp static correction meant to scare/startle) collar and an E-Collar (gentle muscle stimulation meant to work as a communication), read our blog post here).

EZ EDUCATOR COLLAR INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

The Easy Educator dog collar ships quickly and is packaged in a beautiful box that has a small footprint (less waste!).

Remote collars can often feel like a ‘harsh’ or ‘utilitarian’ type of tool, but this packaging offers a sense of positivity and aesthetics that speak to confident, happy family dogs (not scared dogs that are afraid of the remote or being “shocked into submission“).

We are looking at the Easy Educator TWO dog system for this review, however the 900 series Educator collars come in a one, two, three or four dog system.

With multi-dog systems you can control each dog independently from the same remote.

ET-900 Inside the Box

Inside the Educator remote dog trainer box is:
- The manual
- Receiver (1, 2, 3 or 4 depending on what system you choose)
- One waterproof ergonomic transmitter (AKA the remote)
- One Biothane collar strap for each receiver, all in a different color so each dog has their own device
- A micro USB charger for the remote & a cable with a splitter to charge the receiver(s)
- A lanyard
- Large and small contact points for each receiver (customize for each dog)
- A tool to change the contact points
The included biothane collars are rugged, washable, and waterproof. Biothane is the perfect material for E-Collars, as many E-Collar-trained dogs enjoy adventures outdoors that involve dirt, mud, and water!

The collars are definitely long enough to fit any Great Dane and can be cut down in length if needed. We highly recommend upgrading the straps to bungee straps, which offer more flexibility and a better fit.

Is the Educator EZ 900 quality?

The receivers that the dog wears feel well-made and are lightweight! Educator brand collars use the most significant technological advancement in remote dog training collars available; we like to compare them to cell phones. Educator collars are the latest iPhone.

A lot of dedication and engineering went into the tapping sensation of the EZ 900, making this a gentle, effective trainer for your pet dog. The technology used in Educator collars is similar to that of a medical-grade TENS device, which uses electrical currents to stimulate the muscle.

In training, this sensation is often referred to as ‘pressure’ or ‘stimulation’.

One thing we love is that EACH collar receiver can be completely customized to the dog that will be wearing it! The advanced remote is a complete system that allows you to program different settings for each dog you are training.

This means you’ll be able to apply different stimulation modes including momentary stimulation, continuous stimulation, momentary boosted stimulation, beep or vibrate at sufficient value for each dog.

The EASY 900 is a medium-range trainer with a 1/2 mile range with instant stimulation options so that you can communicate with your dog from afar.

Good remote collar training will require precise control; we like that there are 100 levels to choose from so you can fine-tune the blunt stimulation that your dog will feel (and respond to).

The contact points are made of quality metal and can be replaced with other sizes and metals, depending on your dog. You can easily change contact points with the included tool, and other options are available including wings (for long-haired dogs) and comfort pads (for short-haired dogs).

How do I program my Easy Educator EZ 900?

We recommend programming your primary button for each dog to continuous stimulation and then learning how to use that button for a single instant stimulation ‘tap’, continuous mode or dynamic (continuous with increasing pressure).

Secondary buttons for each dog can be programmed to tone, beep, or vibrate.

We like to use the single tapping sensation (tap tap tap) on a very low level as a reminder to a dog to follow, look or pay attention.

Continuous stimulation at low levels (or higher in distracting environments) can be used for off-leash recall from a distance.

Dynamic continuous pressure (that increases) works well as a warning to a dog that they must stop what they are doing and redirect to something else.

Tone can also be used as a recall cue, similar to a whistle. For most dogs, including deaf ones, the vibration mode is aversive compared to low-level stimulation modes. We recommend saving vibration for when your dog is doing something dangerous such as running into a road or rudely chasing another dog.

View remote and collar sets in our shop- we offer free shipping.

Is EZ Educator waterproof?

Both the receivers AND the remote are completely waterproof, and we have heard that the remote will float!

Your dog can safely swim in the Educator remote collar without fear of being ‘zapped’ by the cheap faulty electronics seen from other brands. E-Collar Technologies stands behind this and will support you with this purchase forever.

The company also states that the Easy Educator is impact-proof. If you drop it, you don’t have to worry about it not working, malfunctioning and running too ‘hot’, and hurting your dog.

This is a BIG reason we stand behind quality E-Collars and NEVER inexpensive ‘dog training shock devices’ found on Amazon or in pet stores.

Easy Educator Features

There is a maximum stimulation setting of 100. Compare this to other collars on the market that may have just 5-10 levels!

The top of the receiver has a connection spot (a red dot) that connects the receiver and collar electronically, and LED lights that blink green when a connection has been made between the training collar and the remote.

The light on the receiver can also be turned on as a night tracking light so that you can see your off-leash dog in the dark!

The waterproof ergonomic transmitter remote included with the EZ Educator dog training collar is yellow and has a large digital display.

Just like the collar receiver, the remote is lightweight, impact-proof (and waterproof).

The bar shaped transmitter remote has a 1/2 mile range. Unless you are working with hunting, sport training, and tracking, few dog owners need more off-leash roaming space than that.

(If you are looking for more range, consider the Educator 400 series with 3/4 mile range here).

Although the receiver is small (providing stealth operation, if you are concerned about uneducated naysayers), it provides plenty of stimulation for most dogs, even 150lb Great Danes!

The blunt stimulation is a gentle sensation that doesn’t result in yelping or excessive normal head jerking often seen from other training collars. We prefer this brand for the very clean stimulation and tapping sensation employed during use. No sharp static shocks!

Adjustable Mode, Tone, and Stimulation Levels

On the top is the dial which allows you to adjust the stimulation level up and down. The dial requires some effort to move, which will prevent you from accidentally dialing the stim up too high.

Precise control of stimulation levels is incredibly important.

Educator E-Collars have lock and set features that can be programmed to ‘lock’ at a chosen stimulation level so that you cannot accidentally turn it up too high (and startle your dog).

Each dog is assigned their own buttons and you can control each dog completely independently. The buttons are recessed behind a rubber casing, which makes them waterproof and also safe from accidental ‘butt dialing’.

The ET-900 series training collar offers an adjustable tone and adjustable vibrate mode as well. Programming allows you to adjust how these buttons (which are ergonomically placed) will be used for each dog.

There is also a function where the stim can begin at a low level (so as not to scare your dog) and have it automatically increase to a set level.

The included momentary boost feature can also be customized to each dog, so you maintain precise control.

Don’t forget the night tracking light, which is fantastic for sport training and dogs that are often off-leash in the dark.

We believe the EZ EASY EDUCATOR 900 series is the most high-tech E-Collar available, and perfect for dog owners who like customizations, options, and geeky tech stuff!

Shop the Easy Educator 900 HERE (choose your model for # of dogs), and use code ECOLLARMAGIC for $10 off.

Is the educator collar a shock collar?

The defining differences between stim collars and shock collars can be confusing, especially because there is so much misinformation out there about how remote dog training collars are used.

Stim collars such as the ones offered by E Collar Technologies use a significant technological advancement that changes traditional ‘shock’ into a much more gentle stimulation sensation. This sensation is so gentle that most humans cannot feel it themselves!

With this new more modern form of dog off-leash training utilizing a complete system from remote trainer to positive reinforcement, the desired response is positive, not negative.

In other words, your dog, with the right training and conditioning, will respond with enthusiasm and excitement!

This stimulation feels like a tapping sensation, not a sharp static shock, and can be used for recall training, boundary training, and more.

Other training collars do not offer the same unique features and rely instead on punishing, scaring, and hurting your dog. An Educator is NOT a shock collar!

Even a smart, stubborn dog can learn how to recall reliably in different environments, and will come running back to you ready for more!

How do you use the EZ Educator ez 900?

We’ve said this before and we’ll say it again. E-Collar training is a lifestyle and requires that you change your mindset about how a tool like this will work on your dog.

Easy button shock collar training with cheap devices from Amazon is NOT a method that we support for several reasons.

Dogs trained with shock collars applied as a means to startle and punish can easily become aloof, nervous, anxious, over-excited, frustrated, or even aggressive.

Cheap shock collars are unreliable and more likely to malfunction and hurt your dog. They provide a sharp static shock that causes many dogs to (understandably) show signs of stress and begin to act on it.

Your dog should never be afraid of your remote, their collar receiver, or of what happens when they are wearing it.

Correct stimulation collar training requires a change in how you communicate but it will PAY OFF!

Not only will you want to learn the ins and outs of your E-Collar remote and how it works, but it’s also important to put some time into actually working with your dog so that your dog knows that stimulation is a good thing and knows how to respond to it.

We recommend upgrading the included biothane collar strap to one with a bungee for a better and more comfortable fit for your dog.

E-Collars are an easy operation communication tool, like giving a cell phone to your dog. If you want off-leash freedom and confident, curious, and happy family dogs, this method is for you.

Why should I use a remote training collar?

We always like to mention that we use a lot of positive reinforcement while training our own dogs. Proper remote collar training uses a lot of positive reinforcement.

Off-leash recall, boundary training, and redirection are just some of the reasons we recommend remote collar training for all Great Danes. Unlike a harness, collar or leash, this is one tool that doesn’t rely on physical restraint and cannot harm your dog!

Are dog correction collars cruel?

Absolutely not! There are many things people do to dogs that are actually cruel. This is not one of them.

Training collars from high-quality companies such as Educator Technologies use different technology and blunt stimulation modes that work in a different way compared to inexpensive and painful shock collars.

Well-trained dogs that can be safely off-leash are free of physical restraint, which can cause frustration and even anxiety. Not only that, but nothing compares to the enrichment a dog receives off-leash! Advanced remote collar training is life-changing for dogs and owners.

Aggressive Dog Aversion Training

Some people purchase a remote dog training collar because they are at the end of their rope with a dog that is aggressive or reactive.

There is a huge difference between aggressive dog aversion training (which involves a lot of unfair punishment), and correct training with a modern remote collar.

The last thing you want to do is turn up the dial to maximum stimulation and hope it grabs the attention of your aggressive dog! This kind of training can make things much worse.

Instead, it is important to give your dog skills to build on: basic obedience such as touch, sit, heel, down, leave it, and come make a great foundation. After that, you can start building confidence and indifference to the world with positive counter-conditioning and desensitization.

From there, you can use your remote dog training collar at low levels to communicate and redirect your dog back to you as needed. These unique features, paired with positive reinforcement, set the Educator ez 900 apart from traditional shock collars.

Are there e-collars that don’t shock?

Shock and muscle stimulation are two very different things.

One is a sharp static zap, the other feels like a tap, tickle, or tiny ants crawling around. We prefer the Educator training collar models over traditional inexpensive shock because they offer a gentle tapping sensation.

The stimulation sensation from a high-quality remote dog training collar is non-aversive and can be used for communication. It is an effective trainer that replaces the pressure from a leash, harness, or collar!

How do you train a dog with an E-Collar?

We recommend starting out by finding the lowest level where your dog has the desired response. Most dogs are enthusiastic and responsive between levels 3 and 10, and this is a sufficient value for getting started. The tapping sensation employed by this collar is incredibly gentle and feels more like a brief pulse than a shock.

Keep in mind that you will not likely feel the sensation if you try it yourself until you dial it up to higher stimulation levels well beyond what you need for training your dog.

Pair this gentle tapping sensation with treats, and gradually increase the criteria as you teach your dog what the sensation means. The collar becomes a cell phone for your dog that replaces leash pressure, not a punishment tool!

Boosted stimulation mode can be used when your dog is distracted, and maximum stimulation is available in case of an emergency (for example, your dog is trying to run into traffic, yikes!).

We have training resources available, and we also highly recommend watching Larry Krohn on Youtube for the best and most positive remote training advice!

Your dog training collar offers precision control and has a boost feature for when you and your dog are in higher distraction areas (kind of like turning up the volume on your cell phone), momentary stimulation, and continuous stimulation.

What is the difference between the Mini Educator and the Educator E Collar?

The Mini-Educator dog training collar uses the same advanced technology as the Easy 900, in a more compact and elegant package.

The Mini-Educator remote is round instead of bar-shaped, and it offers only slightly fewer features.

We think the Mini-Educator (or the Micro Mini-Educator with the waterproof miniature collar receiver for small dogs) is a solid choice for dog owners who are new to off-leash remote training.

The Mini-Educator still offers a tracking light, quick emergency stimulation options, transmitter beeper mode, and the brief pulse sensation that educator 1/2 mile collars are known for, in a smaller package.

A mini-Educator remote training collar. Slightly different than the ET-900 but still a fantastic option.

Which educator collar is best for my dog?

If you value simplicity, elegance, and easy operation, choose the Mini-Educator (one dog training collar) or the Educator (just like the Mini-Educator, but for two dogs). If you have a dog under 15lbs, choose the Micro Mini-Educator.

If you like features, extra customization options, or have more than 2 dogs, the Easy 900 Educator is the way to go.
April 23, 2021