One hour of BASIC OBEDIENCE training
from Pro Trainer Robin MacFarlane.
The Garmin 550 plus was designed for folks that need a better ecollar with their GPS / Ecollar combination system.
Every Combo tracking and training system on the market up until now has been designed as a tracker first and a training collar second.
The 550 plus is the answer for folks that need an ecollar first. Based on the classic Tri-Tronics Pro 500 design, the Pro 550 plus is an ecollar that allows the user to raise and lower stimulation, one-handed, while never having to take your eyes off your dog. There is no other combination system on the market that has the ease of use of the Pro 550 plus.
The GPS tracking on the Pro 550 Plus is a simplified version of the same tracking that the Garmin Alpha and Astro units use.
It will tell you the direction your dog is from you, how far away he is from you and if he is moving or standing still.
The tracking screen is easy to read with a large directional arrow and easy to read numbers.
Everything most folks need, without excessive and over complicated features.
While the tracking is simple, it performs as well as other Garmin systems.
Another option for folks that want both the advanced features of the Garmin tracking from the Alpha and the ease of use of the 550 plus handheld, is to add the handheld only to the Alpha system that you already run.
The 550 Plus will work with the TT 10 and TT 15 collars that have been on the market since the Alpha was released.
Gun Dog Supply Exclusive: One Hour BASIC OBEDIENCE Ecollar Training DVD
$40 Value -- You get this FOR A PENNY when you buy this ecollar.
We are proud to announce that Professional Dog Trainer Robin MacFarlane is working with us! We just wrapped another video shoot, and are launching her latest DVD.
What's interesting about these videos is that Robin has never worked with these dogs before, and several younger dogs have never been trained on an ecollar.
First, Robin walks you through the basic obedience commands showing what proper form looks like.
Next, Robin shows how she introduces the ecollar to two of Steve's puppies, Jack & Tilly, and shows you how to find the right STIM level to communicate with your dog.
She then turns that into a lesson for your dog to recognize that STIM means pay attention to your handler and expands that into a basic recall.
Additional segments include teaching RECALL, PLACE, SIT, and HEEL.
The Garmin PRO 550 PLUS takes the best-in-class, one-handed dog training system of the PRO 550 and combines it with simple, at-a-glance GPS tracking. 18 levels of continuous and momentary stimulation, plus non-stimulating tone and vibration options let you customize your training for each dog. Track your dog from more than 2 miles away using the built-in display, and see when they are on point or have treed with pointing and treeing alerts. For even more dog tracking options, pair your PRO 550+ with your Garmin Fenix Watch or Garmin DriveTrack in-vehicle navigator.
AT-A-GLANCE DIRECTIONAL GPS DOG TRACKING: Easily see where your dog is and what he's doing with pointing and treeing alerts
LONG RANGE: 2-mile range with 2.5 second update rate gives you greater accuracy when tracking your dogs
ONE-HANDED, NO-LOOK OPERATION: Quickly switch between stimulation levels with the tactile dial so you can keep your eyes on your dog
BEACON LIGHTS: Remote controlled Beacon Lights help you locate your dog in low light
Not available to Canadian addresses. This product is approved for use in the US only. Collar to handheld radio communication may be disabled in Europe and other prohibited areas.
Two black buttons control 18 levels of continuous and 18 levels of momentary stimulation instantly selectable at the transmitter
Non-stimulating tone and vibration features
Dog selector toggle allows expansion up to 3 dogs (with purchase of additonal collars)
Waterproof transmitter (IPX7) and dog device receiver collar (1 ATM)
2+ mile range
Interchangeable insulated contact points for dogs with long or short coats
Insulated contact points ensure consistent and reliable stimulation in the water
Remotely controlled Beacon Lights built into the receiver collar
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in the handheld with approx. 24 hour run time
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in the dog device with approx. 40 hour run time
1" collar strap with metal keeper fits up to a 24" neck
One year manufacturer warranty
PRO 550 PLUS Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries with two-hour rapid charge
Batteries are user-replaceable in both the transmitter and dog device collar
Includes USB Splitter Cable that lets you charge both collar and handheld at the same time
Dog device features a compact charging cradle for no exposed charging jacks
Stimulation from the PRO 550 PLUS
Choose the Stimulation that is Best for Your Dog:
Intensity levels can be quickly adjusted, meaning you can instantly adjust intensity whenever distractions increase
18 intensity levels of STIM
Non-stimulating tone and vibration functions
Both STIM Types:
Continuous stimulation allows you to control the length of the correction based on how long you hold the button down
Momentary stimulation delivers a quick preset duration of stimulation (less than 1 second) for enforcing commands your dog already knows and for correcting behavior
Training with STIM:
Tactile dial with clicks between levels allows you to raise and lower the stimulation level by feel without ever having to take your eyes off your dog
Teach yardwork/obedience and enforce known commands with lower levels of stimulation
Use higher levels to stop unwanted chasing or to overcome strong distractions
Contact Points:
Insulated contact points ensure consistent and reliable stimulation in the water
Includes interchangeable contact points for long or short-coated dogs
PRO 550 PLUS Range
Collar range is up to 2 miles which is ample for most dog training or hunting situations. Maximum range is based on "line of sight." This means that to get the full range out of a system there should be nothing between the transmitter and the receiver, and the terrain should be flat and open. This isn't going to happen in most places that we spend time with our dogs. The range on all of the systems that we carry will vary depending on training conditions, including weather, terrain, and the presence of cover.
Remember, too much range will never hurt, but too little could be a problem.
Did a quick checkout and seems good. I watched a you tube on it and everything is consistent with what ISaw. Looking forward to a better evaluation.
Pros
It was delivered in the estimated time for shipment and all the pieces were in tact .
I would definitely use dog gun supply again and have. Great customer service.
I
Cons
I'm used to smaller transmitter so that will be a little adjustment.
By Mark
Arizona
Garmin Pro 550 Plus- Great training e-collar & GPS
March 19, 2021
Use this collar for training 100%. Was looking at this device for a while and glad I purchased. My buddy also uses this collar while hunting and has no concerns. But again I use for training only and its perfect for the job. Only one recommendation - I would love to have a trash break intensity/setting for a one time correction for chasing rabbits, etc. just need that extra intensity on certain occasions
Pros
Easy to read GPS and use
Has good feel in hand - well balanced
Cons
Make sure you are on the right collar its easy to accidentally change toggle/dog
By Allen
Sherwood, AR
Simple to use, does all I wanted.
January 29, 2021
My big running pointers can get out of sight really fast. With the 550 Plus TT15 combo, I know where they are and what they are doing. Sometimes they forget that they are working for me and a quick vibration, buzz or light stimulation is all they need to bring them back in. I have one young bitch that is real timid and an older dog that is really bold. The 550 Plus has settings to adapt to both. Simple to use and at 78 yrs. young, “SIMPLE” means a lot to me.
Pros
Simple to use
A full charge last for days.
Small screen but it's really easy to read.
Cons
Somewhat concerned about the toggle switches wearing out. When working multiple dogs there is a lot of switching going on. Time will tell, I may be wrong.
By Dave
Charleston, IL
Great simple GPS
December 22, 2020
This by far appears to be the best option for a GPS/training system no touch screens to deal with. Always a pleasure doing business with Gun Dog Supply
Pros
Simple, easy to use. Great for winter and gloves not touch screen to deal with. Just like using the Pro 550 I'm use.
Cons
Won't turn on/off accessory beeper. Won't work with PT10 collar so if you're running both systems you have to carry two controllers. Maybe Garmin will upgrade these features in the future.
By Tom
MARYLAND
Garmin Pro 550 Plus
September 28, 2020
Garmin Pro 550 Plus is yet again a well made durable product from Garmin. I had the Pro 550 and loved everything about it but I needed GPS for working in tall brush. The Plus solved my problem and to take it one step further I synced it to my Garmin Instinct Watch. It's a great combination. I kept the old Pro 550 for training. Only drawback to the Plus is it doesn't feature the bark collar option. Gun Dog Supply came through with another great product, delivered in a timely fashion. Thanks! Picture of the Pro 550 Plus on my GSP "Natty Boh" attached. Can't wait till pheasant season.
Pros
Great for training, has all the training features of the Pro 550 that made it one of the best. GPS gives me all the quick accurate detail I need without hassle or complications. I know were my dog is and what she is doing. Much more relaxing when your dog is in brush & tall cover.
Cons
Doesn't have the bark collar feature.
By David K.
ME Maine
Works as advertised but a little slow
June 17, 2021
I bought this collar for it's tracking ability. I usually run my dogs with beepers but having recently lost most of my hearing I had a really difficult time discerning the direction the beep was coming from.
This tracking collar solves that to a degree as it will give a distance and direction to the dog. While I've only had it a short while I believe it will help tremendously when hunting season arrives.
I've owned Tri-Tronics for decades and always like them, they do what they say and are robust. This Garmin version is no different.
The only con on it is that the 2.5 second updating is a bit slow as my dog outruns that. Meaning it it's always 2.5 seconds behind the dog - so if you have a fast big running dog it the distance and direction will be slightly behind the dog. Not that big of deal as it still gives a good indication if the dog is close or moving away. If the dog stops or is on point, the device buzzes you and can really hone into the dogs position within a few feet.
I do like the light on it, it's bright enough that you can see it in the darker woods which will also help locating a dog on point.
Also the independent tone button is really nice as you don't have to fiddle with the dial going between tone and shock as I have to on my current Tri-Tronics G3.
I also bought the holster for it and that works well. I also got the Garmin Fenix watch and can link it to the dog and see direction and distance on my wrist - I think that's going to be really nice not having to look at the controller when walking in on a point with gun in position but just look your wrist.
Pros
Robust
Typical Tri-Tronics quality
Independent tone button
Vibration Mode
Fairly accurate
Cons
Little slow on the update cycle of 2.5 seconds
Controller is bigger than most
Collar is also pretty big size
By Glen
Silverdale, Washington
Worked great
June 6, 2021
Simple, easy to use, effectively got my English Setter to hunt as a team rather than for himself!
Pros
Like the location finder with yardage. Also the on point alert is very helpful.
Cons
Finding a big enough pocket for the handset. Wish the antenna was less obtrusive.
By Mark
Mississippi
Great product but wish the antenna was shorter
April 30, 2021
Garmin 550 mini is just what I needed for my squirrel dog. Works great and simple to use. The only drawback is for smaller dogs the antenna is long and it aggravates my dog, she’s only 18 pounds
Pros
Simple to use
Cons
Antenna to long
By Jim
Arizona
Great product
April 10, 2021
Great product so far I’m just a beginner dog trainer and your video on the Garmin + was very helpful thanks
Pros
Still in the works
By Gordon
Prattville Alabama
Perfect product
January 29, 2021
The tracking/training collar is basic and easy to use. Very uncomplicated. Giving away my Astro
Pros
Easy to use
No fumbling with multiple controllers
Cons
Can't send spaceship to moon with it
By Doug T.
Georgia
GARMIN PRO 550 PLUS
January 10, 2021
This collar is perfect for me and my big running GSP. It is simple to use with a little time in the hand.Knowing where and how far away he is could not be so simple.The stim on the collar can be fine tuned easily. The only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is it is a little slow on the GPS to react to fast moving dogs like mine
Pros
SIMPLE to use.It has everything needed to control and locate your dog.
Cons
It could be a little faster on feed back from GPS.
By Todd
Tennessee
So far so good
January 4, 2021
I dont like tech, so I was looking for a simpler tracking collar. After watching Steve's video this seemed to be the ticket. The collars were easy to pair and it seems like the system will be easy to use. The stimulation gets my dogs attention on the "2" setting. Love the led lights on the collars. I think for a first tracking/training setup its a good choice.
Pros
Simple, basic tracking as well as training
Cons
None yet
By Ron S.
Klamath Falls Or.
Great Product
January 1, 2021
Used during Pheasant season. Awesome for keeping track of your dog in thick cover. Easy to use.
Pros
Ease of use, even for a Tech Klutz.
Cons
Havn't figured the light yet other than that an awesome tool for keeping track of your best friend
By Matt
Minnesota
Great option for GPS collar without unnecessary extras
December 31, 2020
Haven’t had a chance to actually use it in the field yet but around the yard it seems to work exactly as expected. Takes a bit to find signal but not excessively long. Provides the basics of what you need - where’s the dog and is he on point or moving. The handheld does beep once when the dog stops moving but it’s fairly quiet and I imagine in the field it may be easy to miss. Would be nice if beep was louder and more frequent when the dog stops moving but certainly not a deal breaker. Overall for me it was a great option that does it all without costing an arm and a leg.
By Henry
New Orleans La
Garmin TT15 broken in 3 months
December 28, 2020
I bought the PRO 550 plus and within 3 months of light use the collar will not take a charge. Garmin is requiring me to purchase a new one that they will ship to me and refund upon receipt of the broken collar. Garmin customer support leaves a lot to be desired especially considering the cost of one of these units. I have used tritronics products for over twenty years and have had great experience with them. This is the first Garmin/tritronics I have purchased and it is malfunctioning/broken within 4 months.
Pros
Great functionality for a retriever that doubles as a blood tracker.
Cons
Seems to have a battery/charging issue and only lasted 4 months. Probably was only charged a total of twenty times and always maintained and put away clean and dry.
By SD H.
Aberdeen, SD
Items for attention
December 27, 2020
First hunt, first walk the antenna unscrewed itself and fell off (gone / lost). The notification for your dog on point is a split second vibration, impossible to feel if not holding the handheld device. GPS and directional indicator is great, don't have 100% confidence in distance accuracy. Garmin is sending a new antenna free of charge, on back order, go figure, I'm not the only one with the antenna issue. In fact, the person at Garmin recognized this as an issue. Will try lock-tight, plus I purchased a harness (leather) off GDS this should help, hopefully!
Pros
- Directional indicator
- Button functionality
Cons
- Antenna
- length
- unscrewing from handheld while walking
- On-point indicator
By Richard B.
WA
Great Product
December 24, 2020
My 15 year old training collar had quit working and I had recently picked up a new Brittany pup. I bought this system for training and to be able to keep track of the new dog. I have not been disappointed. The Pro 550 + gives me a lot of comfort up in the grouse woods. Thanks Gun Dog Supply. I have always been happy with your prices and great customer service.
Pros
Connects quickly and is super easy to use.
Cons
None so far.
By NC H.
Western North Carolina
Simple easy to use!
December 22, 2020
I was running a Garmin 430 and separate shock collar. Now just one collar. The 550 plus is simple to use much easier than the 430, no logs to clear, it doesn't have much in the way of features, but I don't need all the features of the 430, don't even know what 1/2 of them are. I was afraid the Astro alpha 200 was too complicated for me, I don't want or need all of the features.
Pros
Simple easy to use, so far always works, actually slightly better than the 430. I like the fixed rechargeable batteries, no battery to change, I have an ols tritronic 70 holster 550 plus fits in good. I don't use the screen that much, I use the Garmin F3 watch, so I don't take it out a lot for tracking. The tone feature seems to work very well in the mountains, which I use for recall sometimes, I haven't used the shock much but appears to work better than my old system.
Cons
I am 64 years old not especially teck savy, I had a hard time setting it up and linking with my older Garmin F3 watch ,but Garmin support was helpful. After initial set up complete no problems.
By Justin
Idaho
great service
December 21, 2020
Had a problem with the unit when I got it and was unable to rectify it over the phone with garmin. They immediately sent me a replacement. It works great and it is real nice knowing where my dog is always at.
Pros
Easy to figure out.
Cons
na
By Russ
WI
Very similar to 550 Pro with Tracking
December 21, 2020
I have the 550 Pro with 3 separate collars and am VERY satisfied with that system for hunting AND training. I was uncertain which tracking package would best meet my hunting needs (primarily waterfowl). I appreciate the valuable feedback provided to me when I contacted Gun Dog Supply. I definitely feel I made the best choice for my personal hunting parameters because the Plus is almost identical to the Pro. I have not yet hunted all day with it, so I can not comment on battery life.
Pros
- Similar controls to 550 Pro
- Same great features as 550 Pro (vibrate, LED, multiple shock levels & tone)
- Very easy to see display to quickly determine direction and distance during daylight or at night with backlighting
- Remote charger fits Plus and Pro
- 1" collar displaces additional weight
Cons
None so far
By Fred
Colorado
Too complicated and poor in deep brush
November 20, 2020
I have used Tri Tronics and Garmin for years with great results. Simple, easy to use and understand devices. This one had continual issues in the deep bush. Controls are not protected from bush and other hunting vest obstructions. Gloves are impossible due to size and location of controls. Unit continually needed resyncing at the worst times. If one were using this on rolling prairie with unlimited visibility and little obstruction on a nice glove free day it would be magnificent. I had to find an internet friendly area to download manual to operate. I would rather be hunting.
Pros
Holds a charge. Works great in easy conditions.
Cons
Controls are not shielded and inadvertently moved in rough terrain. I found I was misdirecting my dog(s) as mini toggle had moved. Lost contact time and again in brush areas. Resetting as unit demanded involves several steps. Carry the manual.
By Milt P.
Banks, Oregon
Disappointed
November 2, 2020
I ordered this electronic collar with great expectations. After a four week wait it came. I did the necessary charging and pairing needed. When I went to test it outside the transmitter could not connect with the GPS signal. I put it on a fence post and waited for an hour as the instructions said it could take a few minutes. When I was almost ready to give up it got a signal and worked for about three minuted. Then it lost contact again and I never could get it to work. I called gun dog supply and was told it probably needed an update and that it could be updated on any computer except and Apple product. In our house we have all Apple products including two computers. Im not sure why Garmin chose to exclude Apple. I do know I don't have time to borrow a friends computer or go to the library to do an update every time my collar needs an update and decides to stop working. An other issue; the antenna that comes out of the collar is at least over a foot long. It bounces around in the vision of the dog as he runs along. My dogs immediately tried to grab it and chew it to get rid of it. I returned the unit.
Pros
It's a great idea. It's simple and tells you all you want to know when your dog's on point in tall grass or corn etc. It gives you the direction of your dog and how many feet away he is. Great idea!
Cons
It is my opinion a product should work right out of the box. This product did not. In addition, I don't think mine are the only dogs that will want to chew the antenna. Of coarse there are homespun solutions for the antenna, but how about a good design to begin with Garmin.
By Willis
Anchorage AK
Garmin 550 Pro Plus
November 2, 2020
Purchased this to replace a different collar. Dog is already collar trained so it was just a matter of me getting comfortable with it. Steve Snells video was a helpful crash course on which button does what etc. My dog is a two year old Pudelpointer that consistently weighs in at 53 lbs. The TT collar is quite a bit bigger then the unit I replaced but she handles it just fine. Just got back from an overnight hike in trip to a Forest Service cabin and the collar did great. Had battery to spare after two days at 0-15 degrees with no way to charge the collar.
Pros
Does what it's supposed to do when it's supposed to do it.
Cons
None at this point. Had it for less then a month.
By Tony
Jim Thorpe PA
nice collar
September 26, 2020
i have a big running dog that gets out of bell range quiet often . he always comes back but he makes me uneasy when i cant see or hear him. he ran in to a porcupine once when he was close to me. i dont know what would of happened if he was out a ways. gps not perfect but close gives me piece of mind and makes the hunt more enjoyable
Pros
works just like my pro 550 and my old pro 100 . arrow and distance are easy to see .
Cons
the gps doesnt work at close range within 20yards. the range changes from feet to yards i think yards would be fine. it would be nice if u could remove the long collar antenna a mile range is fine for my area.
By Robert L.
Michigan
works as advertised
September 25, 2020
Having only used this once since receipt I can only say that for now it works as advertised. I will add that Steve and his crew at Gun Dog Supply are super to work with, very responsive and helpful.
Pros
Does what it is supposed to do.
Cons
a bit cumbersome
By Sean98
Topeka, KS
Quality product, a bit confusing to use
September 8, 2020
I used the Pro550+ system on a sharptail hunt in Nebraska and was pleased overall. The GPS/tracking function worked nice which was good because I had a rookie dog go on a long foray and was able to stay in touch with him and find him after he got lost. On the downside, the small toggle switches are hard to locate/adjust accurately on the fly. The old Garmin Pro 70 three-button handheld is much easier to use in the field and I would prefer that type of system on this collar, where each button controls a different dog. If this handheld unit was designed more like that one I would give this unit 5*.
Pros
Good range, acceptable battery life on collar and handheld. GPS tracker for dogs was accurate. Vibrate/tone for "pointing" was loud enough to catch your attention even in windy prairie conditions. Collars can be paired and run simultaneously with an Alpha handheld as well which is a positive.
Cons
Double toggle switches (toggle between dogs and modes) are very small and can be difficult to get in the right spot with gloves, or by feel. 3rd training button has very little purpose given it does essentially the same thing as the 2nd button. Wish it were designed like the old Tritronics/Garmin Pro70.
By Valkyrie W.
colorado
Excellent e-collar
September 1, 2020
Fantastic e-collar for our training. Levels of stimulation are fine (12). Used to train a wpg. We hike daily for her exercise in the mountains. She is never more than 200 yards away, but usually out of site. The simple GPS provides distance and direction to give us piece of mind with her location as well as knowing if she is locked up or chasing fur. Stim is strong enough for aversion training, but vibration is good enough 99% of the time. Recall beeper works perfect. Seldom use whistle any more as the beeper results in perfect recall.
Pros
GPS direction and distance. Recall beeper. Vibration. 12 levels of stim. Multiple dogs capable.
Cons
Does not give distance traveled by dog during hunt/hike.
By Brian S.
Review for Garmin PRO 550 PLUS Training + GPS Tracking Collar
December 20, 2018
This concept is a great concept. However, once my dogs go on point at 100 yards or less the distance to the dogs is off by about 1/2 every time. If they are 30 yards away it shows them at 60 to 70 yards, etc. etc. Calibrating the Handheld unit does not fix the problem. I am sending mine back and have already ordered another hoping it works better because the concept of GPS and shock in on is great.
By Robert O.
MN
Review for Garmin PRO 550 PLUS Training + GPS Tracking Collar
October 17, 2018
By Russell
Texas
Review for Garmin PRO 550 PLUS 2-dog Combo
October 12, 2018
Garmin got it right--just spent 3 days in Nebraska testing--loved the PRO550!
GUN DOG SUPPLY - "Serving Hunting & Field Dog Owners Nationally Since 1972."
Order online via Secure Server or call 1-800-624-6378 to order! GDS Warehouse, 17645 U.S. Highway 82, Mathiston, Mississippi, 39752 USA.
$40 Value -- You get this FOR A PENNY when you buy this ecollar.
The Garmin PRO 550 PLUS takes the best-in-class, one-handed dog training system of the PRO 550 and combines it with simple, at-a-glance GPS tracking. 18 levels of continuous and momentary stimulation, plus non-stimulating tone and vibration options let you customize your training for each dog. Track your dog from more than 2 miles away using the built-in display, and see when they are on point or have treed with pointing and treeing alerts. For even more dog tracking options, pair your PRO 550+ with your Garmin Fenix Watch or Garmin DriveTrack in-vehicle navigator.
