Dogtra 280X Small Dog Training Collar System

The best small dog training collar on the market — built for dogs as small as 10 lbs with pro-grade precision

Most training collars are designed for 50-pound retrievers. The 280X is designed for the dog on the other end of the size spectrum — the Jack Russell that ignores every command, the Dachshund that won’t come when called, the Shih Tzu that bolts out the front door. The receiver on the 280X is Dogtra’s smallest ultra-compact module, built to sit comfortably on a dog as light as 10 lbs without the bulk and weight that makes standard receivers inappropriate for small breeds.

But compact doesn’t mean limited. The 280X is a next-generation system with more features and capability than the beloved 280C it replaces. It delivers 100 levels of low-to-medium stimulation with a precision that lets you find the exact right working level for even the most sensitive dog. It adds tone, XPP vibration, a 1000-lux LED locate light, BOOST mode, and a level lock — none of which existed on the 280C. If you’ve used the 280C before, note that the stimulation scales are not equivalent: the 280C at its full 127 levels equals approximately level 80 on the 280X. Find your dog’s new working level before your first session.

Understanding the training modes

Nick (Momentary). A brief fixed-duration pulse regardless of how long you hold the button. The standard correction mode for obedience work, recall reinforcement, and interrupting unwanted behavior.

Continuous. Stimulation delivered for as long as the button is held, with an automatic safety shutoff at 12 seconds. Used for extended recalls and more deliberate corrections.

BOOST. Instantly raises stimulation to a higher level without adjusting the dial — designed for moments when your dog is highly distracted and needs a stronger signal immediately, like darting after a squirrel. Returns to your set level when released.

Tone. An audible beep from the receiver that your dog learns to recognize as a recall or attention cue. Many trainers use tone as the primary communication tool and reserve stimulation for reinforcement only.

XPP Vibration. Extreme Performance Pager vibration — a stronger, more impactful vibration than the old 280C’s HPP vibration. Useful for dogs with hearing impairment and as a non-stimulation attention getter. Note: vibration intensity is fixed and not adjustable by level.

LED Locate Light. A 1000-lux LED built into the receiver, remotely activated from the transmitter. Keeps your dog visible on early morning walks, evening training sessions, and in low-light conditions.

IPX9K — the highest waterproof rating in the e-collar category

Both the transmitter and receiver are rated IPX9K — full waterproof certification that covers high-pressure, high-temperature water jets, not just splashing or rain. For reference, most smartphones are rated IP67. The double-casing remote design also makes it effectively drop-proof for everyday training use. Whether you’re working near water, training in rain, or just dropping the remote repeatedly in a parking lot, the 280X holds up.

Expandable to 3 dogs. The 280X ships as a 1-dog system. Add one or two additional receivers at checkout to train up to 3 dogs from one remote. All X-Series receivers are cross-compatible — you can mix and match 280X and 1900X receivers on the same transmitter if you run dogs of different sizes or temperaments.

Specs

In the box

• ✓E-Collar Remote Transmitter
• ✓E-Collar Receiver
• ✓E-Collar Strap
• ✓5V 2.5A Charger
• ✓USB-C Charging Cable
• ✓Test Light
• ✓Belt Clip
• ✓Lanyard