This entry level system offers great value for money. This reliable system features a small collar, 8 correction level settings, and independently adjustable warning and correction zones like some far pricier systems. The system's limitations are in the disposable battery paired with lack of low battery indicator and the relatively small capacity compared to other dog fence systems. The small and lightweight collar make this system suitable for dogs from 12 lbs. 

COLLAR FEATURES

Small & Lightweight Collar: The nice compact collar on the Dogtek EF-4000 allows the system to be used for dogs as little as 12 lbs. Since there are 8 individually adjustable correction levels this dog fence system is also suitable for bigger dogs. The collar has a removable cloth strap and screw-on battery compartment as well as magnetic on/off switch. 

8 Individually Adjustable Correction Level Settings: Each collar on the system can be set to any of the 8 available correction level settings. The intensity on this collar ranges from very low to medium-high, so it's great for little dogs and super sensitive dogs right up through the bigger breeds. Very large or persistent dogs may not be a great fit for this system. The only downside is the method for adjusting the correction level. The level is set using a teeny tiny button located inside the screw-on battery compartment making it a giant time-consuming pain to adjust the correction settings. The good news is that they won't accidentally get changed during rough play and you'll likely only need to mess with it during the training period. 

Disposable 3-Volt Battery: The Dogtek collar is not rechargeable and instead uses a disposable 3-volt battery. The battery has a reasonable 4-6 month lifespan but there is no low battery indicator so it's hard to know for sure when it's dead. The battery compartment scerws on with four little screws which makes battery changes a minor pain. Thankfully the collar requires only a generic CR2 battery that you can pick up at any big box for around $5.

Lacks Low Battery Indicator: A major downside of the Dogtek system is the lack of low battery indicator. This leaves you guessing about whether the collar battery needs replacing or using the test light each time you want to use the collar to be sure the battery is still good. This paired with the lack of rechargeable battery makes for quite a hassle but then again, it is a budget system with a good list of features. 

TRANSMITTER FEATURES

Adjustable Warning & Correction Zones: The Dogtek EF-4000 allows you to customize not only the correction level setting for each collar on the system but also the size of both the warning zone and the correction zone independently. By adjusting the warning and correction zones serperately you can tailor the system to your individual dog. A larger warning tone area and smaller correction zone will give your dog lots of time to heed the warning before receiving a correction, which might be useful for timid or very compliant dogs. For more easily distracted dogs prone to test the boundary you can set a shorter warning tone zone and a wider correction zone. 

2.5 Acre Capacity: Unfortunately, the Dogtek is one of the weakest transmitters in terms of capacity and can only power up to 1500 ft of boundary wire - about 2.5 acres. This is generally enough for most suburban yards but likely won't be able to cover larger rural properties.