Garmin announces new dog collars, talks up 'Bark Odometer'

Garmin's not content with just a spot on your dashboard -- the company's also hoping to help you out with your pet problems. The GPS-maker's got a couple of new additions to its line of dog collars, including the BarkLimiter series, which offers up an accelerometer-powered bark identification system and a Bark Odometer to help you keep track of your canine's woof mileage. The collar is lightweight and waterproof and promises to increase "stimulation" as barking continues. The collar'll run you $80 for standard and $100 for the deluxe edition. You can also get the BarkLimiter technology in the company's Delta series of collars, which let you set a virtual leash up to three-quarters of a mile. That line runs $200 without the bark limiting and $250 with.

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Garmin Introduces New Line of Electronic Dog Training Collars

Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced a new line of electronic dog training systems: the BarkLimiter series of bark reduction collars and the Delta series of training collars for dogs.

"These new electronic dog training aids are designed to help dogs learn – whether they're elite sporting dogs or beloved members of the family," said Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales. "Both the BarkLimiter and Delta series feature proven and safe electronic correction technology that has been perfected by Tri-Tronics – the leader in electronic dog training devices for more than 40 years."

The BarkLimiter Series

There's no denying it – all dogs bark. But problems begin when the barking becomes incessant – often times when family members are away from the home and unable to deal with the problem. Neighbors start complaining, and in extreme cases, the landlord or animal control intervenes – forcing pet owners to make difficult decisions.

The new BarkLimiter series helps put an end to the problem by giving dog owners control over nuisance barking. Featuring bark identification technology that uses innovative accelerometer technology, the BarkLimiter is able to distinguish between barking and other vocalizations. Also exclusive to the new BarkLimiter Series is Advanced Bark Correction Technology, which delivers consistent and instantaneous correction, while substantially reducing false corrections that can be caused by external noises.

Like all Garmin products, the BarkLimiter Series is simple to use, with a set-it-and-forget-it "autorise" function that automatically programs the stimulation intensity level based on the barking behavior of each individual dog. When a bark is detected, the lowest level of correction is given, and corrections will rise until the dog stops nuisance barking. After a prolonged period of quiet, the BarkLimiter will reset itself to two levels below the dog's maximum level reached and begin rising again if barking resumes. Vibration and manual settings are also included.

For dogs that spend time alone in an apartment or back yard, the Bark Odometer™ lets dog owners know exactly how many times their dog barked while they were away. The lightweight and compact BarkLimiter series features integrated stainless steel contact points and is waterproof in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Two versions are offered: the BarkLimiter, which features a long-lasting (up to 10 months) user-replaceable battery, and the BarkLimiter Deluxe, which features a rechargeable battery that lasts up to three months. The BarkLimiter has a retail price of $79.99, and the BarkLimiter Deluxe has a retail price of $99.99. Both models will be available in stores and online in the first quarter of 2013.

The Delta Series

For dog owners that want both a training collar and a bark collar, the Delta Sport delivers – combining two great features into one small package. The Delta Sport is a sleek, ergonomic, and simple-to-use electronic training system for dog owners who want to teach their canine companion new commands, or refocus them away from unwanted behaviors. Functioning as a "virtual leash" up to three-quarters of a mile away, the Delta Sport gives dog owners a wide range of customizable correction settings, including tone, vibration, and 18 levels of momentary and continuous stimulation. And when not being used as a training collar, it serves double duty as a bark collar, with the same autorise feature found in the BarkLimiter Deluxe.

The Delta handheld's easy-to-read LCD display makes it simple to switch among five different training configurations. The trainer can make immediate corrections when necessary – all based on the temperament of the dog and the specific situation at hand. The Delta handheld can control up to three collars total (sold separately) and switching between different dog collars is effortless. The lightweight and compact Delta features integrated stainless steel contact points and both the collar unit and handheld are waterproof in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes – and the transmitter floats. Both the handheld and collar unit come with rechargeable batteries that last up to three months on a full charge.

For trainers who only want e-collar functions (and no BarkLimiter), Garmin offers the Delta in a basic configuration with three training configurations (instead of five) and half-mile range.

The Delta has a retail price of $199.99, and the Delta Sport has a retail price of $249.99. Both models will be available in stores and online in the first quarter of 2013.

The BarkLimiter and Delta Series dog training devices are the latest innovations in Garmin's growing outdoor segment, which focuses on developing technologies to enhance users' outdoor experiences and their relationships with their canine companions. Whether it's hiking, hunting, golfing, geocaching, or dog training, Garmin devices are essential tools for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. For more information about Garmin's other outdoor products and services, go to www.garmin.com/dogs, www.garmin.blogs.com and http://twitter.com/garmin.

About Garmin International Inc.
Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation. Since 1989, this group of companies has designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications – most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin's products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200. Garmin and Tri-Tronics are registered trademarks and BarkLimiter and Delta are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.