In 1989, I opened Webb Footed Kennels in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Since that time I have trained over 3500 retrievers and excelled in the competitive world of hunt tests. In 2003, I began competing in the Super Retriever Series and was introduced to SportDOG Brand products. In 16 years of professional training, I have bought, used, abused, and hunted with every piece of dog training equipment there is.

Three years ago I received a phone call from Lance Tracy of SportDOG Brand E-Collars regarding proto-typing and testing some of their equipment. At the time, I was using Tri-tronics. I explained to Lance that I had milk crates full of non-working electric collars. I wasn't sure I was the guy for job because apparently I was extremely hard on equipment. I lacked patience and tolerance for poor equipment. I also explained to him that I wasn't going to "sugar-coat" my opinions and thoughts regarding their products. He stated, "You are just the man we need for this job and will test our products on a daily basis with constructive feedback."

After receiving the original proto-types, we spent many hours on conference calls discussing our concerns with their product - just as we have done with other companies in the past. The BIG difference was SportDOG listened to what we had to say and communicated this to their engineers. Thus, re-designing the product and sending us a new proto-type.

They did more than just make excuses for their product. They listened to constructive criticism and did what was necessary to create inventive products. I explained to SportDOG that their products will be used in the worst possible terrain such as the rice fields of Arkansas, the swamps of Louisana, and the cornfields of the Dakotas. I also told them that they could top the industry by providing the best customer service possible and that is exactly what they have done. They didn't make excuses and send parts to the customers, expecting them to be electrical engineers and repair the product. They simply ask you to return the product to them and they send you a new one. I make my living training dogs using their product and cannot afford to have defective equipment. The employees of SportDOG Brand are all hunters, dog enthusiast, and general outdoorsman. They understand that while your hunting you are there to have a good time and not wrench on poor electronics.

- Chris Akin
Winner 2003 Great Outdoor Games, Super Retriever Series
Professional Trainer and Owner of Webb Foot Kennel, Bono, AR