Q: What's the difference between Talk&Train and Talk&Train Mini?

A: The Talk&Train complete system includes a collar unit for dogs weighing over 30 lb (13.6 kg) with an adjustable 32 inch (81 cm) max. collar strap. The collar unit is waterproof when submerged to a depth of almost 12 inches (30 cm).

The Talk&Train Mini system comes complete with a smaller Mini collar unit and a shorter 18 inch (46 cm) max. adjustable collar strap for smaller dogs and larger cats weighing less than 30 lb (13.6 kg). The Mini collar unit is water resistant only. Both Talk&Train and Talk&Train Mini systems employ the same handheld controller that lets you listen, talk, command and control, by voice, up two 14 pets up to 2 miles (3 km) away.

Q: What makes Talk&Train better than any other training collar?

A: Other training collars use punitive electrical shocks or chemical sprays. They typically have a range of only a few hundred feet at best. They don't use a humane training method approved by professional veterinary medicine associations. They're bulky and heavy. Systems aren't expandable. You can't add more pet collars to the system.

Talk&Train collar units are sleek and engineered to be as lightweight as possible. They let you use voice training methods approved by veterinarians. No harm, no punishment, just the natural sound of your voice. You can also hear what your pet is hearing, instantly. You can activate LED lights on the pet's collar at night. There's a Call Owner button on the pet's collar that can call you if a lost pet is found. All these features work up to 2 miles away. And each Talk&Train system is expandable for up to 14 pets using extra collar units sold separately.

Q: What about GPS tracking collars? How does Talk&Train compare?

A: Talk&Train lets you listen, talk to your pet, give it voice commands, call it from up to 2 miles away, in the city or the country, and have direct voice communication with anyone who finds your pet if it's lost, then found, within range. Talk&Train collars are sleek and compact, have no large hazardous antennae, use free, over-the-air radio waves. Systems cost much less than GPS units and there are no other costs.

GPS collars also have a typical range of 2 miles but only show where your pet is or if it has left the 2-mile range. Besides much higher prices, they may require a special activation fee, monthly subscription fees, urban location with cell phone coverage, and/or a computer and internet subscription. You still can't talk to your pet, only track it. GPS collars are typically heavy, bulky, aren't suited to smaller pets and have large antennae that pose a hazard for pets.

Q: How does the Talk&Train system work?

A: Talk&Train combines a miniature two-way radio receiver, transmitter, microphone and speaker inside a sleek, weather resistant pet collar unit to communicate back and forth with the owner's hand-held controller. Voice commands to a pet are preceded by an alerting tone. Collar units and controllers come complete with rechargeable batteries and chargers.

The controller can command and listen to up to 14 pet collars by selecting the channel that the owner has pre-set for each collar unit.

If a lost pet is found, the finder can talk to the owner simply by pressing a button on the pet's collar unit. The owner's controller receives an alerting tone and a 2-way voice conversation can easily follow.

Q: What is the range for a Talk&Train system?

A: Over unobstructed land and open water, range is up to 2 miles (3.21km). Trees, hills, buildings, atmospheric conditions may reduce effective range.

Q: How many collar units can I control with one Talk&Train controller?

A: Any combination of up to 14 Talk&Train and Talk&Train Mini collar units.

Q: How do I set Channels for multiple Talk&Train collar units?

A: First, select a CHANNEL on the handheld controller.

Then, set each of your pet collar units to the same CHANNEL.

Then, set each pet's collar unit to a CTCSS CHANNEL - a different CTCSS CHANNEL for each pet.

When you want to talk, train and listen to a specific pet, use your handheld controller to select the CTCSS CHANNEL you assigned to that pet's collar unit.

For more details, see you Quick Start Guide and the Instruction Manual that came with your system. These materials are also available for reading or download from the Customer Support page of this website.

Q: When will separate collar units be available for purchase?

A: Separate accessory collar units along with accessory collar straps, controllers, charger units and ear buds for controllers are available to retail stores. Ask your local retailer if they're stocking these items or contact us directly at Customer Support for assistance.

Q: Why won't my Talk&Train units power on when I first take them out of the package?

A: Controller units come with rechargeable batteries that first must be inserted into controller, then charged for 24 hours using the correct controller power charger/adapter, included. This charger has a pin connector that only fits into the port on the top of the controller.

Collar units come with a pre-installed rechargeable battery pack that also must be charged for 24 hours using the correct charger adaptor, included. This charger has a pin that only fits into the collar unit.

Q: Why won't my Talk&Train controller and collar unit turn on after I charge the units?

A: Press and hold the power buttons on the controller and on the collar unit for 5 seconds each. The units will power up.

Q: Why can't I power off my units?

A: Ensure that the units are not locked.

To unlock the controller, press and hold the CALL/LOCK button (with the "C" and the padlock icon) for 3 seconds.

To unlock the collar unit, press and hold the CALL/LOCK button for 3 seconds.

Then, for both the controller and the collar unit, press and hold the power key down for 5 seconds to turn off.

Q: Why are 2 charger adapters provided with Talk&Train?

A: One AC/DC charger adapter (MD-6150) fits and charges only the collar unit. One AC/DC charger adapter (MD-6200) fits and charges only the hand-held controller. Each charger has a different jack (male or female).

Q: Why would I need to set a CTCSS CHANNEL on my controller and on the collar unit?

A: A Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System or CTCSS is used to reduce and eliminate interference from other people communicating on the same main channel that your controller and collar unit are set to.

In urban areas where all the main channels may be in use, you can filter out unwanted interference on the main channel you have picked simply by selecting a different CTCSS sub-channel and setting that sub-channel on both your controller and on your pet's collar unit.

Q: Where do I insert the ear buds into the hand-held controller?

A: Ear buds (included) fit into the MIC/SPK/CHG JACK located at the top of the hand-held controller. This is the same jack that is used to charge the controller batteries.

Q: How do I lock the settings on a Talk&Train collar unit?

A: To ensure that the settings on the collar unit do not change or that the power does not turn off accidentally, be sure to lock the unit. To lock (or unlock) the collar unit, press and hold the CALL/LOCK "C" button for 3 seconds.

Q: I found a pet wearing a Talk&Train collar unit. What should I do?

A: The Talk&Train collar unit is equipped with a two-way radio, microphone and speaker that can allows you to communicate by voice with the pet's owner up to 2 miles (3.21 km) away.

To contact the pet's owner, press the "C" or Call button on the pet's collar unit. This sends an alert signal to the owner's handheld controller and, if in range, you can talk to and hear the owner.

If you can't reach the pet's owner using the collar unit, please contact your local Humane Society.

Q: How do I turn on the LED lights on my pet's Talk&Train collar unit?

A: Press and hold the PTT key on the side of the hand-held controller to activate the LED lights on your pet's collar unit. The LED lights on the collar will activate for a few seconds. Press the PTT key again to reactivate.

The LED lights on the collar unit can be activated from up to 2 miles (3.21 km) away.

The collar unit is equipped with a photo sensor. The LED lights can only be activated in the dark.

Q: Are Talk&Train collar units waterproof?

A: The Talk&Train collar unit for larger pets is waterproof up to 11.8 inches (0.3m.)

The Talk&Train Mini collar unit for smaller pets is water resistant only and is not meant to be submerged.

The Talk&Train controller used for either system is also only water resistant.

Q: Do extreme hot and cold temperatures affect Talk&Train?

A: Talk&Train has been tested at extreme cold temperatures of -4F (-20C) and extreme hot temperatures of 104F (40C). Extreme temperatures may reduce battery output by up to 25%.

Q: Is Talk&Train suitable for toy breeds or cats?

A: Talk&Train Mini is suitable for dogs and cats weighing less than 30 lbs. The collar unit comes with an adjustable 12" to 18" collar strap.

Q: What collar strap sizes are available?

A: The collar strap that comes with the Talk&Train system for larger pets adjusts from 18" to 32".

The collar strap that comes with the Talk&Train Mini system adjusts from 12" to 18".

Q: I don't live in Canada or the U.S. Will Talk&Train work overseas?

A: Talk&Train and Talk&Train Mini are made and certified for use in North America.

Q: How long do Talk&Train units hold a charge?

A: Talk&Train's hand-held controller and collar unit are equipped with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Battery life is rated at approximately 8 hours in normal use and conditions.

Q: How do I know that the battery on my controller or collar unit is charging?

A: The Battery Life icon on each unit's LCD display flashes when either unit is charging.

Q: Where can I buy a Talk&Train or Talk&Train Mini complete system?

A: They're available at or through retailers across North America.

See the Where to Buy page on this website to locate a retailer near you.

You can also email us or call toll-free in North America. Please see our Customer Support web page for that contact information.

Q: How much do Talk&Train or Talk&Train Mini cost?

A: The manufacturer's suggested retail price for either system is $99.99.

Q: Does Talk&Train require an activation fee or monthly charges?

A: There are no extra fees or charges whatsoever.

Q: What other products does The Hear Now Inc. make?

A: While we have a number of exciting products in development or planned for future introduction, our products in the marketplace now are Talk&Train and Talk&Train Mini. They're the first and only 2-way voice pet communication systems of their kind, anywhere.