Review: Roam Virtual Dog Leash
It’s perfectly natural to let our dogs run free—that’s what they live for, after all. But sometimes, it’s just not possible. Either out of consideration for others, or for the safety of the dog, our canine companions need to be restrained. At the same time, a leash can be too restrictive, for both parties involved.
To solve this dilemma, Heel created the Roam 350 Virtual Leash ($399), which eliminates the tyrannical tether but maintains courteous, careful control. Tone, vibration, and shock (the latter euphemistically known as “static correction”) can all be employed to remind your pup of its allowable distance, adjustable from an intimate 10-foot radius up to a whopping 750 feet. The collar is waterproof, and the remote can be used with multiple collars ($249 each or discounted in multi-collar bundles). Which means Luna, Gus, and Daisy can heel, stray, wander, romp, and roam to their heart’s content, depending on the circumstances—all while keeping everyone happy, comfortable, and safe.
During trapping season, if my dog wanders out of sight, a correction from the Roam 350 brings him right back, before he can get into trouble.
After using the Roam 350 for a few months, I've noted a few highlights. One, when my pup sees a a cow or deer and starts to advance, I can send a little warning beep or buzz; if he ignores it and gives chase, he gets a shock—which breaks the obsession and brings him right back. In the winter months, during trapping season, if he wanders out of sight, a little reminder brings him right back, before he can get into trouble. Ditto for skunks and porcupines. We haven't stumbled across a rattlesnake yet—knock on wood—but the same principle applies.
Another aspect worth mentioning is the simple, clear instructions: direct language in a well-organized user manual—a rarity these days. And simplicity seems to be the theme here; the packaging itself is basic and no-nonsense, and the collar doesn't need some fancy adapter to charge it. Just plug in a USB-C and wait for the light to turn green.
After 40 years and five dogs, this is the first shock collar I've actually liked, and that I use with regularity—for the aforementioned reasons, but also this: when testing the shock on myself, it's simple and easy to adjust the level. Pressed against my thigh (I'm too much of a pansy to put it on my neck) at level one, I barely feel it. Level five causes a convulsion, but no real pain. It's nice to know I'm not hurting my best buddy, just startling him into compliance.
