I would rather have a separate transmitter for the traps and the e-collar. Invariably, one will end up tripping a trap when they meant to make a correction or, worse, make a correction when they meant to release a trap. I have tried this on more than one occasion and it just does not work as it seems. Go for separate transmitters and reduce the risk of accidents.
On a similar note, the same can be said for 2 dog e-collars. I had one years back and it seemed the collar was either set for the wrong dog when correction needed to be make or I needed to correct both dogs at once which cannot be done with a single transmitter. Another issue is if the transmitter is out of commission due to breakage or loss of charge you are out both collars/traps. That can put a damper on a day in the field.
My current collars (Tri-Tronics) are capable to be slaved to each other's transmitter. I have done so but it is to add redundancy in the event something happens to a transmitter. Then I still have the ability to use both collars though not necessarily at the same time. I very occasionally use just the one transmitter for multiple dogs but do so mostly in the back yard when doing informal training or just playing with the dogs. The one gets very physical to the older one and I have to give the younger dog a shock now and then to keep things under control. The odds of needing to shock any dog during these times is pretty low and the older dog is very well mannered so I can get by with one transmitter for these two dogs. Adding one of the other younger dogs to the transmitter would be a problem which is why I have other collars for them.
All good points. I use the Garmin Alpha two-dog unit and its nice to only have one collar and great for keeping track of the dogs while hunting but Murphy's Law comes in to play when you need to make a quick correction and I've accidentally corrected the wrong dog......NOT good. Not sure the convenience is worth the risk and having a backup is always a plus....
