Dog Training Collars: Complete Guide + 5 Best Product Reviews
Table of Contents
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Best Dog Training Collars Summary
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  | Shock-free wireless fence and wellness system that allows your dog to run free, while being safe and secure. | Get on Wagz | |
Most Humane  | Dog training collar with a wide operation range, many stimulation levels, and no shock features. | Get on Amazon | |
Best for Multiple Dogs  | Ideal collar for dog owners with multiple pets and the ability to support up to three dogs. | Get on Amazon | |
Best for Small Dogs  | Perfect for small dogs, this adorable collar will surely be helpful in teaching your puppy everything. | Get on Amazon | |
Best for Night  | With a bright LED light this dog training collar makes hikes and night walks with your dog much more rewarding. | Get on Amazon | |
Most Affordable  | Affordable training collar with long battery life, multiple levels of stimulation, and is very easy-to-operate. | Get on Amazon |
Are Training Collars Good for Dogs?
Yes, dog training collars can be good if used adequately.
Opinions on dog training collars differ among dog owners and veterinarians, but most would agree that as long as the collar causes no harm to your dog, then all is well. In fact, e-collar technologies have become a staple in some trainers’ routines as a training tool.
If you choose to use electronic dog training collars, remember to use them correctly and responsibly. Ideally, a training collar shouldn’t be the only form of training system you use. You should combine it with other effective techniques, such as positive reinforcement.
Not all pets will respond to dog training collars, and that’s alright. In such cases, it is best to seek out a professional dog trainer to help you with your situation.
- Create virtual fences instantly with our smart collar, turning the world into your backyard.
- Our proven system uses vibration, audible cues and ultrasonic sounds (individually or in combination).
- Stay informed about your dog's exercise and rest levels with our system that provides real-time information.
The Best Dog Training Collars Reviewed
Below, we have reviewed the top five dog training collars on the market.
Dog Size: All dog sizes
Range: Half-acre or larger
Settings: Vibration and sound
Summary: Create virtual fences in seconds right on your phone with the smart collar that makes the world your backyard. Corrections occur automatically when near a geofence or can be activated manually in the Wagz App. Know your dog is exercised and resting enough with the system that puts real-time information at your fingertips.
- Customizable geofences
- Humane corrections
- Wellness tracking
- GPS location tracking
- Fitness mapping
- More expensive compared to other collars
Review: Customers on Amazon say that they are absolutely in love with the concept. They love the collar. Some had an issue where the Wagz device fell off the collar and thought it was lost. They reached out to customer support and they were amazing and helped them locate the device.
Dog Size: All dog sizes
Range: Half a mile range (880 yards)
Settings: Vibration and sound
Summary: With two stimulus settings, this remote control training collar is ideal for the pet parent that doesn’t need a static shock stimulus. The collar only uses vibration and a tone or beep to get your dog’s attention. It has 100 levels of intensity, so it is ideal for parents who want the smallest amount of stimulation for the dog. It also has a level locking function that safely keeps it at the set level. It is capable of working on two dogs at a time.
- No shock stimulus
- 100 stimulation levels
- Lock-and-set feature to prevent accidents
- LED light for better visibility at night
- Wide range of operation
- Quite expensive compared to other collars
Review: Customers on Amazon say that this collar is very effective in changing dogs’ behaviors for the better. They love the collar is small and comfortable for dogs to wear, yet it is still very effective even on very large dogs. The collar penetrates long fur with no problem despite not having a shock function. All in all, this collar is held in high regard by pet parents.
Dog Size: Medium to Large Dogs
Range: 500 yards
Settings: Sound, shock, vibration
Summary: The SportDog training collar is designed for hunting dogs but works just as well for ordinary dogs and other types of working dogs. The quality is excellent for parents who love to explore outdoor terrains with their dogs. It can accommodate up to 3 dogs.
- Rechargeable battery
- Wide range
- Water-resistant design
- Perfect for working dogs
- Fewer stimulus levels than other collars
Review: Dog owners that have tried this training collar say it is just as effective as advertised. Owners that had lost control of their dogs were able to get them in line in as little as a week with this collar.
Dog Size: Small dogs
Range: 3000ft
Settings: Sound, shock, vibration
Summary: This training collar allows 16 levels of stimulation for your dog. The collar has three modes of stimulation: static, vibration, and tone. It is waterproof, so there’s no need to worry about rain or using it in the pool or water. It can take up to 2 dogs at a time and has a security switch that keeps it from making any unintentional changes to the settings.
- Can be used on two dogs at once
- Security switch to prevent accidents
- Waterproof design
- Wide range
- Only 16 levels of stimulation
Review: Pet parents rave about how phenomenal this collar’s battery life is. Dog owners say they only have to charge the collar every few days, even with constant use. They also say that the collar is effective in changing dogs’ bad habits to better behavior.
Dog Size: Medium to Large Dogs
Range: 2600ft
Settings: Sound, shock, vibration, and light
Summary: If you love to take night walks and hikes with your dog, then this collar is for you. The best-selling collar features a nightlight that is excellent for locating your dog if it wanders off in the dark. The collar also has a bright green reflective strip for even better visibility. If you do not wish to use shock on your dog, the rubber shock prongs are removable.
- Bright LED light for better visibility at night
- Removable shock points
- Wide range and waterproof
- Rubber caps to protect the dog’s skin
- The collar turns off automatically after some time
Review: Dog owners that go out with the dogs at night say that the light on this collar is a lifesaver. They say that the light is so bright you never lose sight of your dog no matter how far off they wander. The collar is really easy to use, and the battery lasts several days after a full charge. For the price of this collar, the features you get are well worth it.
Dog Size: Small dogs
Range: Not stated
Settings: Sound, shock, vibration
Summary: This remote dog training collar is perfect for a pet parent on a budget. At a low price, you still get many good features which include a wide range, multiple types of stimulation, and a security switch to protect the dog at all times.
- Very easy to use
- Can work on two dogs at once
- Security keypad lock to prevent accidents
- Highly rated among pet owners
- The stimulus isn’t very sensitive
Review: Reviews of this collar describe it as easy to use, lightweight, and effective. The parents love that they don’t have to splurge to get a collar that will gently instill good behavior into the dogs. This collar comes highly recommended by parents who have tried it.
What Dog Training Collar is Best?
The best dog training collar is the Educator E-Collar Humane Dog Training Collar. We love this collar because it is safe and humane but is still effective in encouraging good behavior in dogs.
When choosing dog training collars, keep the following considerations in mind:
- Size. You should choose a training collar that fits your dog comfortably, not too small and not too big. A very small collar can cause skin problems and can even choke your dog while a very large one wouldn’t be effective in delivering the stimulus to the dog.
- How it works. There are four common ways dog training collars work: vibrations, shock, beeps, and light. Ensure that your preferred channel of communication is supported by the collar you choose.
- Breed. Different breeds might have specific requirements when choosing a training collar. A common consideration to keep in mind is fur length. Breeds with long furs, such as Bernese Mountain Dogs and Afghan Hounds, may require collars with specialized contact points that can penetrate the fur.
- Battery. Check the battery life of your training collar of choice. Some dog training collars last only a day while others last up to a month. You may also have to choose between rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries.
- Durability. Considering dog training collars are often used outdoors, you must choose one that can withstand constant contact with the elements. If possible, choose a collar that is waterproof to protect it from rain or water damage from playing in the pool.
Do Vets Recommend Shock Collars?
No, most vets don’t recommend shock-based dog training collars. While some pet parents and trainers can use shock collars correctly, there is still a high likelihood of collar abuse by others. This is why we and most vets around the world highly discourage the use of shock on your dog.
The British Veterinary Association and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association both recommend against the use of electric shock dog training collars.
What Age Should You Start Training Collars?
Six months is the minimum age you should start training collars. After six months, you can use other gentle training techniques such as positive reinforcement and socialization.
Introducing your dog to training collars at such a young age can have lasting negative effects on them.
How do You Train With a Training Collar?
Different tactics will work for different dogs, but in general, most processes follow these steps:
- Get the Basics Down. Dog training collars shouldn’t be the first mode of training for your dog. Your dog should already have a good grasp of basic commands such as sit and stay before starting a training collar.
- Read the Instructions. Before using dog training collars, read the instructions from the manufacturer and ensure you are able to operate the device correctly.
- Let Your Dog Get Used to the Collar. After understanding how to use dog training collars, let your dog wear one without using it. This is to ensure that your dog’s neck gets accustomed to the feeling of the collar. If possible, you can even train your dog to love the collar by using it during fun times like eating or taking walks.
- Start Training with Easy Commands. Commence your collar training with easy commands that your dog already has some grasp of. You can then move on to more complex commands as your dog understands the collar more.
- Wean your Dog Off the Collar. Ideally, you want your dog to grasp all your commands and obey them without the need for dog training collars. If you feel your dog understands you better, you can try losing the collar to see if she can live without it.
- Seek Help if Necessary. In some cases, dog training collars may fail to improve your dog’s behavior. In such a situation, it is best to seek the advice of a professional trainer.
