Training your dog is one of the most important things you do as a pet parent. Teaching puppies not to jump, how to hold their bladder and where they can—and can’t— sit is crucial to developing happy, healthy adult dogs. Many dog owners use training collars as tools to curb bad habits. Some emit sounds or vibrations to divert your dog’s attention away from a naughty activity. Others are designed to create resistance if your dog moves in a certain way. Some use electric or static shocks to halt behavior. Training collars are not miracle solutions and they won’t work without your diligence and dedication to a consistent training regimen. But, they can definitely help if you’re stuck.
Positive Reinforcement Training Is Key
In the past few decades, researchers have established time and again that canines learn best through positive reinforcement. Hannah Gillihan, a Certified Dog Trainer at Zoom Room Dog Training, says positive reinforcement training is Zoom Room’s entire brand. “Using this method, your dog will become excited to train with you and pick up skills much faster…The best fix for pulling, barking or jumping is training—and your dog will work so much better if they are being rewarded for doing something right!”
Negative, dominance or “alpha male” training, like verbal anger or physical force in response to unwanted behavior, often sends dogs in the opposite direction we want them to go. Canines are emotionally intelligent (that’s what makes them pros at therapy work!). Fear-based training establishes unhealthy relationships and your dog is more likely to develop anxious or aggressive behaviors.
Positive reinforcement training means rewarding good behaviors to signal your dog which actions they should continue. The key is administering rewards immediately—almost instantly —after the desired action. Praising (or scolding) your dog in a general sense won’t teach them anything. They need to know exactly which behavior you're responding to so they can associate it with a particular result.
Before turning to a training collar, try positive reinforcement training, working with a professional dog trainer (Zoom Room conducts virtual sessions) or clicker training.
Negative, dominance or “alpha male” training, like verbal anger or physical force in response to unwanted behavior, often sends dogs in the opposite direction we want them to go. Canines are emotionally intelligent (that’s what makes them pros at therapy work!). Fear-based training establishes unhealthy relationships and your dog is more likely to develop anxious or aggressive behaviors.
Positive reinforcement training means rewarding good behaviors to signal your dog which actions they should continue. The key is administering rewards immediately—almost instantly —after the desired action. Praising (or scolding) your dog in a general sense won’t teach them anything. They need to know exactly which behavior you're responding to so they can associate it with a particular result.
Before turning to a training collar, try positive reinforcement training, working with a professional dog trainer (Zoom Room conducts virtual sessions) or clicker training.
Are Training Collars Ethical?
Many dog owners interested in training collars are hesitant. Are these tools ethical? Yes and no. Some training collars are generally accepted as more ethical than others. For example, the ASPCA warns shock collars that use electricity or static charges to administer small shocks to dogs during obedience sessions “can create fear, anxiety and aggression in your dog toward you or other animals.”
In fact, many training collars with shock capabilities advise against using them on dogs who already display aggression or reactivity, as it can exacerbate this trait. It’s also unwise to try out a shock collar on older dogs, puppies younger than six months and dogs with existing health conditions.
Another big issue with shock collars is you may inadvertently administer a harsher shock than anticipated (most shock training collars come with levels of intensity). Once this happens, you’ve frightened and potentially harmed your dog, making future relationship building and training sessions infinitely more difficult. Some users have reported defective shock training collars burning their dogs’ skin.
“We do not recommend the use of aversive collars like prong collars, choke collars, or shock collars, as these collars are ‘correct[ing]’ and ‘punishing’ your dog for an unwanted behavior,” Gillihan told us. “These collars may temporarily change your dog’s behavior, but they are not long-term fixes.”
On the other hand, the ASPCA says collars that use vibrations only can be enormously beneficial to dogs—especially hearing-impaired or deaf canines. These collars, and those that emit high-pitched sounds, achieve the same goals as shocks. They stop dogs from doing what they’re doing and redirect their attention to you.
Gillihan also recommends fully adjustable martingale collars. These collars provide a separate loop of fabric for the leash connection. “If your dog pulls hard or tries to shake their way out of their collar, that extra loop of fabric quickly tightens the collar so your dog cannot get out – and it does so without choking them,” Gillihan said. Martingale collars are ideal for dogs who are leash training or have narrower necks, like Greyhounds.
In fact, many training collars with shock capabilities advise against using them on dogs who already display aggression or reactivity, as it can exacerbate this trait. It’s also unwise to try out a shock collar on older dogs, puppies younger than six months and dogs with existing health conditions.
Another big issue with shock collars is you may inadvertently administer a harsher shock than anticipated (most shock training collars come with levels of intensity). Once this happens, you’ve frightened and potentially harmed your dog, making future relationship building and training sessions infinitely more difficult. Some users have reported defective shock training collars burning their dogs’ skin.
“We do not recommend the use of aversive collars like prong collars, choke collars, or shock collars, as these collars are ‘correct[ing]’ and ‘punishing’ your dog for an unwanted behavior,” Gillihan told us. “These collars may temporarily change your dog’s behavior, but they are not long-term fixes.”
On the other hand, the ASPCA says collars that use vibrations only can be enormously beneficial to dogs—especially hearing-impaired or deaf canines. These collars, and those that emit high-pitched sounds, achieve the same goals as shocks. They stop dogs from doing what they’re doing and redirect their attention to you.
Gillihan also recommends fully adjustable martingale collars. These collars provide a separate loop of fabric for the leash connection. “If your dog pulls hard or tries to shake their way out of their collar, that extra loop of fabric quickly tightens the collar so your dog cannot get out – and it does so without choking them,” Gillihan said. Martingale collars are ideal for dogs who are leash training or have narrower necks, like Greyhounds.
How to Use Training Collars
Do not jump head-first into the world of training collars before your dog has a firm grasp of basic commands. Work with your puppy to establish the fundamentals—sit, stay, potty training, etc., before moving onto training collars.
Most training collars that emit sound, vibration or static shocks aren’t meant for dogs under six months old. Even then, it’s recommended you try other training tactics first, like positive reinforcement and clicker training, before turning to a collar. Once you begin collar training, follow manufacturer directions to ensure it fits your dog properly—not too loose or tight—before using it. Start with sounds or tones and vibrations before graduating to any type of static shock.
If and when your vet or dog trainer gives you the OK to use a shock collar, always begin with the lowest possible setting. Take careful note of your dog’s reactions and check the skin beneath the collar frequently to ensure there is no irritation. Finally, it’s wise to rotate the collar every hour or so to prevent one area from becoming sore. In fact, training collars shouldn’t be worn more than a few hours at a time or during training sessions.
The goal with any training technique is to establish healthy solutions for naughty behaviors. If your dog doesn’t respond well to your chosen collar or becomes fearful of you or the collar itself, it’s time to move on to another tool. Excessive panting, aggression or cowering are signs things aren’t working and the collar should be removed.
The Best Dog Training Collars at a Glance
- Best Overall: Educator E-Collar
- Best for Boundary Training: Halo Collar
- Best for Multi-Dog Households: Bousnic Dog Shock Collar
- Best for Sporting Dogs: SportDOG 425X Remote E-Collar
- Best for Small Dog Breeds: eXuby Tiny Shock Collar
- Best with GPS: Link GPS Dog Tracker + Activity Monitor
- Best for Dogs Who Pull: PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar
- Best for Barking: Petdiary Vibration Dog Bark Collar
- Best Martingale: PetSafe Adjustable Martingale Collar
- Best for Large Dog Breeds: PetSafe Big Dog Remote Training Collar
1.Educator E-Collar
Pros: Lock feature, hypoallergenic contact points, customization options, multi-dog capabilitiesCons: Unclear definition of shock vs. tapping, expensive
Educator E-Collar users love it and praise its customization options. There are more than 100 unique levels of stimulation, including vibration, sound and what the company calls “tapping.” Some users insist the tapping is the same as a shock, while others say it’s less intense than other shock collars. An ergonomically designed remote with an LED screen makes it easy for humans to use. This collar’s range is a half mile from the remote and comes with six different contact points in various lengths.
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- FOR PERSISTENT PETS: Great for the most hard-to-train pets a tone-only mode and 5 levels of static correction adjust based on how your dog responds during training
- PROTECT A 3/4-ACRE YARD: Create a circular boundary that adjusts up to 3/4-acre (22 5 -105 ft in all directions) from where you place the transmitter indoors
- NO DIGGING OR WIRE TO BURY: Sets up in just a few hours; a wireless boundary allows you to create a secure barrier around your yard to protect your pets without the time or hassle of burying wires
- PORTABLE: This portable system is terrific for camping, vacation homes, or anywhere you travel with access to an outlet
- STATIC-FREE REENTRY: Unlike traditional in-ground fences, this wireless fence allows your pet to return home without being corrected if your pet passes the boundary
- RECHARGEABLE, WATERPROOF RECEIVER COLLAR: Wireless fence system comes with 1 waterproof, rechargeable receiver collar that comfortably fits dogs 5 lb and up and adjusts to fit neck sizes 6-28 in
- PERSONALIZE YOUR DOG'S COLLAR SETTINGS: Find the best level for your pet with 5 adjustable correction levels; also includes tone-only mode for training to teach your pets to stay in the secure play area
- ADD UNLIMITED PETS TO YOUR SYSTEM: Unlimited number of collars can be added to the fence system and individually set to match your pets' personalities
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Pros: Rechargeable via USB, long battery life, sleek design, keypad lock
Cons: Shock capabilities
With over 5,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, the Bousnic collar must be onto something. We love that a single remote can connect to two collars, making it an ideal option for multi-dog households. The collar adjusts to fit necks between six and 27 inches, too! There are 16 shock settings, plus sound and vibration options. We like that the metal prongs have silicone covers to prevent excess skin irritation.
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4. SportDOG 425X Remote E-Collar
Pros: Long range, lightweight, one remote can connect to three collars, waterproof collar
Cons: Shock capabilities with no lock feature, pricier than many models
Dogs who have work to do and need to train quickly in the field can benefit from this collar, built specifically with outdoor sporting dogs in mind. This is SportDOG’s most popular training collar model. It’s also their lightest and smallest, which means more comfort for your dog. Choose between sound, vibration and static shock (there are 21 different levels). The remote to collar range is 500 yards and a two-hour charge gets you 50 to 70 hours of activity.
5. eXuby Tiny Shock Collar
Pros: Fun design, made specifically for small breeds, reflective collar strap for nighttime
Cons: Shock capabilities, metal progs without guards
Advertised as the “smallest dog shock collar in the world,” the eXuby certainly is tiny! Though manufactured specifically to deliver smaller shocks to teeny pups, some shock settings may be too intense for your dog, so begin with the sound and vibration modes first. (eXuby also recommends testing the shock setting on yourself first, to gage strength.) Use the remote up to 1,000 feet away and clearly read mode and settings on its large display.
Cons: Shock capabilities, metal progs without guards
Advertised as the “smallest dog shock collar in the world,” the eXuby certainly is tiny! Though manufactured specifically to deliver smaller shocks to teeny pups, some shock settings may be too intense for your dog, so begin with the sound and vibration modes first. (eXuby also recommends testing the shock setting on yourself first, to gage strength.) Use the remote up to 1,000 feet away and clearly read mode and settings on its large display.
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6. Link GPS Dog Tracker + Activity Monitor
Pros: Shock-free, device works with any collar
Cons: Need to download an app and use your phone during training, pricey
While the primary goal of Link My Pet’s activity tracker is to keep an eye on your dog’s whereabouts and wellness via GPS, the app also offers training tools. Users can remotely control the collar to give off sounds or vibrations during training sessions. There’s also a YouTube channel to access with tutorials and tips. Link will send temperature alerts to you if your pup is overheating and location alerts if your pup wanders outside a programmed boundary.
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7. PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar
Pros: Tech-less, wide size range available, shock-free, budget-friendly, ethical
Cons: Stubborn dogs may find way to remove it, may be confusing to put on
This leader headcollar was designed by trainers specifically to deter strong-willed dogs from veering off-course during walks. This is not a muzzle - your dog can still drink, eat and play fetch while wearing it. While walking, if your pup tries to pull you, the collar puts pressure on the back of the neck (not the throat, as a normal collar would) to divert the dog’s pull back to you. The manufacturer recommends using this leader in short spurts to get your dog acclimated.
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8.DogRook Dog Bark Collar - Rechargeable Smart Anti Barking Collar for Dogs
- Bark training - Our anti barking collar for dogs teaches your pup to be relaxed and trusting instead of terrified. The no shock dog barking collar offers a highly effective, pain-free bark training solution, whether you're after bark collars for small dogs or something that fits all the way up to medium and large dogs.
- Vibration & sound - Our no bark collars for dogs combine 2 vibration modes & 7 sound stages to deliver progressive bark training while remaining a no shock bark collar. The dog barking collar provides instant, automatic feedback tailored to your dog, whatever its size - making it the perfect small dog bark collar, anti bark collar for medium dogs or bark collar for large dog all in one!
- Smart & sensitive - Our vibrating dog barking collar features a smart microphone that responds to your dog’s unique bark only! The anti barking collar for dogs has 5 sensitivity levels that can be adjusted to match environmental noise, meaning the collar is both a no shock bark collar while also not being triggered unnecessarily - making for a happy, quiet dog!
- Rechargeable & waterproof - The no shock bark collar has a long-lasting battery life (up to 14 days) and is rain, snow, and splash proof. This makes the dog bark collar suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, making it a most effective bark collar in all settings, whether you need anti bark collars for small dogs or whether your dog is medium or large.
- For pups of all shapes & sizes - Our no bark collars for dogs fit pups between 8 and 110 lbs. The wide dog collar is adjustable up to 22 inches. The dog bark collar for medium dogs, small dogs, and large dogs comes with prong covers for long-haired breeds, making it an effective no shock bark collar for dogs of all sizes.
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Pros: Works on large breeds with thick coats, large range
Cons: Battery-operated with specific batteries by PetSafe, no vibration option
This collar-remote combo provides a 100-yard range for you and your dog, making it a great choice for big breeds who like to roam. There are 16 unique levels of shock stimulation and a tone you can use, as well. If it rains, have no fear, this thing is waterproof! Only designed for use on dogs 40 pounds and above.
10.E-Collar ET-802-1 Mile Rechargeable Remote Waterproof Trainer for Two Dogs
- This is a bundle of 2 items: ET-802 two dog trainer and PetsTEK Dog Training Clicker. Perfect for back yards, parks, competitions, police k-9 work, any types of hunting and large field training.
- This training system has up to a 1 of a mile range and fully waterproof with a remote that will float in the water.
- Use with dogs that are 5 pounds and larger. Featuring 100 levels of static stimulation plus tone and vibration only modes. Momentary and Continuous buttons for personalized training. For neck sizes between 6 - 30 inches. Assembled and tested in the USA.
- Both units have built in quick charge rechargeable batteries, lost transmitter beeper and remote controlled night light.
- With help of the clicker, you can teach your dog new behaviors with positive reinforcement. Training clicker comes in color: black.
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