Best Shock Collar for Dogs
What is a Dog Shock Collar?
A dog shock collar is a training tool that works by delivering a mild to moderate electric shock when the dog performs an incorrect behavior. Shock collars are used in many countries around the world to train dogs of all shapes and sizes, from tiny puppies to large breeds such as Rottweilers or German Shepherds.
In certain countries, such as the United Kingdom, they are not permitted for this purpose due to animal cruelty laws; in others, such as Canada and much of Europe, they remain un-restricted but their use must be within certain limitations.
Shock collars can also be used in conjunction with voice commands and hand signals in order to achieve better results than could otherwise be achieved without their use.
Best Dog Training Collar with Remote
Shock collars are also known as e-collars, electronic collars, or electric collars. They can be used to train your dog to obey you but at times they are also used for keeping your dog quiet when it is sleeping time, as well as used for managing its aggressiveness.
If you have ever heard about electric collars for dogs then you probably must have come across at least one person saying how useful and effective they are in training a pet.
However, there also exists a lot of misconceptions surrounding them due to their barbaric nature thus giving rise to several questions like “are shock collars safe for dogs?”, “are shock collars cruel?” etc. For this reason, we provide the answers to these queries in the FAQs section at the bottom of this page.
They do not cause any significant harm unless they are misused. You will see that dogs who wear them are quite comfortable playing with their favorite toys, eating their food, or sleeping on the sofa just like all other dogs who are not wearing any e-collar.
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E-Collar vs Shock Collar - Are They The Same?
The two terms are essentially the same since they both follow the same principles of training your dog with a mild electric shock that does not cause them any harm (unless you increase the voltage).
The term “e-collar” is the short form of the word ‘electronic collar’ which means a device that emits electronic signals. It can provide both a vibration or tone/sound signal without an electric shock for dogs who react better to these milder forms of communication, then follow up with a mild electric stimulus when required if the first two methods fail to achieve compliance.
A standard ‘shock’ collar, on the other hand, delivers only an electric shock similar to what would be delivered by touching the terminals of a nine-volt battery against your skin. They are both dog training tools that achieve the same result, but an e-collar is able to vary the stimulation that it sends out while a shock collar will always send out the exact same signal.
With the above understanding, we can adopt the proper use of training aids such as dog shock collars to train and control your dog. Through the effective use of a shock training collar, we can build and develop a better relationship and a stronger bond with our dogs.
For each dog shock collar, it is important to read the instructions in the product or user manual carefully on how to fit it properly to your dog so as to keep your dog comfortable. Also, do make sure you know the product details and functions such as:
- Training Modes – could include beep, vibration, shock which are useful for teaching obedience commands to your dog. Beef mode is suitable to train your dog at first.
- Vibrate Mode is good for retraining your dog’s unfavourable behavior
- Static or Shock mode is recommended only in emergency situations.
- Training distance – can be up from 330 yards typically or longer. This allows you to confidently and easily train your dog in any outdoor environment.
- Waterproof capability – with water-resistant receiver or E-collar, this will allow your dog to enjoy the aquatic adventures in their life plus allow you to train your dog during any weather conditions.
Best Dog Training Collar Reviews
We have evaluated dozens of top-rated dog training and shock collars on the market to bring you In order to help you out with this issue, we have created a list with our top picks the best dog training collars here for your selection.
We narrowed our review and recommendation to the top-rated and quality E collar brands such as PET RESOLVE, PETRAINER, PATPET, SPORTDOG, GARMIN, PETRONICS, DOGTRA and more for your small dogs, medium dogs, and large dogs training needs as shown below.
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Highlights:
- PET RESOLVE Training system and collar (PTS 1200)
- Training modes – Vibration, Beep Mode & Anti Bark mode with Removable Shock function
- Waterproof Receiver
- Hunting standard with ¾ mile long range
- Night mode – with LED light fitted for night walking
- No standby mode so no delay in correction
- Comes with FREE Clicker & Dog Training Whistle
- Extra long prongs – which means less trimming needed which is ideal for long haired dogs.
- Easy to use
Highlights:
- GARMIN Delta XC Dog Training Device
- Training modes: Tone, Vibration with 18 stimulation levels for momentary and continuous stimulation.
- Long Remote Range – up to half mile or 0.8 kilometres.
- Water Resistant Training Dog Collar.
- Easy to Use – intuitive 3 button handheld controller with easy to read LCD display
- Rechargeable Batteries – lithium ion batteries in both handheld and dog device
Highlights:
- EDUCATOR E-collar training collar
- Training modes – Regular Stimulation or Boost Stimulation
- Selectable Stimulation Levels – provides tapping sensation with stimulation levels from 1 to 100
- Ergonomic “stopwatch – style’ transmitter – is suited for hands and use in discreet situations.
- Long Remote Range – with 1/2 mile range.
- LED Light Feature – on collar makes your dog visible at night .
- Waterproof transmitter and receiver
- Rechargeable Battery – lithium polymer rechargeable batteries for a 2 hour full charge
Highlights:
- SPORTDOG Dog E-collar with Remote Transmitter, model 425X.
- Designed for More Stubborn Dogs – with higher static stimulation range
- Training modes: Beep, Vibration, or 21 levels of Static Stimulation in either momentary or continuous mode
- Collar – fit dogs 8 lbs or larger with neck sizes 5 to 22 inches.
- Long Remote Range – up to 500 yards.
- Waterproof – submersible to 25 feet.
- Rechargeable Battery – lithium Ion featuring a 2 hour quick charge.
Highlights:
- PETSPY M686 Dog Training Shock Collar
- 4 Training modes: Beep, Vibration, 1 second Shock, and Continuous Shock modes.
- Stimulation Levels – up to 8
- For dogs 10 lbs to 140 lbs
- Long Remote Range – allows you to quickly and effectively train your dog from up to 1100 yards away.
- Waterproof and rechargeable E-collar
- Allows you to train up to 2 dogs at once.
Highlights:
- SPORTDOG SportHunter 1825X Remote Training Dog Collar
- Training modes: Beep, Vibration, Static with 21 levels of Static Stimulation in either momentary or continuous mode
- Collar – fit dogs 8 lbs or larger with neck sizes 5 to 22 inches.
- Extra Long Remote Range – up to 1 mile.
- Waterproof – submersible to 25 feet.
- Rechargeable Battery – lithium Ion featuring a 2 hour quick charge.
DOG CARE Shock Collar For Large Dogs
Highlights:
- DOG CARE Training Collar
- 3 Effective and Safe Training modes (Beep, Vibration, Shock) – to teach your dog basic obedience commands
- Security Keypad Lock – prevent any misoperation on the remote transmitter. This means less or no accidental shock would happen to your dog.
- Remote transmitter can support up to 9 channels which supports 9 dogs for training
- Training Collar – good for all size dogs from 15 lbs to 100 lbs
- Long Remote Range – up to 330 yards.
- Long Battery Life
PETRAINER Shock Collar for Small Dogs
Highlights:
- PETRAINER Dog Training Collar
- 3 Training or Corrective Stimulation modes – Beep, Vibration, Shock
- Adjustable For All Size Dogs – training collar ranging from 14 to 25 inches, will fit small, medium, or large size dogs.
- Remote Range – allows wireless control of your dog up to 330 yards.
- Transmitter is rainproof.
PATPET Dog Training Collar with Remote
Highlights:
- PATPET Dog Training Collar with Remote Rechargeable Waterproof Shock Collar.
- 3 Training modes – Beep, Vibration, Shock
- Adjustable Collar – fits up to 27 inches in length which is good for small, medium, large size dogs.
- Remote range up to 330 yards or 1000 ft.
- Dual Channels – to support training of 2 dogs at the same time if needed.
- Waterproof Receiver – allows operation in rain.
- Rechargeable Battery
- Easy to Use – for both transmitter and receiver collar.
EXUBY Shock Collar
Highlights:
- EXUBY Shock Collar with Transmitter
- Training modes: Sound, Vibrate, Shock.
- Shock and Vibrate Mode Intensity – you can set intensity from 1 to 100 of your choice.
- 2 Adjustable Collars Included – Small dog collar fit dogs with neck size from 9 to 14 inches. Medium to X-large dog collar fit neck size from 12 to 22 inches.
- Remote range up to 1000 feet.
- Water resistant collar receiver.
- Trainer Clicker Included – allows you to use the clicker before using the shock collar.
PETRAINER 2 Dog Training Collars
Highlights:
- PETRAINER PET998DRB2 Dog Training Collar with Remote for 2 dogs
- 3 Training Modes To Fit Your Training Needs: Beep, Vibrate, and Shock. For moderate misbehaviour, you can use tone & vibrate stimulation. For stubborn dogs, you can use the safe shock mode.
- Adjustable Dog Collar from 14 to 25 inches – able to fit all size dogs 8 lbs or large.
- Remote Range – up to 330 yard.
- Water Resistant Dog Collar Receiver – which allows your dog to enjoy the water if necessary.
- Rechargeable Lithium Batteries in Remote Transmitter and Collar Receiver.
AETERTEK Long Range Shock Collar for Dogs
Highlights:
- AETERTEK AT-211SW Dog Remote Training Shock Collar
- 3 Training modes: Beep, Vibration, Static Shock.
- Adjustable 10 levels static shock for effective dog training.
- For Little, Small and Medium Size Dogs – with adjustable strap from 2 to 9 inches long, suitable for small and medium dog
- Remote Range – up to 400 yard.
- Water Resistant Dog Collar Receiver
- Rechargeable Remote Transmitter and Dog Training Collar Receiver
TRULROX Dog Bark Shock Collar
Highlights:
- TRULROX Bark Collar
- Bark Collar will activates only when your dog barks and other nearby dogs or other sounds cannot activate the collar.
- Training modes – No Shock Mode (Beep and Vibration) and Shock Mode (Beep, Vibration, Shock)
- For Small, Medium and Large Dogs – with adjustable collar range from 3.7 to 21.5 inches, fits small, medium, large dogs
- Waterproof Material – allows safe use of collar outdoors in any weather conditions.
Dog Owners Guide on Shock Collars for Dogs
How to Train Dog with A Shock Collar?
Training a dog with a shock collar is very easy and can be broken down into 2 main steps:
1. teaching them to recognize the tone or vibration that the e-collar emits to tell them that they have done something wrong, then
2. using this to build a connection in their mind between the signal and the behaviour that led to it so that they come to understand what it means.
The first step is very simple – just put the collar on your dog and play with them as you normally would without having it activated. After a few minutes, give an occasional reminder tap that they know means that they have done something wrong (e.g. picked up one of your shoes or nipped at your leg).
If they do not respond with the behaviour that you just tapped them for again, give them a slightly longer and more intense signal. Repeat this process until they finally get it and stop doing the wrong thing immediately without hurting them. It is important that you do not fully activate the electric pulse so as to avoid having them traumatized.
The second step is the most fun part of training – you get to use your e-collar in conjunction with voice commands and hand signals to communicate to them exactly what behaviours are good or bad. For example, when they try to jump up onto something that they are not allowed on, give them a firm “Ouch!” followed by an e-collar signal that they know means “No, don’t jump up.” In this way, you are building a positive association with the vibration or tone that might otherwise be unpleasant.
The type of signals that you give them using your voice and hand gestures should always come immediately after the signal from the collar since dogs will tend to associate the two together.
You should do this on several occasions throughout each day until you notice them being more conscious about what they are doing when they have it on their neck, then try removing the stimulation altogether once they have stopped acting in this same undesirable manner.
It is important to note that dog training takes time and patience whether is conducted by you or the trainer. As such, do not have unrealistic and rigid standards with your dog to begin with.
Dogs are always learning through active and passive experiences. Passive experiences happen and take place all day, every day. Active experiences are when you set aside each day short periods of time for obedience training. Do use a ‘reinforcer’ for good behaviours.
Behavior reinforcers can be tasty food treats or kind words and attention. All the heart of a successful and productive dog training is a warm and loving relationship with your dog.
Do Shock Collars Work?
They most certainly do, but make sure to use them responsibly. Shock collars are not only effective when it comes to training but they can also be used in order to keep your dogs safe and secure. Using e-collars with the remote control you can give commands from a distance or stop dogs from approaching dangerous areas (like roads).
Electric Dog Collar Buying Guide
If you’re shopping for the first time and aren’t sure what to look for when buying an e collar for dog training, we suggest you think about the following before making a purchase:
Range: As we already mentioned above, the most important reason why electronic collars for dogs exist is that dog owners want to make sure your pups won’t leave the yard without you knowing about it.
In order to prevent this from happening, you should look for a unit that offers a wide range of at least 100 feet as this way you will be able to keep an eye on your pet even if he or she wants to go out and meet other dogs in the neighborhood.
Intensity levels: Although most dogs can sense when they are being threatened by something (even with very subtle changes), there is no way for them to determine what type of stimulus they received. This means that owners need to be aware of the fact that some products might provide more options than others but the amount of intensity levels don’t necessarily reflect their overall quality.
With this in mind, we advise every dog owner to look for a unit that provides at least a few intensity levels to make sure he or she will be able to adjust the amount of force applied depending on their dog’s temperament. Not all shock collars provide the same amount of configuration options, however, it is essential that you take this into account when making your purchase as if your pet doesn’t receive enough stimulus, they might become accustomed to one specific type only and break free from your yard every time they get an opportunity.
Generally speaking, the best dog shock collar is the one that has an adjustable range along with variable stimulation levels.
Types of stimuli: Although most electronic collars for dogs offer both static and vibration modes (in order to increase the stimulation effect), some models come with additional features such as a beep or remote training option (which allows you to correct unwanted behavior remotely).
For example, if your furry friend tends to get overexcited when meeting other dogs then it might be a good idea to purchase a model that comes with remote training option (which allows you to correct unwanted behavior remotely).
If your dog simply ignores the vibration mode, this doesn’t mean that the product is low quality. Instead, it means that there won’t be an immediate reaction when they are in contact with other animals and since some users claim their pets simply become accustomed to the sound of the beep after several days – this isn’t exactly an ideal solution either.
Waterproof design: Another useful feature worth mentioning is waterproof resistance as most manufacturers nowadays provide different types of units which can even withstand accidental exposure to water sources. This way you don’t have to worry about your pet getting wet during the occasional rainfall or drop of water which might accidentally land on their neck.
Comfort: For obvious reasons, electronic collars for dogs are not intended to be used on pets that suffer from some sort of skin condition or have an allergy to certain materials. In addition to this, you need to make sure that the collar type is comfortable enough so your furry friend can wear it all day long without any issues. It doesn’t matter if the device features adjustable straps as even though these might offer a good grip around your dog’s neck they can still become uncomfortable after several hours of wearing them.
If you’re looking for a unit that will provide additional comfort, look out for products with nylon/leather straps instead of chains. Also, it is important to understand that the collar shouldn’t go higher than the middle part of your dog’s neck (goals) or lower than two inches under their chin (check).
Price: Last but not least, you should take into account the average price of electronic dog collars before making a purchase. Although this might look like an obvious thing to do, users often become mesmerized by some extra features even though these might not necessarily contribute to the overall performance of the unit.
Maintenance: Just like any other product, shock collars for dogs should be properly taken care of so you can use them safely and effectively every time your furry friend needs it. In order to do this, most manufacturers advise their customers to clean the electrodes from time to time with a damp cloth in order to remove potential rusting issues which might occur over time. All models come with a standard 1-year warranty but paying an additional fee for a longer guarantee coverage is often a good idea as it shows the manufacturer’s faith in his/her product’s performance and durability.
Having said that, we advise dog owner who considers buying an electric shock collar for dogs online to compare different models and types until they find something within their budget range. If possible, read through some reviews written by other pet owners as they might mention features that you would otherwise not consider or take into account.
Electronic Shock Collar FAQs
Do Shock Collars Work?
Yes, they do work quite well for training purposes. They are used successfully by thousands of dog owners worldwide every year who enjoy better, more consistent obedience from their dogs as a result of using this tool. There are some people who object to their use on moral or ethical grounds, however it cannot be denied that they can provide you with much better results than trying to train your dog without them in many situations. On average, most owners see noticeable improvements in their dog’s behavior within just one month of beginning their training program with either an e-collar or a shock collar.
Are E-Collars Bad for Dogs?
No, they are not bad for dogs. Using an e-collar does not traumatize or harm your dog in any way and they will quickly forget that it even happened after just a few days. The biggest concern that most people have when using such products is whether or not the signal could somehow travel through the metal of the e-collar and get to their dog’s head which would cause them to be shocked in there instead of on their neck. Even if this was possible, the distance required would be so vast that it is scientifically impossible for this to occur (and very unlikely even over much greater distances). Additionally, you should use a special low-strength signal on your dog’s e-collar to start with, gradually increasing the strength as you move up through each level of training. This ensures that the full effect is never too great for them to handle and it puts their physical safety above all else which is why they are so popular among responsible pet owners.
Are Shock Collars Safe for Dogs?
Shock collars are safe for dogs but they should not be used 24/7 as these devices were designed for training, behavior reporting, and some other functions which are not meant to have the stimulation on all the time. It is best that you only put them on your dog for a couple of hours each day or during times when they are likely to act out aggressively, otherwise, it might cause unnecessary stress and anxiety which can lead to behavioral problems in some cases.
Do Electronic Collars Hurt Dogs?
No, most electronic shock dog collars do not hurt your pet unless you set up the voltage too high. Some might cause some minor discomfort on pets that have extra sensitive skin by making them feel like they are getting an electric shock but this does not last more than a few seconds.
Are E Collars Cruel?
Dog electric collars are only cruel if they are used incorrectly because there is no way of knowing how much pain (if any) they will feel whenever the stimulation occurs therefore you should set them to their lowest level before putting it around their neck and increasing it slowly once they seem fine with this amount.
If at any point they show signs of discomfort like whining, yelping, struggling, or trying to get it off their neck then you should immediately reduce the level again to make them feel better. They will eventually learn that there is no need to fear getting shocked because if it does happen, they will be fine after the shock has stopped which might take a couple of seconds.
How to Introduce an Electric Collar to a Dog?
It is important that you introduce an e-collar or shock collar into your dog’s life slowly and carefully over time in order for them not to become scared of any sudden changes around them. Put it on their neck (or alternatively put some peanut butter or something else tasty on it) when you first bring it home so that begin to associate the device with something positive.
After a day or two, put it on your dog again but only deliver the tiniest shock to them (e.g. just enough to get their attention). The shock will not hurt them and is designed to be mild enough that they will not even notice or respond to it unless you keep pressing or holding down the button long enough for it to fully activate which is unlikely since most dogs do not like these types of signals anyway.
Start off at this level each time you train them from now on until they no longer react in any way when you push the button as if to signal an electric pulse. Once your dog does this consistently, begin increasing the strength level by one notch every week until you reach a suitable level for their training.
Where to Put a Shock Collar on a Dog?
It is important that you put an electric collar on your dog at the right place so that it can deliver correct stimulation in order to be effective. It should sit somewhere between the base of their neck and their shoulders, lying flat against their fur (if you can still feel their skin then it is on too tightly). This location will allow the collar to sense these key points where vibration signals are generated by your dog’s throat during barking/lunging. The more sensitive the sensor, the more effective the signal.
When is a Dog Old Enough for E Collar (What Age Can You Use E-Collar on Dogs)?
It is not recommended to use electric shock collars on dogs under 6 months of age. The reason for this is simple; the dog’s development and physical strength will be growing at a rapid pace during these first few months. You should avoid using any type of training collar on pups younger than 4-5 months unless stated otherwise by the manufacturer.
At What Age Can I Use Shock Collars on Puppies?
You can introduce your puppy to a shock collar once they are used to the feeling of wearing one because there is no point in putting it on them if they get terrified by its presence and become aggressive. If you see them struggling when you put it on them but not out of fear, then this process should be stopped otherwise it could lead to even worse behavioral issues in time.
Can I use a Shock Collar to Stop Barking?
Shock collars can also be used to stop dogs from barking because they can send a painful warning signal to let them know when they should keep quiet instead. You can use this method even if you cannot stay by their side 24/7, just attach the collar to them at night before going outside and put it on silent mode so that it has no stimulation.
The next morning, activate the device at its lowest setting while they are still in their bed and let them become used to the sensation for a couple of minutes. Once it is time to get up, remove the collar from them until you see them barking again at which point you repeat this process all over again until they get the idea that barking incessantly is not worth getting hurt or scared of.
Will a Shock Collar Help with an Aggressive Dog?
To train an aggressive dog, place the collar on them. When you see any degree of aggression occurring then give them quick jabs using the remote control accompanied by verbal warning until it has disappeared completely. Repeat the process as many times as necessary whenever you see them about to become aggressive. Eventually, they will learn that there is no point in acting aggressively at all because there is no reward for being aggressive but only undesired consequence (i.e. it causes pain) for doing so each time. This will discourage their aggressive behavior and as they start to suppress their natural tendencies to bite or nip at things or people.
When training an aggressive dog with e-collar, their biting habit needs to be suppressed first before anything else which means that you will need to increase the sensation level until they stop biting at all. Once this happens, praise them well for obeying your command then give them another chance when they misbehave again to show how it’s done right. If they do not react, give them a higher level of shock until they learn that biting is something to never be done.
What to Look for in an Electric Training Collar?
Before you begin shopping, there are several factors that you should consider including size, weight and type of signal (vibration or one-time shock). The most essential thing that you need to look for is the ability to control the intensity of the stimulation. This not only gives you more control over your pup’s training but also allows you to make it as painless as possible by adjusting the e-collar before giving them a correction (most shock collars come with at least 10 different levels).
The strength and length of the signal is measured in ‘G’ and is most commonly set in increments of 0.2 to conform with most international standards. The higher the number, the stronger the signal. The most common types of signals are vibration or tone with an electric shock being more effective for stubborn dogs who need a stronger stimulus.
What Type of Electronic Collar for Dog Training is Best Suited?
Although people might think that all dog shock collars are the same, there are a lot of different types out there which have been designed to meet the needs of canines with various temperaments and personalities.
Whether you plan on using e-collar as a way to keep your four-legged friend from running away from you while hiking or for hunting purposes, electronic training collars come in three major categories: those with static levels, those with progressive intensity levels and those that only provide a sound as a deterrent option.
Conclusion
A well-mannered dog is a great companion to own and live with. However, if your dog is disobedient or exhibits unfavourable behavior like excessive barking, chasing, leash pulling, digging, biting and aggression, it can bring you stress and resentment which could lead to dog abandonment.
Investing in dog training shock collars can provide a great solution to your dog training needs. Safe and effective, dog shock collars are great for training all breeds and sizes. By effectively using them, what you get will be a more obedient and more friendly dog as your companion.
Dog training is also a great way to spend time with your dog and it provides them with important mental stimulation.