Ever envy other dog owners who seem to have it all under control? When we first had Harley, I admit we struggled a lot with training. Most of you probably already understand the general concept of a training collar. If your dog does something wrong, you can use a one to give them a little jolt to let them know. If your dog does something right, you get their attention with a tone or click before rewarding them with treats or pats.
Don’t worry though; the jolts are usually similar to simple static jolts. They’re unpleasant, but won’t hurt your dog. In this review, we talk about how different types are ideal for showing your dog what proper behavior is.
Also Read: My advice on using whistles for training
Best Dog Training Collar Reviews - Comparison Table
Brand | Price Range | My Rating | My Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
$$ | Multiple Dogs. 1 mile range. | ||
$ | Up to 330 yards. Rechargeable & waterproof. | ||
$$ | 400 yard range. Up to 2 dogs. Waterproof. | ||
$$ | Half a mile range. Great for intense conditions. | ||
$$$ | Multiple dogs. 1 mile. 6 stimulation levels. | ||
$$$ | Half a mile range. 2 dogs. | ||
$$ | 500 yard range. Waterproof. |
The Value of Getting The Best Jolt Collar
Why would you want a training collar for your dog and how would you use it? As always, it's important to do your research before handing over the money so to speak.
Also Read: These are the top no pull harnesses of the year
Why Buy One?
Remote dog training collar reviews will tell you that they allow you to reinforce good behavior and correct bad behavior from a distance by giving your pup a little jolt, vibration, or tone. For instance, if you’re at the park and it starts digging somewhere, you might give them a little stimulation to let them know such behavior isn’t alright, just before giving them a command for proper behavior. You will also appreciate the convenience of not running a long distance after your pet if you're at a park for example.
How Do They Work?
Usually, remote trainers involve three main components: a handheld remote transmitter that you hold onto, a collar which will receive the signal, and probes which will administer the jolt. All you have to do is put it snugly on your dog, usually when they’re at least six months old so they can support its weight, make sure the probes touch their skin, and then keep an eye on its behavior. The lowest level of stimulation should be perfect, and should only be uncomfortable rather than painful.
Also read this post about super cool glowing collars
Uses
When using one, it would be beneficial to know the best way to use it so it’ll be the most effective. As mentioned, it can be used both for punishment and reinforcement, but before you do any of this, make sure your dog already understands the commands you’re trying to teach.
You can’t jolt them for digging somewhere you don’t want them to if they don’t understand that they’re doing something wrong. So if they already know how to sit on command, tell them to sit, and give them a little jolt or vibration until they do. Then reward them to reinforce the behavior. On the other hand, if you tell them to not dig somewhere for instance and you catch them digging there, send them a little shock. They’ll understand that it’s their behavior that caused the jolt, and should stop doing it
Concerns
Remember that when you use one of these collars with your dog, they really shouldn’t be in any sort of pain. That’s why your trainer is best set to the lowest level of stimulation. If it looks like there’s skin irritation, then you probably don’t have it on tightly enough. Make sure to always have it on snugly for your dog’s comfort.
Choosing The Best Dog Training Collars: What To Consider Before Buying
Most collars have safety features that will prevent any injury. For instance, if stimulation is delivered for 8-10 seconds, it’ll automatically turn off. There are some other important questions that you’ll need to consider before buying, such as the range you’d prefer it to work from, the breed/size, if it needs to be waterproof, if the batteries recharge, and what kind of stimulation it gives.
A good collar will work within a mile, although if you’re in a smaller area or don’t plan on letting your dog run around that far, you might not need this feature. The same goes for if you don’t plan on using it in the rain or near water, although most of the brands we mention here are waterproof.
These collars aren’t meant to be on for more than around eight hours a day after all, so if you don’t get caught in the rain, you should be fine. You might also consider how you’d like to carry the transmitter, since some come in a holster and some are as simple as a key chain. Most have different options for stimulation as well, like vibration, intensity level, and tones. With this in mind then, which is the best for you? Luckily, we’ve got the top brands broken down!
Dogtra Brand Remote Training Systems
Quality
Price
Our Rating
Things We Like:
- Works for 1-4 dogs, so you can have multiple dogs hooked up
- Includes a 1 mile range if you're training in open fields with high-energy dogs
- Constant and vibration modes mean you don't always have to give jolts
- Known to be extremely durable
- Buttons won't press accidentally because they're designed to be a bit difficult to push. This prevents unintentional and random jolts.
- Durable and comfortable
Things We Didn't Like:
- Has to be charged every night
- Limitations in battery and charger prevent long term usage without charging
ObeDog Stride Series : Rechargeable & Weatherproof with Amber LCD Remote
Quality
Price
Our Rating
Things We Like:
- Works up to 330 yards
- Includes vibration, jolt and tone stimulations. Most owners report never having to use the jolt stimulation at all.
- If you have smaller dogs, you can cut it in order to get a better fit.
- 2 colors are included with color-coded buttons on your transmitter so that you're able to train 2 at once
Things We Didn't Like:
- Not as user friendly. May require some assistance to set up but you can just call their friendly help line.
- Takes a few seconds to switch modes
Petsafe Yard & Park Rechargeable Dog Training
Quality
Price
Our Rating
Things We Like:
- Waterproof up to 5 feet submerged
- Total of 8 adjustable levels of static stimulation with 2 tones
- A 400 yard range is possible and 2 can be trained at the same time
- Works best for larger breeds. Designed for over 8 pounds and with neck measuring up to 28"
- Able to train quickly and efficiently with the different amounts and types of jolts
Things We Didn't Like:
- Some owners report that the jolts aren't felt by the dogs unless used at level 4 or 5
- Transmitter can break if too rough
Dogtra 300m and 302m Element Training
Quality
Price
Our Rating
Things We Like:
- Easily adjustable and can fit smaller breeds comfortably
- Has half a mile range with precise stimulation, along with constant and vibration stimulation
- Known to be very durable and able to take a beating under intense conditions (mud etc.)
Things We Didn't Like:
- Sometimes, you can't tell immediately when it's turned on or off. It's not easy to tell if it is fully charged or not.
- Units must be paired every time they are charged
Garmin Pro 70 Dog Training System
Quality
Price
Our Rating
Things We Like:
- Works for multiple dogs with a one mile frequency
- Comes with a built in bark limiter when your dogs get excited
- 6 stimulation levels with an easy-to-use dial on the transmitter, along with stimulation and tones
- A beep sounds as a warning to your dog, making training easier when they recognize it
- Features remote-operated LED beacon lights for better visibility in areas/situations with low light
Things We Didn't Like:
- Instructions aren't very clear. However, it's straight forward enough to use.
- There have been issues with the sizing when it comes to getting a firm fit on your dog.
Educator E-Collar Dog Trainer
Quality
Price
Our Rating
Things We Like:
- Includes 2 systems that work for half a mile, with small receivers and stopwatch style transmitters that fit easily in your hand
- Delivers a tapping sensation more intense than normal vibration
- Stimulation levels from 1-100 and additional stimulus from 1-60
Things We Didn't Like:
- The on/off function is magnetic so in order to turn it on or off, the transmitter and collar must be put together a certain way
- Not waterproof
- Has to be synced each time it's used
SportDOG FieldTrainer Remote Trainer
Quality
Price
Our Rating
Things We Like:
- Works within 500 yard range with a small and lightweight receiver
- 7 levels of stimulation, along with vibration and tone
- Waterproof up to 25 feet underwater
- Buttons are designed to be a bit difficult to push so that your dog doesn't receive accidental, unintentional jolts
- Can be used for 3 dogs with additional purchase
Things We Didn't Like:
- Buttons might get stuck sometimes
We hope that our review has helped demystify everything and help you make sense of which one suits you better. The best brand may be subjective but in our opinion, we love the Petsafe one. It's the perfect combi of value, quality and is one of the most popular in the market. Or perhaps, try one of these anti bark devices in your home.
Related: Read this article on How to choose the best dog harness
Issues & Concerns of Using Dog Jolt Collars
There has been a lot of concerns regarding the use of shock training collars and they all are totally understandable. Especially if you are truly a conventional or traditional dog owner, a lot of questions will be raised with using them. You may be worried that the electric jolt it will produce will be a lot more than you expected and will hurt your pet badly. Or that some people will use them to punish severely. Or maybe, they can use it inflict pain on animals and not just dogs in particular. These are all valid concerns.
However, it will inflict pain if, and only if, it is used improperly. These training collars are designed to command a dog on what to do and condition the animal’s mind on what kind of behavior you want them to have. It is also designed to give only short and quick electric shocks that certain types of dogs can tolerate.
A good and kind trainer will never intend to use training collars to torment. In fact, when used with good intentions, they can be an effective training tool to discipline or train pets.
Studies show that a rewards and punishments system is as effective to dogs as it is to us, humans. Whenever we are reprimanded because of whatever it is that we did wrong, it helps us to remember the said mistake and instill in our minds not to do it again. On the other hand, the rewards given to us can be as remarkable. Recognition from parents, teachers or loved ones are very important to us. And it is just the same with the dogs.
When to trying to teach them a trick or make them do something, rubbing their heads, scratching their tummies and giving them treats are good rewards. These rewards will help the animal to process that what they’re doing is something good and should be repeated. Bur whenever they are doing something unpleasant like not doing what you told them to or excessive barking, they come in handy. You can apply punishments or give signals to the dog that you do not accept their behavior by using the quick jolt these collars provide. It also means you know what they can tolerate. So just use the shock collars accordingly and your dog training will turn out fine. Hope this review has helped!
