Many people question whether to use a dog shock collar (also known as a remote training collar, electronic collar, or e-collar) because they feel that positive reinforcement and behavioral training can work out just as training collars do.
With these methods, dogs can be taught to walk well on a leash, to stand still when they get to the front door of their home, or to stop barking at the gardeners outside the house. However, there are moments when a dog’s instinct gets over.
Dogs should know to stop at the front door out of their owner’s desire and resist the instinct to pull the leash and bark at every living creature that comes close to him.
If you think that basic training is not working well enough for your dog or you want quicker results, you can try using a shock collar. And when I say quicker results, I mean that in the safest and healthiest way possible. Certain people have the idea that shock collars are a cruel mode of training and considered to be a punishment or offense. But one could argue that it’s more a deterrent to unsafe or harmful behavior.
The shock sent from an approved shock collar is considered safe, and it will not do any permanent physical harm. Still, it’s just enough to get your dog’s attention.
We do NOT recommend using these collars before your dog understands basic commands. You need to be sure that they will know what you want from them, and they can link a negative behavior with a shock.
What is a Shock Collar?
Shock collars are a type of belts that provide electrical shocks of tolerable level in controllable intensity and duration that gets applied to a dog’s neck as a warning to his misbehavior.
When your dog misbehaves or just pulls at the leash too much, you might want to correct that behavior. In that case, shock collars might be a good option to train him in a disciplined way.
Quality dog collars have their maximum set frequency, which is safe and bearable by a pup, so you do not need to worry about harming your loved pet.
There are numerous brands and types which show variation in one or two features. Some brands incorporate new findings which make their product unique and user-friendly.
We did a lot of research to make sure you choose the right one since this is a sensitive issue. There might be multiple types, but the right one depends on your expectations and suit-abilities. Sorting that out might ease things further.
Why would you use a shock collar for your dog?
Whatever dog training you take up, the results must be worthy and beneficial. Dog collars substantially exercise obedience and quicker results. That is one of the best reasons I find behind their usage.
On the other hand, modern-day shock collars are used to prevent certain unwanted behaviors in your dog like barking, escaping the yard, food aggression, etc. Today’s shock collars are not the punishing devices they used to embody. No longer does a shock collar make your dog fear you. But, it will help you to get your dog’s attention without hurting them.
And, in the hands of a sane human, these devices are a handy training method. Honestly, these devices are not going to hurt your relationship with your dog.
Pros of shock collar usage
- Quicker discipline
- Shocks signals your pup that misbehavior should stop
- Controllable intensity to give varied shocks based on your pup’s behavior
- Barking is manageable by choosing an all-time control setting
- Shock collars may be more affordable alternatives to professional dog trainers or a fence
Cons of shock collar usage
- The shock intensity of the collar you choose might be excessive, so make sure you pick only approved products
- By shock training, many dogs may learn to fear people, some objects they associated with the shock collar, etc.
- Unnecessary shocks could be confusing to your dog.
TOP 5 BEST DOG SHOCK COLLARS
#5 – BOIFUN Dog Training Collar
Living with a well-behaved dog is a great joy, and proper training helps you have a pet that can participate in everything you want to do together.
Getting started with training can be confusing, but the BOIFUN training collar can help with a variety of useful features.
Main features:
- 0-99 static shock levels with automatic cut-off after 4 seconds
- The remote can connect maximum to 9 dogs, which is very convenient for a professional dog trainer
- Wirelessly controllable for a maximum of 330 yards
- Large rechargeable battery with a standby time of up to 40 days
+ Pros:
- Remote’s screen displays the battery life of both the collar and the remote
- Lock button to prevent unwanted activation
- Ability to control 9 training collars from the same remote
– Cons:
- Users report unclear instructions manual
- Not suitable for smaller dogs
#4 – SportDOG Brand Field Trainer 425X
This is the lightest and smallest e-collar designed for in-the-field hunting and training with close-working dogs. Perfect timing and consistency are essential to discipline your sporting dog. Therefore, the remote should be easily and quickly operated without having to look at it, which allows you to focus on your dog and not your equipment.
With only the push of a button and a slight movement of the dial, you will be able to deliver a vibration, tone, or one of the 21 levels of static stimulation. You can use these stimulation types to communicate with up to three dogs out to 500 yards with any of the SportDOG Brand Field Trainer 425 models.
Main features:
- Perfect for training in the field, yard, or for hunting as the SD-425X features up to 500 yards of range.
- Using DryTek technology, this rugged system is submersible and waterproof to 25 feet, which allows it to function in any weather or terrain.
- With a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, this system features a 2-hour quick charge lasting around 50 to 70 hours/charge.
- It can be customized to fit any dog’s temperament with the tone, vibration, and 21 static stimulation levels.
- Expandable to three dogs with the purchase of additional Add-A-Dog collars (SDR-AF)
+ Pros:
- Excellent range
- The option to train with vibration (buzz) and tone (beep) and 21 levels of shock
- Designed for ease-of-use and no-look operation
- Waterproof & submersible to 25 ft
- Remote transmitter button functions can be customized
- Can do temporary or continuous stimulation
- Training DVD included
– Cons:
- No LCD screen
- Stiff design of the collar
- For some dogs, the vibrate function might be too weak
- More expensive
#3 – TBI PRO Dog Training Shock Collar
TBI Pro 2019 offers excellent connectivity, which means you can use it at a longer distance. The long battery life will help you get up to 15 days of intense use from a single charge of 2 hours. And because of the waterproof design, you can do the training in any weather.
Main features:
- This dog training collar has an advanced design that assures control over longer distances up to 1600 feet!
- Long-lasting battery life
- You can take control of the shocks or vibrations with 1-100 levels of intensity.
+ Pros:
- The system can pair 2 receivers at the same time
- 3 training modes
- Long battery life and fast charging
- Waterproof receiver
– Cons:
- Screen is hard to read in daylight
#2 – PATPET Dog Shock Collar
One of the best features of this PatPet remote shock collar is the user-friendly design. Dog owners do not want to take their eyes off their pets when correcting them, especially in potentially dangerous situations. Therefore it helps to have a remote you can use without having to look at it. Which means it’s also an excellent choice for the blind and their support dog.
The PATPET Dog Shock Collar is also very customizable, providing 16 levels of shock, 8 levels of vibration plus the now-standard “tone” mode.
Add to these features the 1000 feet range and extra long-life rechargeable battery, and you get one of the best shock collars on the market.
Main features:
- User-friendly design
- The nylon collar is adjustable and fits 0-27″ in length
- Built-in rechargeable lithium battery for the receiver and remote
- The remote can reach up to 1000 feet (330 yards)
- Dual-channel support for training two dogs simultaneously
+ Pros:
- Premium ergonomic design
- Indoor-outdoor versatility
- Extra long-life rechargeable battery
– Cons:
- Fewer settings than other dog collars
#1 – DOG CARE Dog Training Shock Collar
DOG CARE training collar utilizes advanced anti-jamming technology that supports a stable and strong signal for multiple training environments. Also, these training collars are designed for safety with low voltage, so the gentle static will not hurt your pet. Apart from this, the security keypad lock will prevent any miss-operation on the remote.
Main features:
- It offers three efficient and safe training modes (shock, beep, and vibration) for you to solve an uncontrollable dog’s behavior problems.
- It can support a maximum of nine dogs with only one remote transmitter. If you have more than two dogs in your house, this dog collar would be the perfect option for you.
- In-built security keypad lock to prevent any misoperation on the remote
- Wireless control for up to 330 yards remote range
- It offers an adjustable 0 to 99 static level for you so that you can set the accurate one for your dog
- Adjustable collar size for dogs between 15lbs-100lbs.
+ Pros:
- Able to control up to 9 dogs
- Three training modes
- Security keypad to prevent accidental shock
- Up to 330 yards remote range
- Long battery life
- 0-99 adjustable static level
– Cons:
- Remote larger than other brands
- Some users even found a slight delay between the remote and the collar receiving the signal.
Buying guide for dog shock collars
What should you consider when you choose a shock collar?
There are several things to be considered while choosing a shock collar. Usually, I use these as a checkbox sort of research before purchasing a shock collar for my pup. I hope this would help you out too.
Intensity
The intensity of shock delivered must be checked before purchasing a shock collar. If the shock’s power exceeds the tolerance level of your pup, then it would defeat the whole purpose.
Affordability
A shock collar is more expensive than a standard dog collar or a dog harness. But it is much cheaper than a dog trainer. We advise to be wary of cheap options since it might end up compromising your pup’s safety.
Safety
Go through the reviews on how safe the product is because your pup would wear it and you wouldn’t want him to get hurt.
Durability of the collar
The collar must be made of quality material which would be durable and reliable so that your dog does not eat it out easily.
Water resistance
If you consistently take your dog out in the rain or he just loves water and playing in the puddles, then you have to pick a waterproof collar.
Range
The best thing about the electronic collar is that it comes with a remote transmitter to give you ultimate control over your dog from a distance. Some collars can reach 1 mile transmission range, but if you just need to walk your dog in the park, you do not need that range. However, if you are taking your dog for hiking or hunting, you may need a more extended range.
FAQ
How To Use a Dog Shock Collar?
Bellow you have some basic step by step instructions, but for
- Put on the shock collar on your dog’s neck and fasten it so that it is placed comfortably around the neck
- Connect the controller with the collar and make appropriate settings
- Set the intensity and frequency of the shock based on your pup’s tolerance
Just a hint. I usually set the strength of the shock by testing it with my hand before wearing it on my pup’s neck. This helps me to understand that shock collars are safe for usage on my pet. You must try it because that is the right way to test, and dogs cannot confess their tolerance level, so as a dog owner, you must do it.
Are shock collars safe?
I understand that shock is a big word, and people are not aware of the intensity and frequencies. But shock collars designed especially for dog training are manufactured under a lot of rules and regulations that are perfectly fit for usage.
You just have to pick out the right one for your dog.
Even the highest intensity is designed in such a way that it is tolerable by most dogs. So if you are using a genuine product, then you have nothing to worry about. It is safe for your dog, and you can expect a better disciplined training in the future to come.
How old should my dog be before using a Shock collar?
Usually, people say 10 weeks, but I would say that you should try it after at least 12 weeks for the best results. I think that 10 weeks is a bit too early. They would still be babies, and I wouldn’t use a shock collar on my pup so soon. 12 weeks is good to go, and training would also come around well. You can feel the maturity in your dog as he grows. Shock collar training should begin only when you find that he is ready for this.
How long can my dog wear a training collar?
It is recommended to use it during training sessions mostly. If you are a dog owner, then you do know that training sessions do not last more than 2 hours per day.
Keep in mind that even if you tend to have a longer training duration, then make sure that you don’t leave the collar on the dog after the session ends. Also, adjust the collar every 2 hours to ensure that the collar is not too tight around your pup’s neck. A tight collar might lead to hair loss or infections. So to avoid the mishap, it is better to go for lesser hours of usage.
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