If you are looking for a way to train your dog effectively and humanely, you might want to consider using a dog training collar. A dog training collar is a device that delivers a signal to your dog when you press a button on a remote control. The signal can be a vibration, a sound, a static shock, or a combination of these. The purpose of the signal is to get your dog’s attention and correct unwanted behaviors, such as pulling, barking, jumping, or ignoring commands.
However, not all dog training collars are created equal. Some are more suitable for certain types of dogs, situations, and training goals than others. Some are also more humane and safe than others. Therefore, it is important to do your research and choose the best dog training collar for your needs.
In this blog post, we will review 10 of the best dog training collars on the market, based on their features, performance, customer reviews, and expert opinions. We will also provide some tips on how to use them safely and effectively. Here are the 10 best dog training collars we recommend:
1. Halo 2+ (Editor’s Choice)
The Halo 2+ also allows you to manually correct your dog with the remote control or the app. You can use voice commands, vibration, sound, or static shock modes to communicate with your dog from up to half a mile away. The collar also tracks your dog’s activity and location in real time and sends you alerts if they leave the safe zone.
The Halo 2+ is designed to be comfortable and durable for your dog. It has a waterproof and rechargeable battery that lasts up to 20 days on a single charge. It also comes with a lifetime warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The Halo 2+ is our editor’s choice because it is the most advanced and versatile dog training collar on the market. It allows you to train your dog in multiple ways, from boundary training to obedience training to recall training. It also gives you peace of mind by keeping your dog safe and secure at all times.
You can buy the Halo 2+ from Amazon or from the official website.
2. PetSafe Martingale Collar (Best for Sighthounds)
The PetSafe Martingale Collar is specially designed for sighthounds, such as greyhounds, whippets, salukis, and borzois, who have narrow heads and long necks that make them prone to slipping out of regular collars. The martingale collar provides a secure and comfortable fit that prevents them from escaping or getting loose.
The PetSafe Martingale Collar is made of high-quality nylon that is durable and easy to clean. It has a metal D-ring that attaches to your leash and a metal slider that adjusts the tightness of the collar. It also comes in various sizes and colors to suit your dog’s preferences.
The PetSafe Martingale Collar is our best choice for sighthounds because it is one of the most secure and comfortable collars for dogs with narrow heads and long necks. It allows you to train your sighthound with gentle pressure and positive reinforcement without choking them or hurting their throat.
You can buy the PetSafe Martingale Collar from Amazon.
3. 2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness (Best Harness)
The 2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness has two leash attachment points: one on the back for casual walks and one on the front for training purposes. The front attachment point allows you to steer your dog in the direction you want them to go, which makes them follow your lead. The harness also has a patented control loop that tightens slightly when your dog pulls, which creates a gentle sensation that discourages them from pulling further.
The 2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness is made of soft and durable nylon that is comfortable and breathable for your dog. It has a velvet lining that prevents chafing and rubbing on your dog’s skin. It also has four adjustment points that ensure a perfect fit for your dog.
The 2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness is our best choice for harness because it is one of the most effective and humane ways to stop your dog from pulling on the leash. It allows you to train your dog with gentle guidance and positive reinforcement without causing them any pain or discomfort.
You can buy the 2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness from Amazon.
4. SportDOG 425X Remote E-Collar (Best for Sporting Dogs)
The SportDOG 425X Remote E-Collar has a range of 500 yards and can work with up to three dogs at the same time. It has a waterproof and submersible design that can withstand any terrain and weather condition. It also has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 70 hours on a single charge.
The SportDOG 425X Remote E-Collar is our best choice for sporting dogs because it is one of the most powerful and durable dog training collars on the market. It allows you to train your dog with high performance and reliability in any situation.
You can buy the SportDOG 425X Remote E-Collar from Amazon.
5. eXuby Tiny Shock Collar (Best for Small Dog Breeds)
The eXuby Tiny Shock Collar has three modes of correction: vibration, sound, and static shock. You can adjust the intensity of each mode according to your dog’s size, sensitivity, and behavior. You can also use the remote control to activate the correction manually or set it to automatic mode to correct your dog when they bark excessively.
The eXuby Tiny Shock Collar has a range of 1000 feet and can work with up to two dogs at the same time. It has a waterproof and rechargeable battery that lasts up to 14 days on a single charge. It also has an LCD screen that displays the battery level, the mode, and the intensity level.
The eXuby Tiny Shock Collar is our best choice for small dog breeds because it is one of the smallest and lightest dog training collars on the market. It allows you to train your small dog with ease and convenience without compromising on quality or effectiveness.
You can buy the eXuby Tiny Shock Collar from Amazon.
6. Link GPS Dog Tracker + Activity Monitor (Best with GPS)
The Link GPS Dog Tracker + Activity Monitor has a range of unlimited distance as long as there is cellular coverage. It uses AT&T’s network to send data to your phone, so you need to pay a monthly subscription fee to use the service. The collar also has a night light that helps you see your dog in the dark.
The Link GPS Dog Tracker + Activity Monitor is our best choice with GPS because it is one of the most advanced and multifunctional dog training collars on the market. It allows you to train your dog, track their location, monitor their activity, and keep them healthy all in one device.
You can buy the Link GPS Dog Tracker + Activity Monitor from Amazon.
7. PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar (Best for Pulling)
The PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar is easy to fit and adjust on your dog’s head. It has a padded nose loop that rests comfortably on your dog’s muzzle without restricting their breathing or eating. It also has a safety strap that attaches to your dog’s regular collar for extra security.
The PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar is our best choice for pulling because it is one of the most effective and humane ways to stop your dog from pulling on the leash. It allows you to train your dog with gentle guidance and positive reinforcement without causing them any pain or discomfort.
You can buy the PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar from Amazon.
8. WOLFWILL Humane No-Shock Training Collar (Best for Hearing Loss)
The WOLFWILL Humane No-Shock Training Collar has 16 levels of vibration that you can adjust according to your dog’s size and sensitivity level. You can also use continuous or momentary vibration to deliver different types of signals. The collar has a memory function that remembers the last level you used.
The WOLFWILL Humane No-Shock Training Collar has a range of 660 yards and can work with up to two dogs at the same time. It has a waterproof and rechargeable battery that lasts up to 15 days on a single charge. It also has a power-saving mode that automatically turns off the collar after 5 minutes of inactivity.
The WOLFWILL Humane No-Shock Training Collar is our best choice for hearing loss because it is one of the few dog training collars that does not use any sound or shock stimulation. It allows you to train your hearing-impaired dog with vibration and light signals without causing them any harm or stress.
You can buy the WOLFWILL Humane No-Shock Training Collar from Amazon.
9. Educator E-Collar (Best Overall)
The Educator E-Collar has 100 levels of stimulation that you can adjust according to your dog’s size, breed, personality, and sensitivity level. You can also use vibration or tone modes as alternative or additional signals. The collar has a lock-and-set feature that prevents accidental overstimulation by locking the level you set.
The Educator E-Collar has a range of half a mile and can work with up to two dogs at the same time. It has a waterproof and rechargeable battery that lasts up to 12 hours on a single charge. It also has a night tracking light that helps you locate your dog in the dark.
The Educator E-Collar is our best overall choice because it is one of the most humane and effective dog training collars on the market. It allows you to train your dog with precision and consistency without causing them any harm or discomfort.
You can buy the Educator E-Collar from Amazon.
10. Pet Resolve Dog Training Collar (Best for Multi-Dog Households)
The Pet Resolve Dog Training Collar has 10 levels of stimulation that you can adjust according to your dog’s needs and preferences. You can also use continuous or momentary stimulation to deliver different types of signals. The collar has a memory function that remembers the last level you used for each dog.
The Pet Resolve Dog Training Collar has a range of 3/4 mile and can work in any weather condition. It has a waterproof and rechargeable battery that lasts up to 60 hours on a single charge. It also has a low battery indicator that alerts you when it needs to be recharged.
The Pet Resolve Dog Training Collar is our best choice for multi-dog households because it allows you to train up to three dogs simultaneously with one remote control. It also has a long range and a long battery life that make it convenient and practical for everyday use.
You can buy the Pet Resolve Dog Training Collar from Amazon.
How to Use Dog Training Collars Safely and Effectively
Dog training collars can be a useful tool to train your dog, but they also come with some risks and responsibilities. Here are some tips on how to use them safely and effectively:
- Consult your veterinarian before using a dog training collar, especially if your dog has any health issues or injuries that might be affected by the collar.
- Choose the right type, size, and mode of correction for your dog, based on their breed, size, personality, sensitivity, and training needs. Avoid using shock collars or high-intensity stimulation that can cause pain, fear, or aggression in your dog.
- Fit the collar properly on your dog’s neck, making sure it is not too tight or too loose. The collar should be snug enough to deliver the signal effectively, but not so tight that it restricts your dog’s breathing or movement. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck.
- Test the collar on yourself before using it on your dog, to make sure it is working properly and not too strong or too weak. Start with the lowest level of stimulation and gradually increase it until you feel a slight sensation. Do not use a level that causes you any pain or discomfort.
- Train your dog gradually and positively, using the collar as a supplement to other training methods, such as positive reinforcement, verbal commands, treats, and praise. Do not rely on the collar as the only form of communication or correction with your dog.
- Use the collar only when necessary and appropriate, such as when your dog is displaying unwanted behaviors or ignoring commands. Do not use the collar for punishment, revenge, or entertainment. Do not use the collar when your dog is sleeping, eating, playing, or in a stressful situation.
- Use the collar sparingly and briefly, delivering only short and timely signals to get your dog’s attention and correct their behavior. Do not use continuous or prolonged stimulation that can confuse or harm your dog. Release the button as soon as your dog responds positively to the signal.
- Monitor your dog’s reaction and behavior when using the collar, and adjust the level of stimulation accordingly. If your dog shows signs of fear, anxiety, pain, aggression, or confusion, stop using the collar immediately and seek professional help.
- Reward your dog for good behavior and compliance when using the collar, using treats, praise, toys, or affection. This will help your dog associate the collar with positive outcomes and reinforce their learning.
- Remove the collar when not in use, and check your dog’s neck regularly for any signs of irritation, injury, or infection caused by the collar. If you notice any problems, stop using the collar and consult your veterinarian.
Conclusion
Dog training collars can be a helpful tool to train your dog effectively and humanely, as long as you use them correctly and responsibly. They can help you communicate with your dog better and correct unwanted behaviors faster.
However, not all dog training collars are suitable for all dogs or situations. You need to do your research and choose the best dog training collar for your needs. You also need to follow some safety guidelines and best practices when using them.