Dogs are magnificent creatures to have around; they’re fun, goofy, and all-around lovable. They also require a lot of training, especially when you first get them, whether they’re a puppy, a senior, or somewhere in between. Fortunately, with the technology available to us today, dog training is easier than ever!
While it’s possible to hire dog trainers, they can be expensive. Unless you have a problematic dog exhibiting unwanted behaviors, you can likely do it all on your own. That’s why training collars are a must-have.
Gone are the days of choke collars with metal prongs that serve no purpose other than to hold your pet back. Today, you can find a variety of options that range from those made with durable materials to hold up to your strong dog to GPS collars with built-in tracking capability.
You can choose whether you want to opt for something simple yet sturdy or go all-in and make sure you know where Rover is at all times. Personally, after examining many training collars, I fall somewhere in between.
Product
Details
Product Details
Best Overall
Halo Collar
- MATERIAL: RUGGED THERMOPLASTIC
- CLOSURE TYPE: BRASS BUCKLE
For Location-Conscious
SpotOn GPS Dog Fence
- Product Dimensions :18 x 1.71 x 0.95 inches
- Color :Grey
Budget Bark Prevention
PcEoTllar Dog Bark Collar
- Product Dimensions :3.15 x 1.69 x 3.54 inches
- Closure Type :Buckle
Transform your Collar
Link GPS Dog Tracker + Activity Monitor
- Size : 1.3 Inches
- Color : Black and White
For Full Control
Petsafe Gentle Leader Head Collar
- Product Dimensions: 8 x 1 x 5 x 2 inches
- CLOSURE TYPE: SNAP
Affordable Option
Petsafe Martingale Collar
- Product Dimensions: 1.3 x 0.79 x 16 inches
- CLOSURE TYPE: SNAP
Maintain Peace & Quiet
Petdiary Vibration Dog Bark Collar
- Product Dimensions: 4.17 x 3.07 x 1.61 inche
- CLOSURE TYPE: Buckle
For Alerting Others
Dexil Nervous Collar
- Product Dimensions:9 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches
- CLOSURE TYPE:Buckle
Best Dog Collar for Training
The market is saturated with different brands, all proclaiming to offer the best dog training collar. We’ve broken down a few of our favorite options across a variety of different categories to get you started.
If you have a lot of property, live in a rural area, or just like to track your dog’s whereabouts when you let him out the door, you’ll appreciate all of the functions the Halo Collar brings. It comes with built-in GPS/GNSS technology that pulls from 50 different satellites giving you an exact location at all times, as long as you’re within range. It’s one of the best electric dog fences on the market.
One of the best features of this training collar is that you can set up an invisible fence boundary that will keep your pet contained in a specified area. This comes in especially handy if you live in a suburban area or a city where there are more safety hazards, such as traffic.
It’s a durable training collar made with tough fabric that’s bite, tear, and scratch-resistant, which is critical for dogs that like to go hiking through the woods or roll around in fields all day with others. Check out our Halo collar review to learn more about the astounding features of this great gadget.
Other Features
Choose between gray and white collar options
Use the company’s sizing chart to pick the right size: S, M, or L
Pros
Battery lasts up to 20 hours for all-day use
60-day money-back guarantee
Waterproof for swimming and submersion
Cons
If you want to use the tracking function, you’ll need to pay a monthly subscription.
Have a lot of property? Wondering where your dog is? With the SpotOn GPS dog training collar, you’ll never have to wonder again. This is one of the best GPS dog fence options available. It taps into 128 GPS satellites, which is the most coverage you’ll find in the market, with True Location™ technology that means you can use it in the most rural of areas without fail.
This collar comes with a bit of a hefty price tag, but it also has a variety of features that are worth the investment, including the capability of adding up to 1,500 fence posts, where others fall far below.
If you have a swimmer, and let’s face it, dogs seem to love water, you’ll be happy to know that it has an IP67 waterproof rating, which means your dog can swim to its heart’s content, and you’ll still be able to use the collar afterward.
Other Features
Battery lasts 22 hours, which means your dog can stay out all day, and then you can charge it overnight.
Pros
Set up fences without having to pay a subscription fee
90-day free trial lets you try the service, and if you’re not happy, you get your money back.
Cons
The most expensive of the options on the list, but features more than make up for the price.
You’ll need at least a half-acre of land in order to use the collar
Subscription service is needed if you want to track your dog or know where they are at all times
SpotOn GPS Dog Fence
The price of SpotOn GPS Dog Fence varies, so check the latest price at
If you have a persistent barker and nothing else works, a bark collar might be the solution you’re looking for. It’s easy to operate and comes with two different settings. You can use it to emit a sound when your dog barks excessively, or you can set it to sound plus vibration to double the simulation for dogs that need just a little bit more encouragement to be quiet.
The collar is made with durable polyester material with reflective stripes that make your pet easy to be seen, even during nighttime use.
This is a great solution for those who live in apartment complexes and don’t want noise complaints, or if you have a baby in the house that you don’t want Rover to wake up — babies need their sleep!
Other Features
Battery has staying power, lasts for 10 days, so you spend less time charging it
Comes with two face plates in blue and orange
Pros
Uses sounds and vibrations instead of shocks; if you’re against that method
Adjustable sensitivity levels
Cons
While it is waterproof, this collar isn’t meant for swimming, so you’ll need to remember to take it off if your dog is around a lake and prone to jumping in.
Not for smaller dogs, 10 pounds or under, or those with a neck size smaller than 9 inches.
PcEoTllar Dog Bark Collar
The price of PcEoTllar Dog Bark Collar varies, so check the latest price at
The Link GPS Tracker + Activity Monitor varies from the others on the list in that it’s not a collar itself but rather a device that you add to your pet’s collar. It emits sounds and vibrations in order to help correct your dog’s behavior, such as scratching and barking, but it does far more than just that.
Do you wonder how much exercise your dog is getting each day? The activity monitor can tell you how many steps it is getting, and you can even set activity targets, which can help keep your dog in his best overall shape. Even better? It can help you track your pet’s body temperature so you can tell if they’re getting too hot or too cold and bring them inside, if necessary.
The Link training tool uses a variety of technologies, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and cellular technology, to give you the most accurate information.
Other Features
Downloadable app that lets you track pet veterinarian records and schedule medication reminders
LED flashlight to give your pet increased visibility at night or in dark conditions
Pros
30-day free trial, no credit card needed, means you can try without an upfront investment
Rechargeable battery lasts between 7 and 10 days
Cons
Requires a service plan that is sold separately to take advantage of additional benefits
Link GPS Dog Tracker
The price of Link GPS Dog Tracker varies, so check the latest price at
If you’re not a technology fan or you don’t need all the bells and whistles, just a way to stop your dog from pulling every time you go on a walk, the Petsafe Gentle Leader Head Collar fits the bill. It’s a no-pull leash training solution that keeps you firmly in charge of all walks, keeping your dog’s attention on you, no matter what happens along your path.
It comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your personal tastes or your dog’s personality, and sizes that fit toy breeds all the way up to massive giants like Great Danes and Mastiffs.
Other Features
Soft and comfortable padded nose loop for extra comfort during walks
Easy to adjust for a secure and custom fit
Pros
Doesn’t hinder eating, drinking, or playing
Instills training that most dogs catch onto quickly
Nose loop doesn’t choke your pet
Cons
Looks similar to a muzzle, which may give off the wrong impression of your pup
Not suitable for pups with smaller snouts
Petsafe Gentle Leader Head Collar
The price of Petsafe Gentle Leader Head Collar varies, so check the latest price at
Does your dog like to walk you rather than the other way around? Enter the Petsafe Martingale collar, which is designed to (gently) get your dog’s attention and show your pet exactly who is in charge.
The fit tightens when your dog pulls, which serves as a deterrent to negative behavior. The end result is a dog who walks right by your side or gently leads when you are out on walks of all lengths.
The Petsafe Martingale collar comes in several fun colors, and they’re very affordable, so you can order more than one to change up your pet’s look. The durable nylon material stands up to regular use, in most conditions.
These training collars are designed in a way that they won’t cause irritation, matting or bald spots on the neck like others can do.
Other Features
Quick-release buckle for easy on/off
Accommodate dogs of different sizes
Pros
Martingale collar is perfect for dogs who have perfected escape artist status
Adjustable, custom fit works on growing dogs
Cons
Not recommended for group play
Manufacturer recommends not using collars for tie-outs
Petsafe Martingale Collar
The price of Petsafe Martingale Collar varies, so check the latest price at
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, some pups are super stubborn. My boy, Ranger, was one of those stubborn dogs, and it took a lot more patience to teach him good behavior than any of my previous dogs. For Ranger and other pups like him, the remote dog training collar, SportDOG 425X, is a solid choice.
This remote collar comes with 21 different levels of sound and vibration options that you can set to be noise or noise plus vibration in place of using shock collars. The varying degrees of intensity let you set the stimulation level that is just right and increase or decrease it over time as needed.
These e-collars come with quite a bit of range, too. Your pup can submerge himself in up to 25 feet of water, and you can operate the remote at a long-range, up to 500 yards away. The remote itself is designed for simplicity as well.
Other Features
Electronic collar is 3/4″ thick, making it suitable for even smaller dogs
Buckle closure for easy snap-on and removal
Pros
Long battery life in collar and remote last about 50 to 70 hours each
Works on all breeds and all stages of life; recommended for dogs and puppies over 8 lbs
Cons
Won’t work on toy breeds due to their size
SportDOG 425X Remote E-Collar
The price of SportDOG 425X Remote E-Collar varies, so check the latest price at
If you’re looking for a way to cut the noise, the Petdiary Vibration dog bark collar can help. It offers tone and vibration that you can adjust to slight, medium, and strong levels, depending on your needs.
The silicone covers on the prongs help protect your dog against skin irritation, though the manufacturer does recommend repositioning it every two hours for the best comfort, as with all prong collars.
This is one of the best bark collars for small dogs. It features a sturdy design, though it’s not meant for all-day wear. Reflective stripes help you locate your dog in low-light situations.
Other Features
User-friendly adjustable settings for tone and vibration levels
Reflective stripes for improved visibility in low-light conditions
Pros
IPX6 waterproof rating, which means you can use it during inclement weather
Won’t stimulate your dog if it picks up another’s barking or loud noise
Cons
Should not be used with aggressive dogs
Not designed for use for more than 12 hours
Petdiary Vibration Dog Bark Collar
The price ofPetdiary Vibration Dog Bark Collar varies, so check the latest price at
Is your dog a nervous nelly? Sometimes, it takes pets a bit to warm up to other people, they’re not all social butterflies. In these cases, it’s good to have a proactive warning so that people don’t just walk up and try to pet a dog that’s not receptive to such behavior.
This purpose-built dog collar ensures a safe and enriching training experience, reducing unwanted encounters and allowing you to concentrate on fostering positive habits with your beloved canine companion.These training collars are more for alerting people than they are for training dogs, though you can buy one that comes with a semi-choke feature to help stop dogs from pulling.
The collar is a bright yellow color that draws the viewer’s attention, with large black letters that say “NERVOUS” in all caps.
Other Features
Lightweight and comfortable design for your dog’s ease of wear
Pros
Comes in different adjustable sizes to fit small and large pets
Serves as a deterrent for strangers who might want to pet your dog
Cons
Minimal training capability unless you buy the semi-choke model, which can help with pulling.
PetSafe Wireless Stubborn Dog Pet Fence
The price of PetSafe Wireless Stubborn Dog Pet Fence varies, so check the latest price at
Guideline to Use Training Collars
When it comes to using dog training collars, it’s important that you make sure these training tools are comfortable for your pet. If it’s uncomfortable, you’re going to get a lot of resistance that could be mistaken for disobedience and negative behaviors. In fact, if your dog struggles right out the gate with the collar, check that it’s not irritating them first. Then, proceed from there.
It’s very important to follow manufacturer recommendations for the collars. They are the experts, after all. If you try to use the technology in a way that it’s not designed for, or you try to use a specific collar for any other purpose, you run the risk of injuring your pet. If you have questions about the collars and you can’t find the answers online, many have a helpline that you can call.
Buying Guide to Choose the Best Dog Collar for Training
When it comes to buying the best dog training collars for your pet, there are a few considerations you’ll want to include in your search.
The material is very important. If your dog is outside a lot in rough areas, such as woods, or likes to jump into the nearest body of water with or without permission, you’ll want a material that stands up to the elements.
The overall fitting and size are critical, too, and many people wonder how tight should a dog collar be? The general rule of thumb is to be able to slip two fingers beneath the collar with ease. If you can’t, it’s likely too tight and poses a choking hazard. The width of the training collar matters, too. If your dog has a small neck, for example, you’ll want a thinner collar over a thicker one, simply for comfort.
Consider your dog’s learning style, too. While it’s easy to lump dogs into a single category, the truth is they’re all individuals with their own personality traits. Some are more stubborn than others and may require a collar with stimulation, such as one of the various shock collars.
Others catch on very quickly, learn basic commands, and need minimal training sessions with or without a professional trainer.
Are Training Collars Ethical?
This is a question that comes up a lot. When it comes to most training collars, yes, they are ethical, as long as you use them in an ethical manner.
For example, if you choose to use a shock collar — and many people do, there’s nothing wrong with them when used correctly — it’s important not to use it as a means of keeping your dog quiet all day. Rather, the stimulation is meant to discourage unwanted behavior.
I personally promote the use of humane training collars along with positive reinforcement behavioral practices and avoid shock collars. Most collars are literally just another tool to help you train a pup, they’re not meant to be used all day long, every day. If you find that you’re not achieving the results you want or hoped for, it may be time to call in a certified dog trainer.
FAQ's
Yes, companies run all their collars through several testing phases before they’re ever tried on an animal or put to market for dog owners. Some dogs may be more sensitive to some stimulations than others, so it’s a matter of trial and error. But, if you follow the manufacturer’s directions on using the collars, they’re perfectly safe.
Yes! Leash pulling can be problematic, especially with larger dogs. The good news is with some training, most dogs catch on very quickly and can become companions on your walks or jogs. Get one with a tightening feature so your dog stops pulling.
Positive reinforcement training is the process of rewarding your dog for its good behaviors — think lots and lots of treats and praise — rather than punishing its bad behavior. Many experts believe it’s a much more rewarding training system for dog owners that will help your pet learn commands quickly.
Final Thoughts
Collar training a dog is necessary to help it be the best animal it can be. Whether your goal is to train them to recognize and respect your property boundaries in finding the best wireless dog fence or to make sure you’re not the next viral video of someone being dragged down the street by their pup chasing a squirrel, there are many options that will work for you.
It’s critical that you define the type of training methods you plan to implement, so you can be sure you get the best training collar possible. Positive reinforcement will yield better results and improve your dog’s behaviors in the long run.
Last, and certainly not least, have patience. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your dog won’t be trained in a day, either. But with consistent work and patience, along with the best dog training collars on the market, you’ll see noticeable changes.
