Making sure our dogs are properly trained and socialized is one of our most significant responsibilities as pet owners. While experts generally recommend relying on positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods, there are circumstances where you may need to go down a different training path.
Some owners may use a dog training collar to help them shape their dog’s behaviors. Training collars can be helpful tools when used correctly, and a wide range of models are available. But which is the right collar for you? To help you decide, we’ve collected reviews of the 10 best dog training collars available right now. Check out what we thought about these collars, and then use our handy Buyer’s Guide to help you pick the right one!
Click to Skip Ahead
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Dogtra IQ Plus Dog Training Collar |
|
CHECK PRICE | |
Best Value | PatPet P320 300M |
|
CHECK PRICE | |
Premium Choice | SportDog TEK Series 1.5 GPS Dog Tracking And Training System |
|
CHECK PRICE | |
Educator By E-Collar Technologies 1/2 Mile Range Remote Collar |
|
CHECK PRICE | ||
SportDog Field Trainer 425X Remote Training Collar |
|
CHECK PRICE |
The 10 Best Dog Training Collars
1. Dogtra IQ Plus Dog Training Collar – Best Overall
Range: | 400 yards |
Weight Range: | Dogs over 10 pounds |
Number of Stimulation Levels: | 100 |
Our choice for the best overall dog training collar is the Dogtra IQ Plus Dog Training Collar. With 100 levels of correction, this collar allows you to control the amount of stimulation your dog receives, ideal for shaping behavior without causing discomfort. It’s waterproof with a 400-yard range, and the collar can be used to train pets and working dogs.
Like most electronic dog training collars, this one can cause skin irritation if worn long-term, so don’t rely on it to serve as your dog’s primary collar. This system can be used with two dogs at a time and on pups as small as 10 pounds. The Dogtra IQ is expensive, but users report good results when used correctly.
- Waterproof
- Can be used with two dogs at once
- Easy to control correction levels
- Expensive
- Can cause skin irritation if worn long-term
2. PatPet P320 300M Dog Training Collar – Best Value
Range: | 300 yards |
Weight Range: | Dogs 20–90 pounds |
Number of Stimulation Levels: | 16 |
Our pick for the best dog training collar for the money is the PatPet P320 300M. This collar has a range of 300 yards, a bit less than our best overall pick, meaning it will work best in small backyards rather than out in the field. Te PatPet features noise, vibration, and mild electric shock corrections. With only 16 levels of shock stimulation, you’ll need to be careful not to over-correct your dog.
The collar and remote are rechargeable and have a long battery life. Training collars can be expensive, but based on user reviews, this reasonably priced model provides excellent results when used correctly. Some users found it didn’t work well for their dogs; others reported that the collar only worked briefly before needing to be replaced.
- Cost-effective
- Good battery life
- Fewer correction levels
- Long-term durability issues
3. SportDog TEK Series 1.5 GPS Dog Tracking and Training System – Premium Choice
Range: | 7 miles |
Weight Range: | Dogs over 8 pounds |
Number of Stimulation Levels: | 99 |
Designed for training multiple dogs under harsh outdoor conditions, the SportDog TEK GPS Tracking And Training System is expensive but offers a lot for your money. It can keep track of up to 12 dogs at a time over a range of up to 7 miles. The training collar is also waterproof and can be submerged up to 25 feet, allowing it to be used to train water retrievers as well as field dogs. With 99 correction levels, this collar can be used on dogs as small as 8 pounds.
Because it relies on GPS, the coverage may be questionable in rural areas or rough terrain, but users haven’t found that to be the case with this collar so far. Since it’s easy to use, this system works for even the most technologically challenged dog owners.
- Can track up to 12 dogs
- 7-mile range
- Easy to use, waterproof
- 99 correction levels
- Expensive
- GPS coverage could be spotty in rural areas
4. Educator By E-Collar Technologies 1/2 Mile Range Remote Training Collar
Range: | 880 yards |
Weight Range: | Dogs over 5 pounds |
Number of Stimulation Levels: | 100 |
With a 1/2-mile range and waterproof, lightweight collar, the Educator by E-collar Technologies is a more affordable field training collar. It has 100 levels of correction and can be locked and set to your dog’s specific needs. The remote can be used on two dogs at once, and the collar features a night-tracking light, making it a good choice for after-dark training sessions and raccoon hunters.
The regular contact points on this collar aren’t long enough to get through thick fur, so owners of shaggy dogs should be aware of this before purchasing. Some users found the Educator collar difficult to use and a bit unreliable regarding the correction levels.
- Night tracking light
- Lockable correction levels
- 1/2-mile range
- Doesn’t work as well through thick fur
- May be difficult to use for some
- Sometimes unreliable
5. SportDog Field Trainer 425X Remote Training Collar
Range: | 500 yards |
Weight Range: | Dogs over 8 pounds |
Number of Stimulation Levels: | 21 |
Designed for field training and closer work, the SportDog Field Trainer 425X Training Collar features an easily operated remote that allows you to time the corrections you give your dog properly. The remote can be used with up to three dogs at a time, and the collar is waterproof and can be used up to 25 feet underwater. This collar features fewer correction levels—just 21—than some of the other similarly-priced collars on our list.
The easy-to-use, no-look remote is the major strength of this product. Some users felt that the quality and consistency of this collar weren’t up to par with previous models from the same company.
- Easy to use remote
- Can be used with up to three dogs
- Fewer correction levels
- Some quality concerns versus previous models
6. Frisco Waterproof Rechargeable Dog Training Collar
Range: | 1320 yards |
Weight Range: | Dogs over 10 pounds |
Number of Stimulation Levels: | 127 |
With 127 levels of stimulation, the Frisco Waterproof Rechargeable Training Collar gives you pinpoint control over the correction your dog receives. It also features a safety lock feature to ensure you don’t accidentally give your dog too strong of a correction. It’s waterproof, and with a 3/4-mile range, it can be used for field training or yard training. However, it may be too expensive for the average dog owner.
The collar must be carefully fitted for the best results, and you can’t attach a leash to it. Unlike other models in the same price range, this training system can only be used on one dog at a time.
- 127 levels of stimulation
- Safety lock feature
- Expensive
- Can only be used on one dog at a time
7. PetDiary T502 2600-ft Remote Dog Training Collar
Range: | 860+ yards |
Weight Range: | Dogs over 8 pounds |
Number of Stimulation Levels: | 99 |
If you want to use a training collar and give your dog the mildest correction possible, consider the PetDiary T502 Remote Training Collar. It features the usual sound, vibration, and static correction options, as well as an LED light correction for the dog that just needs a quick visual reminder to behave.
The T502 is waterproof, has a good range, and features light for better night visibility. The price point makes it a more affordable choice for the night hunter on a budget. The remote can be used on up to three dogs. Some users found this didn’t work for their dog, but overall, it is a highly rated and affordable option.
- Affordable
- Offers LED light correction mode
- Can be used on up to three dogs
- Doesn’t work for all dogs
8. PatPet No Electric Shock Remote Dog Collar
Range: | 600 yards |
Weight Range: | 30–110 pounds |
Number of Stimulation Levels: | 16 |
If you object to the idea of a shock collar but still feel your dog needs a little extra training support, consider the PatPet No Electric Shock Dog Collar. Relying solely on light, sound, and vibration for correction, this collar is a good choice for more timid dogs. However, it is only for dogs over 30 pounds, so owners of smaller dogs will need to look for alternatives. The system can be used with up to two dogs at a time.
Overall, users were happy with this collar and felt it did the job without the need for shock settings. Some charging issues were noted, however.
- No shock feature
- Good for timid dogs
- Not for dogs under 30 pounds
- Some charging issues
9. Bousnic Dog Training Collar
Range: | 1000 feet |
Weight Range: | 15–120 pounds |
Number of Stimulation Levels: | 16 |
As a good value for owners with two dogs to train, the Bousnic Dog Training Collar comes with one remote and two collars. With a wide weight range, this collar works well for pet owners with mismatched dog sizes! The remote range is relatively short compared to many others on our list, making it a better choice for training pet dogs rather than hunters and retrievers in the field.
The collar also comes with different-sized prongs, allowing owners of thick-coated dogs the convenience of not having to buy them separately. Overall, this is a highly rated training collar, but some durability issues, especially with the length of use, have been noted.
- Comes with 2 collars
- Multiple prong sizes are available
- Short-range
- It may not last as long as expected
10. DogCare Dog Training Collar
Range: | Not specified |
Weight Range: | 10–110 pounds |
Number of Stimulation Levels: | 10 |
The DogCare Dog Training Collar is a true budget collar with only 10 correction levels. However, it can train two dogs at a time. The remote is easy to use, pocket-sized, and can be operated with one hand. It can also be locked for safety when you aren’t training your dog.
Users report that this collar has issues holding a charge and questionable durability. The shock feature can also be inconsistent, but you can use the sound and vibration corrections as well. Dog owners looking for an inexpensive training collar may find this the best option.
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use remote
- It may not be durable
- Has trouble holding a charge
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Training Collar
Now that you have some basic knowledge about the types of training collars on the market, here are the key points to consider as you narrow down your options.
Do You Need a Training Collar At All?
If used incorrectly, training collars can be ineffective and uncomfortable and create more problems than they solve. A training collar isn’t meant to be used for punishment or as a replacement for positive reinforcement training. Certain specific situations are usually best suited for the use of remote training collars.
Owners of deaf dogs may use training collars on the vibrate setting to get their dog’s attention. Owners and trainers working with dogs in rural, outdoor settings need a way to communicate with them over long distances and when they’re out of sight. Finally, while trying other methods of correcting bad behavior is always preferable, owners may turn to remote training collars as a last resort before giving up on their dogs.
If you choose to use a training collar, learn how to use it correctly and do your best to incorporate it into positive, reward-based training.
If you are worried about your dogs behavior, we suggest consulting a vet
If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
How Old Is Your Dog?
Remote training collars are generally not designed for dogs younger than 6 months old. Consider starting your puppy out with puppy obedience classes and move onto the training collar when they are older if necessary.
What Type of Training Are You Doing?
The type and location of your dog training will heavily influence the type of collar you need. Owners looking to correct a dog who may bark, chase cats, or jump on visitors probably don’t need a waterproof collar with a 1/2-mile range. At the same time, a hunter managing a pack of hounds may not mind the heavy investment in a GPS tracking system because losing one of their dogs is a real possibility without it!
How Many Dogs Are You Training?
Many training collar systems are designed for use with more than one dog at a time. The number of dogs you have in training may also help you decide what your best options are for a training collar. Also, consider that most of the multiple dog training remotes require you to purchase additional collars, which may be an added expense to an already high-cost product.
Our Selection Process for Dog Training Collars
To create this buyer’s guide, our writing team and editorial staff checked customer reviews, brand reputation, and veterinary approval ratings to present the dog training collars we think should be highlighted for our readers. In some cases, we conducted hands-on testing along with seeing how much our dogs liked the dog training collars. All these factors were considered when selecting these listed dog training collars to help you make the best purchase for your furry friends.
Why Trust Dogster?
Since 2004, Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online, which means we have a lot of experience with dog training collars. We take pride in promoting the well-being of all dogs—from toy breeds to giant canines. Our in-house veterinarians, writers, and editors examine each product on our lists, ensuring its quality and reputation. As pet owners ourselves, we only want the best for our furry companions. At Dogster, we are transparent about the products we promote. The nutritional information, overall brand reputation, and customer reviews are all considered for these lists. We inform you how we want to be informed.
- Related Read: 7 Best Training Collars for Stubborn Dogs
Conclusion
Our choice for the best overall dog training collar, the Dogtra IQ, offers a good mix of features suitable for training pet dogs and field dogs alike. Our best value pick, the PetPat P320, is a cost-effective yet reliable training collar ideal for the average dog owner. Choosing the proper training collar is an essential step in shaping your dog’s behavior, and we hope our reviews have made the process a little clearer and less confusing for you.
See Also:
Featured Image Credit: Chewy