Dog training is the responsibility of every pet owner. Keeping your pet dog properly trained, under control, and socialized is necessary. However, it can be challenging, especially for beginners or first-time pet owners. That’s why e-collars are made to make training easier. But with the many options on the market, choosing the best e-collar dog for training can also be challenging.
To help you make the right choice, this article has reviewed the top e-collars in the market. Learn how they can contribute to your dog’s training needs and more. At the same time, find out what factors to consider when choosing to help you pick the best one.
10 Best E-Collars for Training Your Dog
1. Nikketta Dog Shock Collar with Flashing Light
Nikketta’s Dog Training Collar is one of the top-rated e-collars. Compared to other collars, this unit doesn’t use the usual electric shock function to train dogs. Instead, it uses the beep and vibration function to correct your dog’s bad habits. It has a unique sound pitch that can better attract the attention of your dog and recognize the warning tones.
It also boasts clear and accurate two-way communication even if two walls separate you and your dog. The collar even has a rechargeable battery that you can charge within hours and can last up to days. However, although the collar is waterproof, the remote transmitter is not.
Specifications:
- Number of Training Modes: 4
- Remote Range: 1,333 yards
- Number of Collars Included: 1
What’s Great About It:
- Safe light design
- Easy-to-use transmitter
- Keypad lock to prevent false triggering
- It’s affordable
Things to Consider:
- For one dog only
2. Dogtra IQ Plus 400 Yard Expandable
If you have a small to medium dog breed, this Dogtra IQ Plus collar is one of the most powerful e-collars. You can use it to gently but strictly correct your dog’s behavior. It’s specifically designed to suit various pet training needs. This is why it has a water-resistant handheld transmitter and a fully waterproof receiver collar.
This collar can be made into a two-dog system. This means that you can use the transmitter for up to two dogs. However, you’d have to buy the second receiver collar separately. Still, you can use the collar for a long time and can charge them quickly when needed.
Specifications:
- Number of Training Modes: 3
- Remote Range: 400 yards
- Number of Collars Included: 1
What’s Great About It:
- Ultra-compact collar design
- It comes with a lanyard
- 2-hour quick battery recharge
- LED battery life indicator
Things to Consider:
- Not recommended for large dogs
3. SportDOG SD-425X Field Trainer E-Collar
Another e-collar designed for closer training sessions is the SportDOG SD-425X e-collar. It’s easy to operate so even if you’re a first-time pet owner, you can train your dog properly. You can even time the corrections you give your dog. But most importantly, compared to the usual e-collar transmitters, the transmitter of this collar can be used with up to three dogs at a time.
With this collar, you can train and correct your dog’s habits through tone, vibrations, and stim. It’s also waterproof so you don’t have to worry even if your dog submerges themselves in water. It even has a low battery indicator and can be charged within two hours.
Specifications:
- Number of Training Modes: 3
- Remote Range: 500 yards
- Number of Collars Included: 1
What’s Great About It:
- Submersible to 25 ft
- No-look remote use
- Customizable button functions
- Ideal for field training and hunting
Things to Consider:
- Costs more than other collars with the same quality and features
4. Bousnic Dog Training Collar
If you have two dogs, you can get a good value with the Bousnic e-collar. It already has one remote and two collars so you can train them using one system. This is mainly possible because of its collars’ wide weight range—they work well for different dog sizes. However, take note that its remote range is relatively shorter than most collars. This makes it more suitable for training pet dogs and not hunters.
Still, this collar has a premium, ergonomic design. You can easily access its button and its format is easier to operate. The collars are even waterproof so you don’t need to take them off when your dog goes for a swim.
Specifications:
- Number of Training Modes: 3
- Remote Range: 333 yards
- Number of Collars Included: 2
What’s Great About It:
- Safe and humane training modes
- Convenient charging worldwide
- Adjustable collar
Things to Consider:
- Small remote range than most e-collars
5. Dogtra 1900S Handsfree Plus
Another top pick from the Dogtra brand is the 1900S Handsfree Plus e-collar. It has the brand’s popular Handsfree Square that will allow you to remotely and discreetly control the transmitter. You can pair it to different functions, so you can use the many features of the system. With this training e-collar, you can easily access various functions for a wide range of training scenarios.
Most importantly, this e-collar has a new and customizable boost feature. It will allow you to customize the correction level you’ll use to train your dog. You can even use it to go from training mode to obedience mode instantly with just a press of the Boost button.
Specifications:
- Number of Training Modes: 3
- Remote Range: 1,320 yards
- Number of Collars Included: 1
What’s Great About It:
- Safety level lock for unwanted changes
- Handsfree Square can be fastened to your wrist, palm, or fingers
- Perfect for obedience, hunting, and K-9 training
- IPX9K waterproof rating
Things to Consider:
- Relatively more expensive than most e-collars
6. Garmin Sport Pro Bundle
For a compact e-collar for your dog training sessions, consider getting the GarminSport Pro. They’re lightweight and the buttons are made of solid rubber so they’re durable. But aside from that, this e-collar bundle can train up to three dogs. However, you’ll need to buy the other collars separately.
Additionally, this remote transmitter has a quick turn dial. This means that you can operate it using just one hand. Plus, you can utilize its four training modes based on how you like to train and correct your dog’s habits.
Specifications:
- Number of Training Modes: 4
- Remote Range: 1,320 yards
- Number of Collars Included: 1
What’s Great About It:
- LED beacon lights for low-light conditions
- Built-in BarkLimiter with settable levels
- Water-resistant
- No-look operation
- Black and green color combination
Things to Consider:
- Relatively more expensive than most e-collars
7. PatPet P320 300M Dog Training Collar
If you don’t like training your dog out in the field, the PatPet P320 training collar would be a good option. It has a smaller range so it works best in small backyards. This way, you don’t have to go out in the field just to train and correct your dog’s bad habits. It’s also one of your best options for a budget-friendly training e-collar. You get a lot of value since you can use it for a maximum of two dogs.
Additionally, the collar and the remote have long battery life and are easily rechargeable. You can also adjust the collar based on your dog’s size by cutting the extra part. You can use it for small to large dog breeds. It’s even waterproof so your dog can wear it even if they’re playing in the water.
Specifications:
- Number of Training Modes: 3
- Remote Range: 333 yards
- Number of Collars Included: 1
What’s Great About It:
- IPX7 waterproof
- It can work with 2 receiver collars
- Good battery life
- Double protection prongs for the collar
Things to Consider:
- Some users reported that it’s not durable enough
8. ET-300 Mini Educator by E-Collar Technologies
This ET-300 Mini Educator has all the best features you need to make your dog training successful. It’s a cost-effective solution for all your training and correction needs without hurting your wallet. These are the two main reasons why it’s popular among pet owners and dog training professionals. You can use the remote on two dogs at once and even during low-light conditions.
Aside from these, one of the most noticeable features of this e-collar is its round and brightly colored remote transmitter. They’re also waterproof so you don’t need to worry about them getting wet or submerged in water. You can even lock the correction levels you use for your dog to avoid any accidental changes.
Specifications:
- Number of Training Modes: 3
- Remote Range: 880 yards
- Number of Collars Included: 1
What’s Great About It:
- Dual battery charger
- Built-in LED lights
- Ergonomic “stopwatch” transmitter design
- The transmitter floats on water
- Battery indicator light
- Pavlovian tone feature
- 2 sets of contact points
Things to Consider:
- It might not work as well through thick fur
9. Dogtra ARC Handsfree Plus
With comfort and safety in mind, this Dogtra ARC Handsfree Plus collar is a good e-collar for easy training sessions. It has the standard Handsfree Square that will allow you to multitask when training and correcting your dog. It has a flexible strap and an intuitive buckle so you can have easy access to your controls. You can even lock the correction levels, so you don’t make unnecessary changes.
Additionally, this e-collar set is expandable to two dogs. However, you’d have to buy the second collar separately. Plus, take note that even if the transmitter and collar are waterproof, the Handsfree Square isn’t. Still, it’s an ideal e-collar for serious obedience, hunting, and K-9 training sessions.
Specifications:
- Number of Training Modes: 3
- Remote Range: 1,320 yards
- Number of Collars Included: 1
What’s Great About It:
- Customizable boost function
- IPX9K waterproof
- Ergonomic receiver shape
Things to Consider:
- Relatively more expensive than most e-collars
10. PetDiary T502 2600-ft Remote Dog Training Collar
If you’re worried about hurting your dog physically and mentally with the correction levels of most e-collars, you can use the PetDiary T502 2600-ft Remote Training Collar. It can give your dog the mildest correction possible so you don’t have to worry about shocking them too much. You can also use the remote transmitter for up to three dogs. These make the price point of this collar more affordable than most e-collars.
This collar even comes with an LED light, for both correction and visibility. You can use these light functions for either a quick visual correction for your dog or better night visibility. This way, you can easily train a night hunter, even when on a budget. Plus, the remote control works over a long distance so you can use it even if there are obstructions in the way. You won’t even have to worry about any rainy weather, pools, or baths since the collar is waterproof.
Specifications:
- Number of Training Modes: 4
- Remote Range: 880 yards
- Number of Collars Included: 1
What’s Great About It:
- Great for multi-dog homes
- LED lighting has 3 levels
- It can be used by small to large dogs
- Sleek red and black color combination
Things to Consider:
- Extra collars are bought separately
Factors to Consider When Choosing an E-Collar
When choosing and weighing your collar options, it’s important to check the following factors and consider the following tips:
Type of Training
The type and location of the training you plan to do will heavily influence what kind of e-collar you need. You need to understand that there’s usually an effective range between the transmitter and receiver collar so if you’ll be training your dog out in the field, you’ll need a collar with a long remote range.
At the same time, if you only want to train and correct your dog’s bad habits, like unnecessary barking and chasing cats, you might not need a waterproof collar. So, think about how and where you’ll want to train your dog. Then, check the remote range and necessary features needed for that type and location.
Number of Dogs
How many dogs do you plan on training? Many training collar systems are designed in a way that you can use them for training multiple dogs at a time. However, not all of them, so make sure to think about the number. This will help you decide what your best options are.
But, take note that most of the time, your purchase would only come with one collar. You’ll have to typically buy another collar separately. You may want to consider this when looking at the costs as it can be a costly added expense for you.
Safety of Stimulation Levels
Remember that training collars shouldn’t be punishment devices. Plus, some dogs are shy and sensitive so they might react to certain stimulation types better, like vibrations rather than tone.
Always look for a collar that emits safe and humane stimulations so you won’t hurt your dog when training them. Make sure that it has adjustable levels of stimulation so you can modify its intensity based on your dog’s sensitivity and behavior.
Dog Breed and Size
Any e-collar won’t work effectively if they don’t fit well on your dog. It shouldn’t hang loosely or fit too tight on your dog’s neck as it may confuse and hurt them. It can even cause skin irritation if it’s too tight.
To prevent such situations, you need to make sure that the collar will fit your dog’s breed and size. This is necessary because some collars are only suitable for small to medium-sized dogs while some are adjustable for up to larger dog breeds.
Waterproof Quality
You can never stop your dog from going near and into bodies of water all the time. So, for best results and training sessions, consider getting a fully waterproof collar. Although you might think you won’t need one, it’s best to be sure that getting caught in something unexpected later on, like sudden rain while outside training. You can also consider a waterproof transmitter. But take note that even if a collar is waterproof, the transmitter might not be.
Conclusion
The best e-collar dog training set is one that suits your dog's needs, habits, training preferences, and budget. Ultimately, to ensure training success, make sure that the e-collar you pick will fit nicely in your dog’s neck. It should also provide safe stimulation options, like vibration and tone, to prevent your pet from getting hurt.
To ensure you get the right e-collar for your dog, make sure to follow the tips discussed above. Consider the best collar options in the market as well. But if you’re interested in more products, you can always visit our training collection!