Top 10 Best Dog Training Collars for 2020 Reviews

It’s a dog owner’s dreaded dilemma: Your mutt wants to be around you all the time, but their awful decorum is driving you nuts. And no matter how emphatic you are, it’s impossible to get them to follow your commands. Don’t let that worry you too much — a good training collar kit might change things for the better.

While some have opined that these devices are torturous, nothing could be further from the truth. Their use has more to do with reinforcing positive behavior than punishment. The collar provides a mechanism through which you communicate with the animal.

In essence, it allows you to condemn bad behavior and dumb down their adversarial instincts. Professionals also use the kits to train canines for roles like tracking and sniffing out contrabrand. That should be enough to quell any misgivings you might have in mind — time to take a look at the top dog training collars on the market today.

1. PATPET Dog Shock Collar with Remote – 1000ft Range

On the off chance that you’re a first-time parent looking for a beginner training aid, the PATPET Dog Shock Collar will be a great pick. It’s packed with as many features as you need to straighten your pup’s behavior. It normally sells for $70, but you can grab one online today for half the price.

The package comes with 3 different modes — tone, shock and vibration — to provide all-round training. The ‘shock’ mode has 16 levels of intensity, while ‘vibration’ has half as many. With such a degree of flexibility, you’ll easily be able to narrow down the ideal range of simulation.

The collar is adjustable between 0 and 27 inches. Stimulation is delivered via a couple of metal studs with silicone contact points — these are designed to protect both coats and skin. The whole mechanism is housed inside an IPX7-rated waterproof receiver. This works in tandem with the remote to provide a range of up to 330 yards. Both devices are powered by in-built rechargeable batteries.

Check it out: /patpetdogshockcollarwithremote

2. Bousnic Training Collar 2 Dogs

As hinted by the name, the Bousnic Training Collar comes with 2 receivers paired with a single remote. Because each operates on its own frequency, the kit allows you to train two dogs at the same time. Stimulation can be delivered in 3 ways; static shock with 16 levels, tone mode, and vibration across 8 levels.

Each of these functions has a dedicated button on the remote. This can communicate with either collar from a range of up to 1000 feet. The kit’s battery pack provides 15-20 days of use, with charge time being 2-3 hours. You’ll find the Bousnic Training Collar retailing for $65 on several stores online.

Check it out: /bousnictrainingcollar2dogs

3. TBI Pro 2019 Dog Shock Training Collar With Remote

TBI’s latest pro model collar kit comes across as a bargain for outdoor trainers. It offers an impressive signal range of 2000 feet for a dime shy of $50. You also get 3 training modes; beep, vibration, and static shock.

The kit’s highlight is the remote control unit. It combines an ergonomic design with large buttons for enhanced ease-of-use. It also comes with a flashlight to help with night tracking.

Check it out: /tbiproallnew2019trainingcollar

4. Dogtra Fieldmaster 1 Dog LCD Training Collar

At first glance, the Dogtra Fieldmaster doesn’t seem any different from other collars on the list. It features 3 modes (nick, constant, & vibration) and 27 stimulation levels. The collar and remote transmitter are both waterproof, and the range tops out at half a mile. The unit is powered by rechargeable Ni-MH batteries that provide a life of 5-7 days. So why exactly does it cost a whooping $215?

Well, because it works like a charm. Sounds rhetorical but, if customer feedback is anything to go by, the Fieldmaster is the most capable training kit on the market. One buyer attests that (sic) a single outing was enough to turn his into an obedient, thoughtful dog. Another claims that she calms her pup just by putting the collar on. You get the picture, don’t you?

Check it out: /dogtrafieldmasterlcdtrainingcollar

5. SportDOG Brand 425 Family Remote Trainers

SportDOG’s Brand 425 family has 4 members: the standard SD-425, the SD-425X, the SD-425S, and the SD-425XS. They all share a similar design and features, but the -X and -XS trims offer a higher range of stimulation (21 vs 7 levels in the other 2). All are priced at $160, so let’s just review them as one product.

The system allows you to control up to 3 dogs, but you’ll need to purchase additional receiver units. The collar’s designed to fit canines 8 lbs or larger with neck size being 5-22 inches. The remote comes with a dial and a couple of buttons; these let you set the tone and deliver stimulation respectively.

The receiver and remote transmitter are waterproof. SportDOG indicate that they can withstand immersion into 25 feet of water. They’re powered by Li-ion batteries that charge in 2 hours, thereafter providing a life of 50-70 hours. Both also come with low-battery indicators.

Check it out: /sportdogfamilyremotetrainers/producturl1

6. HISEASUN Training Collar with Remote for 2 Dogs

A favorite for professional trainers, this training kit from HISEASUN is perfect for parents with 2 or more dogs. That’s because it comes with a couple of collars — a steal for a paltry $65. You could add one more and control all 3 collars from the same remote.

It comes with the familiar trio of training modes, with intensity spanning a 99-level range. The remote employs a similar design to other kits; 3 buttons and a miniature screen displaying key details. The receiver is equipped with ergonomically-shaped silicone contact points for safe stimulation. It also has an IPX-7 waterproof rating.

Practicality is the one area where HISEASUN’s kit really shines. The remote has an LED bulb to help with night tracking (the collars come with reflective strips for the same purpose). The receivers also have lights that can be switched on using a button on the side of the remote. With all these features, you should be able to make the most of the kit’s 1200-foot range.

Check it out: /hiseasuntrainingcollarwithremote

7. Patpet Training Collar – Upgraded 1000yd

Ever tried training your pooch in a large, open space? Knowing just how much dogs love to wander, it can be hard to stay in control without curtailing their freedom. It should come as a delight that the PATPET Training Collar has a range of 1000 yards — more than enough to solve the problem.

The collar has 3 training modes; beep, vibration and shock. Each of them can be adjusted across 16 intensity levels using function-specific buttons on the remote. These are color- and texture-coded for quicker familiarization. The remote also features a white LCD screen displaying the current mode and battery status. It can control up to 2 dog collars.

Both the receiver and remote are waterproof, with the former having an IPX-7 rating. That is achieved thanks to the sealed charging port and concave screws. With a neck size of 10-24 inches, the PAPET Training Collar is suitable for dogs weighing more than 9 lbs.

Check it out: /patpettrainingcollarupgraded1000yd

8. DOG CARE Dog Collar

If canines outnumber humans in your household, the DOG CARE Collar will be a great pick. No, seriously — the remote can handle up to 9 collars within a range of 330 yards. And it costs just $40!

The functionality is as good as you might expect; three training modes with 100 intensity levels. That means the kit will suit both adults and puppies (threshold for the latter is 15 pounds). Mode control buttons aside, the remote also comes with a miniature keypad. This locks the collar to lessen the likelihood of accidental shocks.

The collar receiver is built of tough ABS plastic to ensure it holds up to any kind of movement. It also has an IPX65 waterproof rating. The onboard battery will last for up to 2 weeks on a full charge.

Check it out: /dogcaredogcollar

9. HOLDOG Rechargeable Dog Collar

This is worth your consideration if you’re looking for a no-bells-and-whistles training kit for a puppy — or perhaps a small-breed dog. For $48, you get a matte black collar with a belt-like fastening mechanism. The remote is equally spartan; a palm-sized gadget with rotary dial at the top, blue LCD screen at the bottom, and 3 color-coded buttons for the training modes.

You’ll find that the HOLDOG kit isn’t as straightforward as other systems. While each mode has a dedicated button, you can only switch between them by pressing the dial. The latter also lets you fine-tune the intensity of stimulation over 100 levels. If that sounds like a handful, you’ll be glad to know that the LCD displays all the crucial details (mode, intensity level, and battery status). The kit’s range extends to 400 yards.

Check it out: /holdogrechargeabledogcollar

10. Peteme Training Collar

With a price tag of $39.99, this is the second cheapest product on the list. But make no mistake: The Peteme Training Collar holds its own against pricier kits. That’s all down to the exceptional circuit design. The collar is equipped with protective chips to ensure it delivers just the right level of stimulation.

So it’s safe to say that your mutt is assured of a safe experience. The kit comes with 3 training modes as standard, but the remote has an extra button for choosing between them. Additionally, intensity is adjusted via tiny buttons on the side (rather than the usual dial). The kit has a range of 330 yards, and the receiver is 100 percent waterproof.

Check it out: /petemetrainingcollar

Dog Training Collar Selection Tips

The selection process for dog training collars might seem a little overwhelming at first glance. With a few tips, it certainly helps out with the process.

The first thing is to identify what type of collars work best for your particular breed. Since dogs can vary in size and weight so much, there are plenty of different options for small, medium and large dogs.

Next, consider what type of training will be focused on, and just how difficult it is to get done. For the more difficult training sessions, dogs might need something that gets the point across. There are different types of training methods, and it’s beneficial to explore them all before settling on one.

The final general tip on selecting a dog training collar is to make sure that you are informed about the training process. Even if a professional is going to be used to help train the dog, knowledge is power when it comes to getting fast results. By having a set plan in place beforehand, it’s much easier to figure things out.

Types of Dog Training Collars

There are quite a few different options to consider when looking at training collars for dogs. The most common ones are:

The pinch collar

This is a pretty basic training collar for a dog, and it is used for some basic training such as teaching dogs how to heal, how to avoid picking up certain items and how not to pull at certain times.

The Martingale collar

This is another way to help keep aggressive dogs composed. Not having metal against the dog’s skin makes it a little more comfortable for the dog. It reduces the risk of choking hazards as well.

The choke collar

Think of this as a more basic version of the Martingale collar. This is used for a lot of training situations, in particular with larger dogs. They do come in several different sizes, so people are more than welcome to use them for smaller dogs as well.

The anti-bark collar

It’s easy to tell from the name what the purpose of this color is for. Dogs who are constantly barking and causing some issues with that can be trained to stay quiet. There are three different types of anti-barking collars, and they all work a little differently. Not everyone is a complete fan of these collars, especially the ones that shock the dog when they make a noise.

The invisible fence collar

This is a great collar for people who live in a restricted area where they don’t want to put up a true fence. Instead of a fence everyone can see, the dog will feel it once they approach the invisible boundary. This helps not only keep dogs in a very defined area, but it also helps if dogs have a problem climbing fences.

A remote dog training collar

This is a training system that can help correct bad behavior, and also reward good behavior. A wireless collar is put on the dog, and a transmitter is available for trainers to use.

Top Dog Trainer Collar Brands

SportDOG, Garmin, Dogtra, PatPet, Petrainer, and Pawious are three top options to consider. With so many different types of collars, it is important to search around and find the best fit.

Along with trusted brands, there is also the opportunity to read reviews online. New brands are always emerging, so don’t automatically dismiss a new release.

– Average Dog Trainer Collar Pricing

A pretty standard dog training collar is going to cost right around $50. For the more intricate training methods, expect to pay up to around $250. It depends on just how many features a person wants. There is certainly a lot of price variety out there.

Questions & Answers

What is the best collar for training dogs?

The best collar for training a dog is going to depend on the type of dog, the type of training and the trainer itself. Some collars are going to do most of the work for trainers, so setting it up correctly is essential.

Brands with great reviews online include SportDOG, Garmin, Dogtra, PatPet, Petrainer, and Pawious. Always check out reviews before putting down money for a new purchase.

Are dog training collars cruel?

A common question in regards to training collars is whether or not they are actually cruel to dogs. It is hard to find a straight answer at times, because some people are totally against it, while others think it has a purpose.

The biggest drawback is, of course, the shock pets receive, and the fear they might develop. Going through even a little bit of pain is a frustrating experience for a dog, and that might put fear in the back of their mind for the rest of their lives. There are cases where training has gone wrong and it has really damaged a dog over time.

The good news is that many collars these days offer fully adjustable intensity. If the shock is too much, reduce it so that the dog is not in the same amount of discomfort. Some people are against any shock whatsoever, but at least this is somewhat of a compromise.

As long as a dog is reacting positively to the training, it is not considered particularly cruel. Refrain from consistently trying to train a dog if it is simply not working in the early stages.

Are shock collars good for dog training?

When used correctly, shock collars are great for dog training. Some dog breeds are going to react to them better than others, but it is refined to the point that this is a very good solution to consider.

If the training is done in the right way, results will start to show rather quickly. In fact, sometimes results happen without even having a human present. Relying on anti-barking collars, for example, can correct things while a person is at work.

Are dog shock collars humane?

This is a controversial topic for some, but if the collar is adjusted to the right working level, it is a humane training system to rely on. The shock is more of a nuisance for dogs instead of true pain. As long as it is enough for them to know that they did something incorrectly, that is all that matters.

The idea of shocking a dog might seem crazy on paper, but it is refined and set up just right these days. It is always a learning process, but it seems like manufacturers are coming out with better and better training devices that keep the dog’s health in mind.

Do shock collars hurt a dog?

A shock collar is not going to necessarily hurt a dog, especially if it is adjusted appropriately. If too much shock is given out, that is when issues start to pop up.

Most owners can tell pretty quickly if their dog is feeling a lot of pain from the shock collar. It is also important to check out the neck area once the collar is removed. This will show if there is any serious damage done to the fur or skin.

Do vibration collars work for dog training?

Some trainers have found success using vibrating dog collars for learning. However, some feel like the use is only getting a dog’s attention. The vibration is not enough to truly correct any issues a dog might have.

The reason why vibration collars are so popular is that it is an alternative to shocking a dog. However, if dogs are not responding positively, it really isn’t that beneficial in the end.

How long can you leave a bark collar on a dog?

It’s recommended to allow a dog to spend at least half of the day without having to wear a bark collar. If possible, owners should also re position the collar every 1 to 2 hours. It is going to be very beneficial for the dog, as they will be more comfortable, and also free of any rashes or sores.

Since the dog wears a bark collar quite often during the day, make sure to get the right fit. A snug fit is necessary, but not too much that it is really restricting the dog daily.

When they start to wear a collar like this, it’s also important to clean the area and take good care of them overall. It is a trying time wearing a collar like this, but with a little bit of human love, they will feel better.

Should I take my dog’s collar off at night?

If the collar is not that restrictive, and it fits the dog comfortably, there isn’t a need to remove all of them at night. The training collars are a little bulkier, so that is something that is possibly removable to keep them comfortable.

It also depends on how they act during the night. Some dogs are simply going to sleep when their human sleeps, so there is not much of a need for a training collar.

Susan McDonald

Susan McDonald is best known for her unique ability to connect with and train dogs. Growing up her friends and colleagues used to call her “The Dog Whisperer”. In college Susan majored in Veterinary Medicine, however instead of becoming a Veterinarian, Susan decided to pursue starting her own dog training business. Susan freelance writes for several online dog topic publications including FuzzyFacesDogTraining.com in her spare time.