A few weeks ago, I decided to embark on a journey to find the best dog training collar. I had to test a few at a time so I asked my good friend, David to help me test one on his dog, Bucky. He immediately barked back at me (David, not Bucky) on why he wasn’t cool with this type of accessory.
Instead of trying to convince him otherwise, I started to wonder, why do dog training collars have a bad rep?
So I set out to prove doubters wrong and test out the industry’s biggest names in dog training collars. I looked at things like price (all under $300), reputation, and of course, reviews.
So without further ado, here are the 7 Best Dog Training Collars [2021 Edition].
#1 – Educator E-Collar (Mini)
Let’s start with what is possibly the most complete and ergonomic collar of the bunch and that is the Educator E-collar mini.
Educator Collars is one of the most respected names in the dog collar industry. They provide dog owners with the peace of mind in knowing that their pups are being trained with the most humane shock collar equipment technology available.
While many shock collars are built using “sharp pulse” technology, Educator Collars provide a more “blunt” stimulation that is both cleaner and less stressful on your pup while still effective on even the most stubborn of pooches.
Buyers will also benefit from its “Pavlovian” tone feature which is essentially your dog responding to the sound before the stimulation itself. Similar to how Russian scientist Ivan Pavlov conditioned his dogs to associate the sound of a bell with food, the “shock” factor is not always necessary to have your dog comply.
Pros Cons
- Will work within ½ radius – On the more expensive side
- The Pavlov function – Extra buttons make the programming challenging
- Ergonomic – Battery Life
#2 – SportDOG Remote 425X Field Trainer
The preferred brand of sportspeople everywhere, SportDOG has designed and manufactured the perfect field dog training collar. Their 425X field trainer is their lightest and smallest e-collar which was created for in-the-field training or hunting with close-working dogs.
The 425X is waterproof, features 21 levels of stimulation, and is lauded by users who say it is user-friendly, durable, and suitable for any breed. Its 500-yard range is good but not great but it more than makes up for it with its 50-70 hour battery life.
It works on any dog 8lbs. (3.62kg) or larger and though it was devised for the outdoorsy individual and dog, the product works equally well on the more inactive/average pup.
Pros Cons
- Battery life for sure – Range could be better
- Water-proof – Confusing (even with guide included)
- 21 stimulation levels – Expensive if you’re not the outdoorsy type
#3 – Mockins Electric Remote Dog Training Collar
For those not looking to break the bank and try their first dog training collar, this inexpensive option from Mockins has been wildly successful. It doesn’t even have a fancy name like some of its competitors on this list but at a mere $20, I don’t think anyone really minds.
First and foremost, Mockins isn’t a household name for pet supplies but before you’re doubtful about making this $20 investment, just know that the price doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad product. In fact, it features a simple-to-use frame, it’s rainproof and the remote and collar go into a standby mode if not used after 2 minutes making for decent battery life.
But there are quite a few ‘buts’. We’ve included Mockins Electric remote dog training collar in large part due to the price but the remote gives off a rather ‘cheap’ feel to it and FYI, rainproof doesn’t mean waterproof.
All in all, similar to how you want your first drone to be a simple, inexpensive device where an eventual crash won’t cause depression, this is the dog training collar equivalent.
Pros Cons
- Price (need I say more?) – The collar is hard to adjust
- User-friendly – Rainproof NOT waterproof
- Effective – 100 levels seems a bit excessive
#4 – DogCare Well-D Advance Shock Dog Training System
The name’s a little long so we’ll just abbreviate it to DogCare’s Well-D.
DogCare’s state-of-the-art Well-D device is possibly the sleekest/best-looking device on our 7 device lineup. It features 3 training modes (static shock, ultrasonic beeps, and vibration), 100% waterproof (take that Mockins), and though the 900 feet of the range isn’t a game-changer, it fits dogs that weigh anywhere from 15 to 100lbs.
Well-D is also incredibly affordable retailing at under $50 and gives you the freedom to choose the type of stimulation you feel most comfortable with. Stubborn pups will likely be shocked a few times (which you can of course choose the intensity) but its 2 other modes will benefit the more benevolent dog owner.
I also forgot to mention there’s a security keypad lock that prevents you from increasing your punishment from mild to the old testament.
Pros Cons
- Very affordable – Range suffers in comparison
- Sleek, modern design – Battery life
- Easy to use
- 3 training modes
- Waterproof
#5 – Petrainer Rechargeable Dog Shock Collar
Petrainer is a household name for bark and shock collars so it’s no surprise that we’ve featured them on our list.
Their classic shock collar is affordable, easy to use, and can be adjusted to fit any size pup. Waterproof, lightweight, and with 100 levels to choose from, you’re given a ton of options to start out small and (we hope not) build your way up if need be.
Similar to its Well-D predecessor from DogCare, Petrainer’s shock collar has 3 different stimulation types which are static shock, vibration, and a standard tone.
A great training collar for first-timers not looking to spend more than $50.
Pros Cons
- Price – Lots of warranty complaints
- Easy to use – Not ergonomic
- Works for most sizes and breeds – Not the best battery life
- Multiple training modes
#6 – WolfWill Humane No Shock Remote Dog Training Collar
I thought we’d take a break from the shock-collars and ease our way into Wolfwill’s humane no shock collar.
The guys over at Wolfwill thought it would be a great idea to provide an alternative to shocking and instead created a more gentle approach. Instead of delivering mild, electric shocks, the humane no shock works off of vibration providing your furry little guy a more humane punishment.
I wouldn’t say it’s the most suitable for those extremely stubborn dogs or the most ergonomic but its battery life is immaculate with many users reporting it to last up to a week.
Its range isn’t something to brag about (⅓ of a mile) but if not mildly shocking your little guy is non-negotiable, this is the dog training collar for you.
Pros – Cons
- No shocks – Bigger collar than the rest
- Battery life – Not as effective (for stubborn dogs)
- Not expensive (under $70) – The range isn’t very good
#7 – DogTra 1900S
If 100 correction levels didn’t seem to be enough, you’ll likely be in awe when you see Dogtra’s 1900S and their whopping 127 levels.
Dogtra is a renowned brand among hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike and one of their highest sold products is the 1900S dog training e-collar.
Though it is one of the most expensive collars on this list, its 4000 foot (1200 meters) range makes it a favorite not just for the outdoors but those who don’t mind investing in this highly durable device.
The 1900S often gets a bad rep from those more in favor of a more humane approach to dog training collars but have no fear. In addition to its sleek/ergonomic design, you can also choose to train using beeps and vibrations. So if you’re looking for enhanced comfort, seamless appearance, and looking to spend more than a couple hundred, I’d recommend you give the 1900S a second look. Did we mention it’s also waterproof?
Pros Cons
- Sleek design and seamless appearance – On the higher end in terms of price
- Over ¾ mile radius (1200 meters)
- Waterproof
Verdict
There are a few on this list that won’t get a second look because let’s face it, the modern dog owner isn’t a hunter (or gatherer).
However, if you have the money to invest in one of those collars, they’re not useful just because of the range, it’s their settings and various types of training modes that allow you to see what works best.
I used the Wolfwill humane no shock collar on Robby and though I wish to say it worked like a charm, it didn’t work for us. Robby seemed more annoyed with the vibration and just seemed antsy.
I really liked the DogCare Well-D Advance. It’s surprisingly affordable for all of the features it has, ergonomic and the coolest characteristic is the security lock that prevents you from going slightly overboard. It might not possess the most range but at under $50, you can’t really ask for more.
Still Have Doubts?
If you’re still unsure of this accessory and want to learn more we’ve also put together a collection of dog training collar FAQs we recommend you check out. Here, we answer everything from where these collars originated to what dog training collars are suggested for most breeds.
If you wish to learn other ways to train your pup using more traditional methods, check out our how to train a puppy guide, 15 commands and even hemp oil vs. CBD oil for dogs articles.
