by Tom Ken
Training your dog to be obedient can prove challenging especially when your pet presents unwanted behaviors frequently.
Dog collars have proven effective in simplifying dog training, especially when used in safe and humane ways. They work by delivering a controlled static shock to dogs' necks, thus deterring behaviors such as aggression, and jumping on people, among others.
Modern shock collars offer added features including adjustable vibrations and tones that boost safety while offering operational flexibility.
In our dog shock collar review, we look at these gadgets in detail and help you choose the ideal ones for your dog(s).
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
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1. Patpet P-collar 320 (Best Overall) |
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2. Patpet P-collar 301 (Best Inexpensive) |
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3. SportDOG Brand 425X (Best Professional) |
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4. Dog Care TC05 (Most Versatile) |
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5. Dog Care TC01 (Best Expandable) |
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6. TBI Pro TJ-1 (Best Heavy-Duty) |
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7. PetSpy P620 (Most User-Friendly) |
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Coming in first is the Patpet P-collar 320 dog shock collar, which 3 offers robust training modes, reliable IPX7 waterproof, and a long battery standby/working time.
Our best dog shock collar offers static shock, beep, and vibration operating modes. Shock and vibration modes have multiple levels for flexibility. It fits a wide range of dogs thanks to the adjustable 7.8 - 24.8 in. diameter.
Its receiver is IPX7 waterproof, which provides reliable protection against light showers and splashes from the swimming pool. The same has a long working time of 11 days, for stress-free running.
On the downside, you can only use one of the modes at a given time. You can't apply shock, beep or vibration, at the same time.
Pros:
Cons:
The Patpet P-collar 301 dog shock collar is surprisingly pocket-friendly given its high remote range, enhanced remote security, and ease of handling.
Driving the best cheap shock collar for dogs is 2 channels and 3 training modes: shock, beep, and vibration. It will support flawless training with its touch distinguishing design, which prevents blind operation.
Another notable feature of this remote is its security lock mechanism, which prevents accidental touch to boost safe usage. The remote is also very compact and comes with a hand strap for easy carrying.
A slight issue with the Patpet P-collar 301 is that you have to reposition the receiver around your dog's neck every 2 hours. Besides, you should not use it in intervals exceeding 6 hours.
Pros:
Cons:
The extended remote range, high-performance static stimulation levels, and excellent waterproof make SportDOG Brand 425X the best shock collar for dog training professionals working with hunting or in-the-field dogs.
This e-collar's remote range of 1,500 outperforms many other competing models. Even at maximum range, the collar's timing is perfect and response consistent in delivering 21 shock simulations.
Besides shock, it also vibrates or delivers a tone. You can expand the remote's usage to 3 dogs, by using Add-A-Dog® collars by the same brand.
The professional-grade collar is not pocket-friendly, especially if you're on a budget. Another issue is that the display is poor-lit and may struggle in low light.
Pros:
Cons:
The 3 efficient training modes of Dog Care TC05 combine seamlessly with its expandable remote capability and enhanced safety to boost the dog shock collar's versatility.
Operational versatility is largely supported by the high-performance shock mode and its 0 - 99 level range. Accidental shock is non-existent because the collar's remote gas a security keypad lock to prevent misclick.
You can expand the transmitter's performance to support up to 3 collars, in case you have more than 1 dog. Simply get more collars that are compatible with the remote, then control them with a single transmitter.
While the collar is IP65 rated for protection against low-pressure water jets, you should avoid its direct immersion in water.
Pros:
Cons:
The expandable capacity of the Dog Care TC01 dog collar's transmitter to support more than 1 collar is unrivaled by any other model on our list. With the single transmitter that comes with this model, you can control up to 9 collars, which is great if you own multiple dogs.
Remote and collar battery life are also very impressive. The collar will comfortably last 15 days while the remote's standby time is 45 days.
This system's shock mode offers 0 - 99 levels to boost adjustability and setting of accurate static levels for many dogs. Accidental shock is also prevented by a reliable security keypad lock.
Disappointingly, the Dog Care TC01 collar is safe for use only on dogs aged six months or older.
Pros:
Cons:
With a remote transmission range of 2,000 ft., the TBI Pro TJ-1 collar can operate within vast spaces while offering more operational flexibility than shorter-range alternatives.
Your dog can be far away and the collar will still deliver a signal in either of the device's 3 training modes. The shock mode levels go up to 99 for performance robustness.
Battery standby and working times are impressive. It lasts 15 days on a single charge, in working mode. A flashlight has also been added to support related operations.
Even though the collar comes with a power-saving sleep mode, it is not suitable for all scenarios. Some users may want a collar that is on throughput to maximize the success rate.
Pros:
Cons:
The PetSpy P620 collar offers simplified controls and a backlit display that allows you to focus on the vital aspects of dog training.
On the collar transmitter's face are 3 big buttons that indicate the modes supported by the device. They include Tone, Vibra, and Shock buttons. Above these buttons is a clear and backlit display that shows the channel/intensity level, and the batter indicator, for ease of use.
Another feature that boosts usability is the durable non-slip material added on the transmitter's side to enhance grip. The collar is also rechargeable and waterproof, to eliminate most concerns tied to performance.
On the downside, the receiver's antenna adopts a plastic cover, which is not very strong. If the remote falls, the antenna will likely break.
Pros:
Cons:
The operational flexibility of the Patpet P-collar 640 collar is very favorable because of its long 3000 ft. range. It eliminates range barriers that may interfere with effective dog training.
You can use the collar even as your dog swims, thanks to an IPX7 waterproof rating. The collar's battery offers up to 10 days of working time.
It's also very easy to distinguish the remote button by touch, because of its unique user-friendly design.
Key Features
If you're constantly worrying about your dog's shock collar or remote running of charge, Petrainer PET619A addresses this issue by offering flexible charging options.
Using the single USB cable that's included with the device, you can charge both the collar and the transmitter efficiently, at the same time.
Remote performance is excellent, thanks to the collar's implementation of through-wall technology, which enhances transmission across physical obstacles.
This IPX7 waterproof collar offers better protection for your dog's skin using improved contact points, which reduce the stimulus area. The soft nylon material used on the collar also helps boost pet protection.
Key Features
The Dogtra 200C features an ergonomic design that helps you maximize all the robust and high-performance features of the shock collar.
Its transmitter is an ultra-compact unit, which surprisingly, offers many advanced features including a 2,640 ft. range, a patented front facing rheostat dial, up to 100 shock training levels, and automatic shutoff.
This waterproof collar is ideal for all dog breeds, especially those with mild to medium temperaments. Note, however, that the collar is not recommended for use on dogs younger than 4 months in age.
Key Features
If you're just getting started with dog training, the PetSpy M686 shock collar simplifies the process for you by offering useful training materials alongside the device.
Besides the 4 flexible training modes the collar offers, you get a dog training guide that includes an eBook and videos that help you practice safe dog behavior correction. A blind operation design supports efficient transmitter operation.
The shock mode has 2 robust settings, including continuous correction and 1-second correction. You can use the two flexibly depending on the prevailing training demands.
Key Features
Round the clock dog training just got a lot easier with the SportDOG Brand SD-875E shock collar, which comes with a high-quality OLED screen for enhanced display clarity.
This screen displays the button function, simulation levels, battery status, and the selected dog. You can expand the remote's capability to support a maximum of 3 dog collars.
Its implementation of DryTek technology allows submersion of up to 25 ft. Your dogs should swim comfortably with this collar on.
Key Features
If you love traveling with your pet and hanging out with it outdoor, consider getting the Petrainer PET998DRU shock collar because both components, including the transmitter, are rainproof.
You can also charge both rechargeable units simultaneously using a USB cable, which makes the process faster and more efficient.
Since this collar may be on your dog's neck on most days, it has been built using a nylon strap, which protects sensitive pet skin for even safer operation. There's also a Light Mode that enhances dog visibility in low-light conditions.
Key Features
For reliable dog barking deterrence, count on the DogCare AB01 shock collar, which offers automatic, remote-free operation.
It is very gentle but highly effective. You get 2 modes, static and vibrate. There are multiple levels to choose from when working with these modes.
When your dog doesn't respond after all 7 shock levels have been activated, the collar shuts off. It is effective in protecting canines from harm.
Key Features
With the Richdog iT118 dog collar, you no longer have to worry about accidental shocks to your pets. There's a security control panel that will lock to prevent maloperation.
There are up to 99 static levels and multiple vibration levels to provide a high level of customization during dog training. The collar is adjustable for multiple dog sizes.
It offers a nice and simple display that shows power level, current training mode, and simulation intensity.
Key Features
Training Collars: Training collars are designed to deter unwanted dog behaviors. By delivering static shock, vibrations, or beeps, they can signal.
Because these collars work by shocking dogs, they have a high potential for misuse. Some users don't adhere to the safe and humane usage guidelines when using these on their dogs.
Anti-Bark Collars: As the name suggests, these collars are primarily designed to contain your dog's barking tendencies, which can be noisy and potential aggression indicators.
Sometimes, however, your dog may bark as a sign of joy, and you wouldn't want this collar to come between the pet and its happiness.
Invisible Fence Collars: These collar types act as invisible fences, eliminating the need for physical barriers.
To use these collars, you need to set up an underground boundary line, which links to a dog's collar, triggering the latter device when the pet goes beyond a set boundary.
Collar size and fit matter because they determine whether the receiver fits around your dog's neck comfortably. The last thing you want is to squeeze a collar that can create discomfort or even choke your dog.
To get the right size and fit, simply measure the diameter of your dog's neck, then compare it with that of the collar you wish to get. Most collar sizes fall in the range of 4 inches to 27 inches. Almost all the collars in our review are within this range.
Another way to determine fit is by using your dog's weight. Most modern collars indicate the range of dog weights they support. The most popular weight range for most collars is 10 - 100 lbs.
To deter unwanted behaviors in dogs, shock collars primarily rely on the "shock" mode.
This mode works by delivering static shock on the dog's neck, altering the pet of its mischief. If the lower-level shock does not work, you can always step it up until it achieves the desired effect on your dog.
That said, not all dogs need shocking during training. Vibration and beep modes are safe and highly effective alternatives you can also apply to your dog. Even these offer different levels, giving you flexibility in choosing what works for your pet.
Shock is the primary mode that many dog owners use when using a shock collar. That's why most collars offer multiple simulation levels in this or more modes.
The two common simulation levels for shock mode are 1 - 16 and 0 - 99. Either of the two works great and should meet all your dog training demands by providing simulation flexibility.
As a note, other modes such as vibration and tone also offer simulation levels. Some models may have more levels than others, but almost all will reach the intensity that's needed to keep your dog in check.
Most dog collars are remote-controlled, which means a transmitter has to communicate with a receiver (the collar). Effective range is the farthest distance within which the two can still link.
As a guiding principle, it's better to have more range than you need, than have limitations on the same during a critical time. Simply put, get a collar that exceeds the normal operating range you feel is ideal for your dog.
Consider collars such as the heavy-duty TBI Pro TJ-1 , which has an effective range of 2,000 ft, if you want maximum flexibility during training.
Waterproof shock collars add so much value to dog training efforts because they provide environmental flexibility by eliminating concerns tied to water interaction.
Some collars come with varying waterproof ratings such as IPX5 or IPX7. The larger the last digit on the rating, the more waterproof a collar is, as water depth increases.
For example, the IPX5 rating protects against low-pressure streams, while the IPX7 rating protects against water immersion for up to 30 minutes in depths not exceeding 1 meter.
Note, however, that waterproof and rainproof, two often confused terms, are not the same. Waterproof implies impermeability to water. Rainproof is the ability to resist penetration by rain showers.
IPX1 to IPX6 ratings offer some rainproof protection, but the degree of effectiveness tends to increase as the ratings go up. Therefore, IPX6 collars are more rainproof than IPX4 or IPX5 ones.
Yes. When used in the recommended ways, collars can support humane and safe dog training. Collars also offer additional protective features that boost your dog's safety.
Security keypad locks, for instance, can help prevent accidental shock, which should boost your confidence in the collar's ability to keep your dog safe.
Yes. Collars offer multiple shock simulation levels, often 1 - 16 or 0 - 99, which are capable of containing aggressive dogs.
If your aggressive dog is not responding to mild shock, you can dial up the simulation levels. Sometimes, however, shock may fail to work. In such cases, you should cease the shock action.
Yes, if the shock collar is waterproof. Many of today's top models offer varying degrees of waterproof rating. The highest waterproof rating we've recorded in our shock collars is IPX7.
If the collar you choose has no waterproof rating, any contact between your dog and water could be potentially harmful to the pet.
Preferably, not more than 12 hours in a day. Shock collars are electric devices. The less time they spend on your dog's neck, the safer they are.
As a guiding principle, only use a shock collar when necessary. That means that when your dog is in confined spaces, a collar may not be necessary.
PATPET Dog Training Collar with Remote Rechargeable Waterproof Shock Collar for Dogs 3 - Walmart Link
INVIROX Dog Training Collar [2022 Edition] 123 Levels Dog Shock Collar for Large Dog, - Walmart Link
Dog Training Collar with Remote,PORUIS Lightweight Portable Shock Collar,Rechargeable - Walmart Link
SportDOG Brand 425X Remote Trainers - 500 Yard Range E-Collar with Static, Vibrate and - Walmart Link
Dog Training Collar with 2600Ft Remote, Electronic Dog Collar with Beep, Vibration, - Walmart Link
TWODEER Dog Training Collar, IPX7 Waterproof Shock Collars for Dog with Remote Range - Walmart Link
PATPET Dog Training Collar Rechargeable Dog Shock Collar with Beep, Vibration and Shock - Walmart Link
the Patpet P-collar 320 - Walmart Link
The Patpet P-collar 301 - Walmart Link
the Dog Care TC01 - Walmart Link
the TBI Pro TJ-1 - Walmart Link
the Patpet P-collar 640 collar - Walmart Link
the SportDOG Brand SD-875E - Walmart Link
the heavy-duty TBI Pro TJ-1 - Walmart Link
the SportDOG Brand 425X - Walmart Link
the Patpet P-collar 301 - Walmart Link
PATPET Dog Training Collar with Remote Rechargeable Waterproof Shock Collar for Dogs 3 - eBay Link
INVIROX Dog Training Collar [2022 Edition] 123 Levels Dog Shock Collar for Large Dog, - eBay Link
Dog Training Collar with Remote,PORUIS Lightweight Portable Shock Collar,Rechargeable - eBay Link
SportDOG Brand 425X Remote Trainers - 500 Yard Range E-Collar with Static, Vibrate and - eBay Link
Dog Training Collar with 2600Ft Remote, Electronic Dog Collar with Beep, Vibration, - eBay Link
TWODEER Dog Training Collar, IPX7 Waterproof Shock Collars for Dog with Remote Range - eBay Link
PATPET Dog Training Collar Rechargeable Dog Shock Collar with Beep, Vibration and Shock - eBay Link
the Patpet P-collar 320 - eBay Link
The Patpet P-collar 301 - eBay Link
the Dog Care TC01 - eBay Link
the TBI Pro TJ-1 - eBay Link
the Patpet P-collar 640 collar - eBay Link
the SportDOG Brand SD-875E - eBay Link
the heavy-duty TBI Pro TJ-1 - eBay Link
the SportDOG Brand 425X - eBay Link
the Patpet P-collar 301 - eBay Link
Shock collars have proven reliable for effective dog training, and if you want the best one, go with our first choice, the Patpet P-collar 320 . It is waterproof, reliable, and has long battery life.
If you're a professional dog trainer, the SportDOG Brand 425X offers a decent range, multiple shock stimulation, and can be extended to support multiple collars/dogs.
And if you're on a strict budget but still desire a safe and effective dog training companion, consider getting the Patpet P-collar 301 shock collar that fits the bill, at a pocket-friendly price.
About Tom Ken
Tom has worked with many veterinary surgeons as a nurse at different veterinary clinics throughout his life.
There, he provides care for sick animals; such as: dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, and sometimes reptiles.
He has good work ethics and gentle hands; hence, the doctors as well the pet owners have come to love his presence alot.
With this site, he aims to help the readers ensure their pets' wellbeing, learn how to care, and proivide medical treatment as needed.
Joshua received Veterinary Technician Degree at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.
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