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Four things decide which training collar is right: the job you're training for, the range you need, the type of stimulation, and your dog's size.
| Training for | Look for | Examples | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday obedience and puppies | 1/4 to 1/2 mile range, fine low levels, tone and vibration | E-Collar Technologies Mini Educator ET-300, Dogtra CUE and 280X, SportDOG YardTrainer | E-Collar Technologies |
| Hunting and field work | 3/4 to 1.5 mile range, waterproof, beeper or two-dog options | Dogtra EDGE and 2700T&B, SportDOG SportHunter | Waterproof collars |
| Tracking and training | GPS tracking with a built-in e-collar | Dogtra Pathfinder2, SportDOG TEK Series | GPS collars |
| Nuisance barking | Automatic bark collar sized to your dog | Dogtra YS series, SportDOG NoBark, PetSafe bark collars | Bark collars |
| No static at all | Vibration or tone only, or spray | E-Collar Technologies PG-300 pager, PetSafe spray trainers | Vibration collars |
A backyard or neighborhood walk rarely needs more than 1/4 to 1/2 mile. Parks and open fields call for 3/4 mile or more, and bird dogs and hounds working cover often need 1 mile and up or GPS. Listed ranges are open-ground maximums, so trees, hills and buildings shorten them.
Most remote collars combine tone (a beep), vibration and static stimulation with many adjustable levels. Start at the lowest level your dog notices and pair it with praise and rewards. If you'd rather avoid static, choose a vibration-only pager or a spray collar.
The contact points must touch the skin, so the strap should be snug enough to fit only a finger or two underneath. Small dogs need a compact receiver, such as the E-Collar Technologies Micro Educator, the Dogtra YS300 for small and medium dogs, or PetSafe's Little Dog spray collar. Check each collar's minimum dog weight, follow the manufacturer's wear-time guidance and move the collar every few hours.
Two-dog systems control both collars from one remote. Many single-dog systems are expandable, so you can add a second collar later with an add-a-dog receiver from our receivers and parts collection.
Modern remote collars use tone, vibration and finely adjustable static levels, and most dogs respond to the low end of the range. Used at the lowest level your dog notices, alongside praise and rewards, they work as a communication tool rather than punishment. If you're new to e-collars, a session with a professional trainer is a good start.
Most trainers suggest waiting until a puppy is around six months old and already knows basic commands such as sit and come. Every collar also lists a minimum dog weight, so check it, and choose a compact receiver for small breeds.
For a yard or neighborhood, 1/4 to 1/2 mile is plenty. For parks and open fields, look at 3/4 mile or more. Hunting dogs working cover often need 1 mile and up, or a GPS collar that tracks up to 9 miles.
Vibration is a buzz the dog feels, like a phone on silent, with no electrical stimulation. Static is a mild, adjustable electrical stimulation. Many dogs respond to vibration or tone alone; if yours does, a vibration collar may be all you need.
Yes. Choose a two-dog system, such as the Dogtra 2702T&B or the E-Collar Technologies ET-302, or an expandable single-dog system and add a second receiver later.
Many are, including most Dogtra, SportDOG and E-Collar Technologies hunting and field models, which suits dock diving, retrieving and wet weather. See our waterproof dog collars and check each product's rating.
A bark collar works automatically, correcting barking whether or not you're home. A remote training collar is controlled by you and teaches commands such as come, stay and quiet. For barking only, start with a bark collar; for overall obedience, choose a remote trainer.
Still have a question? Text a pro at 737-215-3211 or send us a message.