Making sure our dogs are properly trained and socialized is one of the biggest responsibilities we have as pet owners. Every dog is an individual and training strategies that work for one canine won’t necessarily work for all of them. While experts generally recommend relying on positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods, there are certain circumstances where you may need to go down a different training path.
Some owners may opt to use a dog training collar to help them shape their dog’s behaviors. When used properly, training collars can be a useful tool and there is a wide range of possible options available. But which is the right collar for you? To help you decide, we’ve collected reviews of the 10 best dog training collars available right now. Check out what we thought about these collars and then use our handy buyer’s guide to help you pick just the right one for you!
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Dogtra IQ Plus Dog Training Collar
Waterproof
Easy to control correction levels
Can be used with two dogs at once
Check Price
Best Value
PatPet P320 300M
Rainproof
Cost-effective
Good battery life
Check Price
Premium Choice
SportDog TEK Series 1.5 GPS Dog Tracking And Training System
7-mile range
99 correction levels
Can track up to 12 dogs
Check Price
Educator By E-Collar Technologies 1/2 Mile Range Remote Collar
1/2-mile range
Night tracking light
Lockable correction levels
Check Price
SportDog Field Trainer 425X Remote Training Collar
Easy to use remote
Can be used with up to 3 dogs
Ideal for in-the-field training or hunting
Check Price
The 10 Best Dog Training Collars
Our choice for the best overall dog training collar is the Dogtra IQ Plus Dog Training Collar. With 100 different levels of correction, this collar allows you to carefully control the amount of stimulation your dog receives, ideal for shaping behavior without causing discomfort. Waterproof with a 400-yard range, this collar can be used to train both pets and working dogs. Like most electronic dog training collars, this one can cause skin irritation if worn long-term so don’t rely on it to serve as your dog’s primary collar. This system can be used with two dogs at a time and on pups as small as 10 pounds.
Range: 400 yards
Weight Range: Dogs over 10 pounds
Number of Stimulation Levels: 100
Check Price on Chewy
This collar is a bit expensive, but users report good results when used correctly.
Pros
Waterproof
Can be used with two dogs at once
Easy to control correction levels
Cons
Expensive
Can cause skin irritation if worn long term
Our pick for the best dog training collar for the money is the PatPet P320 300M. This collar has a range of 300 yards, a bit less than our best overall pick, meaning it will work best in small backyards rather than out in the field. This collar offers noise, vibration, or mild electric shock correction options. With only 16 levels of shock stimulation, you’ll need to be careful not to over-correct your dog. The collar and remote are rechargeable with long battery life. Training collars can be on the expensive side but based on the user reviews, this reasonably-priced option still offers excellent results when used correctly.
Waterproof
Can be used with two dogs at once
Easy to control correction levels
- Waterproof
- Can be used with two dogs at once
- Easy to control correction levels
Expensive
Can cause skin irritation if worn long term
- Expensive
- Can cause skin irritation if worn long term
Range: 300 yards
Weight Range: Dogs 20-90 pounds
Number of Stimulation Levels: 16
Some users found it didn’t work well for their dogs and others reported that the collar only worked for a short time before needing to be replaced.
Pros
Cost-effective
Good battery life
Cons
Fewer correction levels
Long-term durability issues
Designed for training multiple dogs under tough, outdoor conditions, the SportDog TEK GPS Tracking And Training System is a big investment but offers a lot for your money as well. Able to keep track of up to 12 dogs at a time over a range of up to 7 miles, the training collar is also waterproof and can be submerged up to 25 feet, allowing it to be used to train water retrievers as well as field dogs. With 99 levels of correction, this collar can be used on dogs as small as 8 pounds.
Cost-effective
Good battery life
- Cost-effective
- Good battery life
Fewer correction levels
Long-term durability issues
- Fewer correction levels
- Long-term durability issues
Range: 7 miles
Weight Range: Dogs over 8 pounds
Number of Stimulation Levels: 99
Because it relies on GPS, coverage may be questionable in very rural areas or rough terrain although users haven’t found that to be the case with this collar so far. Easy to use, this system works for even the most technologically-challenged dog owner.
Pros
Can track up to 12 dogs
7-mile range
Easy to use, waterproof
99 correction levels
Cons
Expensive
GPS coverage could be spotty in rural areas
With a 1/2-mile range and waterproof, lightweight collar, the Educator by E-collar Technologies is a more affordable option for training in the field. This collar has 100 levels of correction which can be locked and set to your dog’s specific needs. The remote can be used on two dogs at once and the collar features a night-tracking light, making it a good choice for after-dark training sessions and raccoon hunters.
Can track up to 12 dogs
7-mile range
Easy to use, waterproof
99 correction levels
- Can track up to 12 dogs
- 7-mile range
- Easy to use, waterproof
- 99 correction levels
Expensive
GPS coverage could be spotty in rural areas
- Expensive
- GPS coverage could be spotty in rural areas
Range: 880 yards
Weight Range: Dogs over 5 pounds
Number of Stimulation Levels: 100
The regular contact points on this collar aren’t long enough to get through thick fur so owners of shaggy dogs should be aware before purchasing. Some users found this collar difficult to use and a bit unreliable in terms of the level of correction.
Pros
Night tracking light
Lockable correction levels
1/2-mile range
Cons
Doesn’t work through thick fur
It may be difficult to use for some
Sometimes unreliable
Designed for both field training and closer work, the SportDog Field Trainer 425X Training Collar features an easily operated remote, allowing you to properly time the corrections you give your dog. The remote can be used with up to three dogs at a time and the collar is waterproof up to 25 feet down. This collar features fewer correction levels—just 21—than some of the other similarly-priced collars on our list. The easy-to-use, no-look remote is the major strength of this product.
Night tracking light
Lockable correction levels
1/2-mile range
- Night tracking light
- Lockable correction levels
- 1/2-mile range
Doesn’t work through thick fur
It may be difficult to use for some
Sometimes unreliable
- Doesn’t work through thick fur
- It may be difficult to use for some
- Sometimes unreliable
Range: 500 yards
Weight Range: Dogs over 8 pounds
Number of Stimulation Levels: 21
Some users felt that the quality and consistency of this collar weren’t up to par with previous models from the same company.
Pros
Easy to use remote
Can be used with up to 3 dogs
Cons
Fewer correction levels
Some quality concerns versus previous models
- Frisco Waterproof Rechargeable Dog Training Collar
Check Latest Price
Range: 1320 yards
Weight Range: Dogs over 10 pounds
Number of Stimulation Levels: 127
With 127 levels of stimulation, the Frisco Waterproof Rechargeable Training Collar gives you pinpoint control over the correction your dog receives. It also features a safety lock feature so you can make sure you don’t accidentally give your dog too strong of a correction. Waterproof and with a 3/4-mile range, this collar can be used for field training or yard training alike. Its price point makes it a big investment for the average dog owner, however.
Easy to use remote
Can be used with up to 3 dogs
- Easy to use remote
- Can be used with up to 3 dogs
Fewer correction levels
Some quality concerns versus previous models
- Fewer correction levels
- Some quality concerns versus previous models
Check Latest Price
Range: 1320 yards
Weight Range: Dogs over 10 pounds
Number of Stimulation Levels: 127
The collar needs to be carefully fitted for best results and you can’t attach a leash to it. This training system can only be used on one dog at a time, unlike some other options in the same price range.
Pros
127 levels of stimulation
Safety lock feature
Cons
Expensive
Can only be used on one dog at a time
- PetDiary T502 2600-ft Remote Dog Training Collar
Check Latest Price
Range: 860+ yards
Weight Range: Dogs over 8 pounds
Number of Stimulation Levels: 99
If you want to use a training collar but also want to give your dog the mildest correction possible, consider the PetDiary T502 Remote Training Collar. Not only does this collar offer the usual sound, vibrate, and static correction options, it also offers an LED light correction, for the dog that just needs a quick visual reminder to behave. This collar is waterproof, has a good range, and also features a light for better night visibility. The price point makes it a more affordable choice for the night hunter on a budget. The remote can be used on up to three dogs.
127 levels of stimulation
Safety lock feature
- 127 levels of stimulation
- Safety lock feature
Expensive
Can only be used on one dog at a time
- Expensive
- Can only be used on one dog at a time
Range: 860+ yards
Weight Range: Dogs over 8 pounds
Number of Stimulation Levels: 99
Some users found this didn’t work for their dog but, overall, it is a highly rated and affordable option for your training collar needs.
Pros
Affordable
Offers LED light correction mode
Can be used on up to 3 dogs
Cons
Won’t work for all dogs
- PatPet No Electric Shock Remote Dog Collar
Check Latest Price
Range: 600 yards
Weight Range: 30-110 pounds
Number of Stimulation Levels: 16
If you object to the idea of a shock collar but still feel your dog needs a little extra training support, consider the PatPet No Electric Shock Dog Collar. Relying solely on light, sound, and vibration for correction, this collar is a good choice for more timid dogs. However, it is only for dogs over 30 pounds so owners of smaller dogs will need to look into different alternatives. The system can be used with up to two dogs at a time.
Affordable
Offers LED light correction mode
Can be used on up to 3 dogs
- Affordable
- Offers LED light correction mode
- Can be used on up to 3 dogs
Won’t work for all dogs
- Won’t work for all dogs
Range: 600 yards
Weight Range: 30-110 pounds
Number of Stimulation Levels: 16
Overall, users were happy with this collar and felt it got the job done without the need for shock settings. Some charging issues were noted, however.
Pros
No shock feature
Good for timid dogs
Cons
Not for dogs under 30 pounds
Some charging issues
- Bousnic Dog Training Collar
Check Latest Price
Range: 1000 feet
Weight Range: 15-120 pounds
Number of Stimulation Levels: 16
A good value for owners with two dogs to train, the Bousnic Dog Training Collar comes with one remote and two collars. With a wide weight range, this collar works well for pet owners with mismatched dog sizes! The remote range is fairly short compared to many others on our list, making this a better choice for training pet dogs rather than hunters and retrievers in the field. The collar also comes with different size prongs, allowing owners of thick-coated dogs the convenience of not having to buy them separately.
No shock feature
Good for timid dogs
- No shock feature
- Good for timid dogs
Not for dogs under 30 pounds
Some charging issues
- Not for dogs under 30 pounds
- Some charging issues
Range: 1000 feet
Weight Range: 15-120 pounds
Number of Stimulation Levels: 16
Overall, this is a highly rated training collar with some durability issues noted, especially in the length of use.
Pros
Comes with 2 collars
Multiple prongs sizes are available
Cons
Short-range
It may not last as long as expected
- DogCare Dog Training Collar
Check Latest Price
Range: Not specified
Weight Range: 10-110 pounds
Number of Stimulation Levels: 10
The DogCare Dog Training Collar is a true budget collar, with only 10 levels of correction. However, it can train two dogs at a time. The remote is easy to use, pocket-sized, and can be operated with one hand. It can also be locked for safety when you aren’t training your dog.
Comes with 2 collars
Multiple prongs sizes are available
- Comes with 2 collars
- Multiple prongs sizes are available
Short-range
It may not last as long as expected
- Short-range
- It may not last as long as expected
Range: Not specified
Weight Range: 10-110 pounds
Number of Stimulation Levels: 10
Users report that this collar has some issues holding a charge and questionable durability. The shock feature can also be inconsistent although you do have the option of using sound and vibration as well. Dog owners looking for an inexpensive training collar may find this is the best option for them.
Pros
Inexpensive
Easy to use remote
Cons
It may not be durable
Has trouble holding a charge
Inexpensive
Easy to use remote
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use remote
It may not be durable
Has trouble holding a charge
- It may not be durable
- Has trouble holding a charge
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Dog Training Collar
Now that you’ve gotten some basic knowledge about the types of training collars on the market, here are some key points to consider as you narrow down your options.
Do You Need a Training Collar At All?
Used incorrectly, training collars can be ineffective, uncomfortable, and create more problems than they solve. A training collar isn’t meant to be used for punishment or as a replacement for positive reinforcement training. Certain specific situations are usually best suited for the use of remote training collars.
Owners of deaf dogs may use training collars on the vibrate setting to get their dog’s attention. Owners and trainers working with dogs in rural, outdoor settings need a way to communicate with their dogs over long distances and when they are out of sight. Finally, while it’s always preferable to try other methods of correcting bad behavior first, owners may turn to remote training collars as a last resort before giving up on their dogs.
If you choose to use a training collar, make sure you learn how to use it correctly and do your best to incorporate it into positive, reward-based training.
How Old Is Your Dog?
Remote training collars are generally not designed for use on dogs younger than six months old. Consider starting your puppy out with puppy obedience classes and move onto the training collar when they are older if necessary.
What Type Of Training Are You Doing?
The type and location of your dog training will heavily influence the type of collar you need. Owners looking to correct a dog who may bark, chase cats, or jump on visitors probably don’t need to invest in a waterproof collar with a 1/2-mile range. At the same time, a hunter managing a pack of hounds may not mind the heavy investment in a GPS tracking system because losing one of their dogs is a real possibility without it!
How Many Dogs Are You Training?
Many training collar systems are designed for use with more than one dog at a time. The number of dogs you have in training may help decide what your best options are for a training collar as well. Also, consider that most of the multiple dog training remotes require you to purchase additional collars, which may be an added expense to an already high-cost product.
Related Read: 7 Best Training Collars for Stubborn Dogs: Reviews & Top Picks
Conclusion
Our choice for the best overall dog training collar, the Dogtra IQ, offers a good mix of features suitable for training pet dogs and field dogs alike. Our best value pick, the PetPat P320 is a cost-effective, yet reliable training collar ideal for the average dog owner. Choosing the proper training collar is an essential step in shaping your dog’s behavior, and we hope our reviews have made the process a little clearer and less confusing for you.
Featured Image Credit: Chewy
