The 15 Best Dog Training Collars of 2023

A dog training collar is designed as a solution to three main problems that you may encounter with your pet: command disobedience, endless barking, and housebreaking. It consists of a handheld transmitter and a wireless receiver on the collar.

With the transmitter in hand, you can send a radio signal to the collar, which beeps, vibrates, or issues static shock to your pooch to correct behavior. If you need one, here are the best dog training collars to consider.

7 Best Dog Training Collars: Review

1. Best Overall: Dog Care TC01

• Training Mode: Beep, Vibration, 0 - 99 Shock Levels
• Remote Range: 1000 ft.
• Fits For: 15 to 100-lb dogs
• Material: ABS
• Collar Weight: 10.4 oz.

The TC01 is our best dog training collar overall due to its combination of multiple training modes, multiple channels, and long battery life.

With 99 static shock levels, it is highly adjustable, allowing you to set the accurate level that works for your pooch. This is in addition to beep and vibration modes, which give you a total of three to teach your pooch basic commands and end uncontrollable behavior.

That said, there is a security keypad lock switch at the side to prevent accidental shock. You won't have to feel sorry for your dog anymore due to misoperation.

If you have more than two dogs, this system will work very effectively as it can support up to nine collars. You only have to buy the extra collars as one is included in the set.

You also get a long battery life, whereby the collar receiver and handheld transmitter have a standby time of 15 and 45 days respectively. The only issue is that the product is not ideal for puppies. It is fit for 15 to 100-lb dogs, and most pups weigh under 15 lbs.

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2. Best Inexpensive: Patpet P-collar 301

• Training Mode: Beep, 1 - 8 Vibration Levels, 1 - 16 Shock Levels
• Remote Range: 1000 ft.
• Fits For: 15 to 100-lb dogs
• Material: Nylon
• Collar Weight: 11.22 oz.

You can train your dog using this affordable collar, which features an adjustable nylon belt that is expandable from 7.8 - 24.8 inches. Despite its price, the product has a long battery life whereby the collar receiver and handheld transmitter have a 30 and 60-day standby time respectively.

The transmitter has two channels to accommodate the training of two dogs at a time, with three training modes. They include beeps, 16 shock, and 8 vibration levels.

A security lock is built into the transmitter to prevent accidental touch for safe use. On the downside, the collar is only IPX5 waterproof, which means swimming can damage the electronics. Also, both devices use AAA batteries that are not as convenient and powerful as rechargeable ones.

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3. Longest Working Time: Patpet P-collar 320

• Training Mode: Beep, 1 - 8 Vibration Levels, 1 - 16 Shock Levels
• Remote Range: 1000 ft.
• Fits For: 15 to 100-lb dogs
• Material: Nylon
• Collar Weight: 11.2 oz.

Patpet's P-collar 320 has the longest maximum standby and working time in this dog training collar review. Both the transmitter and receiver are powered by rechargeable batteries, which last up to 22 and 666 days for the remote and receiver respectively.

The maximum work time is 11 and 68 days, which is also a long time. Additionally, there is an auto power-off function that switches to standby mode after five minutes of inactivity. This helps to extend the work time.

Aside from that, the transmitter has an ergonomic design with easily accessible buttons and a simple format for hassle-free operation. It has two channels, so you can buy an extra collar if you have two dogs.

As for the collar receiver, it is 100% waterproof (IPX7), which allows for swimming. However, there is no lock button on the remote. You can accidentally shock or vibrate your pooch.

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4. Best Universal: SportDOG SD-425X

• Training Mode: Beep, Vibration, 1 - 21 Shock Levels
• Remote Range: 1500 ft.
• Fits For: 8 lbs. or larger, 5 to 22-inch necks

SportDOG's SD-425X is built for 8-lb or large dogs with 5 to 22-inch necks. This has a universal fitting design that fits multiple pooch breeds in all growth stages. In fact, the product is one of the best puppy training collars as it covers the weight range of most trainable pups.

What's more, the collar receiver is protected using DryTek technology, which waterproofs the electronics to a maximum depth of 25 ft. in water. Therefore, if your pup loves to play in the water, this will work perfectly.

The remote transmitter has three channels to support the training of up to three pooches at once. Both devices are powered using rechargeable lithium-ion batteries the fill up in as little as two hours.

However, these batteries only last for 50 - 70 hours, which is a relatively short work time. The product is also very expensive.

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5. Best Waterproof: Patpet P-collar 640

• Training Mode: Beep, Vibration, 1 - 16 Shock Levels
• Remote Range: 3000 ft.
• Fits For: 10 to 140-lb dogs
• Collar Weight: 12.8 oz.

With a fully waterproof (IPX7) receiver and an IPX5-rated remote transmitter, this is the best waterproof dog training collar in our review. You can comfortably train your dog while it is raining and he/she is playing in water puddles or even swimming.

Another feature that stands out about this collar is its 3000-ft wireless range. This allows you to effectively train your dog while very far away.

The remote has blind operation buttons for easy operation without looking. As such, you get to focus on your commands as opposed to the remote.

On the other hand, the receiver features metal contact sheets that are very effective when dealing with long-haired dogs. Also, it has soft conductive silicone covers that protect your dog's coat and skin.

On the downside, there is no lock button to prevent accidental shocking and its 16 static levels don't give you much to work with.

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6. Best with Remote: TBI Pro TJ-1

• Training Mode: Beep, Vibration, 0 - 99 Shock Levels
• Remote Range: 2000 ft.
• Fits For: 10 to 100-lb dogs

The TJ-1 features a powerful remote transmitter that has a Super Qualcomm microprocessor with a long 2000-ft range. This unit is powered using a lithium-ion battery, which lasts up to 15 days.

That said, this component has multiple functions that include switching between the three training modes: beeps, vibrations, and up to 99 shocking levels. It features a backlit LCD screen, channel switching button (two channels), and a bright LED flashlight for nighttime use.

Aside from that, the receiver is waterproofed with a military-grade IPX7 rating. However, the remote is not waterproof.

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7. Best with Adjustable Levels: TBI Pro V87

• Training Mode: Beep, Vibration, 100 Shock Levels
• Remote Range: 1600 ft.
• Fits For: 10 to 100-lb dogs

With three training modes that include 100 shock levels, TBI Pro's V87 is highly adjustable and this allows you to find the optimal stimulation to best train your pooch. This level will depend on its behavior, size, and ambient noise.

That said, the unit is one of the best small dog training collars because it can be used on all dog breeds, provided they are within the 10 to 100-lb weight range. Small dogs usually weigh around the 10-lb mark.

The remote transmitter is built using professional components like a low power consumption microprocessor and overvoltage protection in the circuitry.

On the downside, this remote is not waterproof and it lacks a lock button to prevent accidental shocking.

Other Recommended Dog Training Collars

8. SportDog SD-875E

The remote of SportDog's SD-875E is equipped with a high-quality OLED screen that displays the stimulation level, battery status, and any other information clearly for easy reading. It has three channels with a 0.5-mile (2640-ft) wireless range.

You can buy the two extra collars to fill the channels because only one is included. This unit uses rugged DryTek technology to waterproof the electronics. It is submersible up to 25 ft. and can fit dogs 8 lbs. or larger with 5 to 22-inch necks.

Key Features

• High-quality OLED screen.
• Three channels with a 0.5-mile range.
• DryTek technology.
• Fits dogs 8 lbs. or larger with 5 to 22-inch necks.

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9. PetSpy M686

You can train your dog using four training modes, which are available in the M686 . These include continuous correction, 1-second correction, vibration, and beeps, all with eight adjustment levels.

The remote transmitter is designed for easy blind operation and has two channels that can be broadcast up to 1100 yds (3300 ft) away. As such, the collar is ideal for field training. You also get a dog training guide and videos to help you get started.

Key Features

• Four training modes.
• Easy blind operation.
• Long 3300-ft wireless range.
• Includes a dog training guide and videos.

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10. Dog Care TC-05

Dog Care's TC-05 is characterized by two long battery lives, in which the receiver and remote have a standby time of 15 and 45 days respectively. What's more, the receiver has an auto shut-off function for battery saving after a long period of inactivity.

This component outputs a microcurrent that only lasts for four seconds during shocking, which ensures your dog is not hurt. As for the remote, it has a security keypad lock to prevent accidental shocking of your pooch.

Key Features

• Long battery life.
• Auto shut-off function.
• Short 4-second microcurrent.
• Security keypad lock.

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11. Educator ET-300

The ET-300 is one of the best remote dog training collars due to its innovative & ergonomic stopwatch-style transmitter. It fits easily in small hands and has a long 0.5-mile (2640-ft) range.

This delivers 1 - 100 stimulation levels with an additional boost of 1 - 60. As for the receiver, it delivers a tapping sensation, which is more intense than vibrations. Both pieces are waterproof and rechargeable.

Key Features

• Ergonomic stopwatch-style transmitter.
• Long 0.5-mile (2640-ft) range.
• 1 - 100 stimulation levels with an additional boost of 1 - 60.
• Waterproof and rechargeable.

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12. RichDog iT118

If you are a bit short on cash, we recommend the RichDog iT118 as it is very affordable. It has three training modes with up to 99 static and vibration adjustment levels. The remote features a safety lock function, which removes the worry of misoperation and hurting your pooch.

It offers 1000 ft. of wireless range and the receiver is waterproof with an IP65 rating. You also get a long battery life of 15 and 45 days for the receiver and remote respectively.

Key Features

• Affordable.
• Three training modes with 99 adjustment levels.
• Safety lock function.
• IP65 waterproof.

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13. Garmin Delta XC

The Delta XC features a compact, rugged handheld controller with three buttons. Combined with the IPX7 waterproof receiver, this makes up a very durable dog training collar.

Aside from that, the transmitter has a long 0.5-mile (2640-ft) wireless range that is ideal for field training. This is done over a maximum of three channels so that you can train three dogs at once. Long and short interchangeable contact points are included to cater to long and short-haired dogs.

Key Features

• Compact, rugged handheld controller.
• IPX7 waterproof receiver.
• Long 0.5-mile wireless range.
• Long and short interchangeable contact points.

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14. Petrainer PET616A

With an IPX7-rated transmitter and receiver, Petrainer's PET616A is 100% waterproof. It allows you to train your pooch around water sources or when it is raining. Both have rechargeable batteries and include a rapid 2-in-1 charging technology that fills them simultaneously.

The collar is built using skin-friendly nylon material that is safe for your pooch. It fits 10-lb dogs or larger with 14 to 25-inch necks.

Key Features

• Fully waterproof IPX7 transmitter and receiver.
• Rapid 2-in-1 charging technology.
• Skin-friendly nylon strap.
• Fits 10-lb dogs or larger with 14 to 25-inch necks.

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15. PetSpy P620

The buttons in PetSpy's P620 remote transmitter have an intuitive layout to allow for blind operation so that you can focus on training, not the remote. It has three training modes: beep, electric shock, and vibration, with 16 adjustment levels.

That said, you get a risk-free purchase when buying this product because it comes with a lifetime replacement plus 24/7 customer support. A dog training guide and videos are included to help you get started.

Key Features

• Intuitive layout for blind operation.
• Three training modes with 16 adjustment levels.
• Lifetime replacement plus 24/7 customer support.
• Includes a dog training guide and videos.

How to Buy the Best Dog Training Collars

1. Training Modes

Most dog training collars have three training modes, which are beep, vibration, and static shock. The more they are, the better as these give you more options to train your dog. We recommend beginning with beeps and vibrations because these are gentler.

However, if your pooch is extremely stubborn, utilize the static shock and adjust the intensity to get the right reaction.

2. Collar Size

For a dog training collar to work, it must fit. You need to measure your pooch's neck, then get a collar to match. That said, the collar with the widest range has a universal fit because it can be used on most dogs.

In this case, SportDOG's SD-425X offers the best fit for most dog breeds as it can fit 5 to 22-inch necks.

3. Distance Range

It is important to consider the wireless range between a transmitter and receiver. In most cases, 1000 ft. is enough, but the longer, the better, especially for field training. With that in mind, Patpet's P-collar 640 has an edge over the rest due to its 3000-ft range.

4. Comfort

There are two ways of considering comfort. The receiver should be made using a skin-friendly material that is gentle to your pooch. On the other hand, the transmitter should have an ergonomic design for easy holding. Also, look for buttons optimized for blind operation.

5. Working Time

Working time is the battery life period when actively using both the collar and receiver. Given in hours or days, the longer this period is, the better because you can have multiple training sessions without recharging. Remember, recharging takes time so a long battery life reduces this "lost time".

That said, most products only have their standby time given, but this is proportional to the working time. As such, the higher the standby time, the higher the working time.

Patpet's P-collar 320 has the longest standby & working times in our review, and we highly recommend it.

6. Waterproof

Lastly, you should consider the collar's water resistance because dogs like to play in the water at times. Ideally, the best one should be at least fully waterproof (IPX7), which means your pooch can swim up to a depth of one meter (3 ft. 3 in.).

Patpet's P-collar 640 adds on a rainproof transmitter, which makes it the best for wet and rainy conditions.

Q&A

Do Training Collars Hurt My Dog?

No. The collars are designed to administer a safe shock. This will get your dog's attention to deter negative behavior, but won't cause any physical harm. However, make sure the shock intensity is not too high for your pet.

How Long Should I Train My Dog Using a Training Collar?

Until he/she gets your commands. There is no specified time but you should plan with an end in mind. If you prepare adequately for the training and do it with zero distractions, it will take a short time. Also, ensure you understand your dog's body language.

How Old Should My Dog Be Before Using a Training Collar?

There is no specific age but most experts recommend at least 10 weeks. If you can avoid shocks, the better. Try to use beeps and vibrations, then introduce shocks slowly.

How Do I Know What Stimulation Level to Use?

Your dog should tell you. Learn to observe and understand your pooch's body language as this will help you determine the difference between a high, low, and right setting.

How Long Can My Dog Wear a Training Collar?

Generally, it is recommended to train your dog continuously for a maximum of about 1 - 2 hours, then reposition it to relieve excessive pressure. However, don't leave it on for more than 12 hours.

Conclusion

As you can see, training collars are essential to improving your pooch's behavior. We recommend Dog Care's TC01 as the best for this task due to its 99 intensity levels and security keypad lock to prevent accidents. Additionally, it has nine channels that allow you to train nine dogs at once.

However, Patpet's P-collar 320 gives you the longest standby and working (11 & 68 days) times. You can carry it to train your pooch during your outdoor trips and camping expeditions without worrying about the power running out.

On the other hand, Patpet's P-collar 640 is the best training collar for dogs for those who want uninterrupted training even when it rains. The receiver is fully waterproof (IPX7), while the transmitter is rainproof (IPX5).