Best E Collar & Remote Dog Training Collar in 2020/2021: Reviews & Buyer's Guide

If you’re looking for a remote training system for your dog/s, you’ll want to read this guide.

We’ve aimed to help you save time and effort researching by identifying the Best Shock Collars, E Collar and Remote Training Collars on the market.

We’ve picked out some of the more popular remote training collars for regular to advanced training, and provided reviews of those training systems.

We’ve also put together an FAQ type buyer’s guide with important information to consider when buying.

Let’s jump in and check them out!

(NOTE: this is a general information guide only, and is not professional advice, or a substitute for professional advice. A qualified vet or animal expert is the only person qualified to give you expert advice in regards to your pet/s)

Best E Collar & Remote Dog Training Collar

Our top picks for the best e collars and remote dog training collars that suit a wide variety of dogs are:

Educator ET-300 Mini E Collar (on Chewy)
Educator ET-300 Mini E Collar (on Amazon) (For dogs 5lbs to 150lbs, and has low to medium static stimulation, for dogs with soft to normal temperaments. Has 1/2 a mile range)
Educator ET-800 ‘The Boss’ E Collar (on Chewy)
Educator ET-800 ‘The Boss’ E Collar (on Amazon) (For dogs 25lbs and over, and has low to high static stimulation, for dogs with a soft to harder/more stubborn temperaments. Has 1 mile range)
SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X (on Chewy)
SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X (on Amazon) (For dogs 8lbs or larger, with necks that are 5 to 22 inches in size. Has 500 yards of range)
SportDOG FieldTrainer 425XS (on Chewy)
SportDOG FieldTrainer 425XS (on Amazon) (Similar features to the 425X, but, made for high-drive, more stubborn dogs by offering a higher static stimulation range than the 425X)
Dogtra 1900S Remote Dog Training Collar (on Amazon) – for serious amateurs and award winning professional trainers in pet obedience, hunting, competition trials, and K-9
DOG CARE Dog Training Collar (on Chewy)
DOG CARE Dog Training Collar (on Amazon) (A cheaper/affordable e collar option. For dogs 15 to 100lbs. Has 330 yards of range)

All of the above e collar models have all three of tone, vibration and static stimulation training modes.

If you are looking for a specialised remote trainer system for K-9, advanced and professional training, working dogs, sporting dogs, upland hunting, waterfowl hunting, and more, you can check out the range of e collar models in the reviews below.

Best E Collars & Remote Dog Training Collars: Reviews

Below are reviews of some of the most prominent brands of e collars on the market (not all of these models are necessarily the best – but, they do represent a wide selection to choose from):

Educator

SportDOG

*Note – some of the main differences with the newer models of SportDOG e collars is that many have been upgraded from 7 stimulation levels to 21 levels. Other models have been upgraded from replaceable batteries to rechargeable batteries. There may be some other differences too – but, these are some of the main ones.

Cheaper/Affordable Options

Dogtra

Garmin

PetSafe

Other Types Of E Collars & Remote Dog Training Collars

Best E Collars & Remote Dog Training Collars For Dogs: Buyer’s Guide

E Collar & Remote Dog Training Collar Buyers & FAQ Guide

You can read this guide which is an e collar and remote dog training collar buyers guide and FAQ guide.

In it, information is provided on the following:

What some of the best e collars might be
Factors to consider in deciding which e collar to buy
What the cost of an e collar is
What size e collar to get
What is an e collar
Types of e collars
What is an e collar used for, and why use one
How to use an e collar
How to put an e collar on your dog
How to train a dog with an e collar
At what age to start using an e collar, and how long training takes
When you might consider using an e collar
Safety considerations for using an e collar
E collars vs bark collars

We’ve also provided some brief information on some of these points below.

What Is A Shock Collar, & Is It Different To An E Collar/Remote Dog Training Collar?

‘Shock Collar’ is the outdated phrase used to describe an e collar or remote dog training collar.

E Collar is a more accurate phrase for the remote dog training type collars for a few reasons:

A good and safe remote training collar shouldn’t shock the dog, but rather stimulate their muscle. The static shouldn’t cause any pain to the dog
The static training mode (which is what ‘shock’ refers to) doesn’t need to be used. Vibrate or even sound/tone training modes can be used instead

Note – some people also refer to bark collars (which is a separate device altogether) as a shock collar.

What Is An E Collar/Remote Dog Training Collar?

It is a form of electronic dog training that uses stimulation, tone and vibration to help correct or reinforce certain behaviors that the dog has already received training in.

The system allows a person to hold a handheld transmitter that sends a radio signal to a collar receiver on a dog’s neck.

The person holding the transmitter can instantaneously control what responses the collar receiver receives, such as stimulation, tone, vibration, and so on.

Types Of E Collars and Remote Dog Training Collars

E collars and remote dog training collars can be categorised into several different categories:

Based on the type of user they are designed for – e.g. regular owners, professional trainers
Based on the type of activity they are designed for – e.g. regular obedience, professional obedience, working dogs, hunting, and so on
Based on the size of dog they are designed for – e.g. 5lbs and up, 25lbs and up, 50lbs and up, etc.
Based on the temperament/disposition of the dog it’s designed for – soft, normal, and stubborn
Based on the range of the transmitter to the collar – 1/2 mile, 3/4 mile, 1 mile, and so on
Based on the type of modes the collar offers – stimulation, tone, vibration, spray (like citronella), multi mode, etc.

There’s other types of e collars and remote dog training collars as well.

What Size E Collar/Remote Dog Training Collar Do I Get?

In terms of size of the e collar, you might look for two main things:

The weight range of the collar i.e. it might say ‘for dogs 8lbs and over’
The neck size that the collar fits i.e. it might say for dogs with neck sizes 6 to 28 inches

Find out the weight of your dog, and measure their neck size, and make sure they fit within the manufacturer specifications for the e collar you want.

Can I Get A E Collar/Remote Dog Training Collar For A Puppy?

It’s best to ask your dog’s vet at what age you can start using an e collar on a younger dog, especially a puppy.

Some remote training systems might recommend waiting until a dog is 6 months old, or until they are able to learn and remember verbal commands and other training before using an e collar.

Read the e collar product owner’s manual and instructions, and safety information for further information on minimum age requirements.

Factors To Consider In Deciding Which E Collar Or Remote Dog Training Collar To Buy

Some of the main factors you might consider might be:

What sort of activity is the remote trainer for? – basic training, hunting?
What size dogs is it designed for? 8lbs and above? 10lbs and above?
What sort of dogs is the system designed for – regular, hunting, stubborn? Certain breeds?
What temperament of dog is the system for – soft and normal, or stubborn temperaments?
How many dogs can fit on the one trainer remote/transmitter – one, two, or more?
What is the price range of the system?
What buttons, dials and controls are on the handheld remote?
Is there a screen on the remote?
Are the collar and handheld remote water proof and submersible?
What is the range from the collar device to the hand device – how many feet or yards?
How many levels of static stimulation does it have?
What is the intensity of the stimulation – regular, or higher stimulation?
Are there one off and continuous stimulation controls available?
Are there also vibration and tone training options?
Are there different beeper audio options available?
How big is the collar device and how light is it?
Is the collar rechargeable, or does it use replaceable batteries? What batteries does it take?
Is the remote hand device rechargeable, or does is use replaceable batteries? What batteries does it take?
How long do the batteries last?
If rechargeable, how long does charging take
What collars is the system compatible with (from the same brand and other brands)?
What neck size of dog does the collar strap fit?
Are there additional features like a low battery indicator?
What are the full range of settings the system can be set to
How does operation work for the system?
What comes in the starter kit? (what size contact points are available as well – short, medium, long?). Some remote training collars come with long contact points for long haired dogs or working dogs
What is the warranty available, and what are the conditions?
Is there a money back guarantee – what are the conditions?
Where is the remote dog training system made – which country? Where is the seller based – which country?
Is there customer service available?

When Might You Consider Using An E Collar/Remote Training Collar?

Regular dog owners might look at using an e collar after they’ve checked off the following:

Once you’ve worked on building a strong bond with your dog & you have their trust
Once you’ve undertaken basic obedience with your dog, or advanced training courses
Once positive reinforcement training, using a leash, and without a remote dog training collar has been undertaken
Once you’ve consulted your dog’s vet
Once you’ve consulted a professional dog trainer
Once you’ve consulted the laws in your area as to the use of e collars
Once you’ve done your own research and due diligence on the use of e collars

Safety Considerations With A Remote Dog Training Collar

Safety is extremely important with a remote dog training collar.

Always always get your vet’s advice or the advice of an animal health and/or training expert – nothing is a substitute for professional advice.

Some general safety guidelines for using an e collar humanely might be:

Buy from a reputable company who put proper use of the e collar and the safety of the dog as a priority
Read and follow the operating guide, instruction/safety manual and training guide that comes with the e collar system from the manufacturer for operation and safety instructions and guidelines
Pay attention to any warnings issued by the manufacturer
Monitor your dog’s response both mentally and physically to using an e collar. Take the collar off immediately and discontinue use of the system if you notice any negative implications or reactions

A good remote dog training collar that uses static stimulation should simply stimulate the muscle (to the point of reflex) to get the dog’s attention, but should not cause pain (it might be slightly annoying for the dog to act as a small deterrent – but shouldn’t cause pain or harm). It certainly shouldn’t cause a ‘sharp pain’ to the muscle or body.

To get a safe stimulation level – you can always start from the lowest stimulation level, and work your way up to a level that gets the dog’s attention (such as changing body language when a stimulation, vibration or tone is administered) without any visible sign of pain or harm (such as yelping, or showing signs of stress).

A good e collar company should give you all the necessary safety, use and training instructions, and should have a dedicated customer service line to help when you being using the collar system.

The static stimulation function does not need to be used either – tone and vibrate training modes can be used instead.

Some owners like to even use their e collar as a temporary training tool, and may go back to using body or verbal commands once behaviors are reinforced (if suitable).

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