For most dog owners, a simple nylon or leather leash, collar and harness kit is enough for training and everyday activities.
However, in some situations, an owner may need to weigh up and compare electronic training devices.
We’ve put together this e collar vs electric dog fence vs bark collar comparison guide for.
Each one of these devices/systems has their own pros and cons, and that’s what we’ve outlined for you in this guide to give you some information to consider if you’re weighing up which is best.
Let’s 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)
E Collar vs Shock Collar vs Electric Dog Fence vs Bark Collar: Differences, & Comparison
Our top picks for the best e collars, electric dog fences, and bark collars are:
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E Collars
- 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 (on Amazon) – Advanced E Collar For Dogs 35lbs and Over
We also list these brands and models as affordable alternatives:
- PATPET P320 Remote Dog Training Collar (on Chewy) (For 15-100 lbs dog)
- PATPET Dog Training Collar, P-Collar 320 (on Amazon) (2 collar kit)
- PATPET Dog Training Collar, P-Collar 320A (on Amazon)
- 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)
Electric Dog Fences
In Ground Dog Fences
- eXtreme Dog Fence Professional Grade System (on Amazon) – Possibly the best overall dog fence system on the market when you consider price, features, capabilities, performance, durability, and so on. Thick 14 gauge wire with a poly coated jacket, and doesn’t have to be buried underground. For dogs 8lbs and up. Can be installed above or in ground
- eXtreme Dog Fence Standard Grade System (on Amazon) – Good value for money. It is the eXtreme model that might be most comparable to the SportDOG models in terms of price and range of features. Has a replaceable/disposable battery. Has 7 stimulation/correction levels (5 steady, and 2 progressive), and a beep only mode). For dogs 8lbs and up. An in ground dog fence
- eXtreme Dog Fence Max Grade System (on Amazon) – Most features and the thickest/strongest wire of the eXtreme dog models, with a slightly thicker poly jacket than the Pro Grade model. Doesn’t have to be buried underground. For dogs 8lbs and up. Can be installed above or in ground
- SportDOG In-Ground Fence System SDF-100A (on Amazon) – Has a replaceable battery, and 4 levels of static stimulation, plus tone/vibration. An in ground dog fence
- PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence System (on Chewy)
- PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence (on Amazon) – for dogs at least 8lbs, and with a 6 to 28 inch neck size. Has 1/3 acre range. Has 4 levels of adjustable stimulation for the most persistent dogs, as well as a vibration mode.
A tiny dog option:
- PetSafe Elite Little Dog In Ground Fence System (on Amazon) – for dogs 5lbs and over, with 6-16 inch neck sizes. Standard kit covers 1/3 of an acre. Has a more compact transmitter, and uses the Elite Little Dog Add On Collar Receiver
Even though we prefer in ground fences because they tend to be more effective and reliable, some people want a wireless dog fence.
These are some of the top rated wireless dog fences on the market right now:
- PetSafe PIF-300 Wireless Dog and Cat Containment System (on Chewy)
- PetSafe PIF-300 Wireless Dog and Cat Containment System (on Amazon) – For dogs at least 8lbs, and with 6 to 28 inch neck size. Has 1/2 acre circular range. Has 5 adjustable levels of stimulation, and a tone only mode.
- PetSafe Stay+Play Wireless Fence (on Chewy)
- PetSafe Stay & Play Compact Wireless Fence (on Amazon) – For dogs at least 5lbs, and with a 6 to 28 inch neck size. Has 3/4 acre circular range. Has 5 adjustable levels of stimulation, and a tone only mode.
- PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Fence for Stubborn Dogs (on Chewy)
Bark Collars
- SportDOG NoBark SBC-R Rechargeable Bark Control Dog Collar (on Chewy)
- SportDOG SBC-R No Bark Collar (on Amazon) – fits dogs 8 pounds or larger with neck sizes 5″ – 22″
- Dogtra YS300 No Bark Collar (on Amazon) – for small to medium dogs 10 lbs and up, with neck sizes 9″ to 20″
- Dogtra YS600 No Bark Collar (on Amazon) – for medium to large dogs 35lbs and up
- PetSafe Basic Bark Control Collar (on Amazon) – cheap option. For dog neck sizes up to 28 inches
E Collars, Shock Collars & Remote Dog Training Collars
‘Shock Collar’ is the outdated phrase used to describe these collar systems.
These days they are called ‘E Collars’ or ‘Remote Trainers’ or ‘Remote Training Collars’.
E Collar is a more accurate phrase for two reasons:
A good and safe remote training collar shouldn’t shock the dog, but rather stimulate their muscles/skin to provide a cue that a specific behavior is not desired. The static shouldn’t cause pain to your dog
The static training mode doesn’t need to be used. Vibrate or even sound training modes can be used instead
They are systems which include a receiver collar worn by the dog, and a handheld transmitter remote.
The owner or trainer controls the collar from the remote at a distance with the different buttons and dials, and control is instantaneous.
The owner can administer warnings like vibrations or sound (beeps), or a correction like a static stimulation to train and reinforce certain behaviors.
When Might You Use An E Collar?
They are very versatile for most types of basic, advanced and professional dog training and obedience
You’d use one when you want manual control over the warnings and correction training cues that your dog/s receive in response to certain behaviors
Where To Read More About E Collars?
Best E Collars, Shock Collars & Remote Training Collars: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
Invisible & Electric Dog Fences
Another name for a dog fence system is a ‘pet containment system’.
They are a system designed and used for keeping one or several dogs inside an area of your yard or property (or out of another area)
This is especially true for dogs that want to try to escape or get out of a yard, or dogs that just need to learn where they can and can’t go on a property or within an area of space.
Electric dog fences are either in ground systems (with a wired perimeter boundary), or a wireless system that sends out a non physical boundary signal.
In ground systems are more reliable and effective but involve more installation time and aren’t portable, whilst wireless systems are portable and quick to set up, but have more issues with the boundary signal and dead spots in the signal.
They usually include a transmitter, and a collar receiver that the dog/s wear, and a boundary line wire in the case of an in ground system. They also come with visual aid training flags.
The dog/s get a warning cue when they approach the boundary perimeter, and a correction when they touch or cross the perimeter boundary.
There’s also above ground dog fence systems where the wire doesn’t have to be buried (usually 14 gauge wire)
When Might You Use An Electric Dog Fence?
They are called pet containment systems for a reason
You’d use one when you want to keep and train one or several dogs to stay contained to a certain area on your yard, or in the case of the wireless dog fences, in a space/area when you are out camping for example
Where To Read More About Electric Dog Fences?
Best In Ground & Above Ground Dog Fence Systems: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
Best Wireless Dog Fence Systems: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
Bark Control Collars
Bark collars are battery operated automatic collars that are intended to train against, deter and minimise problem barking.
Problem barking is a more consistent and unnecessary barking, as opposed to natural barking which might be more spontaneous in response to certain situations.
Bark collars sense your dog’s bark, and automatically deliver usually a static stimulation, vibration or sound via the contact points or collar device on the collar strap around your dog’s neck.
When Might You Use A Bark Collar?
When you have a problem barking dog that simply won’t stop barking
When you want an automatic bark control training device that you don’t have to operate manually
Where To Read More About Bark Collars?
Best Bark Control Collars: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
Other Comparison Guides
Bark Collar vs Remote Dog Training Collar: Comparison
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