Dogs become aggressive for a whole host of reasons, either for prey drive, fear, frustration, or pain among others. A dog will exercise a certain level of aggression, such as when barking at potential trespassers or appearing nasty in front of other dogs they don’t like, especially in the case of hormone-based aggression.Â
This is completely normal, yet is a complex behavior triggered by many factors. It becomes a severe problem when it involves your dog becoming a threat to other people, property, and pets. If the aggression is not addressed, it could lead to even more trouble.Â
While some aggressiveness can be reduced by addressing certain problems like taking them to a veterinarian to check for pain or discomfort, or figuring out what triggers it and slowly exposing them to it to desensitize them, hence desensitization training. If it’s aggression that’s already ingrained in their behavior by any other reason, then one way to do this is to train and reinforce obedience commands and use those to manage your dog.Â
One of the most effective ways to reinforce them is through the combination of negative and positive reinforcement, and the best tool for the latter is using remote training collars. We’ll show you a list of five great electronic collars you can use along with an explanation of their features.Â
Are Other Tools Better For Aggressive Dogs?
There are other alternatives like a prong collar for dogs, muzzles, and even training collars that don’t use electricity like spray collars. The con is that they operate under the principles of punishment, which means the negative effect happens after the behavior is done, which can often cause fear in dogs.Â
Negative reinforcement provides stimulation before the act and stops when the act is done. (Hence the word negative, meaning  It’s used to encourage behavior and gives the dog control over the sensation since they have a choice to do the correct behavior to remove it. This hinges on how well you taught the command. The simpler and clearer it is, the more effective it will be when it’s reinforced. So, without further ado, let’s start with the list.Â
- Pros
- Has a Built-In Automatic Anti-Bark Function
- Simple and Easy to Use
- 3/4 Mile Range
- Cons
- Doesn't fit Dogs below 15 lbs (Small Breeds)
First on our list of shock collars for aggressive dogs is a perfectly balanced shock collar (as all things should be) which is also fairly priced. The reason we say this is it’s filled with features that make it “okay” or even “great” in all kinds of activities where you can or should use it, such as e-collar training, hunting, more advanced training, or using it to simply keeping track of your dog while they are within line of sight. Most modern shock collars share similar features and fill out their own niche of use, but if you’re not sure what to get, you won’t go wrong with this one.Â
Product Features
- Uses Static Shock, Vibration, and Beep
- 10 Adjustable Intensity Levels
- 3/4 Mile Range in Open Fields
- Automatic Bark-Limiter Mode
- Supports up to 3 Receivers
- Remote-Activated LED Tracking Receiver Lights
- The collar fits Dogs 15 lbs and Above
- Simple, Easy to Understand Buttons
- Splashproof Remote Controller
- 1 Meter Waterproof Receiver
- Quick-Charge Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Batteries
- 50-60 Hour Battery Life
- Includes 2 cm Extra Long Prongs and Non-Conductive Plastic Prongs
More often than not, dogs with aggressive behavior are equally stubborn, so much so that people hire professional trainers to help curb these aggressive tendencies. This shock collar has strong enough stimulation to help get the attention of stubborn dogs, especially when they are running towards somewhere they shouldn’t or chasing something they shouldn’t. All its features are good for all-around dog management and proper training, all at a decent price.Â
The electric shock it delivers is only enough to cause mild muscle spasms but is strong enough for basic training. Adjusting the correction levels also affects the vibration strength, which is better for more sensitive dogs. The vibration is quite strong, enough that if you swap out the metal prongs with the included plastic prongs, you can turn this into a No-Shock Mode training kit.Â
The 3/4 Mile range is massive. Even in places with plenty of obstacles, you can reach your dog as far as 500 yards. This will be extremely useful if you teach your dog to come back to you when they hear the beep. A good recall method is priceless when you’re out hunting, or walking your dog without a leash.
The remote is easy enough to understand and the buttons are actually not that easy to press, so there’s little chance of accidental shocks while it’s in your pocket. Still, refer to the manual for the other features, such as how to pair another collar, and how to turn the bark-limiter mode on.Â
Speaking of pairing collars, you can purchase additional collars in their store if needed and pair a maximum of 3 receivers on one remote. It’s easy enough to see how to switch between receivers and the remote remembers the stimulation levels of each. Depending on which number the receiver is paired with, it also changes the color of the LED the receiver will flash when you press the button.Â
If you set the receiver into bark-limiter mode, the remote won’t respond. In this mode, the device will feel the vibrations on your dog’s neck when they bark. When it detects it, it will send a warning beep which lasts 1-2 seconds. If your dog doesn’t stop barking 1-2 seconds after the beep, the receiver will deliver a shock based on the level you set before switching it to this mode. It still lets your dog bark a few good times, but not to the point where it becomes a nuisance. If your dog has chronic barking, then this simple program will help significantly reduce it after two to three weeks.Â
The remote is not waterproof, so treat it like a smartphone. However, it can withstand rain, running water, and being generally wet. The receiver has an IPX7 rating, which means it can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. That’s more than enough to let your dog play and swim on the beach or lake.Â
The battery life is standard. 50-60 hours depending on how often you use the features. If you see a collar with a 10-day battery life, it’s because those devices have a standby mode, which means if you don’t press any buttons for a while, the training kit will shut down on its own and have to be turned on again by pressing the power button (Depending on the model). Pet Resolve’s training collar does not have a standby mode, which means you can be assured that the receiver will always respond to the remote (provided it still has a battery charge.)
All in all, it has solid training features that support the process of reducing aggressive behavior. The bark limiter is a nice touch in case your dog is expressing their aggressiveness by being very vocal when you’re sleeping or when you’re not around.
- Pros
- 21 Total Shock Levels
- 3 Shock Buttons
- High Waterproofing
- Cons
- Not As Easy to Use
- No Standby Mode means Shorter Battery Life
The second device on the list of the best shock collar for aggressive dogs is from SportDog. The remote may look a little complex, but it’s geared for owners and trainers who need to send stimulation of different strengths in an instant. This is crucial when you’re trying to train dogs in a more dynamic environment filled with all kinds of distractions. It’s still good for solving aggression in dogs and basic training sessions.Â
Product Features
- Uses Static Shock, Vibration, and Beep
- 21 Total Stimulation Levels
- 3 Shock Buttons w/ Different Strengths/Functions
- Can Be Switched to Several Different Training Modes
- 500 Yard Remote Range
- Supports up to 3 Receivers
- The collar fits Dogs 15 lbs and Above
- Both Remote and Receiver are Waterproof for 25 Feet
- Quick-Charge Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Batteries
- 40-60 Hour Battery Life
The button layout and the way the shock levels are distributed make it great for shock collar training for aggressive dogs or all kinds of advanced training. The way it works is that you have a dial with 7 levels and an 8th for Vibration and Tone and three shock buttons with Low, Medium, and High shock levels. So each level on the dial gives you three different levels you can access with a press of your finger.Â
For example, the lowest can be used to reinforce verbal commands and basic training. If you need to call your dog’s attention while they are distracted, you can call their name or a basic command then use the higher stimulation buttons when they are heavily distracted, or suddenly chased something they shouldn’t. (Note that you must signal them with something they know, such as their name, or a command like “heel!” and if they do respond properly, make sure that you reward them after).
The little remote also contains different training modes or settings that change the behavior of each of the three shock buttons. There are seven in total and each of them is tailored for a specific kind of training, including those that don’t involve shock such as using the vibrate to send a quiet signal for your dog to act, like flushing your prey during a hunt.Â
Compared to the first collar, this one has a shorter range of 500 yards. It’s still a very good range, especially in open spaces. Even when around thick obstacles, you can still reach your dog as far as 200 yards. The remote can also support up to 3 receivers which complement the high range but read the manual properly, as it is not a simple process to add and switch collars.
With its price and complexity, you do get your money’s worth with its durability and waterproofing. Both the remote transmitter and the receiver are waterproof for at least 25 feet underwater, or roughly 7 meters. This practically guarantees that both devices are protected from any kind of weather or terrain you’d normally take your dog to.Â
The battery life is the standard 50-60 hours depending on how much you use the features. It doesn’t have a standby mode so it will always respond to the remote for as long as it has a charge. Since it’s using lithium-ion batteries, it will charge in about 2 hours depending on the temperature. Expect it to charge a little slower in much colder temperatures.Â
With the various training modes and easy-button access, it offers a lot of flexibility with shock collar training for aggressive dogs. It requires some homework and practice but gives a pretty high skill ceiling for those willing to understand how it works.
- Pros
- 100 Adjustable Levels of Shock
- Shock Boost Button
- Remote Floats on Water
- Size: Ranges from 22 inches to 48 inches in length
- Cons
- Requires Some Practice to Use
- No Standby Mode means Shorter Battery Life
In some cases, you will find yourself needing a shock collar for growling and other milder ways to call their attention when they display any kind of canine aggression. This kit has a dial that practically gives you a way to tune it from 1-100%, so you can give them the mildest stimulation to focus their attention on you, or ramp it up higher to distract them when things escalate, such as when they start fighting or chasing.Â
Product Features
- Uses Static Shock, Vibration, and Beep
- 100 Shock Mode Levels
- Practical Stopwatch Remote Design
- 1/2 Mile Range
- Supports up to 2 Receivers (Depending on Chosen Model)
- Remote Activated Receiver LED
- The collar fits Dogs 5 lbs and Above
- Splashproof Remote that Floats on Water
- 1 Meter Waterproof Collar
- Quick-Charge Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Batteries
- 40-50 Hour Battery Life
In addition to the wide shock range, you also get a customizable shock boost button (refer to the manual) that adds a fixed amount to the current level. So if you’re trying to train them to focus their attention on you while they growling, you can trigger the higher stimulation to get their attention when they show greater signs of aggression or downright harmful bad behavior.Â
On the opposite side, the shock range lets you use the lowest possible level your dog will respond to, which can smooth out your training regimens, especially if you have a sensitive dog. The vibration level is fixed and a little on the mild side. If you have a small dog, you can use the vibration for any aversive training methods. The tough but flexible strap lets you place it on dogs as small as 5 lbs, which includes the small breed types.Â
The stopwatch shape makes it easy to hold and reach all the buttons, depending on your hand size. The dial has a safety lock, so there’s no risk of the level accidentally changing the level while it’s in your pocket.Â
The 1/2 Mile range is backed up by high responsiveness and strong signal. Even behind a brick wall, you should still reach your dog as far as 300-400 yards. Combined with the ability to control up to 2 receivers and remote-activated LED, you can manage your dogs easily and track them even in total darkness. Â
The compact remote is lightweight and made of durable materials. It won’t break even if it falls on a hard surface. The remote is not waterproof, but if it does fall into the water, the remote will float, so the only real reason it would get any water damage, is if you dived down the water with the remote in your pocket. The receiver won’t suffer the same fate as it’s waterproof for 1 meter for as long as 30 minutes before it gets any water damage, which is more than enough for a dog who likes to swim and play in lakes, pools, or beaches.Â
Both devices don’t have a standby mode, so it has an average battery life of about 40-50 hours, roughly two days. To preserve battery life, turn the devices off when not in use.Â
- Pros
- Quick-Adjust Dial
- Rugged Out-Door Design
- Long Battery Life w/ Standby Mode
- Cons
- No Lock on The Dial
- Standby Mode Can Interrupt Training
The next on the list of the best shock collar for aggressive dogs is one from Patpet. They have a good line of budget training collars for dogs but this one is made to withstand both the rigors and demands of outdoor training and activities.Â
In most cases, you’ll be outside or in busy places when you’re trying to train out your dog’s aggressive behavior, and it helps to have a training kit that can weather it out with you. This one has a certain trait the other devices before it didn’t have and it’s a tossup whether it’s a pro or a con.
Product Features
- Uses Static Shock, Vibration, and Beep
- 1-16 Adjustable Intensity Levels
- Ergonomic Button Placements
- 3/4 Mile Range
- Supports up to 2 ReceiversÂ
- The collar fits Dogs 15 lbs and Above
- Splashproof Remote
- 1 Meter Waterproof Collar
- Quick-Charge Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Batteries
- Up to 11 Days of Battery Life in Standby Mode
Training kits have one of two ways to change their stimulation levels, either by button or some kind of dial. They each have their pros and cons. Dials are either built for speed or fine-tuning depending on the number of levels. If the overall shock strength is low, you can just flick the dial-up in case you need a higher stimulation to get your dog’s attention, such as the one on this remote.Â
If you hold in on your hand, your thumb can easily fiddle with the level and your index finger will easily find the shock button. The other buttons can also be reached with your thumb and they are easy to locate. One con is that unless you have a good feel for the levels, you’ll likely keep looking at the LCD display to see which level you’re in.Â
The reason behind this most of the time, your dog will be aware when you’re holding the remote. It’s only a matter of time before your dog figures out that the stimulations happen when you hold the remote, so most trainers hide the remote from your dog’s sight. This is where buttons can be better since you can remember how many presses you did and adjust accordingly. Another con is the dial doesn’t have a lock, so if you place the remote in your pocket, it may change the levels. A solution to this is to use the included lanyard instead.Â
It can support 2 receivers, (additional receivers sold separately) and goes hand in hand with the higher range of 3/4 miles. The receiver responds pretty fast and with the range given, you can reliably reach your dog as far as 500 yards away behind very thick bushes and trees.Â
Endurance-wise, the remote is lightweight and splashproof. You can wash the remote with running water and can withstand even heavy rain but don’t let it be submerged in water. The receiver is waterproof for 3 feet for 30 minutes, so even if your dog loves to swim, the waterproofing is more than enough.Â
The standby mode will extend battery life significantly, going as far as 11 days, but technically, it’s a soft auto-power off when you haven’t used any of the functions after a while. In order to turn it back on, you have to press the power button on the receiver, which means you have to keep using the function when you’re outside. You also won’t be able to use it reliably for recall if you let your dog wander around a wide area unless you call them every hour, or activate any features every hour.Â
- Pros
- 127-Level Fine Tuning Dial
- High-Output Shock and Vibration
- Two Different Shock Buttons
- Cons
- Can't Quickly Adjust the Stimulation Levels
- No Standby Mode means Shorter Battery Life
The last on the list is by no means the least and focuses more on both higher shock output and highly accurate adjustable intensity levels. If you’re after a more focused training regime and want to use the absolute lowest level to minimize your dog’s stress and anxiety levels, then this may be the training kit for you. It does have its share of challenges to practice through but like all the kits on this list, they are used by professional dog trainers and owners alike.
Product Features
- Uses Static Stimulation, Vibration, and Beep
- 1-127 Stimulation Levels
- High-Performance Vibration
- Control up to 2 Receivers (Depending on the Model)
- 3/4 Mile Range
- The collar fits Dogs 15 lbs and Above
- IPX9K Water Resistant Remote and ReceiverÂ
- Quick-Charge Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Batteries
- 40-50 Hour Battery Life
One thing to note is you can’t quickly change the stimulation level with one hand and it doesn’t have a “shock boost” button you can quickly press to get a distracted dog’s attention. What it does offer is 127 shock levels that allow you to get the lowest level possible. This is important in cases where your dog has Frustration-Elicited Aggression that can trigger at any time during training. Using the lowest level they will respond to, lessens the stress they feel, and if the reinforcement training is backed up by positive reinforcement training in the form of good praise and high-quality treats, it will make sure your dog actually looks forward to your training sessions.Â
It has a high range of 3/4 Miles. In general, 1/2 mile is considered to be a staple range for an all-around training and hunting collar, so anything higher than that is objectively better. It can compensate for any obstacles like trees and hills, which can dampen the signal by as much as 60% which still leaves you with 500-600 yards of guaranteed communicationÂ
The waterproofing is IPX9K for both devices, which can be confusing, as the 9K part of that rating means it withstood strong jets of water from many directions, but it’s not tested to be submerged in water. It may be able to resist being water damaged under 1 meter of water, and as long as your dog and you don’t soak yourselves in water for long period, both the devices should be undamaged.Â
Finally, since this does not have a standby mode, it will always respond to any remote presses until it runs out of battery, which lasts around 50-60 hours depending on how often you use the features. If you use the device every day, you need to charge it to full every 2 days, and it only takes 2 hours. (up to 3 hours in freezing temperatures.)
Conclusion
Any dog owner will eventually experience behavior issues with their dog. Sometimes, pet owners are not aware that they are reinforcing those behaviors, often by simply not responding to them when they show behaviors like social aggression from other dogs or defensive aggression from the mailman.Â
What we can do is to take initiative instead, and place effort in training, reinforcement, and most importantly, understanding their personalities. That’s one thing you won’t get if you hire a trainer. Once you understand how they tick, training and reinforcement will be so much easier.Â
Last update on 2024-04-27 at 13:07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
