If you find yourself losing sleep, patience, or furniture from your German Shepherd, then it might be time to train them. Scolding as a form of punishment may work as they are very smart dogs, but some are either smarter or more stubborn. This is where Reinforcement Training shines, and the most effective tools for this kind of training, are the humble treat, good praise, and shock collars.Â
With our current advances in technology, they have evolved into tools of precision, designed for aversive behavior modification, simply put, using annoying stimulation to push your dog to do the correct behavior. To be absolutely clear, shock collars should not be used for punishment. Never trigger static shock when your dog is doing any kind of bad behavior.Â
You can use the vibrate or the beep to signal them to stop, but never trigger it when they are not expecting it. There is a proper method for this, and it’s called Negative Reinforcement Training, which we will shortly explain later.
We’ll show you five of the best shock collar for german shepherd dogs out in the market. Some of them are geared for hunting and more advanced training like shepherding. It’s up to you to find out which of these modern shock collars is the best fit for you.Â
- Pros
- ¾ mile Range
- Built-in Automatic Anti-Bark Collar
- Includes 2 cm Long Prongs For Long Furred Dogs
- Cons
- No Standby Mode
- Does not Fit Dogs 15 Lbs and Below
Why is this Good for your German Shepherd?
Pet Resolve’s training collar is made to fit the widest variety of dogs possible except for small dogs. It has a good balance of shock strength and features that make it decent for reinforcement training, long-range training, hunting, and other outdoor activities.Â
If your GSD has a barking problem that keeps you or your neighbors up at night, you can switch it to a bark collar mode and it will automatically train your dog to stop barking when it hears the beep. The only drawback is that it doesn’t have a standby mode, so it will only have a battery life of 50 hours, but in exchange, it will always respond when needed.Â
It both has a high range and good signal. You’ll still reach your dog even if an entire house is between the two of you, and goes hand-in-hand with the Beep, LED Tracking Lights, and supporting 3 collars, as you can reliably recall and track all three dogs within that 1000-1200 Yard Range.Â
The remote is splashproof and can withstand any water exposure except being submerged. The receiver is waterproof enough that your German Shepherd can play and swim on a pond, pool, lake, or even a beach and it won’t be damaged.Â
Since GSDs often have dense fur, using the extra 2 cm prongs will help keep the contact points pressing the actual skin, which is crucial for this kind of training, otherwise, you’ll get an inconsistent shock. The plastic clicker is far more important than it looks. You can use it during the teaching stage, and keep using it as a marker for good behavior.Â
For its price, you get a lot of features with durability and quality to back it up. If you’re not sure what type of shock collar you need, you won’t go wrong purchasing this one for your GSD.Â
Features
- Uses Beep Vibration and Shock
- 10 Vibration and Shock Levels
- Doubles as an Automatic Anti-Barking Collar
- Can Pair Up to 3 Collars
- 1300 Yard or 3/4-mile Range
- LED Tracking Reciever Lights
- IPX7 Waterproof Collar
- Splashproof Remote Controller
- Uses a Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery
- 50-Hour Battery Life
- Includes Free Clicker
- Pros
- Milder Overall Shock Strength
- 100 Adjustable Shock Levels w/ Shock Boost
- Remote Floats on Water
- Cons
- Cannot Adjust Levels of Vibration
- Slight Learning Curve to Properly Use it
Why is this Good for your German Shepherd?
Don’t let the “Mini” on the name discourage you. This training shock collar is more than capable of advanced training and outdoor activities (during the day, at least). The shock is mild compared to the average remote training collar, but it’s due to the wide range of stimulation. If your GSD completely tolerates it, you can use the shock boost to raise it 20 levels above the maximum.
The shock boost button also allows you to better train in difficult environments, such as places with tons of distractions like small animals, fellow dogs, or near busy streets. When a distracted dog suddenly bolts off to chase something, it could be near-impossible to grab their attention, so much so that you may need to raise the shock level just to wrestle that attention back. Raising the level and pressing the shock button may take a few seconds, but having a boost button you can just press in an instant, could save your dog or someone else from getting hurt.Â
The remote has a little LCD screen that shows the level so you don’t estimate the level. The remote’s dial is not something you can quickly flick to change the levels without practice though, and even then, you can accurately set it unless you use your other hand. If you have a sensitive GSD, you may find the most use out of the dial and the shock boost button. Otherwise, don’t be surprised if you’re reaching around 60-80 levels.Â
Despite the small remote size, it has a respectable battery life. It has no standby mode, so unless you turn it off, it will keep consuming battery until it runs out at about 50-60 hours. It takes 1-2 hours to charge it back to full so you can quickly charge it when not in use.Â
Features
- Uses Beep Vibration and Shock
- 100 Static Shock Levels via Dial
- Shock Boost Button
- Can Pair Up to 2 Collars (ET-302 Model)
- 1/2 Mile Range or 880 Yards Range
- IPX7 Waterproof Collar
- Splashproof and Floating Remote Controller
- 50-60 Hour Battery Life
- Includes Free Clicker
- Pros
- Intuitive 1-handed No-Look Design
- Bright LED Beacon Lights
- Built-In Anti-Barking Collar
- Cons
- Cannot Adjust Levels of Vibration
- No Standby Mode
Why is this Good for your German Shepherd?
Though a bit high in the price range, you’ll get your money’s worth out of it, especially since this is tailored for serious trainers, making it a great shock collar for german shepherds who are often trained for K9 or military roles. Technically, all the collars in this list qualify for advanced training, but this one adds a little bit more to the table.Â
The electric shock is on the strong side, but while we say that, it’s not enough to cause burns or hurt your dog. It will make some dogs yelp or twitch, depending on your dog as the effect is at least half subjective.Â
Apart from that, the remote is designed so that you can quickly, and accurately change the level using your thumb without looking, thanks to a dial with click feedback. Each button has a distinct position so with some practice, you can operate this remote behind your back. Useful when you’re training a smart dog who can tell if you’re holding the remote.Â
3/4 Miles is a great range not just for the distance, but to compensate for signal loss when there are a lot of obstacles between you and your dogs such as trees and hills. The receiver also has LED “Headlights” that flash quite brightly, allowing you to spot your dog as far as 100 yards, especially in total darkness.Â
It also has a bark limiter for any unwanted barking. This time, the extra cost gives you the “Auto Rise” option, which sets the shock to the lowest level when it starts. When the collar hears your dog bark, it will give the usual warning beep, then if they don’t stop, the collar will deliver the shock, but if it doesn’t stop, another warning beep will occur, followed by the next shock level and will keep going until your dog stops barking. When it’s quiet for a while, it will lower the level until it’s down to the lowest.Â
Furthermore, the remote has IPX7 waterproofing, which means it can be submerged in 3 meters of water. The receiver is better, having 1 ATM waterproofing, and can be submerged in 10 meters of water, so the receiver will survive if it drops on a shallow lake, or if you have an amazing diving German Shepherd.Â
Like all hunting collars, they don’t have a standby mode. It will be frustrating to keep having to wake the receiver and remote before using it. This gives the device a 50-60 hour battery life if not turned off but still has the same 2-hour charging time.Â
Features
- Uses Beep Vibration and Shock
- 10 Static Shock Levels via Dial
- One-Hand, No Look Remote Design
- Built-in Anti-Bark Collar w/ Auto-Rise
- Can Pair Up to 3 Receiver Collars
- 3/4 Mile Range or Approx 1300 Yards
- IPX7 Waterproof Remote ControlÂ
- 1 ATM Waterproof ReceiverÂ
- 50-Hour Battery Life
- Pros
- Relatively Affordable Price
- Designed for Basic and Casual Use
- Long Battery Life w/ Sleep Mode
- Cons
- Cannot Adjust Levels of Vibration
- Not for Stubborn Dogs
Why is this Good for your German Shepherd?
If you’re aiming to give your German Shepherd shock collar training for obedience, or any kind of basic training, with your budget in mind, then this might be a good fit for you. The shock strength is quite mild compared to the rest of the devices on this list, but if you know that your GSD is sensitive, then you’re good. It has 16 levels instead of the usual 10 to lessen the “jump” in power when you switch levels.Â
It has a decent range of 1000 yards in open spaces on paper. In practice, expect just around 800 yards as the act of grasping the remote already reduces the range. As long as you’re not planning to keep your dog farther than 300 yards, you’re practically guaranteed to reach them with this remote. It’s worth noting that there may be a mild delay between pressing and activation of the receiver, so keep that in mind. Â
You can purchase this with an additional collar and pair both into one remote. The switch on the side makes it fast to switch receivers and the buttons on the remote have unique textures so you can operate without constantly looking at the device. You can do that with any other remote in this list, but this one makes it easier.Â
The remote is pretty lightweight, so it can survive being dropped on the floor. It’s splashproof so it can withstand rain and running water but won’t survive being underwater. The receiver collar at least is waterproof 1 meter, so your GSD can play around in the water while wearing it.Â
The battery life is quite long, but this is achieved by the receiver having a sleep mode. If left on, it will last 11 days before the battery runs dry. You may need to wake the device up before using it in case it has been idle for a while.Â
Features
- Uses Beep Vibration and Shock
- 16 Static Shock Intensity Levels
- No-Look Design w/ Textured Buttons
- 1000 Yard Range in Open Spaces
- Can Pair Up to 2 Receiver Collars
- Splashproof Remote Controller
- IPX7 Waterproof Receiver
- Up to 11 Days Battery Life w/ Sleep Mode
- Pros
- Decent Budget Shock Collar Option
- Super Slim Compact Design
- Long Battery Life w/ Sleep Mode
- Cons
- Short Active Duration before Entering Sleep Mode
- Not for Stubborn Dogs
Why is this Good for your German Shepherd?
German Shepherd dogs may be the all-purpose work canine we all know and love, but not all of them are tough and stubborn. If you need a collar only for basic obedience training and reinforcing those behaviors, then this is a good pick in the budget collar category. The shock strength is also mild, and may just be enough for your GSD at the higher levels (1-16 Levels).
The prongs have included silicon caps that add some comfort to your dog, but this doesn’t mean you can leave the receiver on your dog’s neck all day.
The range, which is shy of 1/2 miles is pretty good for a collar of this caliber. You’re likely not to let your dog run far with this kit on, but it’s nice to know that you can signal them to come back at an average of 300 yards.
It still has the same standard waterproofing. The remote controller is resistant to rain, but not underwater. The receiver is waterproof, allowing your dogs to play in shallow water without the receiver suffering any water damage.
Whenever you see a collar that has above 60 hours of battery life, it’s likely that it has sleep/standby mode. The remote and receiver will go to this mode after 30 seconds of idleness. It’s easy enough to wake up by pressing a button, but some trainers may find that annoying that you have to press a button to wake the device up, then press that button again for its intended purpose.
It’s useful when you just want the collar to be on your dog for prolonged periods of time to recall or signal them when needed. (Don’t keep the collar on for more than 8 hours!)
Features
- Uses Beep Vibration and Shock
- 16 Static Shock Intensity Levels
- Slim, Compact Remote Shape
- 550 Yard Range
- Can Pair Up to 2 Receiver Collars
- Splashproof Remote Controller
- IPX7 Waterproof Receiver
- Up to 320 Hours Battery Life w/ Sleep Mode
Quick Guide on How to Use a Shock Training Collar
The user is responsible for at least half of any tool’s effectiveness, shock collars included. Before we begin the guide, you must understand that you should never use static stimulation to suddenly punish your dog.Â
For example, if your dog is excessively barking his throat off in the middle of the night, don’t use the electric shock to quiet them, or at any point where they don’t expect it.
We’ll show you how.Â
Negative Reinforcement Training means you’re “removing” something to increase the chances of the behavior happening again. This is fundamentally different from punishment and through this method, your dog will always know when the shock is coming.
Teaching Phase
You start with teaching your dog a command like “Sit”. During the “teaching phase,” it’s best to do Positive Reinforcement, which means you’re “adding” something to encourage the behavior. This is as easy as giving them a treat or praise when they properly “Sit” when told to do so. After that, it’s time for Negative Reinforcement. Then you can set it up.
Set-Up
With the training shock collar placed properly, find the lowest shock level your dog will react to. You do this by setting the shock to the lowest level, then testing it on your German Shepherd. If they make the slightest reaction to it, like tilting their head or stopping mid-pant. If you don’t see an effect, raise it to the next level and try again until you get the result.Â
Reinforcement Phase
This is where you get to use the electric shock. Call your dog’s attention, then as soon as you say the “Sit” command, press the shock button. Press the continuous shock button, or press and hold the shock button if you have one shock button. Keep holding this until your dog correctly does the behavior. When they actually, sit, stop the shock.Â
Immediately after this, mark the behavior. You do this by either using a clicker, saying “yes!” or “Good!” virtually anything that will let them know that they did it properly, then give them hearty praise, a treat, or both.Â
Rinse and repeat until you notice that your dog is losing interest, which is around 5-8 tries. Then take a good break before another training session. Always keep a close eye on your German Shepherd during training, especially during the first few training sessions, as they might feel some initial anxiety.
It won’t be long though before they understand that the shock only happens when you say the command, and they can stop it when they perform the correct behavior. This is the reason why the shock should only be used in this manner. They know when to expect it, and they will know how to stop it.Â
Why You Shouldn’t Use the Collar for Punishment
Let’s use an example: If you use the shock when they are digging in the yard, then scold them after, they won’t reliably understand that the shock came because they were digging, and they may not figure out how to stop it. If you continue this, they may end up being afraid that the shock will happen at any time.Â
This is one of the reasons why some say that shock collars can damage a dog’s psychological health.Â
Bark Collars work similarly but they always give a warning beep. This consistent beep makes sure your dog expects the shock. They will eventually make the connection that barking causes the beep and if they don’t bark, the shock doesn’t come. If they don’t hear the beep, there won’t be a shock.Â
If you want to reduce your dog’s unwanted behavior, teach them obedience commands, reinforce them, and when they perform these unwanted behaviors, command them to stop it.Â
Eventually, they will learn that doing those behaviors causes them to be angry and tell them to sit approach. German Shepherds are surprisingly empathetic to their owners, so use that to your advantage.
Conclusion
It’s important to figure out exactly what you want out of your dog before you start any kind of training. Whether it be simple obedience, or training them to do certain tasks. Once you do, it’s a matter of figuring out how to train them and finding the right tool for the job. There’s always a right way to use a tool, no matter how controversial the opinion is about it.Â
Above all, as long as you always keep your dog’s well-being in mind, you and your furry buddy will always come out on top.Â
Last update on 2024-04-27 at 13:52 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
