There are plenty of training tools out there and a large chunk of them are electronic collars. They are almost always used to help with unwanted behaviors. Bark collars, for example, automatically teach your dog to stop barking as soon as they hear the beep by using positive punishment, the same goes with wireless fence collars.
With remote collars, you must use a combination of negative reinforcement and positive reinforcement to train your dog and it requires manual training.Â
It’s worth noting though that the Negative + Positive Reinforcement combo is one of the most effective ways to train positive behavior. You’ll then use these reinforced positive and safety behaviors in dogs to train them from negative behaviors. Not only is it faster, but when done right, lets them perform these needed behaviors faster, whether it be for hunting, service, military, or simple obedience training.Â
If this is more up your alley, we’ll give you a list of the best shock collars with remote found on Amazon. We’ll also show you basic core training techniques to start you off as efficiently as possible.Â
- Pros
- Great Quality and Features for the Price
- 3/4 Mile Range
- Bark Collar and Training/Hunting Collar in One
- Cons
- Rain-proof-only Remote
- No Standby Mode
The first on the list is a good all-around collar that can be used for service dog training and hunting but is still flexible enough to be used for regular training. It has three chief training modes which are a moderately strong shock, strong vibration, and a weak but audible beep. The static shock has a moderately strong overall but 10 intensity levels with the lowest level being enough to use on sensitive dogs.Â
The receiver can be switched into an automatic bark collar with simple but effective programming. In this mode, the remote will stop working and the receiver will listen for the vibrations associated with your dog’s barking. When it does hear it, it will beep after a few seconds.Â
If your dog still barks after that, the collar will then deliver a shock based on the level you set. Once it does, it will rest for a minute before listening again. The goal is is to make your dog stop barking after it hears the beep. It will still allow your dog to bark, just not as much.Â
With a range of 3/4 miles, it can reach your dog way beyond its own earshot. Even with thick foliage or a brick wall, you can get at least 1/2 miles from the remote. For its price, you get a lot of features and a high range, giving the collar a very good value for its price.
With this range, it will be easy to track your dog’s location using the remote LEDs. Even when you’re handling all three receivers with one remote. this 3 dog shock collar has three buttons for each collar, making it easy to switch between all three by pressing the appropriate numbered buttons. It’s also worth noting that the remote is quite small and compact compared to a lot of electronic training collars out there.Â
When it comes to endurance, the remote is made of durable materials but the remote is only splashproof, unlike the collar which is waterproof. The adjustable collar strap is made of very tough plastic but make sure you’re placing it on a dog that’s at least 15 lbs or heavier, otherwise, the receiver might not fit as well on their neck.Â
On a full charge, the device will last about 50-60 hours or about a week if used regularly. The device does not have a sleep mode, this is so that the collar will always work when pressed, instead of having to press a button first for it to wake up.Â
Finally, the collar comes with a third pair of extra-long prongs meant for dogs with much longer fur so you don’t have to place the collar on too tightly or trim the fur too much just for the contacts to touch their skin. The plastic clicker included is one of the simplest yet most effective tools in training.Â
Features:
- Three Training Modes: Shock, Beep, and Vibration
- Switchable to Bark Collar Mode
- 10 Levels of Shock
- 3/4-Mile Range
- Supports up to 3 Collar ReceiversÂ
- Remote Activated Reciever LED
- Rain-Proof Remote Control
- Waterproof Coller Reciever
- Adjustable Plastic Collar for Dogs 15 lbs and Above
- 50-60 Hour Battery Life (No Standby Mode)
- Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery
- Comes with a pair of Extra Long Metal Contacts
- Includes a Plastic Clicker
- Pros
- Long Battery Life
- Adjustable Nylon Collar
- Good for Sensitive Dogs
- Cons
- Short Range
- Not for Stubborn Dogs
Next on the list is a great budget pick for yard training and managing them in smaller spaces like in dog parks, or anywhere else that you can keep them in eye-shot. It also has a nice LCD UI that’s visible no matter the light condition. All decent collars have their three basic functions of Shock, Beep, and Vibration, though this collar has slightly weaker shock than average. That is good for dogs with higher sensitivity levels, but if you have a very stubborn dog or one of the known tougher breeds, then consider using a different product.
If you do have yourself a sensitive dog, don’t intend to use it for any long-range, or don’t want to shell out money yet, then this is a decent beginner collar. The nylon strap makes it very easy to tighten and loosen the collar, so if you plan to leave the collar on without using it, you can easily loosen it up a bit to reduce the pressure on the neck. The only drawback with nylon straps is they tend to loosen a bit when the dog moves a lot, so check the tightness every now and then.Â
You can purchase a separate collar and pair them on the same remote and it’s easy to switch between the two dogs. With little practice, you’ll be able to operate the remote without looking at it, thanks to the button positioning and the grooves that easily let you know which button is which. The remote is a little bit on the bulky side though, but it’s easy enough to hold.Â
As far as durability goes, the remote is splash-proof, so even if you train in the rain, the remote will be fine. The receiver is waterproof and can withstand being under 1 meter of water for 30 minutes before suffering any kind of water damage.Â
With a lower level of shock, expect the devices to have higher battery life. With regular use, you’ll get around 10-11 days of battery life before needing to charge again. It only takes 2-4 hours to charge the battery to fill, but make sure you don’t leave the devices charging for longer than that. Â
Features:
- Three Basic Training Modes: Vibration Shock and Beep
- 1000 ft Range (330 Yard Range)
- 1-16 Stimulation Levels
- Remote Supports up to 2 Receivers
- Rain-Proof Remote Control
- Waterproof Collar Reciever
- Comfortable Nylon Collar (for 6-27 inch Neck Size)
- Battery Lasts for 11-15 Days
- Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery
- Pros
- Best Value in the Budget Collar Category
- High Range
- Waterproof Remote and Reciever
- Cons
- No LED Lights
The next collar on the list is another affordable shocking dog collar with remote that’s almost optimal when it comes to price and features, making it a decent contender against the first collar on the list. Given the range, it can already be used as a hunting collar for close-dog hunting activities like game that doesn’t require your dog to run off into the distance, or for retrieval. We say this because the receiver does not have any LED that can be used to detect your dog from a distance.Â
It does have all the training features needed to train out negative behaviors, and it has a fantastic range. Any collar with a range above 1/2 miles is considered good for long-range management. The reason behind the high range is mostly because the signal between the remote and the receiver can be blocked or reduced by a lot of things.Â
On average, you’ll get about 80% of the range, and if you’re working in places with a lot of foliage, trees, or even metal objects like cars, expect the range to dwindle further, so you need plenty of range to work with.Â
To adjust the shock levels, you have a dial on the remote’s top part, giving you an easy way to adjust the levels when needed. This is important for certain trainers who handle easily distracted dogs or work in environments with plenty of potential distractions or danger, such as an open street.Â
Durability-wise, the remote is a tank. Built with sturdy plastic and is waterproof for up to 1 meter. The same goes for the tough plastic make of the adjustable collar and the receiver. Take note that this kit is not for small dogs that are below 15 lbs.Â
The surprisingly compact remote has a battery life of about 50-70 hours. You could consider 50 hours to be the standard among shock collar remote kits and it only takes 2-3 hours to charge it back to full.Â
Features:
- Uses Shock, Vibration, and Audible Beep
- 16 Levels of Correction
- 3/4 Mile Range
- Supports up to 2 Receivers per Remote
- Waterproof Remote and Reciever
- Durable Plastic Collar for Dogs 15 lbs and bigger
- 50-60 Hours of Battery Life
- Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery
- Pros
- 100 Stimulation Levels
- Splashproof 'Floating' Remote
- Compact, No-Look Design Remote
- Cons
- Only supports 1 dog per remote
- Finding the right level takes time.
4th on the list is a remote dog collar shock kit often used by service dog trainers and K9 units. This model in particular is good for all-around training and has a specific design that tries to maximize the speed of use, without looking at the remote. As usual, it uses beep vibration and electric shocks for training and has a way to finely adjust the levels, giving it 100 levels of stimulation.Â
The levels are adjusted using a dial on the top of the remote. The display on the bottom shows the current level and you can fine-tune the strength of the shock by adjusting the dial. If you have trouble figuring out how strong the value is, think of it as having 10 levels first, adjusting by 10s. when your dog shows a reaction on a level like 40, you can then dial it back to 35 and see if your dog responds. If not, increase the level again until you hit 40. If you’re concerned about using potentially painful shock, then getting a dial/rheostat-type shock collar remote is best. Â
If you need to get an additional collar to manage 2 dogs, there’s another model of this type that supports it, but this one only supports 1 collar. It has a modest range of 1/2 miles and can be used in hunting and keeping tabs on your dog using the remote-activated LEDs on the receiver.Â
You’ll find the receiver on this collar somewhat more compact than the usual receivers in this price range, it makes all the difference because it can support smaller dogs, as small as 10 lbs instead of the usual 15 lbs. The receiver is also waterproof, resisting damage even when submerged 1 meter underwater for 30 minutes.Â
The remote on the other hand is only splashproof but is designed to float on water. You’ll find this extremely handy since you won’t worry about losing the remote in case it falls into muddy waters.
The kit includes a clicker just like the first collar on the list. This tiny but effective signaling tool can help you signal your dog on just about anything. Commonly, they are used to catch your dog’s attention and signal them when they did a good job. Since consistency is important when signaling your dog, a crisp clicker will do nicely.Â
Features:Â
- Uses Static Shock, Vibration, and Beep
- 100 Stimulation Levels
- 1/2 Mile Remote Range
- Can support up to 2 Dogs (Different Model)
- Remote Activated LED
- Splashproof ‘Floating’ Remote
- Waterproof Reciever
- Adjustable Collar Strap (6-30 inches)
- 50-60 Hours of Battery Life
- Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery
- Includes a Plastic Clicker
- Pros
- Handy Carabiner Design
- Large Correction Button
- Supports 3 Collars at a Time
- Cons
- Relatively Short Range
- Not for Stubborn Dogs
A new product on the Dogtra product line that focuses on simplicity. This shock collar with remote has a carabiner design so you can hook it into your belt, leash, or bag. It has the same three training functions as the rest of the collars on this list, but the shock mode is considerably weaker compared to the products on the list. If you know that you have a sensitive dog or a small dog, this kit will work.Â
It has 24 levels of electric shocks. Combined with the weaker shock, you can train much smaller dogs except for toy breeds, or more sensitive dogs. You can also position the receiver vertically, allowing it to fit smaller neck sizes. Since changing the level to a stronger amount takes time, the remote has a boost button that will remember the shock level assigned to it, allowing you to catch your dog’s attention when they are heavily distracted.Â
The small remote can also be paired with up to three collars, but with the significantly shorter range, you need to make sure they stay relatively close, or at least within your sights.Â
The remote is rain-resistant and dust resistant. The receivers have a nice bright color and are waterproof, enough to allow your dog to take a dip in the pool, beach, or lake with no issues.Â
Due to the size, the collar does have a slightly lower battery life. Not significantly short, just an average of 40 hours. Since it has a standby mode, it can last for a week without being turned off.Â
The remote is also catching up with modern times and uses a USB-Type C charging slot so you can charge it with just about any type-c cellphone charger.Â
Features:
- Uses Vibration Shock and Beep Functions
- 24 Shock Training Levels
- Custom Boost Button
- 400-Yard Control Range
- Supports 3 Collars Per RemoteÂ
- Splashproof Shock Collar Remote
- IPX9 Waterproof RecieverÂ
- 40-50 Hour Battery Duration
- USB-C Type Recharging Slot
Beginner Training Tips and Tricks
If you decide on using a training collar, then you must understand that it requires time and effort. Significantly less effort though, when used well, especially compared to standard training methods. If you don’t know how to train them using these devices, then allow us to show you the ropes with a few starter techniques and tips you need to know.Â
1. Let your dog wear the collar for 1-2 weeks without training them.Â
The first thing to avoid is having your dog become collar-wise. Collar-wiseness means your dog will only act obedient when wearing the collar. This happens when you start the training too early while wearing the collar. Your dog will quickly associate the collar with training and treats and only obey you when wearing the collar. To avoid this, make them wear the remote training collar and do regular stuff with them, feed them, play with them, and even teach them the first few obedience training behaviors using treats alone.Â
This way, when you train them, they won’t associate the training specifically with the collar. As an added safety tip, don’t keep the collar on for 8-10 hours. Otherwise, your dog may develop pressure sores from the prongs. Some trainers and owners just loosen the collar significantly, or replace the prongs with plastic ones, especially when the dog already mastered certain things like going back to you when they hear the receiver beeping, or feel the vibrations.Â
2. Teach your dog the behaviors you want them to learn before reinforcing them.
For example, you want them to sit down when told to. The best way to do this is to use treats and praise as a reward, which is called “Positive Reinforcement”, meaning you give or add something to encourage a certain behavior to happen more often. There are many ways to do this, such as holding the treat and moving it from your dog’s nose, up and past its head. They will try to follow the treat and react by sitting. Once they do, you say the signal word like “Sit!” and then provide the treat.Â
Rinse and repeat five or so more times, then without the treat, just move your hand while saying “Sit!” then when they do it right, give them a marking signal, like saying “Good!” or click twice if you have a clicker. Eventually, you just need to say “Sit!” and then reward them until they do.Â
This is more or less the same process when teaching any other commands like making them go back to you when you press the beep on the collar or use a dog whistle. What’s important is you try and make the teaching process as few steps as possible. You can break down a certain behavior like retrieving a specific object into smaller steps.Â
3. Train using a combination of Positive and Negative Reinforcement
Once you have done the two things above, you can start the shock collar with remote control training. Test the kit first to make sure it works well by using the included testers, then prepare your treats. It’s better to have high-value treats or at least different treats than what you feed them normally. Find the lowest level your dog will react to, or use the vibration.Â
You can find the lowest responsive level by level to low and triggering the shock. If your dog responds in any visible way, stay on that level, otherwise, raise the level and try again until you see a small visible reaction.Â
Using “Return when you hear the beep” or “Recall” behavior, the following is how you will use the shock collar. Get some distance away from your dog and press the beep. (This is assuming your dog already understands what to do.) Immediately after the beep, press and hold the shock button. Yes, you press it before they even do the proper action. As soon as they reach you, stop the shock or vibration, give the “good job” signal, then give them a treat or praise, or even both. Â
The summary is: State the command > Trigger the Shock > Stop the shock when they do it right > Reward their effort > Rinse and repeat.Â
This gives them a level of control over the shock. They know when it triggers (when the command is said) and they know how to turn it off (By doing the correct actions.), the result is they aren’t afraid of it.
The wrong thing to do is to use the shock as punishment. If you suddenly use the shock when they are in the middle of doing any kind of bad behavior, they will not quickly associate the shock with their actions, especially when it’s been a while since they started the behavior.Â
Instead, use highly reinforced obedience behaviors like “sit” or “stay” to control them when they are doing any kind of bad behavior.Â
Conclusion
Training is always an investment in one way or another. That’s why it’s still a profession taken by people to this day. It doesn’t have to be with a dog shock collar with remote or automatic ones, even the humble treat and your peppy praise are considered tools.
What’s important is that your goal is for the greater good which includes treating your dog with, at least, the respect they deserve. As long as you do, your training will always result in something good, even if it’s just having a fun afternoon with your dog.
Last update on 2024-04-29 at 15:02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
