How to Compare Dog-Training Collars

The training of a dog can be a delight or a distress. Choosing the right collar can have everything to do with minimizing the difficulty of the process. There is a plethora of training aids and collars available.

  1. What's Out There

    • The personality and temperament of the dog you are training determines the type of collar you should use. Breeds known to be stubborn or not very intelligent may require a little more restraint. Breeds known for being eager to please, smart and sensitive require significantly less.

    Difficult-to-Train Dogs

    • If your dog has been getting away with far too much for far too long and has some serious bad habits to break, a choke collar or martingale may be necessary. Though most trainers are loath to use a choke chain, some dogs require the control a choke chain provides. A martingale collar is a kinder, gentler version of a choke collar.

    Sensitive Dogs

    • Small dogs and breeds known for being sensitive or highly intelligent don't require a choke chain. These dogs do fine with a buckle collar and some consistent lessons. When using the buckle collar, training is done through positive reinforcement instead of negative corrections. Harsh corrections as a training tool are no longer used by enlightened dog professionals, except under extreme circumstances.

    Shock Collars

    • Despite the alarming name, a shock collar does not really deliver a hard electronic shock. Rather, the shock collar is often used in conjunction with a beeper. When you catch your dog doing something it should not be doing, such as pulling you down the street, you push a button which causes a "beep" on the collar. The "beep" is followed by a small electric current's being delivered to the dog's neck. Most dogs catch on quickly that if they hear the "beep" the unpleasant sensation will follow, and in short order the use of the "shock" is no longer needed.

    For Your Consideration

    • Take into consideration your dog's past history. Many dogs have been cruelly disciplined while wearing a choke chain and may react negatively or "shut down" when wearing one. When in doubt, always consult with a training professional or your veterinarian on the best collar for your dog. Never leave a choke chain on an unattended dog as it could become hung up on something and asphyxiate your dog. If you are thinking about a shock collar, be sure to test it out on your arm before deciding on the proper setting so you don't injure your dog.