Types of Shock Collars

Shock collars for dogs are not meant to injure your pooch, but rather help with overall training or correcting unwanted behavior. Shock levels on dog collars are generally lower than the shock emitted from static electricity on carpeting, according to Pet Education. Shock collars come in different sizes and intensities with a variety of types. They work with batteries, some of which are rechargeable.

  1. Bark activated

    • Some shock collars help to curb a dog’s excessive barking. When your dog starts barking, the collar sends off a warning signal, usually a beeping noise, to warn your dog a shock is coming if he continues to bark. A mild shock follows if your dog barks again. If your dog continues to bark after the first shock, the collar sends off a progressive stronger shock after each progressive bark, usually with at least six different intensity levels. Some collars have a safety shut off if your dog still barks after the highest shock level where the collar will shut off for three minutes and start over. Bark-activated collars are available in different sizes and with different features and start around $45 for the smallest models in 2010.

    Remote control

    • Remote-control shock collars work for a variety of training situations. Dog owners send the shock to their dog via remote control. Like the bark-activated collar, the remote-control shock collar has different correction levels. You may need stronger signals for dogs that are stubborn, distracted or prone to ignoring commands. Remote control collars come in different sizes, intensities and ranges, some with a remote that can signal a collar up to 400 yards away or more. In addition to different intensity levels and correction signal durations, some remote control collars offer a tone-only option. Remote control shock collars start around $60 for the smallest models in 2010.

    Hunting

    • Electronic hunting collars are an advanced version of the remote-control collar, with a number of advanced features useful for dogs out hunting. Advanced features include a remote control to collar range of up to 2 miles, the ability to control more than once dog from a single remote and bright neon colors for enhanced hunting safety. Rather than a flat or somewhat cumbersome remote, some hunting shock collars come with a pistol grip remote the dog owner can easily grip and control with one hand. Hunting collars are the most expensive of the shock collars and designed for larger, hunting dogs. Hunting shock collars start around $200 in 2010 with prices easily reaching more than $300 for the more advanced systems.