Types Of Dog Training Collars
Where do you begin in your search of an electronic dog collar? If you do a little research, you’ll learn that an electronic dog collar is not only effective, but safe and humane in training your dog. If you’re looking to find an electronic collar for your dog, this guide can help you make the right choice and help you learn the different choices out there on the market.
Containment Systems (“Invisible Fence”)
There are two types of these perimeter-sensing collars for teaching your dog the boundaries of your yard: electric and wireless. Electric systems work with a buried line that you install to establish the perimeter of your yard. PetSafe is a good model for this application with an easy-to-use setup for both the fence and the collar receiver. PetSafe comes just about right to fit any standard-sized yard. To fit a larger area than PetSafe can handle, we recommend Innotek’s containment system.
The Innotek system has several advantages that might be right for you, including expandability up to 25 acres and the ability to use multiple collars with the same fence, so if you have more than one dog, you’re covered. Both the PetSafe and the Innotek are great system for hidden wire fencing.
For wireless fencing, we look to PetSafe once again. This innovative and fairly new technology works similarly to the wired systems, but requires no burial of a wire. Instead, it works by setting up a transmitter at the center of the area you want to “fence off.” The transmitter then sends out a signal to a radius that you can pre-set, allowing for simple and quick setup and even portability.
BARK COLLARS
If you own a dog who barks frequently this might be the right tool for you to help with that urge. The Innotek collar is not only reasonably priced, but it’s probably one of the top brands in term of being popular and being respected in the marketplace. This unit has sensors that easily identify the barking location (i.e. is it your dog or someone else’s dog?) meaning no unnecessary correction for your dog. If your dog is a constant barker, the intensity of the charge gradually increases to prevent barking and when the dog stops, then it will reset to the original setting. These collars are suitable for most dogs and offer the added benefits of being both lightweight and waterproof.
BEEPER COLLARS
Known as more of a safety collar than a training collar, the beeping collar is controlled by the pet owner. The owner can send a beep to the collar so that the dog can be located. A brand called Dogtra is very well designed, with its ability to beep steadily or at intervals, allowing the owner to easily find his dog. The beeping collar works to about a mile away, and there are types available to owners of multiple pets or dogs. More advanced ones have a lot more features, like trackers that tell you when your dog is pointing, which means stopped, and flushing, which means moving quickly.
SHOCK COLLARS
If your dog goes with you out onto the field, goes hunting, or enjoys large areas, the electronic training collar can help you train your dog within the area. TriTronics offer the greatest system, with options for providing optimum training for dogs who spend time outdoors. There is about a one mile range in most models, and up to twenty settings within stimulation levels. They are versatile, offering waterproof protection and lightweight feel, as well as long-life batteries which maximizes each use. Accessories available include transmitter holsters, field chargers for collars, battery packs, and “dummy” collars so that your dog learns to respond without the actual collar. If you’re looking to save a little money, try the SportDog collar, which is comparable and still gets you long ranges of use.
If you are hunting for a good electronic training collar for your dog, this guide has hopefully helped you understand the options and manufacturers you should be considering. Whatever you do, be sure your veterinarian and trainer are aware of your options and choices so that you can receive advice tailored to your particular dogs’ needs.


