We’ve all been there – training our pup or an adult dog for the first time. It’s not easy, and usually, there is plenty of trial and error before we get the results we like. Whether you have a Great Dane who thinks they run the show or a feisty Chihuahua with more spunk than you can handle, managing their behavior can feel like a full-time job.
Thankfully, that’s where collars come in! Effective dog training collars can make your life easier by providing control and navigation as you look to guide your strong-willed furball to ideal behavior.
Whether you’re trying to prevent your dog from pulling on walks, chewing on furniture, or curbing their aggressive tendencies, the right collar will make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll cover the best training collars for large and small dogs, including their advantages and challenges. Let’s make training less stressful for both you and your doggie!
Large Dog Training Challenges
Training large dogs is physically challenging, especially with the wrong pet gear. Big dogs have enormous levels of strength and energy, and often, they’re not in the mood to listen. To get them to listen when they’re pulling you down the street is a feat, but not to worry – the right training strategy and collar can make all the difference.
A quality collar helps to maintain control without causing harm. It is meant to help your dog navigate its behavior without stress or discomfort so that your journey to harmonious co-existence is fun and memorable.
Here are our picks for the best dog training collars for large dogs!
The Best Dog Training Collars for Large Dogs
#1 Remote Training Collars
These collars allow you to give commands from a distance, perfect for large dogs who simply don’t respond when they are far away from you. They typically come with vibration, tone, and stimulation settings that can be tweaked to get the attention of your dog without harming them.
- Pros: Remote training collars are the best option for off-leash training, helping you communicate with your dog despite the distance. These training collars have multiple settings that are used to incentivize your doggie, such as vibration, tone, and stimulation. These hands-off collars are ideal for owners who have limited mobility or physical strength. Additionally, these collars are some of the best dog training collars for stubborn dogs that don’t respond readily to verbal cues.
- Cons: Despite their advantages, if not used correctly, remote training collars can instigate fear and anxiety in some dogs. Unfortunately, this can lead to negative associations with training in general. That’s why we think that remote collars are more beneficial for dogs that are used to training, have experience with a variety of pet gear, and are less prone to anxiety. Another con of remote training collars is that they can be pricey, making them less accessible to many pet owners.
- Best For: Recall training, off-leash obedience, and reinforcing commands at a distance.
Check out our collection of remote dog training collars!
#2 Martingale Collars
Martingale dog collars are best suited for large dogs that have a tendency to pull or slip out of regular collars. They provide an overall better fit due to their adjustable nature, which helps to prevent pulling without leading to injuries.
- Pros: These collars are ideal for rescues who are insecure with their new environment or for dog breeds with slender necks, like Greyhounds or Whippets. Unlike the traditional choke collars, martingales tighten around the neck without causing undue pressure, which minimizes discomfort and even the risk of injury. They also offer better control for training and are ideal for everyday wear given their soft, malleable fabric.
- Cons: Indeed, martingale collars are much safer than choke chains and other hard-material collars. However, they still tighten under tension, especially if something gets caught in them. That’s why they should be used on your dog only when supervised to lessen the possibility of strangulation. Likewise, watch out for improper fitting of the collar, as it can lead to nagging discomfort and even damage to the fur and skin around the neck.
- Best For: Preventing slippage, providing control during training, and making walks more secure.
#3 E-Collars with Vibration and Static Correction
E-collars offer owners more advanced training possibilities with customizable features. They help to reinforce good behavior and specific commands from a distance, making them ideal for advanced training that incorporates running and long-distance activities.
- Pros: E-collars provide owners with the ability to correct undesirable behavior without physical force. They are effective for off-leash training, recall, and for stubborn dogs that ignore verbal commands. E-collars offer a variety of models that provide settings that owners can adjust according to their doggie’s personality and behavioral needs.
- Cons: Since e-collars provide sudden sensations that come from seemingly nowhere, they can cause stress and fear in sensitive dogs that are not used to strange sensations. This is why owners should take time to learn how to navigate these collars properly and slowly get them accustomed to the features. Another detriment of e-collars is that they are battery-operated, which can be inconvenient during long training sessions without a charging point.
- Best For: Off-leash training, aggressive behavior management, and recall over long distances.
#4 Head Halters
Head halters are a great choice for large dogs that have a tendency to pull hard on the leash and be reactive in public. These dog training collars provide owners with better control over their dog’s head and neck, which helps to overcorrect body strain and nudge their buddy in the right direction.
- Pros: Head halters give owners superior control by guiding their dog’s head, which is essential for excitable or reactive dogs. Aligning the head and neck with the head halters improves proper walking posture and a dog’s attention. This collar is ideal for teaching proper leash manners and direct focus.
- Cons: Head halters that are used improperly can cause discomfort, especially if the halter is too tight and used for too long. Some dogs may also rebel against having their mouth closed for a long time, especially if they are known to be talkers. This collar can be helpful but is not a one-size solution for behavior training without other training exercises.
- Best For: Aggressive behavior management, control and focus training, and teaching leash manners.
#5 Harness-Based Training Collars
Harness training collars integrate the benefits of the harness with the training components of the leash. They are perfect for extra large dogs that pull or become overexcited and need a course and focus correction.
- Pros: The most crucial benefit of harness-based training collars is that they distribute pressure across a dog’s chest and shoulders. This reduces strain on the neck, which makes this collar a safer alternative to traditional collars. They are gentle enough but also powerful in encouraging proper outing behavior. Many harness collars have front-clip attachments that help redirect a dog’s movement without minimal discomfort.
- Cons: Oftentimes, owners don’t get the right-fitting harness, and the misfit can cause chafing or discomfort. Make sure you get the proper size and let your doggie get used to wearing it. Additionally, some harness designs include a leash feature in the back, which can encourage pulling and limited control.
- Best For: Training leash pulling, accommodating neck sensitivity and respiratory issues, improving leash manners, and encouraging stress-free walking experience.
Check out our collection of pet harness training collars!
Small Dog Training Challenges
If you’re a small dog owner, you know that training a feisty one is also not easy! Small pups may be tiny, but they have big personalities that can have a stubborn streak. From excessive barking and reactivity to their overreliance on being carried, small dogs pose their own challenges to training and behavioral modification.
But, with patience, consistency, and the right approach, these tiny furbabies can become the most well-mannered family members.
Here are our picks for the best dog training collars for small dogs!
The Best Dog Training Collars for Small Dogs
#1 Vibrating Collars
These collars make use of vibrations to get your dog’s attention without causing discomfort to your pup. Since small dogs are more sensitive, they can pick up on these signals easily. Vibrating dog training collars are especially useful when training commands like recall or stopping unwanted behavior.
- Pros: Vibrating collars use gentle vibrations to get your dog’s attention, making them the perfect alternative for sensitive temperaments. They’re ideal for stopping excessive barking and redirecting undesirable behavior without causing undue stress. Most models come with adjustable vibration modes, which allow owners to tweak vibration levels to what’s comfortable and effective for their pup.
- Cons: Like humans, not all dogs react the same to certain stimuli. For example, some dogs could be too sensitive to them, while others may need additional training reinforcement. By knowing your dog’s overall response to stimuli, you can be better prepared to reap the benefits of this collar. Another drawback of these collars is that they rely on battery power and regular replacement.
- Best For: Gentle recall training, barking control, general obedience, and accommodating hearing-impaired dogs and those startled by loud noises.
#2 Waterproof Training Collars
Waterproof training collars are ideal for adventurous owners who like to take their pups to the beach or those who live in rainy climates. These collars are durable and help reduce pulling, making them ideal for daily walks and adventures.
- Pros: Waterproof training collars are ideal for small dogs that enjoy outdoor activities. The collars offer training features that reduce pulling. They’re also gentle for small dog breeds that have sensitive necks and delicate tracheas. Additionally, the waterproof material makes them durable and long-lasting, making them a solid investment for outdoorsy owners.
- Cons: Although these collars are great for the outdoors, they are not designed for controlling very strong pullers. They are also made bulkier, which may not be too comfortable for long-term wear, especially during warm weather. The collars may also require more upkeep and cleaning after water exposure to prevent odor buildup and preserve performance.
- Best For: Learning to swim and be more outdoorsy and neck support for sensitive dogs.
Check out our collection of waterproof dog training collars!
#3 Clicker Collars
Clicker dog collars are ideal for training small dogs since they can quickly and safely help your pup connect the dots between good behavior and rewards. With a simple “click,” your dog will understand that they did something right and will develop this association long-term. The collar is especially ideal for sensitive dogs that need gentle reminders during behavioral training.
- Pros: Clicker collars provide very mild stimulation and are a better alternative than harsher corrective collars that could cause anxiety in sensitive dogs. If stubborn behavior is the issue, clicker collars provide a gentle nudge to lead your pup in the right direction.
- Cons: Some dogs may take time to correlate the clicker sound with a command, so it’s essential to be patient when using clicker collars. Likewise, if the clicker is overused, it could lead to desensitization and become ineffective in regulating behavior. Depending on your dog’s personality, verbal praise and treats could be just as effective.
- Best For: Reinforcement and obedience training, behavior correction, and learning new commands.
#4 GPS Tracking Collars
GPS collars are a method to monitor small dogs, especially those with a propensity to roam or slip out of their collars. GPS collars track your dog’s position in real-time via GPS technology, giving pet owners of adventurous spirits a sense of relief.
- Pros: GPS tracking collars are a reliable choice for owners of wandering or difficult-to-train dogs. Live GPS technology that is built into these devices provides pet parents with reassurance that their buddy isn’t lost. Among the key benefits of a GPS tracking collar is that many models include geofencing, which provides owners with an alert when the dog leaves a designated safe zone. These collars also track activity and monitor your dog’s health.
- Cons: Despite their safety benefits, GPS trackers can be more cumbersome than simple collars. For one, they require regular charging and can be too bulky for some small breeds. In addition, since they rely on cellular and satellite signals, these trackers may not work very well in many remote areas.
- Best For: Difficult to train dogs, learning recall commands, and encouraging independence with safety.
Check out our collection of GPS dog training collars!
#5 Breakaway Training Collar
Breakaway training collars are ideal for puppies who are starting to navigate their environment with great curiosity. The dog collar features a safety mechanism that allows the collar to release automatically if it gets caught on something.
- Pros: The biggest advantage of breakaway training collars is to help prevent choking or strangulation accidents during play and exploration, which helps owners train their small pups without stress or worry. This makes the collars ideal for adventurous dogs that may be accident-prone or new to specific environments. Many breakaway collars also come with a secondary D-ring that allows owners to attach a leash for walks without worrying about accidental releases outdoors.
- Cons: While they are effective for introducing a puppy to a new environment and helping it navigate the world, breakaway collars are not ideal for more advanced training. For example, older dogs that are more experienced may also learn to slip out of them.
- Best For: Accident-prone dogs, teaching safe play, and encouraging curiosity and exploration.
Our Top Dog Training Collars
Petscuddle looks to provide pet parents with a variety of pet gear options for training and adventure – including dog training collars! Our top-selling collars include:
Hands-free Reflective Dog Leash to go with your favorite collar!
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