Construction and Design
Construction and design are important considerations when choosing a dog training system. Some shock collars are completely waterproof for outdoor use. Others are intended for short-range, indoor use. Some collars are designed to fit larger dog breeds; others are suited for smaller pets. In this section of our ratings, we consider product elements such as comfort, durability, and responsiveness.
Range
Most of our top contenders use some form of remote control as part of the behavior modification process. The range of these remote control devices is an important consideration. Working or hunting dogs may require a shock collar system with a 1,500-yard range. Smaller house dogs, on the other hand, can be corrected within a few hundred feet of their owners. Potential buyers should note that behavioral modification systems with extended ranges tend to be more expensive.
Additional Features
During our research, we observed many additional features that were unique to each of our top shock collar contenders. For example, some training systems use supplemental corrective methods in addition to electrostatic shock. Others make it possible for owners to train two dogs at the same time, which could definitely be useful for owners of multiple pets. Whenever possible, we note these additional features and explain their usefulness in more detail.
Price
Our top shock collar contenders run the gamut in terms of price, and we urge potential customers to consider their personal dog behavioral modification needs before committing to a specific brand. Indoor dogs with inappropriate barking or property destruction issues often need a different form of correction that hunting dogs working in heavy brush. Some shock collar systems deliver much more powerful electrostatic charges than others, which can affect smaller breeds more negatively than larger breeds. Price is definitely an important consideration, but the animal’s comfort and safety should always be a higher one. The idea is correction, not punishment.