The Best Shock Collar - 2021
We looked at the top 10 Shock Collars and dug through the reviews from 29 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Shock Collars.
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Our Picks For The Top Shock Collars
- The Best Shock Collar
- 1. SportDOG Shock Collar
- 2. PetSafe Shock Collar
- 3. Pet Spy Shock Collar
- 4. Petrainer Shock Collar
- 5. PESTON Remote Rechargeable & Waterproof Electric Shock Collar
- 6. Dogwidgets Shock Collar
- 7. Ipets Shock Collar
- 8. DOG CARE Rechargeable Waterproof 3 Training Modes Shock Collar
- 9. Moer Shock Collar
Versatile and SturdyWith a 500-yard range and the ability to train three dogs with the same transmitter, this collar is a clear winner.
Strong ConnectionA customizable collar and receiver that are both waterproof.
Different ModesEasy-to-use channel-switching makes it easy to use this collar with two dogs.
Adjustable ModesThree adjustable modes let you customize your training.
Why we recommend these shock collars?
Products Considered
Products Analyzed
Expert Reviews Included
User Opinions Analyzed
Our experts reviewed the top 10 Shock Collars and also dug through the reviews from 29 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Shock Collars.
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The Best Overall
SportDOG Shock Collar
Our Take
The No. 1 best overall pick is a versatile, waterproof e-collar that features a 500-yard range and is submersible down to 25 feet. It can be used to train three dogs using the same transmitter with the purchase of additional collars. It doesn't take long to recharge this collar's batteries, either.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
The Best Bang For Your Buck
Petrainer Shock Collar
Our Take
This collar won't break the bank and it's a good choice for beginners, with its two waterproof receivers. It includes three different adjustable modes, a beep, vibration and shock stimulation. It stands out with 100 different levels of stimulation for the utmost in customization.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
Overall Product Rankings
5. PESTON Remote Rechargeable & Waterproof Electric Shock Collar
8. DOG CARE Rechargeable Waterproof 3 Training Modes Shock Collar
Our Shock Collar Findings
SportDOG Shock Collar
What We Liked: The No. 1 best overall pick is a versatile, waterproof e-collar that features a 500-yard range and is submersible down to 25 feet. It can be used to train three dogs using the same transmitter with the purchase of additional collars. It doesn’t take long to recharge this collar’s batteries, either.
Petrainer Shock Collar
What We Liked: This collar won’t break the bank and it’s a good choice for beginners, with its two waterproof receivers. It includes three different adjustable modes, a beep, vibration and shock stimulation. It stands out with 100 different levels of stimulation for the utmost in customization.
PetSafe Shock Collar
What We Liked: This shock collar has a strong signal connection that can penetrate walls and doors, plus both the receive and transmitter are waterproof. It has enough adjustable static stimulation levels and tone levels to customize for your specific dog. What really sets it apart is the larger neck size that accommodates huge dogs with necks up to 28 inches in diameter.
Our Shock Collar Buying Guide
No matter whether you adopt an older rescue pup from the local shelter or bring home a brand new puppy, every new four-legged friend will need some training. Depending on the breed, training may be a breeze or an uphill battle. And, that training may take years.
Some dogs are notoriously stubborn and even the tastiest of treats won’t be enough to convince them to follow basic commands. Sit, down, stay and come aren’t just cute tricks. They are vital to your dog’s wellbeing and your own sanity. Training and nurturing an obedient dog can help keep your dog healthy and safe throughout its life.
When all else fails in training and dogs simply won’t listen, exasperated owners will turn to a shock collar, also known as e-collars or collar mounted electronic training aids. The shock collar attaches around the dog’s neck like a regular collar. It has two prongs that emit the vibration and shock directly into the dog’s sensitive neck. The owner can control the level of vibration and timing via a remote.
Shock training is polarizing. It can be a very divisive topic within the dog community. While proponents swear by its efficacy, others can’t stand it. They consider the shocks to be cruel and abusive.
At its most basic, a shock collar is a mode of operant conditioning. This is a fancy psychology term for a learning process. It relies on rewards and punishments to teach a new skill and eliminate unwanted behaviors. When done properly, the trainee, in this case your dog, makes an association between a particular behavior and a consequence, the collar’s jolt.
Shock collars do emit a noticeable jolt, which is what many opponents take issue with. They worry that the jolt is painful and causes undue anxiety in the dog that could be counterproductive to any training.
However, the shock collars on the market now have a wide range of settings. They begin at barely perceptible vibrations and escalate in incremental bits to higher and higher voltages. You can place the collar on your own wrist to feel the sensation for yourself before placing it on your dog if you’re concerned. Plus, you’re able to fine-tune to the perfect level to grab their attention. Then, they stop the unwanted behavior and tune in to you and your command.
There are several important factors to consider when selecting a shock collar for your dog. First, you want to ensure it will fit properly around your dog’s neck. Most models have adjustable straps that can fit a range of sizes. They will include measurements so you’ll know if a specific collar will work for your dog.
Shock collars also have a range of shock settings. Most have three distinct settings: sound, vibration and shock. You can slowly escalate from sound through vibration levels and shock as needed to get your dog’s attention.
How much the unit on the collar weighs also matters. For smaller dogs, the units can be bulky, weigh your dog down and even impede their movement. If they’re uncomfortable to start off, they won’t be as willing as trainees.
Still, other more advanced models allow for customized settings and multiple modes. This allows you as the dog owner to essentially switch between two different collars with one remote control. You can also be confident that the shock level is set properly for each pooch.
All the shock collars run on batteries, so you’ll want a model with decent battery life. The last thing you need is a runaway pup and no juice left to alert them back to reality.
The biggest benefit of shock collars is their value. Compared to the cost of a professional trainer or behaviorist, a shock collar is a budget buy with a big return.
DWYM Fun Fact
The shock collar training method dates back to the late 1960s. They were first utilized to train hunting dogs.
Since then, they’ve been embraced for a wide variety of dog breeds and general training. They are a common part of modern obedience training. Shock collars also help with training service dogs, including animals in police departments or the military.
The high-end collars come with advanced safety features built-in. Some have GPS to help owners track down a pet. Others include lights and sounds, which are especially useful for hunters keeping track of their dogs.
In spite of research and a growing history of efficacy, shock collars remain a polarizing training method in the dog community.
The Shock Collar Tips and Advice
- Pay attention to the size of the collars. Most can be trimmed or adjusted to custom fit your dog’s neck within a certain measurement range.
- Consider how many dogs you will want to train simultaneously. Some transmitters can control multiple shock collars on up to three dogs.
- While you can test the jolt level on yourself, do not place them around your neck and shock yourself or your friends. This is dangerous.
- When you first start using a shock collar, you want to begin at low levels of vibration and stimulation and work your way up to learn the best setting for alerting and training your dog without causing anxiety or discomfort.
- Read directions and warnings carefully, because the shock collars do have powerful shock settings at the higher levels and using them incorrectly can be counterproductive in training and changing your dog’s behavior.
About The Author
Jennifer Nied is a professional writer based in New York City. She studied journalism at Northwestern University. Jennifer is pet parent to one sweet West Highland terrier named Poppy. When she’s not walking her in the park, she researches, tests and reviews pet-related products to give her pup the best life.