There a lot of dog training collars available in the market today. With the multitude of choices, it’s easy to overlook that not all dog training collars are made for smaller breeds of dogs.
While brands specify them, most buyers are still left unaware that there are specifically made shock collars for small dogs. This is important to know so we can be sure that the collar of our choice will be effective and won’t harm our smaller dogs in the process.
We mean, it’s easy to say that shock collars are only for larger dogs since they are harder to train but owners of small breeds would argue that smaller dogs are just as tough to do so as well.
Why must we use a different type of shock collar for smaller dogs?
As mentioned in our introduction, when we think about dog training collars and specifically shock collars we would immediately think about larger dog breeds as they are more challenging to train or have their behavior corrected. And, that notion is not unwarranted as that is most of the time the case.
Larger dogs are first of all, tougher to handle physically, are more confident especially when outside or off-leash situations and are just more intimidating when aggressive. Due to this, we might not think that a shock collar is for smaller dogs too.
In reality, smaller dogs are also a bit tough to train. They bark excessively probably to make up for their lack of size or they just really want to bark excessively. And they are also ultra-aggressive.
So to remedy this, we also need the help of an innovative dog training collar. We just need to recognize that smaller dogs will need a few different configurations for their collar for practical reasons.
First of all, they are smaller so they would need a collar that would them perfectly. Second, if the collar won’t fit then the contact points for the static shock stimulation will not work properly or effectively too.
You also have to consider whether your smaller dog is short or long-haired to get the right collar for them or else once again, it would not be effective. Also, we need to make sure that they are comfortable and won’t get hurt, that also should be a top priority.
Having said all of that, here are some of the best shock collars for small dogs in the market today.
5 Best Shock Collar for Small Dogs Product Reviews
Educator E-Collar Remote Dog Training Collar
Key Features:
- For dogs 5 pounds and larger.
- 1/3 mile range.
- 20% smaller, lighter, and less stimulation.
- With boosted stimulation.
The Educator E-Collar Remote Dog Training Collar well is specifically made for small dogs in mind. It’s important to emphasize that because there’s a difference when it comes to dog training collars that can also be used for smaller dogs than compared to devices that are really made for small breeds.
Both the transmitter and the collar of this device are smaller than usual with the transmitter or remote control looking really cool with a lavender colorway that will surely be visible at all times.
And it’s not just all that, this device is generally 20% lighter, smaller, and less intense when it comes to its stimulation modes too. This ergonomic device comes with a vibration mode and static shock mode that will still give you 1 to 100 levels and a boosted stimulus option too whenever necessary. After all, there are smaller dogs that are pretty stubborn too, as a matter of fact, some are even more stubborn than bigger ones.
This model is waterproof, comes with a Pavlovian tone, and charges in 2 hours. If you’re looking for the complete device for the behavior correction training of your little pup then there’s nothing else like this unit right here.
Pros
- Ergonomic design.
- Tough, durable, and rugged transmitter and collar.
- Perfect for outdoor use.
- Decent range and battery life.
- High ratings online and a bestseller.
Cons
- Very subtle if no difference at all with the stimulation levels.
Dogtra Professional Grade Expandable Remote Training E-Collar
Key Features:
- ¾ mile range.
- Waterproof.
- 2 dog collars at a time.
- Nick/constant correction and pager vibration.
If you’re looking for a serious way to correct your dog’s behavior then look no further than the Dogtra Professional Grade Expandable Remote Training E-Collar.
This device is perfect for both casual dog owners and professional dog trainers alike. It’s armed with top-of-the-line behavior correction features that will surely be effective in your dog’s training.
This collar is particularly aimed at stubborn dogs and will work effectively on smaller breeds too. Specifically, this collar is used for K-9 training, dog competition training, and hunting. So rest assured that if it will work on a tougher training regimen then it should work on your pets too.
It’s got an awesome ¾ mile range and it is fully IPX9 waterproofed. Its correction stimulation levels are from 0 to 127 and are very consistent to boot. You’ll have a rheostat dial with an LCD screen to operate the collar with. And the built-in nick and continuous correction plus page vibration system work like a charm even with dogs of uncontrollable temperaments.
Do you have a dog that’s really hard to control and excessive in every way? Then this dog training collar unit is up to the task.
Pros
- A very sophisticated set of behavior correction features.
- Durable and meant for tough environments.
- Long-range and great battery life.
- Consistent stimulation modes.
- Weather-resistant.
Cons
- This device is very pricey.
PetSafe Remote Training Collar
Key Features:
- 300-yard range.
- 3 stimulation options.
- 40-hour battery life.
- Waterproof.
The PetSafe Remote Training Collar is also one of the most popular devices on the market for smaller dogs and, for good reason. Both the remote and the collar are compact and lightweight and you may control up to 2 dogs with it.
The unit also comes with a decent 300-yard range that should be enough for any outdoor trips. In the park, your backyard, or in a garden, you can let your dogs roam free and you can still communicate with them effectively.
It comes with the traditional 3 mode types, tone, vibration, and static shock stimulation. The static shock mode then comes with 15 adjustable levels with a safety feature so you may prevent misfires.
The remote is intuitive and easy to use. The collar is lightweight and waterproof for your dogs to feel comfortable as they wear it and you won’t have any issues with swimming or diving on a puddle of mud anytime you’re outside.
This premium collar is meant for puppies and smaller dogs and it sure is pretty effective.
Pros
- Simple and effective.
- Decent range.
- Long battery life.
- Comfortable collar.
- Ergonomic remote.
Cons
- Not very durable for the price.
PetSafe Basic Bark Control Collar
Key Features:
- 15 levels of static correction.
- Waterproof.
- Fits up to 27 inches of neck size.
- Nylon material.
A bestseller in the dog training collar industry the PetSafe Basic Bark Control Collar is one basic yet effective way to correct the behavior of your pet dogs. As the name implies, this unit is meant for dogs that excessively bark. We all know that smaller breeds do bark excessively so might be the device that you’ve been looking for.
This is battery-powered and waterproof so your dog may definitely wear it outside. Not only you may stop their excessive barking when indoors but also outdoors when they tend to bark in everything or everyone they see.
The unit is armed with 15 levels of stimulation that will correct your dog’s behavior systematically.
Pros
- Pretty durable.
- Very affordable.
- Comfortable material.
- Basic yet effective.
- Consistent stimulation levels.
Cons
- There are some reports of misfires.
Free Spirit Dog Training Collar and Remote Trainer
Key Features:
- 3 modes of stimulation.
- 330-yard range.
- Waterproof.
- 99 levels of static shock stimulation.
Last but not least is the affordable yet feature-packed Free Spirit Dog Training Collar and Remote Trainer. This unit is very affordable but it does not come short features-wise.
It comes with the usual tone, vibration, and static shock modes but it’s got 99 adjustable levels of the latter and works rather consistently compared to other models in the same price range.
This unit is perfect for outdoor training or if you want to stroll with your dog in parks. Easy to use and easy to fit. This collar may train two dogs at the same time too. it’s pretty straightforward and will surely shape up your dog’s behavior in no time or at least get them to behave more often.
Pros
- Great value for money.
- Effective stimulation modes.
- Good range.
- Good quality battery.
- Great for outdoor training.
Cons
- Not the most durable device on the list.
Small Dog Training Collars Buyers Guide
We need to make sure that the collar that we buy fits the needs and the size of our smaller pet dogs. Here are some of the things that you need to remember when buying your next dog training collar.
Stimulation Modes
We won’t talk about sizing anymore as it’s already understood that shock collars for smaller dogs need to fit them or we’ve discussed the aspect multiple times already. Instead, we like to highlight a very important aspect of shock collars, in general.
You need to make sure that the collar of your choice has got enough options for stimulation. This is to ensure that you get every subtle level that might work for your smaller dog. Standard modes would be a beep, vibrate, and shock modes. Most of the time shock stimulation comes with boosted levels of multiple levels for you to explore.
Intensity
Of course, smaller dogs would oftentimes require lower intensity for shock collars. Maybe they’d only need beep or vibration modes. Smaller dogs can’t be treated the same way as larger dogs for they have, for the lack of a better word, leaner layers of insulation i.e. fats, muscles, or maybe even bones and coating.
So, you probably won’t need boosted stimulation with smaller dogs. This option might actually save you a few bucks.
Range
You probably won’t need very long range for your dog training collar here for smaller dogs will naturally have smaller pacing and they probably won’t get that far. Again, this should save you a few bucks.
A decent range for shock collars for smaller dogs is probably around 300 yards.
Weather-resistant
Of course, you’d want your dog’s collar regardless of its size to be able to withstand all sorts of outdoor elements. Mud, rain, dirt, or extreme heat, your dogs will be hyperactive especially when outdoors.
Get a rainproof or waterproof collar if your dog loves to swim a lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure that I use a shock collar properly for my small dog(s)?
Well, as we would like to reiterate, you really need to make sure that the dog training collar that you’ve bought for your small dog fits properly. If you can get that right then that should go a long way for your training regimen.
Make sure that the collar is also positioned the right way so the different stimulation modes will take effect properly. Whether you are using tone/beep, vibration, or static shock stimulation, positioning is very important.
Then lastly, do not forget to introduce the concept of a dog training collar to your small dog little by little, no pun intended. You need to make sure to try all forms of stimulation and you don’t want to jump to the highest level of static stimulation right away just because you think that that should be the most effective.
Your dog might respond to varying levels of stimulation and if they’ll respond to beeping or a tone then that should suffice. When in doubt, ask for an expert’s opinion. You don’t want to be guessing all the time and you don’t want to use a higher level of stimulation than needed for that would be completely unnecessary.
Are our dog training collars really safe and effective?
Yes, dog training collars, in general, are safe to use. Remember that they aren’t used as forms of punishment or should not be used as such. The static shock which is most of the time the center of the controversy is just enough to get their attention at most and won’t hurt your dog at all.
As for being effective, well, that would really depend on the needs of your dog. And as mentioned, small and large dogs will have and should have a different training program.
Must I use dog training collars every time I own a dog to make sure they don’t pick up bad habits?
You don’t really look at dog training methods like it’s either one or the other and on the contrary, you should look at the different approaches used for dog behavior correction as supplementary processes for each other.
For example, it is generally a practice that if the positive reinforcement method does not seem to be working with a dog then training collars would then be the next step to take. It’s not whether one method is effective or not it’s just that if one approach does not work for this particular dog then maybe you should try a different program.
You don’t have to start with dog training collars right away or they are not mandatory for any dog. Usually, certain excessive behaviors call for the need for a training collar. As for when can your dog can start wearing one, then it’s generally advised to start letting your dog wear one by the time they reach 3 months old.
Any tips or precautionary measures when using a dog training collar for small pups?
Well, first of all, you need to limit the use of a dog training collar and this applies to a dog of any size. You just don’t let them wear it all day unless it’s really required. Make sure to never connect lead on the collar, bathe your dog regularly, examine their necks or contact areas, and make sure that the collar is clean.
You also don’t want to put your dog under any unnecessary stress when training them. Make sure to always have the best interest of your dog in the entire program or else it would all be counterproductive and you’ll hurt your dog maybe not physically but psychologically.
Final Thoughts
So if you’re an owner of a cute little dog but are so hard to train then maybe a shock collar is the right solution for your problem. As mentioned, using shock collars does not mean harm at all, instead, we make sure that our dog’s undesirable behaviors are corrected as early and as systemically as possible so they may lead better lives.
Using the right shock collars though would ensure their safety at all times. So be a responsible owner, train your dogs properly, and train them with compassion.