Dogs can have varying temperaments. Some are cool, some are mischievous, but sometimes, there are stubborn dogs that can be problematic. And there are instances where their stubbornness and problematic behaviors may not only be bad for us as owners but also for the dogs themselves.
We’re talking about excessive barking which can be a disturbance, dogs that ignore you once they go off-leash, and dogs that are just sometimes are disobedient. Lucky for us, today’s innovations have gotten into the pet industry and we now have a lot of tools at our disposal to help with these concerns like the training collar.
Here are some of the best training collars for stubborn dogs in the market today. Read on and learn a lot about handling your beloved pet dogs.
What are dog training collars and why should I utilize them?
The perfect way to define a dog training collar is that it is a communication device that you may use to correct certain behaviors by your dog. They are widely utilized by experts, trainers, and owners alike for they are convenient, modern, and easy to use devices.
And yes, we mentioned modern as opposed to what some would say a barbaric way to train dogs for they are not, as a matter of fact, far from it. Experts have vouched for the effectiveness and that using dog training collars is a lot better than other conventional methods to train your dogs.
A dog training collar would normally come with a transmitter that’s handheld that you will use to operate it with. It comes with multiple features and ranges that would best fit outdoor training sessions.
Dog training collars will normally have 2 to 3 modes of stimulation, a tone/beep mode, vibration or tapping mode, and lastly, a mild shock stimulation mode. Naturally, the different modes will have adjustable levels especially the static shock mode. This will enable you to apply shock according to what’s necessary or where you are at with your dog’s training.
The collars are comfortable and are usually adjustable to fit dogs of all sizes and breeds. Most dog training collars nowadays will come with rechargeable batteries and with many cool features.
Dog training collars are like the product or embodiment of the Pavlovian approach when it comes to training and stimulation to help alleviate certain behaviors on pets specifically for your dogs. Consequently, with its simplistic and sophisticated design anyone, with or without experience may utilize it and take advantage of its potential for helping their dogs.
What are the benefits of a dog training collar?
A dog training collar has got multiple benefits for both you the owner and your beloved pet. They can be utilized indoors and outdoors. As mentioned, they are simplistic devices that anyone can utilize straight out of the box.
You can actually use it to train your dog not to bark excessively which can be perfect for indoor dogs and those living in tight spaces or say, for example, apartment buildings. Dog training collars are a more pleasant way to train your dogs too and to use them as a means of communication with them if you let them roam free outside.
Going out on picnics or camping with family and your pets? You can put these collars in your pet dogs and you may let them roam free and use them to tell them it’s time to go back. It’s also used to train your dogs from aggressive behaviors to protect themselves and others.
And most of all, it can be a great tool to train your dog out of its stubbornness. Have a dog that ignores all of your commands at all times? Try a dog training collar and watch it do wonders to your dog’s temperament and behavior.
10 Best Training Collar for Stubborn Dogs Product Reviews
SportDOG Brand 425X Remote Trainers
Key Features:
500-yard range.
3 modes of stimulation.
21 levels of static stimulation.
Waterproof and submersible by 25 feet.
Let’s start our review for the best training collar for stubborn dogs with the coveted SportDOG Brand 425X Remote Trainers. This training is a bestseller and enjoys favorable reviews online all because of its effectiveness when it comes to correcting the behavior of a stubborn pup.
Let’s start with the impressive 500-yard range which would really be convenient and still give you effective communication with your dog once outside even if it’s already not within the range of your vision.
It’s basically built for too stubborn dogs as well as those that hyperactive. That’s why this unit is packed with 21 levels of static stimulation if in instances (and most of the time) tone and vibration modes won’t work.
You will get a chance to choose between momentary or continuous static stimulation as well. That added boost to the level of stimulation makes sure to give you much-needed intensity if your dog really won’t listen to you especially when outside and being overly aggressive.
The unit is also rainproof and of course, waterproof plus submersible of up to 25 feet deep. That of course, ensures that your dog’s attention can be piqued even if they are swimming which outdoors dogs usually do. So, if you live near a lake or pond then this collar should be a perfect choice.
It comes with lithium-ion batteries that are quick to charge in about 2 hours.
Pros
Decent range.
Decent battery life and quality.
Fits most dogs and comfortable collar.
Very durable design.
Highly rated and a bestseller.
Cons
The static shock levels have little variations almost unnoticeable at times.
PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence for Stubborn Dogs
Key Features:
For 5 pounds and up dogs.
Battery lasts for 3 weeks.
2 modes of training.
Add as many collars as you need to the system.
How do you make sure that your dog won’t wander off far once outside? Well, one device you can employ is the PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence for Stubborn Dogs.
It will comfortably fit your dog of 5 pounds and up with adjustable neck size of 6 to 28 inches. It’s got one of the longest battery life in the market for training collars today that will last for 3 full weeks. You will then have the luxury of a battery indicator when it is time for a recharge.
Let your pets know where the secure play area is or where their boundaries end using this smart and innovative device. It comes with a sound-only mode for light training and whether tones or beeps would be enough for them to recognize commands. But if not, no worries, the unit also comes with 5 levels of static stimulation. A gentle way to let them know and recognize which is off-limits.
This product is from a trusted brand and industry leader. And, what’s fun about these wireless fence collars is that they are compatible with a lot of other accessories that are going to take training to the next level and make sure that it’s fun and effective.
For example, this unit is compatible with Pet Safe’s free to roam and wireless per containment system. That should make it a more versatile device. And, don’t forget that you may pair the fence system with an unlimited number of collars so you may train and set boundaries for as many dogs as you have.
Pros
Perfect for outdoors dogs.
Great for owners with large yards.
Long battery life.
Versatile and innovative device.
Multiple dogs in training at the same time.
Cons
The collars aren’t our top choice when it comes to comfort.
SportDOG Brand YardTrainer Family Remote Trainers
Key Features:
100-yard range.
3 modes of stimulation.
8 levels for static stimulation.
For 8 pounds or larger dogs with 5 to 22 inches of neck size.
Looking for an affordable and simple way to train your dog? Then look no further with the SportDOG Brand YardTrainer Family Remote Trainers.
This is one of the most affordable remote dog training collars out there that’s got top-quality design written all over it. It won’t overwhelm you with futuristic features but it’s reliable and effective. And why we love it? Because it’s really meant for very stubborn dogs.
It’s rechargeable and waterproof for up to 25 feet in the water. With 3 of the standard stimulation modes, tone, vibration, and static. The reason why it’s effective when it comes to stubborn dogs is that it’s got 8 more levels of static stimulation giving you that extra boost you needed when your dog is not even recognizing the lower levels. Trust us, there are dogs that collars with normal static shock stimulation won’t even work.
Well, lucky for us, this collar does really well. It charges in 2 hours and the battery will last for 50 to 70 hours of usage. It’s enough for your dog to wear when out in your yard or even in parks. You’ll have a perfect way to catch its attention and communicate through the collar.
Very simplistic and straightforward transmitter too and you will how to use it even if you are a novice when it comes to dog training collars in a matter of minutes.
Pros
Easy to use.
Great value for money.
Good battery life.
Durable collar and remote.
Really effective static stimulation for mischievous dogs.
Cons
Very short-range and can only control 1 dog.
Educator K9 Handler Remote Dog Training Collar
Key Features:
For 5 pound dog and larger.
1-mile range.
33-inch bungee collar.
Lost transmitter beeper.
An underdog (no pun intended) in the dog training collar scene the Educator K9 Handler Remote Dog Training Collar is worth every penny. It is jam-packed with features, super ergonomic, and will train that stubborn dog like a charm.
Let’s discuss two of the most integral components of this system that you’re going to have to work with the collar and the transmitter. The collar is actually a bungee collar and that means it’s both comfortable and reliable.
Made out of good quality material and meant to fit a lot of dog sizes and breeds due to its versatility. The transmitter is also quite memorable due to its stopwatch design and ergonomic grip.
Next are the stimulation modes that come with the unit. This is where this unit gets even more unique. Instead of the usual tone/beep mode and vibration mode, it employs a tapping sensation mode and a static stimulation mode with multiple levels.
It’s got another level of boosted stimulation which in our opinion works really well for very stubborn dogs. It’s got rechargeable batteries that will be ready after 2 hours. And, wait there’s more! The transmitter has got an onboard beeping mechanism that helps you find it when lost.
Awesome, right? It sure is!
Pros
Boosted stimulation really works for stubborn dogs.
Reliable and durable quality collar and transmitter.
Tapping mode works really well too.
Very long range.
Good quality batteries.
Cons
Can be a tad pricey.
Garmin Delta Upland XC Bundle
Key Features:
Long and short contact points.
36 levels of stimulation.
¾ mile range.
5 correction configurations.
Garmin comes in hot with their Garmin Delta Upland XC Bundle. This is one premium unit that will surely be worth every penny you will invest with its tough build and innovative design when it comes to training your beloved pet dogs.
First off it comes with an intuitive transmitter that’s got a simple 3 button setup to get things going. It also helps that it comes with an LCD. The unit has got ¾ miles of range and will allow you to change the contact points to fit either your long-haired or short-haired dogs.
You also have access to 5 different configurations for training so you may tailor fit your program to your dog’s needs. What’s unique about this unit also is that it comes with a built-in bark limiter plus an Upland beeper.
It’s got 4 hunt sounds and 2 point sounds including a hawk scream. You can definitely explore the right concoction for your pup’s behavior correction training. Whatever works, you can always figure it out with this collar.
There’s actually more! It also comes with 18 continuous levels of stimulation and a whopping 36 for momentary stimulation. Overloaded with features this dog training collar is if you ask us.
Pros
Lots of options to choose from stimulation-wise.
Good quality materials are used for both the collar and transmitter.
The rugged design is meant to last.
Highly visible colors.
Easy to use and understand despite the configurations.
Cons
It is a bit pricier than most options in the market today.
PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence for Dogs and Cats
Key Features:
4 levels of static correction stimulation.
Tone & vibration warning.
Waterproof.
Low battery indicator.
Another perfect solution for stubborn and hard-to-train dogs is the PetSafe Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence for Dogs and Cats. Want to get them to roam outdoors but can’t trust that they won’t wander off or chase anyone or anything? Then this is the right device for your needs.
You can establish a lot of fence layouts with this design, backyard only, front yard only, attach the system to a fence, or both back and front yard. It’s up to your setting at home, this versatile device will sure accommodate your needs. It’s also quite easy to set up too.
There will be about 2 weeks of training required before your pet may get used to the pet fence system and after that, it should be all play. You may add unlimited collars to the system, you can use either the tone and vibrate mode as this unit is perfect for dogs that are hard of hearing, and then if those two modes won’t work you may utilize the 4 adjustable levels of static stimulation which should give it a little more boost.
That’s why this device is perfect for even the naughtiest pups.
Pros
Easy to set up fence system.
The short learning curve for your pet dog.
The very affordable price point.
High ratings online and a bestseller.
Very effective fence system.
Cons
Not the most durable device as well as collar material.
Garmin Delta XC Bundle
Key Features:
Long and short contact points.
Multiple stimulation levels.
½ mile range.
3 training configurations.
Go ahead and train up to 3 dogs in total with 3 different configurations in one transmitter with this Garmin Delta XC Bundle. Unlike the previous Garmin product we reviewed, this one is quite affordable but still brings with it a bunch of useful features to train your stubborn dog.
It comes with replaceable contact points for either short and long-haired dogs so you can be sure that it will be effective. Plus the ½ mile range is meant for improved correction stimulation training. That’s 18 adjustable levels to tweak so it would best fit the needs of your program.
Of course, since it is a Garmin device, it’s built tough, rugged, and meant for the outdoors. It is guaranteed waterproof with an IPX7 rating and a long-lasting battery life that is meant for a tougher training regimen for your pup.
Pros
Very durable build for both collar and transmitter.
Train 3 dogs with different configurations at the same time.
Meant for outdoor training.
Waterproof and weatherproof.
Great value for money.
Cons
Inconsistent range, probably shorter than advertised.
Garmin BarkLimiter Deluxe
Key Features:
Bark differentiating technology.
Auto-bark correction.
Bark odometer onboard.
Alternate correction mode.
The Garmin BarkLimiter Deluxe is perhaps one of the most sophisticated bark limiter collar devices on the market today. It’s got lots of cool and innovative bark limiter technology onboard that are just not found in any other devices.
The collar has the bark differentiating technology to ensure that there aren’t any false corrections or stimulations that going to happen. The collar works by detecting vibration through your dog’s throat so it will never activate by sound should another dog be barking excessively.
Sometimes, because of standard bark limiter collar technology, dogs are stimulated by mistake if they scratch or scrape a surface. That will not happen with this system right here. You will have a lot of correction modes like vibration and manual with 7 adjustable levels to fit your dog’s recognition pattern.
It will fit almost all dogs with any thickness of coating plus it is ruggedly built, and the battery will last for a whopping 3 months.
Pros
Very affordable collar.
Durable and rugged build.
Smart bark limiter technology.
Effective variation of correction stimulation.
Works on all coat thickness indeed.
Cons
Not very comfortable collar material.
Educator E-Collar Remote Dog Training Collar
Key Features:
½ mile range.
Tapping sensation mode available.
Multiple levels of stimulation with boost.
Two sets of contact points available.
This unit once again comes in a stopwatch ergonomic design, the Educator E-Collar Remote Dog Training Collar comes in a highly visible color scheme so you won’t lose it when training outdoors.
It’s got a ½ mile range and 2 main modes available for you to pick from. The signature tapping sensation mode from this brand and then, of course, the static stimulation mode will give you so many adjustable levels that you may tweak it to fit your dog’s needs accurately.
It comes with a Pavlovian tone which is very effective to condition your dogs and a boosted stimulation mode that will surely get those stubborn dogs trained in no time. Charges fully in 2 quick hours, waterproof, and a fun way for some behavior correction training.
Pros
Ergonomic transmitter.
Highly visible aesthetic.
Effective boost stimulation levels.
Meant for all dog breeds.
Tapping sensation is very effective.
Cons
Takes a bit of a learning curve to fully take advantage of it.
FunniPets Dog Training Collar
Key Features:
2600 feet range.
Waterproof.
4 training modes.
Reflective collar design.
Last but not least on our best training collar for stubborn dogs review is the FunniPets Dog Training Collar. Comes in a nice reflective collar design and intuitive transmitter, this unit is the most affordable device on our list but it packs a lot of features for you to explore.
With 875 yards of range, this unit can definitely be utilized fully in any outdoor situation. It’s got 4 training modes, tone, light, vibrations, and static shock modes with 1 to 99 levels. The collar itself is IPX5 waterproof so it’s definitely fit for dogs who love to swim when outside.
The collars are made with the safety of your dog in mind.
Pros
Highly visible collars.
Great for dogs who love to swim.
Durable for the price.
Very affordable.
Lots of subtle stimulation choices.
Cons
Complicated transmitter buttons.
Dog Training Collar Buying Guide
If you’re shopping around for dog training collars then you must take note of these essential aspects not only to get the best bang for your buck but to ensure that your dog’s security, health, and training are prioritized.
Buying just any product has proven to be counterproductive and unsafe for pets.
Goals
You need to set your goals first before you buy a dog training collar. And for you to set proper and measured goals for your pet dogs, you’re going to have to define your purpose early on plus already have an idea of what you’re going to need for your dog.
You’re going to have to define the behaviors that need correcting and if there really is a need for correction that requires the use of a dog-training collar. Once your goals are defined you can then set out to buy a dog training collar that best fits your needs.
When in doubt, ask dog trainers or your local pet shop for any advice.
Size, Comfort, and Material
Getting the right size goes a long way and that’s one component that’s going to make sure that the collar would be comfortable for your dog. The other would be the material of the collar.
Most dog training collars will come with adjustable sizing options, just make sure that it won’t be ill-fitting for your dog as A) it would then be uncomfortable and B) the stimulation modes would either be too harsh or not effective at all.
This is also where we should bring up the fact that improper sizing leads to soreness or harm to dogs. It would be that the shock would be too strong that it would actually hurt your dog and second the collar itself would be too tight that it would hurt your dog in the long run. Best to not fit the collar when your dog is sitting down for the neck is a bit small when they do so. Let them stand up and then fit the collar.
Make sure to then use collars with comfortable materials. Go for rainproof, waterproof, submersible, or weatherproof varieties if you can afford them or if you think you’ll need them. Stubborn dogs usually ignore orders and spend so much time out in the open even if it rains or snows. Make sure your collar can withstand such elements
Range, Battery, and Consistency
Based on your needs buy the dog training collar with the appropriate range. It’s safe to say that at least a dog training collar should have a minimum of say 300 yards. Most will come with rechargeable batteries that may last for 2-3 days of usage and 15 days on standby.
And most of all, make sure that the different stimulation modes are consistent. Some models advertise adjustable levels of stimulation but don’t live up to expectations. Make sure that the shock levels are accurate and you won’t either hurt your dogs or the stimulation would be so insignificant that it’s useless.
Other features
There are a lot of other features that are nice to have onboard your dog training collar of choice. Some come with stopwatches for additional training regimen, some come with screens, and some are more visible than others so they are quite useful in low light conditions or during nighttime.
Whatever additional features you can get, make sure to explore them to your advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of dog training collars?
There are a lot of types of dog training collars but let’s just discuss the ones that we’ve reviewed and the ones that are getting somewhat favorable ratings from a lot of experts.
We’re talking about the remote dog training collar, anti-bark collar, and the invisible fence collar. These are primarily the types of dog training collars that are modern and are guaranteed to be 100% safe and do have very little to no chance at all to harm your pet dogs.
Now, how do they work exactly? Let’s start with the most implied one which the anti-bark collar. This just simply means that it is best to use for dogs that make it a habit to bark excessively or inappropriately. Now, we appreciate a dog that gives us extra security in our homes, right? But not if it’s already barking at all times.
Anti-bark collars are perfect to calm them down or to let them know that they shouldn’t bark at certain times or as loudly as they do. Anti-bark dog collars may or may not come with a remote control transmitter and they are set up in such a way, once your dog’s bark reaches a certain level or threshold then it would activate. It would normally come with the 3 stimulation modes, citronella, sonic, and shock.
Another pretty straightforward type of dog collar is the invisible fence dog collar. These collars activate to serve as an invisible boundary for your pet dogs so A) they won’t go anywhere as they please and B) they won’t go near anyone and be as aggressive.
We don’t want any untoward incident to happen to your dog and put them in any situation where they might hurt themselves or others especially if you know that they are extra aggressive. These collars are perfect for outdoor situations or if you don’t have or don’t want to put up a fence on your property.
Lastly, the remote dog training collar is as basic as they come. Easy to operate and understand. You can manually communicate and correct your dog’s behavior from afar. It comes with cool features, a far-reaching range, and different models of stimulation as well.
How do you use these dog training collars effectively?
From digging, chewing, chasing, and all sorts of excessive behavior, dog collars can tremendously help out. But it will only be as effective as how you utilize it. So, how do you properly use a dog training collar?
We would just like to reiterate that the first thing you got to when using a dog training collar is to make sure that it fits properly. This is not only to make sure that your dog will be comfortable, this is also to make sure that it will effectively work.
Make sure to introduce the different modes of stimulation to them slowly but systematically so they won’t get overwhelmed. This way, you can also find what you call your dog’s recognition level and you’d know which mode or intensity would be best effective for their training or behavior correction.
Then, start with the basic commands, don’t be in a rush, and work on problem-solving little by little. Start with the come command for example as this is one of the best places to start with.
Then follow it up with stay, heel, sit, and to more complicated ones such as keeping them quiet. Always observe your dog, don’t be an authoritarian and don’t use the collar as a form of punishment as much as possible. That should be a last resort. Also, these training collars are the best way to show your dogs that you care.
Are these dog training collars safe?
Dog training collars are generally safe. As owners, we have the responsibility to use them properly and the best way to do so is to read the instructions and make sure that you observe your dog keenly and administer the appropriate training for them.
Dog training collars are not meant to just let our dogs do what we want them to do or treat them like caged animals. It’s a way for us, as we mentioned above, to show to them our compassion. And that we want them to improve their behavior as opposed to using these devices as a tool to dominate them.
So are they safe? Yes, they are. Be responsible owners.
Why is it important to not purchase cheap dog training collars?
There are a lot of brands selling dog training collars and it’s important to identify the good ones from the bootleg versions. How? Well, for one by reading reviews like ours. Two, it’s mainly in the pricing.
Beware of cheap ones that have price tags that are too good to be true. These are usually dog training collars that are uncomfortable and not made with care and proper design. You will not only hurt your dogs but also put them in dangerous situations.
What’s the concept behind static shock stimulation?
A static shock stimulation is this mild surge or energy or shock that is meant to get your dog’s attention. This is especially useful when you’re conditioning your dog’s mind and correcting their behavior. The amount of static shock that you can use would depend on what’s warranted. How aggressive your dog is and what does it take to train them effectively.
To give you an idea, the “shock” can be as low as 0.000005 joules which is very very low. So it won’t hurt your pet dog at all. It’s just basically as good as tapping them but you’re away.
How old should my dog be before I can use dog training collars for them? And can we use it for just any dog? What if my dog likes to swim?
Best start training your dogs at 5 to 6 months old because this is the stage where they can actually fully comprehend what’s going on and why they are fitted with a dog training collar. This is the right age where the Pavlovian technique may register and be effective.
Any dog can use a dog training collar but please take note of the sizing and that not all training collar models are meant for all breeds. There are training collars that are not meant for small breeds or large breeds. That goes for dogs with different hair lengths too. Some collars may not be as effective so be sure to either read reviews of the collar, ask the experts/trainer, or your local pet store about it.
There are dog training collars that are waterproof so yes, your dog can wear them as they swim.
Why shouldn’t I use a pinch or choke collars instead?
These types of dog training collars are just a bit more intense than electronic dog collars. Pinch or prong and choke collars are more likely to be a punishment for your dogs rather than to condition them systematically.
Be careful with these collars as they might cause physical if not emotional harm towards your dogs that may be irreparable, making them counterproductive tools.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of ways to train your dog if they display stubborn behaviors. We mustn’t shy away from innovations or newer methods so we don’t miss our chance to train them effectively.
Some would get discouraged with the authoritarian approach with dog training collars but that shouldn’t be the case. Experts always back up the effectiveness of these devices not to mention that they are completely safe.
Once again, be a responsible owner, use these tools responsibly and it will surely pay dividends for you and most of all, for your beloved pet dogs.
So stay in the know and enjoy training time with your favorite buddies.