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What is the Best Dog Training Collar?

May 13, 2019 by Mary Telesz

a dog that has a brand new dog training collarTraining your dog? If you are in the market for a dog training collar, you are probably at the end of your rope. You have questions. You have concerns. You have doubts. Are dog training collars safe? Do they work? How do I know what to buy? What if it doesn’t work? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. In this article we will briefly discuss some of the benefits of dog training collars and what to look for in a great one. Then we will review a few of the top collars on the market so that you choose the best for your best friend.

Are Dog Training Collars Safe?

Training collars today are not like the ones used in the past. Gone are the days of high shock settings and unpleasant spasms. Now, they deliver just enough of a jolt to be just enough unpleasant to stimulate a response, but not to hurt. In fact, if you have ever received an electric massage at your chiropractor, the shock isn’t much more than that.

Even better, not all training collars deliver a shock. Some use a loud sound or ultrasonic tone, vibration, or scent, all of which can be “unpleasant” without delivering harm, while still signaling to your dog that their behavior is bad. Other types of non-electric styles of training collars include: prong, martingale, harnesses, and head collars. Just be sure to read up on what works with your dog before you buy them a collar.

Do Training Collars Really Work?

Dog training collars have been proven effective to limit excessive barking and aggressive behavior, and they are great tools for keeping your dog on your property. One caveat, though: if your home has multiple dogs, or if there are other dogs nearby, turn down the sensitivity of your dog’s training collar. You certainly do not want it to pick up another dog’s bark and inappropriately (and unjustly) punish your dog. Sending the wrong signals can often only make their behavior worse.

How to Shop for a Dog Training Collar

Again, before you spend any money on a collar, make sure that you’re getting the right one for your dog and for your training needs. Think about your dog. How much training does he/she need? Do they just bark a lot, do they just run off, do they pull on the leash, or are they aggressive towards other people and dogs? Consider also the size of your dog. While one collar might be effective on a small terrier, it may not work on your large German Shepherd, and vice versa. Once you know what type and style you need that fits your dog, decide on a collar that fits your budget and that will give you the results you desire.

The Top Three Dog Training Collars on the Market Today

Mockins 100% Rainproof Electronic Remote Dog Training Collar

a dog with a brand new training collarIf budget is a concern for you, the Mockins Remote Training Collar is a great choice. It has all the bells and whistles of a more expensive model, but at a fraction of the price. Rechargeable and 100% waterproof, this training collar up to 100 levels of intensity and can deliver either a shock or vibration, each preceded by a warning tone. Many reviewers report that it is incredibly effective even at level 1, so you will probably never have to go any higher than that. This training collar can fit dogs weighing 15 pounds or more.

Pros:

  • Cheap
  • Effective training tool
  • Easily adjustable
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • Battery does not last long
  • Higher shock settings are too strong

Educator E-Collar Remote Dog Training System

The Educator E-Collar uses “blunt” tapping stimulation rather than a full shock, which delivers a sensation similar to a vibration, but more intense. This is less stressful for dogs but can be just as effective. It also uses Pavlovian tone technology (pairing the sensation to an audible tone) to eventually train your dog to respond to the tone rather than the stimulation. Furthermore, the ergonomic controller is designed like a stopwatch which makes it easy to carry, and comes with a tracking light that helps you see your dog at night.

Pros:

  • Fits all dog sizes
  • Full charge in 2 hours
  • Tracking light for nighttime visibility

Cons:

  • Needs to be charged often
  • Collar is heavy

Ticent Remote Dog Training Collar

a red dog training collar worn by a dogAnother great budget-friendly choice, the Ticent Remote Training Collar is waterproof, rechargeable, has a range of over 1000 feet, and can dogs of all sizes. Moreover, you have the option of training with a beep, vibration, or an electric shock. The easy to read LCD display helps you to know what level you have set the intensity to and what simulant option you have chosen. It also comes with a 1-year warranty and 90-day money back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Great price
  • Fits any sized dog
  • Easy color-coded buttons
  • Bright LCD display
  • Waterproof

Cons:

  • May not be as durable

Speak to Paw Pals For More Information

If traditional training methods (“STOP barking! Here’s a treat! Look! A squirrel!) haven’t been working, having a dog training collar can be a huge help to keep your dog’s behavior in line. As we’ve seen, dog collars certainly have their benefits, but each one is different and what’s great for one dog may not be the best choice for your’s. Thus, it’s important that before you buy, you do your research and decide on what your dog’s needs and goals are. That can help you choose a collar that works for you and you dog, without spending too much on an expensive (and less-effective) collar.

If you need anymore information about dog training collars, or would like to look into our dog sitting services, feel free to contact the team at Paw Pals Pet Sitting. We are eager to assist you!

Filed Under: Pet Training

Contact Paw Pals for More Information

Paw Pals specializes in professional dog walking, dog sitting, and pet sitting services. One of our reliable, adult staff members will keep your pet safe, while providing your pet the love and care they need when you are away. Contact us to learn more!

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Paw Pals Pet Sitting, LLC
14001-C Saint Germain Drive #213
Centreville, VA 20121
(703) 345-1695

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Office Hours

Monday
9am - 5pm
Tuesday
9am - 5pm
Wednesday
9am - 5pm
Thursday
9am - 5pm
Friday
9am - 5pm
Saturday
Closed
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Areas Served

Centreville – 20120, 20121
Chantilly – 20151
Clifton – 20124
Fairfax – 22030, 22033
Fairfax Station – 22039
Manassas – 20109, 20110, 20111
Reston – 20191, 20190

Google Rating
4.9
Paw Pals Pet Sitting
Paw Pals Pet Sitting
4.9
Taylor Smith
Taylor Smith
21:22 03 Oct 21
I never worry when Mary and team take care of my dog!
Michæl Silva
Michæl Silva
21:38 01 Jul 22
Mary at Paw Pals Pet Sitting is the greatest! She has helped me train my pooch Chico how play nice with other dogs and for that I am extremely grateful! A+A+A+A+A+A
Kwi Kim
Kwi Kim
22:37 17 Jun 22
I hired Paw Pals based on my sister’s referral. Meet & greet was very thorough and detailed. I was surprised that my finicky cat came to check the sitter out. Subsequently, a sitter watched my cat over several separate visits, and it was clear through the visit reports that my cat loved the sitter. All the visits were completed having followed my directions & with professionalism.I would highly recommend Paw Pals to anyone who’s looking for a dependable, personable, & professional sitter.
Joseph Walter
Joseph Walter
19:55 13 Jun 22
Paw Pals provided a large number of photos of our pets along with a personalized message on how our pets were doing with every single visit. I would highly recommend using Paw Pals, we'll be continuing to use them whenever we go on vacation.
Ashley Manning
Ashley Manning
09:50 11 Jun 22
Highly recommend as pet sitters!Initially, a sitter from the company will visit the house to meet the pets and learn where everything is. Tatiana took careful notes and we got her some spare keys.While we are away, Paw Pals sends sitters to come and look after our boys. They feed them, scoop litter, bring in mail and packages, and they will even manage trash, recycling, blinds and lights so that everything is comfortable for our kitties. Each time they check in, we receive an email message with updates and pictures, which is so comforting when we are on the road.Also, if you don’t let Paw Pals know when you are home, they assume something has happened and will continue to care for your babies. If something were to happen, I know they would be okay.Five stars for Paw Pals!
Brian Wood
Brian Wood
04:08 22 May 22
We have used Paw Pals for a number of years now and would highly recommend to anyone looking for help with their pets. Great communication from owner Mary and flexibility to make adjustments in schedule as life changes over time. Have had a consistent set of walkers who have gotten to know our pup and the various walking routes around our neighborhood quite well.
Lesley Bush
Lesley Bush
13:58 18 Mar 22
We can't rave enough about Paw Pals. They took care of our 18 year old Cat and 20 year old Chinchilla while we were away and when our flight got cancelled, they were so accommodating and available last minute for an extra day. We worked with Jen to coordinate visits from Miko and Danny. I loved the pictures and updates on how our Lil geriatric guys were doing. Thanks a million, Paw Pals!! Our special pets were so well cared for.
Sebastian Barnes
Sebastian Barnes
01:06 17 Jan 22
I have used Paw Pals for several trips over the last few months, and they have been phenomenal every time! Mary is extremely kind and responsive, and she makes sure that my cat and dog have the care that they need every time I am out of town. All of the pet sitters that I've had have been incredibly sweet to my pets, and they treat them like their own! Will gladly continue using Paw Pals every time I need a sitter.
Julie Shildt
Julie Shildt
17:45 14 Nov 21
It has been a pleasure doing business with paw pals. We have used this company for several trips we have taken over the past 6 months. They have been wonderful caretakers for our 2 cats. Anytime there is ever a question they don't hesitate to give us a call and they leave the best notes and pictures in the emailed report of each visit. We are so glad have found such a great company.
Andrea Hall
Andrea Hall
22:45 03 Oct 20
I wasn't sure about hiring a new doggie walker service... after all they are our kiddos... my babies were in great hands and I felt relaxed having them in their care. Thank you for everything!
Katie McCune
Katie McCune
19:19 15 Jul 21
I honestly cannot recommend Mary and her whole crew enough! We started using Mary originally about 7 years ago to stop by occasionally when our Aussie Lana was younger. Over the next couple years Lana stayed with Mary and her family for a couple weekends when we went on vacation. When we moved to our new house in Manassas, Lana stayed with Sam, who lives in Manassas, overnight for moving day, and did great. Right before the pandemic, we adopted our second Aussie, Goose, and Mary recommended a fantastic trainer for him.We now have weekly walks for the dogs, and they love all of their walkers! Trevor, Paul, Hazel, Sofie, and probably a couple others have helped Goose get used to more people, and have helped my husband and me when our schedules are crazy.Paw Pals is our go-to for any help with our dogs, so I highly recommend them!
Alexandra Hill
Alexandra Hill
22:43 23 May 21
I was a nervous mommy to leave my cats with a sitter service for the first time. Paw Pals went above and beyond to care for my cats and ease a nervous mommy. I already made a reservation to use them again!
Cindy Welgoss
Cindy Welgoss
13:12 27 Nov 20
We have been using Paw Pals for several years, and through a variety of pets that we have loved. Mary and her team have always been *exceptional* in every way. They are professional, courteous, and truly love our fur family! Mary herself is an organized and stellar administrator of her pet care business, keeping detailed records of our pet’s needs, scheduled pet visits, payments, and balance due easy to keep track of as the pet owner. The pet caretaking team is reliable and trustworthy. When our dogs see any of their Paw Pal friends, they get SO excited to see them! Follow up comments are left via text to keep the pet owner informed of the visit and how the pets are faring. Paw Pals has allowed our family the peace of mind to leave our pets at home, for work, weekend getaways and longer times away when necessary, where they are the most comfortable and familiar. We are grateful to Mary and her team for giving us the ability to enjoy pet ownership without feeling tied down. The responsibility of having pets comes with the need to keep them safe and comfortable at all times, and Mary and her team affords us this when our family has to be away.
Dr Tammy Cashion
Dr Tammy Cashion
21:11 12 Mar 19
We have used Paw pals pet sitting on multiple occasions for our bunnies while we are away. Many pet sitters are not interested in small pets however; Mary and her team, are amazing and we trust her implicitly! We are very happy with the outstanding service we have received from her team including texts and photos of our pets when we are out of town. They always go the extra mile and we highly recommend them!
Kristin Conrad
Kristin Conrad
16:00 16 Nov 19
We are so grateful we found Mary and her team at Paw Pals. They are exceptionally responsive, amazingly organized and detail-oriented.We have such peace of mind when we travel knowing our home and pets are so well cared for. Paw Pals is the best pet sitting service we’ve used, and we’re so happy we found them.
Katie Russell
Katie Russell
15:01 17 May 20
Paw Pals is fantastic! I have had a great experience with Mary! Compassionate, professional, responsive, and prompt! Thank you!
Phillip Evans
Phillip Evans
14:38 11 Jul 20
When we adopted our new dog in January, Paw Pals agreed to walk her and give her some outside time so she wasn't in the crate all day. She loved her dog walker and you could see her excitement every time the walker showed up. We moved out of the area but would recommend Paw Pals to anyone needing someone to care for their pets.
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