Choosing the Right E-collar for Dogs
Are you looking for the best e-collars for your dog? Look no further, we did all the testing for you.
Written by Sarah Connor - Pet Nutrition Expert. Updated on 22/05/2023.
How to Choose the Right E-collar for Your Dog
We all know how difficult positive dog training can be at times, but with the right, high-quality e-collar like the Bark Beyond E3 E-Training Collar, you can use positive and gentle e-collar modes for effective and safe training.
Although e-collars are sometimes seen as inhumane punishment by some, most dog trainers support them. Gun dog experts explain that it's possibly because of unfamiliarity that apprehension of e-collar use comes about and that dog parents should educate themselves about how remote training devices work.
Finding the right e-collar for different dog breeds and temperaments can be challenging, but with our best e-collar 2023 dog training buying guide, our experts will show you what features to look for when choosing a safe and humane e-collar for your dog in training. We'll also give you our top picks for the right e-collars in 2023.
We looked at safety, quality, the brand's reputation, and feedback and asked professional dog trainers for their input. If you're in a rush for the best e-collar options, you can click directly on our top picks for the right e-collar for dogs; otherwise, read on and check out what our dog experts have to say about how to choose the right e-collars for your pup.
Written by Sarah Connor, an experienced canine trainer and nutritionist for over a decade. Her positive reinforcement methods and passion for pups make her a go-to for dog owners.
How We Evaluated the Top 3
Effectiveness
Safety
Value for Money
Customer Service
Top 3 E-collars for Dogs of 2023
Overall Best
1. Bark Beyond E3 E-Collar
$149
by Bark Beyond
A+
Overall Grade
Total Ranking
B
Overall Grade
Pet Safety
Projected Effectiveness
Value
Return Policy
Customer Satisfaction
Features
- Multi-functional training modes
- Extended remote range of 800m
- Lightweight & ergonomic with large display LED screen
- Durable & long-lasting
- Waterproof and reflective design for snow, rain, swim, and mud
Pros
- Easily washable with wet cloth
- Trusted by professional dog trainers
- User-friendly features with separate beeper tones for up to 3 dogs
- Easily able to toggle between collars to control up to 3 dogs
- Crafted with lightweight high-quality materials
Cons
- Often sold out
"My favorite feature of these collars is the nightlight and the beep function. The nightlight is perfect for going out at night and keeping my eyes on where each dog is located. The beep function is fantastic; my dogs have learned the beep means to turn around and come back."
- Verified Buyer
The Bark Beyond E3 E-collar is a favorite among professional dog trainers and veterinarians because it has an 800-meter range and features tone and vibration modes for those who want to avoid shock stimulation totally. Users like this Smart AI reflective dog training collar and say that one of their favorite features is the nightlight and beep function.
"This collar works so well for our barking doodle. You can program a different sensitivity for sound, vibrations and shock. Pearl feels it/hears it and is like "What was that?" and it's enough distraction to stop her barking. I love that I can go a week or so between charges too. Definitely recommend," says another verified customer.
The takeaway with Bark Beyond's E3 e-collar is that it's fully adjustable at 70 cm for all dog breeds and features four training modes for different environments and training.
The contact points are removable, and by placing them on the side of the neck, you're keeping it away from the trachea and using the muscled, flat area to keep the collar in place.
There's also the option of multi-dog training with three signal channels, allowing for up to 3 dog training. The waterproof and ergonomic design is lightweight and comfortable, even for little dog breeds. Bark Beyond's trio best value pack offers three e-collar sets for $119 each.
As usual, leave the collar on for only a short time. Dogs should not sleep with this electronic dog training collar.
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Top rated in 2022
2. Bark Beyond Anti-Bark Collar V1
$59
by Bark Beyond
B+
Overall Grade
Total Ranking
B+
Overall Grade
Pet Safety
Projected Effectiveness
Value
Return Policy
Customer Satisfaction
Features
- Offers three training modes
- Eight adjustable sensitivity levels
- IP67 waterproof
- Durable & long-lasting
- Stylish and durable with a sporty design
Pros
- Includes Smart-AI bark technology for optimal safety
- Trusted by professional dog trainers
- Comfortable, adjustable fit for all dog breeds
- Option to train with no shock training mode
Cons
- Often sold out
"I personally do not like forcing my dog to not bark, but we have small children who are light sleepers. This bark collar was a great way to not cause pain to my dog but still control the barking. The high vibration setting is too extreme in my opinion, the the normal setting was acceptable. The collar allows the dog to bark a couple times before engaging. The ambient noise settings are great for loud environments where the collar would engage by accident. Would recommend. We keep the collar loose as it has two plastic knobs that touch the neck. I prefer to keep it lose than tight since our dog does not try to remove the collar."
- Verified Buyer
The Bark Beyond Anti-Bark Collar V1 is affordable for multi-pet households. Professional dog trainers like this anti-bark e-collar because you can combine this collar with positive training and train via beep and vibrate mode.
As a brand, Bark Beyond emphasizes the importance of positive training and pet welfare. They emphasize praise and reward while training and de-emphasize punishment. Customers ranked this anti-bark collar as the best 2023 e-collar because it allows for favorable behavior modification when used correctly.
Users said that the e-collar helped reduce excessive barking and that vibration mode was enough to get their dog's attention and discourage nuisance barking. They also said that the collars were well-made and durable and far exceeded their expectations.
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Best Value
3. Bark Beyond Anti-Bark Collar S2
$59
by Bark Beyond
B
Overall Grade
Total Ranking
B
Overall Grade
Pet Safety
Projected Effectiveness
Value
Return Policy
Customer Satisfaction
Features
- Crafted with a Smart AI Chip
- Crafted with a 25-inch adjustable collar in 2 stylish colorways
- Easily customize intensity & functionality for individual dogs
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Includes Bark Beyond's best-value trio bundle pack at $299.00
Pros
- Includes 7 adjustment levels
- IP67 waterproof
- Long battery life
- Safe, humane, and durable
- Only responds to your dog's barking
"This worked wonderfully… my dog was barking at 3 or 4 in the morning consistently, disrupting the household. The first night this was put on, she has stopped this behavior. I have now not put it on for 4 days and the behavior has not returned. Hoping it has been resolved."
- Verified Buyer
Bark Beyond's S2 anti-bark e-collar is one of our top picks because the tone/beep modes work well for small and medium dog breeds, while the vibration is suitable for medium-sized dogs. Dog trainers can also opt for static shock mode for stubborn large breeds. This collar features four mode options and seven different strength levels that can easily be adjusted to suit an individual dog's training needs and temperament.
Customers say the bark collar worked almost immediately and reduced excessive barking. They add that the Bark Beyond S2 is a very good e-collar for barking, with some saying that it worked on the first night and that their dogs were no longer disrupting neighbors and family members.
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What is an E-Collar?
Pet parents and professional dog trainers enjoy using Bark Beyond Smart AI e-collars because the brand focuses on safe, effective, and humane positive training methods. Bark Beyond recommends working with a positive trainer to allow optimal behavior modification results.
"An e-collar in the hands of a competent dog handler is less physically invasive than the abuse capable of being produced with a chock chain and a check cord. Those who disagree probably have not seen an e-collar effectively used to enforce lessons," says Gun Dog magazine.
E-Collar with Long-Range Training Remote
When choosing an e-collar with a remote, you should first consider how much range you'll need for training. You should also opt for many built-in features with easily adjustable power levels on the transmitter and a remotely activated beeper/locator.
You'll also need to start on the lowest sensitivity level when first starting out and take your dog's breed, health, size, and training into consideration.
Remember that an e-collar is not a substitute for basic obedience training but a reinforcement tool. E-collars need to be handled with a precise sense of timing. The key to using an e-collar is understanding, anticipating, and predicting what a dog will do in various circumstances.
If you're having a bad training day, don’t use an e-collar and forgo training on that day. Never train when you’re angry or if it’s just an off day for your dog. Dogs are like humans; not-so-great training days can be replaced by an off-leash run on the beach or dog park.
Smart AI Best Selling E-Collars
Today's best-selling e-collars, like Bark Beyond's E3 Long Range Remote E-Collar, feature Smart AI technology, allowing for safe and humane training via multiple sensitivity levels and training mode options.
Their no-bark training collars emit a sound or vibration to discourage excessive barking. We also enjoy e-collars with fully waterproof remotes and receivers so that training can take place in all environments and all weather conditions.
How Does an E-Collar Work?
E-collars, also known as electronic collars or remote training collars, can be a good tool for dog training when used responsibly and under the guidance of a positive dog trainer.
Gun Dog Magazine says that before purchasing an e-collar, you should first see whether your dog needs an e-collar or not. They also recommend that before using an e-collar dog, parents make a list of all trained obedience commands your dog has already been taught and that you also include a list of all potential dangerous impulsive behaviors like running off, aggressive posturing, fighting other animals, chasing game or domestic animals.
Gun Dog also adds that there are two critical functions of an e-collar
- An e-collar is one of the most effective, efficient, and humane tools to enforce learned behavior.
- An e-collar is also used to control impulsive behavior.
Gun Dog says that when choosing an e-collar, you should do the following:
- Read the instructions carefully
- Carefully introduce the dog to the unit
- Acclimate the dog to wearing the e-collar
- Determine a dog's most positive response to the lowest level of electrical stimulation.
- Use low-power, short-term stimulation to enforce lessons in basic obedience.
- Save high-power, longer-term stimulation to control a canine's potentially dangerous behavior.
Best Selling E-Collars in 2023
Best-selling e-collars like Bark Beyond's training collars are designed to provide immediate feedback to dogs, helping them understand which behaviors are undesirable or inappropriate. It's important to note that positive training methods should always be utilized in conjunction with e-collar training for safe, effective, and humane training.
Start at Lowest Level
One of the key features of e-collars is the ability to adjust the intensity of the stimulation to suit the sensitivity of different dog breeds. This means trainers can choose from multiple sensitivity levels to find the right setting for their dog.
By starting at a lower level and gradually increasing the intensity, trainers can ensure a comfortable and effective training experience for their furry companions.
Various Training Modes
Additionally, e-collars often come equipped with various training modes. These modes can include vibration and tone options in addition to electric stimulation.
Bark Beyond's E3 training e-collar features vibration and shock levels that can be easily adjusted between 1 and 99, ensuring a suitable and gradual training experience for all dog breeds.
Vibration Mode
The vibration mode can gently remind dogs, while the tone mode provides a non-invasive auditory cue. These additional modes allow trainers to customize their training approach to each dog's specific needs and preferences.
6-Months Plus
Before introducing an e-collar, it is important that dogs have a solid foundation in basic obedience training and are at least six months old. This ensures that they clearly understand desired behaviors and commands before incorporating the collar into their training regimen.
Working with a positive dog trainer initially can help owners gain confidence and expertise in using the e-collar effectively. When using an e-collar, pairing it with positive reinforcement techniques and rewards is crucial.
Positive training methods, such as treats, praise, and play, should always be incorporated alongside the e-collar to create a positive association and motivate the dog to comply with commands.
This combination of positive reinforcement and controlled, appropriate use of the e-collar leads to safe, effective, and humane training outcomes.
Among the various e-collar options available in the market, one standout choice is the Bark Beyond E3, with a waterproof remote and collar and an impressive 800-meter range. This collar features Smart AI technology that enhances training efficiency and precision.
However, it's important to remember that even with advanced features, the collar is only as good as the positive trainer or pet parent using it. Working with a positive dog trainer and following their guidance is the key to utilizing any e-collar effectively and responsibly.
How to Positively Train Your Dog?
Training starts during puppyhood and will continue throughout your dog's life. After basic obedience training, you'll have the option of training your dog for competitive events, and the time you invest in training will pay off while traveling, participating in dog sports, and having a well-behaved dog at home. If your dog is trained, you'll have fewer behavioral issues like excessive barking.
Strong Bond
Training is not just about the basics; it's about fostering a strong bond and creating a well-rounded companion. After basic training, you can try dog sports for mental and physical stimulation.
Whether it's agility, obedience trials, tracking, flyball, or dock diving, there are so many dog sports and activities that you can take part in with your pup to keep him mentally stimulated.
Agility, Obedience Trials, Dog Diving, Tracking & Flyball
Agility courses test your dog's speed, agility, and obedience as they navigate a series of obstacles. Obedience trials focus on precision and responsiveness to commands, demonstrating your dog's discipline and attentiveness.
Tracking involves following scent trails, showcasing your dog's remarkable olfactory abilities. Flyball is a fast-paced relay race where dogs race over hurdles to retrieve a ball, combining speed and agility.
Dock diving allows your water-loving companion to leap off a dock into a pool, showcasing their athleticism and enthusiasm for water.
The North American Diving Dog Organization (NADD) adds, " If you are new to the sport, most dock diving facilities have training programs for you and your dog to learn about dock diving."
The North America Diving Dogs is open for all breeds and mixes, and they have created divisions for all dog sizes and ages so that any dog can achieve excellence.
Allowing your dog to participate in plenty of outdoor activities and dog sports until he finds the one he enjoys best is key to a happier dog and less excessive barking at home.
FAQ's Choosing the Right E-Collar for Dogs
Q: What is the best e-collar for a sensitive dog?
A: Shy or nervous dogs do best when working with a positive trainer first and may not do well with any e-collar. That said, the best-selling 2023 Bark Beyond E3 Smart E-Collar with long-range training remote allows for safe and gentle training options via beep and vibrate modes.
Customers like the Bark Beyond E3 e-collar for shy dogs because it provides safe and humane training modes with low-sensitivity options.
Q: What is the most durable and versatile dog training e-collar?
A: We like the Bark Beyond E3 Smart AI e-collar because of the transmitter's easily adjustable power levels and the remotely activated beeper/locator. This 2023 best-selling e-collar for all dog breeds is perfect for all training levels.
It's user-friendly with an LED screen and is waterproof for all dog sports, all weather conditions, and all terrains. With an 800 m training range, this e-collar has revolutionized how we train and handle dogs.
Q: What is the safest, most humane dog collar?
A: You always need to introduce your dog to the e-collar first before using it, and while e-collars are great for reinforcing commands at a distance, e-collars do well for at-home training sessions, too.
Best e-collars like the Bark Beyond E3 with static stimulation, tone, and vibration modes allow every dog parent to correct a dog when they make a mistake, control dogs during recall, and reinforce training from a distance via the remote. Bark Beyond e-collars are easily customizable for every dog and dog breed, allowing you to train in the best way, customized for each dog.