Safe and Effective Dog Training Collars
Walking or hiking with your dog should be fun, but when your pup pulls, jumps, or doesn’t listen, it can quickly turn stressful.
A dog-training collar can help reinforce positive behaviors and make outdoor adventures enjoyable for you and your dog.
Key Takeaways
- Dog training collars can help curb unwanted behaviors and improve communication during training.
- Options include headcollars, harnesses, scent, noise, and remote vibration collars—each suited for different needs.
- Humane methods and consistency, paired with rewards, are key to long-term success.
- Aversive tools like shock collars or prong collars are discouraged; consult a vet or trainer before choosing a collar.
- Pet insurance can help cover unexpected health or behavioral issues—signing up early through tools like Pawlicy Advisor can save you money in the long run.
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The key to successful training? Choosing the right collar.
This guide will walk you through selecting the best training collar to get you and your furry friend started on the path to better behavior.
✔️ Reviewed by multiple licensed veterinarians
✔️ Updated with the latest medical data
✔️ Compiled from veterinary research
What are dog training collars?
Dog training collars provide a way for you to communicate and give feedback when training a dog. You can also use a training collar to refocus your dog's attention and prevent undesirable behaviors.
Some dog training collars are designed to help you train your dog to walk without pulling. Other types of training collars consist of a remote transmitter and receiver that allow you to send signals to the collar to deliver feedback to the dog. These remote training collars can deliver a scent, vibration, or beep tone, which are adjustable based on your dog's sensitivity.
Types of dog training collars
There are several types of dog training collars, each designed for specific training needs:
- Gentle Leader® Headcollar – Ideal for reducing leash-pulling
- Easy Walk® Harness – Helps teach a dog to walk without pulling
- Scent collar – Releases a scent to calm your dog or discourage certain behaviors
- Noise collar – Emits a beep or ultrasonic sound for correction
- Vibration collar – Provides vibrations of variable intensity for off-leash training
Gentle Leader® Headcollar – Best for leash training
The Gentle Leader Headcollar is a no-pull training tool that fits around your dog's muzzle and behind their ears, helping you redirect their movement without pulling on their neck. Unlike traditional collars, it provides gentle guidance rather than pressure.
Best for:
- Dogs who pull or lunge on the leash
- Training a dog to walk calmly by your side
Pro training tip: Introduce the headcollar gradually with treats and praise to ensure your dog feels comfortable wearing it.
Easy Walk® Harness – Best for no-pull training
The Easy Walk Harness discourages pulling with a front-clip leash attachment, steering your dog to the side rather than allowing forward momentum. It’s a great alternative to choke or prong collars.
Best for:
- Dogs who pull on walks
- Owners who want a gentle solution
Pro training tip: Adjust the harness for a snug but comfortable fit and pair it with positive reinforcement to encourage polite leash behavior.
Scent collars – Best for anxiety and behavior modification
A scent collar releases natural or synthetic aromas, such as calming lavender or deterrent citrus, to influence behavior. Some pet owners use scent collars to reduce stress, while others use them to prevent unwanted behaviors, like excessive barking or chewing.
Best for:
- Soothing dogs with separation anxiety
- Training puppies to avoid destructive chewing
Pro training tip: Combine scent cues with verbal commands for the best results.
Noise collars – Best for reducing barking
A noise collar emits a beep or ultrasonic sound when triggered by barking or other behaviors, capturing your dog’s attention without physical correction.
Best for:
- Dogs who bark excessively
- Owners looking for a humane training method
Pro training tip: Reinforce the sound cue with verbal commands to help your dog understand that the behavior is undesirable. Once your dog stops barking, reward them so they understand that is the behavior you are looking for.
Remote vibration training collar – Best for off-leash and recall training
A remote vibration training collar allows pet owners to reinforce commands or curb unwanted behaviors using a remote control.
Features:
- Adjustable settings (beep, vibration, static stimulation)
- Long-distance capabilities for off-leash training
Versatility to help with recall, excessive barking, and boundary training
Best for:
- Teaching dogs to come when called
- Correcting jumping, excessive barking, or digging
How to use a remote vibration dog training collar safely
- Start with the lowest setting (beep or vibration) before using higher-intensity corrections.
- Use the collar as a cue, not a punishment—reward your dog for responding correctly.
- Pair it with positive reinforcement (treats, praise) to encourage long-term learning.
Pro training tip: Never rely solely on a remote vibration training collar—combine it with consistent training and rewards for the best results.
Are shock collars, choke chains, and prong collars safe?
When choosing a dog training collar, it’s essential to consider effectiveness and safety. While some training tools can help reinforce commands, others may cause unintended stress or harm if used incorrectly.
Experts emphasize the importance of humane training methods that prioritize positive reinforcement over punishment.
"Most veterinarians do not recommend shock collars, choke chains, or prong collars. If you are considering using any of these training devices, I would recommend that you consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist before doing so.
Dr. Ricky Walther, DVM - warns against certain aversive training devices
"Most veterinarians do not recommend shock collars, choke chains, or prong collars. If you are considering using any of these training devices, I would recommend that you consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist before doing so.If your dog shows signs of typical behavioral disorders in dogs, such as aggression or fear-based reactions, you should work with a professional trainer or veterinarian to find a safe and effective training method.
A training collar is not a singular solution for aggressive dogs—professional guidance is key to preventing potential risks and ensuring long-term behavioral improvements.
Additionally, invest in pet insurance before your pet experiences health or behavioral issues to help cover unexpected expenses.
Final thoughts about dog training collars
The best dog training collars work most effectively when paired with positive reinforcement and consistency.
Whether you need a Gentle Leader Headcollar for leash training or a remote vibration dog training collar for off-leash reliability, choosing the right tool will make training safer and easier.
If you’re welcoming a new puppy into your home, check out our new puppy checklist to ensure you have everything you need to start training successfully. Early training and learning how to socialize your puppy are crucial steps to raising a well-behaved and confident dog.
If you are unsure which collar would be best for your pup, contact your veterinarian for advice.
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Ricky Walther, DVM, is a small animal general practitioner in the greater Sacramento, California area. Realizing the positive financial and medical impact that pet insurance can provide for pet parents and the profession, he lends support and advice to companies like Pawlicy Advisor "The Pet Insurance Marketplace") that simplify the process of connecting with veterinary financing resources.
