5 Best Training Collars for Stubborn Dogs

As a dog owner, you will understand how indispensable a dog collar can be. A bed, a harness, and toys are all secondary when it comes to taking care of your furry friend. If you have a stubborn dog then having good training is essential to ensure they stay well-behaved inside and outside your home.

If you are confused about the kind of collar to get your stubborn dog, you are at the right place and are about to find the perfect dog collar for your dog.

Benefits of Dog Training Collars

Although a dog collar is simply a piece of material around your dog’s neck, it serves multiple purposes and offers a lot in terms of training your dog and ensuring its safety.

They are also important when it comes to relaying commands and holding ID tags and owner’s information when you take your dog on a walk.

Training collars are also essential in preventing aggression, which may put you and others in harm’s way. Therefore, it is important that you purchase a high-quality training collar.

They are also a fashion statement and help you establish an association with your dog and make your pet feel like your own.

5 Best Training Collar For Stubborn Dogs

#1. SportDOG Brand 425x Remote Trainer – Best for Customizable Training

• Material: Plastic
• Color: Black
• Dimensions: 2.6 x 1.2 x 1.3 inches

SportDOG 425 x is great if your dog loves to try and chew their collar. It is an e-collar and can be used to train up to 3 dogs with the same remote, provided that you have three collars. The collar is designed to be universal, meaning you can put them on dogs of any size.

The battery life is great with this trainer. It uses Lithium-ion batteries that only take two hours to charge but can last for up to 50-70 hours. It also offers different levels of stimulation and 21 levels of static stimulation. These range from medium to high.

You also have the option to customize the training as per your preference. The collar gives you the option to train with vibration (buzz) and tone (beep). Whichever suits you and your dog best.

Another great thing about this trainer is that it is waterproof and is able to withstand 25 feet of submersion due to its DryTek technology.

Pros:

• Waterproof
• Great battery life
• Customizable training

Cons:

• Expensive

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#2. Garmin Delta XC – Best Water Rating

• Material: Plastic
• Color: Black
• Material: 1.1 x 2.1 x 5.4 inches

Garmin is one of the top-rated collars among stubborn dog owners because of how easy it is to use. It allows you to control your dog through a remote since it features an electronic configuration.

Like other collars on this list, it allows you to train multiple dogs at a time. The Garmin Delta XC comes with long and short changeable contact points, which allows it to fit small and large dogs. The collar also features improved stimulation levels and has 18 levels of momentary and continuous stimulation, as well as an option for both tone and vibration.

You also get a half-mile range capability, which allows you to make behavioral instructions to your dog from a distance. The collar also features a 3-button handheld controller and a great water rating of IPX71.

Pros:

• Excellent stimulation levels
• Great water rating

Cons:

• Expensive

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#3. PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar – Best for Leash and Harness Training

• Material: Nylon
• Color: Black
• Dimensions: 8 x 1 x 5 x 2 inches

With PetSafe, you will get a pet-recommended, trainer-designed dog collar. The PetSafe Gentle Leather Headcollar has a padded neoprene nose loop which means you exert pressure on the back of the neck instead of your dog’s throat.

Therefore, it will neither gag nor choke your pet. Instead, it will gently help you prevent your dog from jumping and lunging. This collar is easy to put on your pup, and you can make use of the adjustable nose loop and quick-snap strap to get the headcollar to fit as per your preference.

The collar also comes with clear directions for fitting, and use and also includes a training DVD to help you better in the beginning. The fit of this collar is also compatible with some of the largest breeds of our furry friends – tipping the scale at even about 130 pounds.

Pros:

• Great to stop pulling
• Compatible with most breeds

Cons:

• Absorbs odor

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#4. Educator E-Collar – Best for Small Dogs

• Material: Plastic
• Color: Red
• Dimensions: 6.9 x 11 x 2.2 inches

The Educator E-Collar is an excellent collar for small dogs that need to be trained. This collar gives small to medium levels of vibrations, which allows you to train your stubborn dog. It comes with a half-mile radius which once again is great for small dogs that may like to wander.

One of its most prominent features includes a handheld receiver that you can use to ensure your dog is able to hear your orders. Using this, you will be saved from shouting orders at your dog. The collar also has an LCD screen that helps change the vibration easily, as per your preference. Another perk is that the collar is adjustable, which makes it a comfortable fit for your dog.

Pros:

• LCD screen
• Good for small dogs
• Handheld receivers

Cons:

• Not compatible with dogs of all sizes

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#5. PetSpy P620 – Best Shock Power

• Material: Rubber
• Color: Black
• Dimensions: 6 x 1.5 x 3 inches

The PetSpy P620 is one of the most complete dog collars for trainers. It provides you with three training modes – electric shock, vibration, and a beep trainer with 16 adjustable levels. This means that you have complete control over your dog’s training.

The collar is a great fit for dogs ranging anywhere between 10 to 140 lbs. It has a remote control that operates up to 650 yards and is also rechargeable and waterproof. The collar also comes with a blind operation design that will make dog training easy and effective.

The PetSpy P620 also comes with a 1-year replaceable warranty, and it is also the least expensive training collar on the list.

Pros:

• Three training modes
• Good fit for dogs of all sizes
• Waterproof

Cons:

• Shock power could become dangerous if overused

Things to Consider When Buying a Dog Collar

Width and Leash of the Collar

Finding a collar that has the right width is very important. Your dog’s collar should neither be too wide nor too narrow. The right width ensures that the pressure on your dog’s neck is evenly distributed.

By purchasing the right collar size, you can also avoid injuries since the right width length will prevent injuries to the larynx, as well as other uncomfortable sensations.

Experts recommend that your collar should have rings to hook your leash. Leashes often have carabiners for fasting, which makes rings or loops very convenient. You can use D-rings or round ones, as both work fine.

Stable Closure of the Collar

Having a correctly sized buckle is also something you should consider when purchasing a collar. The buckle size becomes even more important if you have a dog that is bigger in size.

The bigger your dog, the more pressure it will put on the collar, and the more will be demanded from the collar. This is why dogs pull hard, the closure should be strong enough to resist the pressure.

Comfortable Fit

Having a dog collar that fits your dog comfortably is extremely important. The collar you choose should be wide enough not to restrict or choke your dog, but it should also simultaneously be tight enough not to let your dog escape the hold of the collar.

When you are purchasing one, you should ensure that it is 1-2 finger widths loose. You should be able to determine this by sizing charts available on the website you order from. Most collars, however, are adjustable in size.

Another thing to ensure is that the collar has soft rounded edges. You should also ensure that the inside of the collar is soft, so you can avoid chafe marks and prevent your dog from getting hurt by rough collars.

You should also be wary of collars with too many metal bits. Metal becomes cold in winter and hot in summer, so it may become uncomfortable for your furry friend. Since metal is also heavy, it will mean more weight, and thus pressure on the next, further exacerbating the uncomfortable sensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you care for a dog collar?

You can wash your dog collar by hand. A soak for 15-20 minutes should be good enough to remove the excess dirt. However, if your dog has been particularly adventurous, subjecting the collar to a lot of grime and dirt, soaking it won’t be enough. You will need to give it a good rubbing to force the dirt and grime off of it.

If you are feeling particularly lazy and are wondering if you can pop the collar into the machine, you can. However, it is recommended that you put it in a delicate laundry bag or a pillowcase if you don’t have the former. Ensure that you wash it in the soft or delicate mode with your usual detergent, and it should be fine.

What is the best material for a dog collar?

Dog collars are available in different materials. Here you will need to understand what purpose each material serves and decide accordingly.

Nylon, for instance, is a cheap, inexpensive option. It is comfortable and light and good for everyday use. However, it is not very durable, and your dog could chew through it. It also tends to get smelly over time.

Neoprene is another option. It is soft and rubbery, again good for everyday use. However, this is relatively expensive, and it is also not readily available. Neoprene collars are also costly, so you will find less options when it comes to style and color.

There are also chain collars, which do not stain, retain odor, and are also durable. They are good for stubborn dogs. However, they can be dangerous if not used carefully. They are also not temperature compatible and will get very cold in winter and hot in summer.

Conclusion

With so many options available in the market, it can be difficult to choose one. From the five I have listed above, I would suggest you go for the  Garmin Delta XC. It is easy to use, has many options, is waterproof, and can be used for a distance. Therefore, it will be most suitable if you have a stubborn dog.

Happy Training.