Some believe that an electronic collar is not safe for their dogs and in fact, believe they are inhumane. Before you make that decision you should do your homework and you’ll quickly discover that they are not only effective, but they are safe and a perfectly humane tool for training your dog. One of the most important considerations is choosing the electronic collar that works best for you and for your dog. We are putting together some brief reviews that we hope will help you make a decision on which of these popular models is the best choice for you and for your dog.

Containment Systems (“Invisible Fence”)
There are two types of these perimeter-sensing collars for teaching your dog the boundaries of your yard: electric and wireless. Electric systems work with a buried line that you install to establish the perimeter of your yard. PetSafe is a good model for this application with an easy-to-use setup for both the fence and the collar receiver. PetSafe comes just about right to fit any standard-sized yard. To fit a larger area than PetSafe can handle, we recommend Innotek’s containment system.

With the Innotek system, you can experience a few extra benefits. You can expand its use to as many as 25 acres and use multiple collars in conjunction with one fence, making it ideal for owners or multtiple dogs. Both brands are recognized and are great options for hidden wire fencing.

PetSafe also makes a wireless fence that works almost like the wired system, but without the wire, and is much more advanced. It works along with a transmitter around the middle of the area you want to confine. Signals are sent to the transmitter within a radius that you can set. It’s easy to set up and is extremely versatile and portable.

Bark Collars
If you own a dog who barks frequently this might be the right tool for you to help with that urge. The Innotek collar is not only reasonably priced, but it’s probably one of the top brands in term of being popular and being respected in the marketplace. This unit has sensors that easily identify the barking location (i.e. is it your dog or someone else’s dog?) meaning no unnecessary correction for your dog. If your dog is a constant barker, the intensity of the charge gradually increases to prevent barking and when the dog stops, then it will reset to the original setting. These collars are suitable for most dogs and offer the added benefits of being both lightweight and waterproof.

Beeper Collars
Known as more of a safety collar than a training collar, the beeping collar is controlled by the pet owner. The owner can send a beep to the collar so that the dog can be located. A brand called Dogtra is very well designed, with its ability to beep steadily or at intervals, allowing the owner to easily find his dog. The beeping collar works to about a mile away, and there are types available to owners of multiple pets or dogs. More advanced ones have a lot more features, like trackers that tell you when your dog is pointing, which means stopped, and flushing, which means moving quickly.

Electronic Collars
If your dog goes with you out onto the field, goes hunting, or enjoys large areas, the electronic training collar can help you train your dog within the area. TriTronics offer the greatest system, with options for providing optimum training for dogs who spend time outdoors. There is about a one mile range in most models, and up to twenty settings within stimulation levels. They are versatile, offering waterproof protection and lightweight feel, as well as long-life batteries which maximizes each use. Accessories available include transmitter holsters, field chargers for collars, battery packs, and “dummy” collars so that your dog learns to respond without the actual collar. If you’re looking to save a little money, try the SportDog collar, which is comparable and still gets you long ranges of use.

If you are hunting for a good electronic training collar for your dog, this guide has hopefully helped you understand the options and manufacturers you should be considering. Whatever you do, be sure your veterinarian and trainer are aware of your options and choices so that you can receive advice tailored to your particular dogs’ needs.