German shepherds are wonderful animals, but they can be a bit headstrong at times. That’s where shock collars come in. A shock collar is a great way to train your German shepherd, but it’s important to choose the right one.
There are many different types of shock collars on the market, and each has its own set of pros and cons. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best shock collars for German shepherds, along with a comprehensive buyer’s guide.
Our reviews will help you find the perfect shock collar for your German shepherd, and our buyer’s guide will teach you everything you need to know about choosing the right one.
So if you’re looking for getting the best shock collar for your German shepherd, read on!
Our Top Picks for The Best Shock Collars for German Shepherds
- Educator E-Collar – Best Overall
- DOG CARE Training Collar – Runner Up
- Dogtra EDGE Long Range Remote Dog Training E-Collar
- SportDOG Brand 425X Remote Trainers E-Collar
- Pet Union PT0Z1 Premium Dog Training Shock Collar
Warning: you should use shock collars only on dogs that understand basic commands like sit and stay. That way your dog understands what you’re asking of them.
10 Best Shock Collars for German Shepherds Reviewed
1. Educator E-Collar
The Educator German Shepherd Training Collar is perfect for correcting undesirable behavior (such as digging in the garden or excessive barking) and reinforcing positive behavior.
It is different from most training collars in the market. First of all, it uses a blunt stimulation to deliver a tap sensation instead of a sharp static shock like most products do.
This tapping sensation, similar to vibration, is less stressful for your GSD but as effective as the traditional “shock” method. You can adjust the intensity of the vibration based on the weight and size of your dog.
The stimulation can be increased or decreased based on the weight and size or sensitivity of your German Shepherd. You can choose the stimulation levels from 1 to 100 with additional boost stimulus are from 1 to 60.
For a better training result, the Educator includes a Pavlovian Tone feature. With this feature, you can train your GSD to respond to the tone rather than the stimulation itself.
Another exciting thing to note is the option for training more than one dog at a time with a range, ranging from 1/2 mile to 3/4 mile.
Customer Reviews:
Many dog owners who bought this collar said they saw positive results in weeks. A few did complain that the battery life was poor.
Pros:
- Delivers a light tap sensation with 100 different stimulation levels.
- Available from a 1/2 mile to 3/4 mile range.
- Waterproof receiver and remote control.
- Two sets of contact points (5/8″ and 3/4″).
- Mini ergonomic stopwatch transmitter which allows the user to control a flashing light to help locate your dog in the dark.
Cons:
- Poor battery life and high cost.
2. Dog Care Dog Training Collar
The Dog Care Dog Training Collar has three different modes for training: beep, vibration, and shock modes.
For most dogs, the vibration and noise modes are enough to get a positive response.
If you still need to use the shock modes, there are 99 different levels of a static shock to choose from and a security keypad lock to prevent accidental shocks.
The keypad lock is not a button on the keypad but a physical slide/button on the side of the transmitter so you don’t need to worry it will accidentally unlock.
This collar has a remote range up to 330 yards so you can let your dog run in the dog park and still correct them from far away.
Moreover, with a single remote, you can control up to 9 different collars, which allows you to train multiple dogs at the same time.
They are easily adjustable to accommodate different dog sizes and holds up well in rainy, muddy, or snowy conditions.
Customer Reviews:
The vast majority of dog owners were very impressed with how easy it was to use and the immediate effect that it had on their dogs. A few users, however, found the receiver was a little too bulky.
Pros:
- Three training modes.
- A single remote can control up to 9 collars.
- Strong signal, up to 330 yards (1000 ft) remote range.
- In-built security keypad.
- Long battery life.
- Charges with micro-USB.
Cons:
- Some reviewers noted that the remote was too large and the collar didn’t stay tight.
3. Dogtra Edge Remote Training E-Collar
The Dogtra Edge Dog Training E-Collar has an impressive remote range of 1 mile. It has three training modes (Nick, Constant, and a Pager vibration) with customization options up to 127 levels.
The huge range of simulation levels means you can increase or decrease the stimulation depending on your dog’s size and temperament.
It allows for the simultaneous training of up to 4 dogs. The light function is quite nice too. With this feature, each collar can have its own unique color light.
Also, the LED light is quite bright, which is very useful to track and see where your buddies are at night.
Pros:
- 1-mile maximum range.
- Three training modes.
- 127 simulation levels.
- User-controlled LED light.
- Designed for dogs 35 pounds and up.
Cons:
- Lack of bark control simulation.
4.SportDOG Brand 425 Remote Trainers
If you’re looking to train your German Shepherd for hunting or other sporting purposes, the SportDog Brand 425 Remote Trainer can be a great option.
Designed to fit dogs 8 pounds and up, this dog training collar has a maximum effective range of up to 500 yards. And the ability to train up to 3 dogs with a single remote control transmitter; though, you’d have to buy the additional collars.
What makes this product great for outdoor lovers are the waterproof feature. It’s not just waterproof against rain; it’s fully submersible in the water at a depth up to 25 feet!
Pros:
- 7 levels of static stimulation with momentary or continuous mode.
- Waterproof and submersible up to 25 feet.
- 500-yard range.
- Allows for 3 dogs.
- Comes with a training DVD.
Cons:
- A little stiff and a bit hard to use than other brands.
5. Pet Union PT0Z1 Premium Dog Training Shock Collar
The Pet Union PT0Z1 is one of the most popular collars among both aspiring and experienced dog trainers. Many trainers use it to train medium to big-sized dogs weighing 10 to 100 pounds like German Shepherds.
This collar is waterproof and comes with four modes of operation, including beep, light, vibration, and shock. It has a long-range of 1,200 ft and comes with four-mode training simulations with customization levels from 1-100 for both the static stimulation and vibration modes.
Although, a few dog owners complained that it did not work at extended ranges.
The LCD comes in blue backlighting for clear visibility at all times. And it uses a rapid charging lithium-ion battery with an automatic sleep mode feature to help prolong battery life even more.
The Pet Union PT0Z1 is backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee. Most people also love the expert advice they receive from the company.
Pros:
- Four training modes: light, tone, vibration, and static.
- Excellent transmitter range of up to 1200 ft.
- Long-lasting, rechargeable lithium-ion battery with auto power feature.
- 1-100 customization levels.
- Lifetime replacement guarantee.
Cons:
- Costly.
6. Petrainer Shock Collar for Dogs
The Petrainer Training Collar for Dogs can help put an end to bad behaviors in your dog. The three training modes are static stimulation, vibration, and standard tone, so you can find the one that works best for your dog.
The remote range is up to 330 yards, so you can use it even when your dog is far away. The receiver is also rechargeable and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged.
The soft silicone covers for the contact points protect your pet’s skin, so you can use them without worry.
However, some users were unhappy with the included collar, so be sure to try it on your dog before purchasing.
Pros:
- 100 levels in either the shock or the vibration mode.
- Water-resistant receiver.
- Up to 330 yards remote range.
- Adjustable.
- 1-year warranty and if you register you’ll get an extended 3 years warranty.
Cons:
- A few users were unhappy with the included collar.
7. WOLFWILL Humane No Shock Remote Dog Training Collar
WOLFWILL Humane Training Collar for Dogs features special touch-distinguished buttons designed for blind users. The three modes (tone, vibration, and light) provide ample options for getting your pooch’s attention.
The maximum effective range of 660 yards means you can train your dog even if he’s not in eyesight, and the 1-16 levels of vibration and light let you customize the intensity of the collar’s stimulus.
The IPX 7 waterproofing means you don’t have to worry about rain or puddles ruining your training session, and the 2-year warranty and lifetime technical support make this collar a wise investment.
However, a few users found the strap was too loose or too tight. And it didn’t work for small dogs. If you have a German Shepherd, this can work well for you, but if you have a small dog, you may want to look elsewhere.
Pros:
- Special touch-distinguished buttons for blind users.
- 3 training modes.
- Maximum effective range of 660 yards.
- 1-16 levels of vibration and light.
- IPX 7 waterproofing.
- 2-year warranty and lifetime technical support.
Cons:
- A few users found the strap was too loose or too tight.
- It didn’t work for small dogs.
8. TBI Pro Dog Training Collar
With its advanced design, this collar can reach up to 30% farther than other electric shock collars, so you’ll be able to keep your dog in line no matter where they roam.
The ultra-durable, waterproof construction means this collar will withstand years of use, and the long-lasting rechargeable battery ensures that you won’t have to keep buying new batteries.
The easy training control with a big LCD controller and separate buttons makes it simple to use, and the one-year replacement guarantee means you can buy with confidence.
However, a few customers complained that it didn’t work consistently and didn’t come with a charger.
Pros:
- 30% more reach than the previous version.
- Durable and waterproof.
- Easy to use with a big LCD controller and separate buttons.
- Long-lasting rechargeable battery included.
- One-year replacement guarantee.
Cons:
- Some customers complained that it didn’t work consistently.
- Didn’t come with a charger.
9. POP VIEW Bark Collar
POP VIEW bark collar uses sound and vibration stimuli to train your dog not to bark, and it’s adjustable to fit any size neck.
The all-weather nylon web collar is also comfortable for your dog to wear, even in the most extreme weather conditions.
And if you’re not satisfied with the results, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund.
However, some dog parents noted that the device was a bit slippery and too loose. It also didn’t pick up every time the dog barked.
Pros:
- The collar is adjustable to fit any size neck.
- The web collar is comfortable for your dog to wear, even in the most extreme weather conditions.
- You can return it within 30 days for a full refund.
Cons:
- Some dog parents noted that the device was a bit slippery and too loose.
- It also didn’t pick up every time the dogs barked.
10. DogRook Rechargeable Bark Collar
The DogRook Rechargeable Dog Bark Collar uses both beeps and vibrations to deter barking, and the intensity of the stimuli is automatically adjusted based on the amount of barking.
The collar is also rechargeable; it works for about 14 days with one battery life so you won’t have to keep buying batteries, and it comes with a USB charging cable and prong covers. It’s adjustable to fit all dog sizes, and it’s easy to use, with no remote required.
The downfalls of this collar was that the collar sometimes didn’t beep or vibrate when the dog barked.
Pros:
- Uses both beeps and vibrations to deter barking.
- Automatic intensity adjustment.
- The collar is rechargeable.
- It comes with a USB charging cable and prong covers.
- The collar is adjustable to fit all dog sizes.
- Easy to use, with no remote required.
Cons:
- Some dog parents noted that the collar sometimes didn’t register the dog’s bark.
What is a shock collar?
A shock collar is a type of training collar that delivers a short, electric shock to the dog wearing it.
The shock is triggered by a remote control held by the trainer and can be delivered either automatically, in response to a certain behavior such as barking, or manually at the press of a button.
Shock collars are also sometimes called e-collars, remote training collars, or simply dog shock collars. While they are often used for hunting dogs, shock collars are also becoming increasingly popular as a way to train pet dogs.
Proponents of shock collar training argue that it is an effective and humane way to train dogs, while opponents argue that the use of electric shocks is cruel and unnecessary.
Whether or not to use a shock collar is a decision that should be made by each individual dog owner after careful consideration. If you’re not sure whether or not a shock collar is right for your dog, please consult with a qualified positive reinforcement trainer.
How do shock collars work?
Shock collars deliver an electric current to the dog’s neck via two metal prongs. The strength of the current can be adjusted, and most collars come with a warning beep so that you can test the level before administering a shock.
When used as a barking deterrent, the collar responds to the vibration of your dog’s vocal cords. If you’re using the collar to deter behavioral issues, a remote control allows you to administer the shock in conjunction with the unwanted behavior.
For example, if your dog jumps on visitors, you would press the button on the remote as he begins to jump. The hope is that over time, your dog will associate the negative stimulus (the shock) with the unwanted behavior (jumping) and stop doing it.
Are there different types of shock collars?
Yes, there are several different types of shock collars available on the market. The most common type is a basic remote training collar, which typically has two main components: remote control and a receiver collar.
The remote control is held by the trainer and used to deliver the shock, while the receiver collar is worn by the dog. Some collars also come with a built-in GPS tracker, so you can keep track of your dog’s whereabouts.
Other types of shock collars include bark collars, which are triggered by the sound of your dog’s bark, and fence collars, which are designed to keep your dog within a certain perimeter.
What to consider before buying a shock collar for your German Shepherd
There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind before purchasing a shock collar for your German shepherd. Here are some factors to consider:
Your dog’s health, age, and personality
These three factors are the first you should consider before purchasing any type of training collar, shock collar included.
The first is your dog’s health. If your dog is relatively healthy, then a shock collar should not pose any risks. However, if your dog has any health conditions that could be exacerbated by the use of a shock collar, then it is best to avoid using one.
The second is your dog’s age. Puppies and older dogs are more likely to be adversely affected by the use of a shock collar than adult dogs.
Finally, you need to consider your dog’s personality. Some dogs are very timid and easily frightened, while others are much more confident and resilient.
If you have a dog that is easily scared or seems particularly sensitive, then it is best to avoid using a shock collar.
Number of stimulation modes
Most collars will have at least two: static and vibration. Some may also have a tone-only option. Each mode serves a different purpose and can be more or less effective depending on the dog’s personality and temperament.
Static mode is usually used for training purposes, as it gives the dog a consistent stimulus that they can learn from. Vibration mode is often used as an alternative to static, as it is less intense and can be more comfortable for the dog.
Tone-only mode is generally used as a warning before administering static or vibration, but some dogs may find it equally as effective on its own.
Ultimately, the best way to determine which mode (or combination of modes) is best for your dog is to experiment and see what works best for them.
Range
The next thing you’ll want to consider is the range of the collar. The range is how far the shock will reach. If you have a very small dog, you may not need as much range as if you have a large dog.
Another factor to consider is how much your dog barks. If your dog barks a lot, you may want to get a collar with a longer range so that you can still reach them when they are far away.
You also need to consider what type of terrain you will be using the collar in. If you are going to be using it in an open field, you will need a different collar than if you are going to be using it in a wooded area. The type of terrain will affect how much range you need.
Number of stimulation levels
The number of stimulation levels refers to the different intensity levels of the electric shock. The more stimulation levels a shock collar has, the more versatile it will be.
You will be able to find a stimulation level that works for your dog, whether you are trying to stop them from barking or keep them from running away.
With a higher number of stimulation levels, you will also have more control over the intensity of the shock. This is important because you don’t want to hurt your dog, but you also want the shock to be effective.
How the stimulation is delivered
How the stimulation is delivered is another important consideration.
Some collars will deliver a brief, mild shock when the dog barks or leaves the yard. Others will deliver a continuous, high-powered shock until the dog is released from the collar.
Obviously, you’ll want to avoid the latter type of collar if at all possible. Not only is it inhumane, but it can also be dangerous.
Ease of use
Some collars are very complex, with many different buttons and settings. Others are much simpler, with only a few buttons.
The ease of use is mostly a matter of personal preference. However, you may want to consider how easy the collar is to use if you are going to be using it in an emergency situation.
For example, if your dog is jumping up on people or running away, you may not have time to fiddle with a complex collar. In these situations, it is best to have a simple collar that you can quickly put on and take off.
Safety features
Some collars come with safety features that prevent the dog from being injured.
For example, some collars have a feature that cuts off the shock after a certain amount of time. This prevents the dog from being shocked for too long and avoids potential injury.
Other collars have a feature that prevents the shock from being delivered if the collar is not fitted properly. This is important because an improperly fitted collar can cause serious injuries.
Battery life
The battery life is another important consideration. You don’t want to have to worry about the battery dying in the middle of a training session or while your dog is wearing the collar.
Some collars come with rechargeable batteries, while others use disposable batteries. Rechargeable batteries are more convenient, but they may not last as long as disposable batteries.
Waterproofing
If you are going to be using the shock collar in the rain or in other wet conditions, you’ll need to make sure that it is waterproof.
Some collars are only water-resistant, while others are fully waterproof. Waterproof collars are more expensive, but they are worth the extra money if you are going to be using the collar in wet conditions.
Additional features
Some collars come with additional features that you may or may not find useful.
For example, some collars come with a built-in flashlight. This can be helpful if you are using the collar at night or in low-light conditions.
Other collars come with a feature that allows you to track the location of your dog. This can be useful if your dog runs away or gets lost.
Price
Of course, price is also a consideration. Shock collars can range in price from $30 to $200 or more.
You’ll want to find a collar that fits your budget, but you should also make sure that the collar is of good quality. Cheap collars may not last long or may not be effective.
Warranty
Finally, you’ll want to make sure that the collar you purchase comes with a warranty. This will protect you in case the collar breaks or doesn’t work as advertised.
Most collars come with a one-year warranty, but some come with a longer warranty.
How To Train Your German shepherd With A Shock Collar
Now that you know what to look for in a shock collar, you may be wondering how to actually use the collar to train your dog.
Here are a few tips:
Introduce the collar gradually
When you first get the collar, don’t put it on your dog right away. Put it around your own neck or on a table so that your dog can see and smell it. Let your dog get used to the collar before you put it on him.
Start with the lowest setting
When you first start using the shock collar, it is important to start with the lowest setting. You can always increase the setting if necessary, but you don’t want to start too high and risk injuring your dog.
Use positive reinforcement
In addition to using the shock collar, you should also use positive reinforcement to train your dog. This means rewarding your dog for good behavior.
For example, if your dog is sitting quietly, you can give him a treat. This will teach him that he is being rewarded for good behavior.
Give him a command
A command can help you to train your dog with a shock collar. For example, if you want your dog to stop jumping on people, you can give the command “sit” and then deliver a shock if he jumps.
He will eventually learn that jumping results in a shock, and he will stop doing it.
Be consistent
It is important to be consistent when you are using the shock collar. This means using the collar every time your dog exhibits unwanted behavior.
If you only use the collar sometimes, your dog will not understand that he is being punished for the behavior.
Be patient
Training takes time and patience. You won’t be able to train your dog overnight, so don’t get discouraged if he doesn’t seem to be making progress.
If you are consistent and patient, you will eventually see results.
Conclusion
So, after careful consideration of the best shock collars for German shepherds on the market, we have chosen the Educator E-Collar as our top pick.
This collar has many features that make it ideal for training your German shepherd, including 100 different levels of stimulation, a range of up to 1/2 mile, and the ability to train multiple dogs at the same time.
The Dog Care Dog Training Collar is our runner-up pick. This collar also has many features that make it ideal for training your German shepherd, including three training modes, a range of up to 330 yards, and the ability to control up to 9 collars with a single remote.
Regardless of which shock collar you end up buying, always make sure to read the reviews before purchasing, as some dog owners have had negative experiences with certain brands or models.
And, of course, always consult with a professional trainer if you have any questions about using a shock collar on your German shepherd.
FAQs
1. Will a shock collar hurt my dog?
The shock from a modern shock collar is not harmful to your dog.
If you’re worried about long-term physical damage, then the answer is no, the shock from a modern shock collar is not harmful to your dog as it’s more akin to a mild static discharge than anything else.
Of course, this is true of any training tool that relies on negative reinforcement, including harsh words and physical punishment.
The key is to use the shock collar appropriately, monitoring your dog’s response and only delivering shocks when necessary. With proper use, a shock collar can be an effective way to train your dog without causing lasting harm.
2. How do I know what level of shock to use?
It’s always best to start with the lowest level of shock possible and work your way up as necessary. You should only increase the level of shock if your dog is not responding to the lower levels.
3. How do I know if the shock collar is working?
You should see a change in your dog’s behavior after using the shock collar. For example, if you’re using it to stop your dog from barking, you should see a decrease in the amount of barking.
4. My dog seems to be afraid of the shock collar. What can I do?
If your dog is afraid of the shock collar, you may need to desensitize him to it. This means slowly getting your dog used to the sensation of the shock.
You can do this by slowly introducing the collar by putting it on for short periods of time and gradually increasing the amount of time they wear it.
5. How effective is a shock collar?
The effectiveness of the shock collar depends on many factors, including your dog’s personality, the behavior you’re trying to change, and how consistent you are in using the collar.
Some owners find that the shock collar is very effective, while others find it to be less so.
Why Trust Us?
The research team at TrainYourGsd has years of experience with pet products and takes great pride in providing accurate, up-to-date information to help you find the best products for your animals.
In this article, we only recommend products that we believe to be the best for German shepherd owners.
We have thoroughly researched each product and consulted with experts in the field to ensure that our recommendations are based on extensive knowledge and experience.