Training
Dog Training Collars
Training collars are tools, not training. This section explains the modes, the safety considerations and the situations where a device is the wrong answer.
Quick answer
Training collars deliver one or more of three signals — sound, vibration or static stimulation — on a handler's cue or automatically. They can support a training plan built on clear criteria and reinforcement; they cannot create one. Start with tone and vibration, use the lowest effective setting, and get professional help for fear, aggression or separation problems rather than a stronger device.
Understanding the modes
| Mode | What the dog experiences | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | An audible beep | Marker or recall cue after conditioning |
| Vibration | A physical buzz, no electrical stimulation | Attention, recall, deaf-dog cues |
| Static | A brief electrical stimulation at a set level | Boundary and off-leash work, where legal and appropriate |
| Automatic (bark collars) | Feedback triggered by the dog's own vocalisation | Nuisance barking — only after ruling out the cause |
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
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