Most electric dog collar brands break up their models into three categories: low power, low to medium power, and low to high power. Dogs, like people, have different levels of sensitivity and temperament. Low-power dog training collars are more gentle and recommended for softer dogs. Low to high power e collars are recommended for harder, high-drive dogs like police or hunting dogs. Most dogs fall into the low to medium power category.

Evaluating your dog's level of sensitivity to physical sensations can help you determine which type of remote dog training collar is most suitable. Instead of labeling your dog as "stubborn", and purchasing a low to high-output shock collar, recognize that the problem may result from inadequate training.

When your dog is in a high-excitement situation, observe how he responds to physical sensations. For example, does he plow ahead in pursuit of a rabbit or stop short near thorny bushes? Is he willing to plunge head-first into freezing cold water for a tennis ball or does he pause? This will give you an idea of whether a low-to-medium or low-to-high power shock collar would be suitable for your dog. Buying an overly powerful shock collar is unnecessary if your dog is more on the sensitive side.

The power (output) of the remote dog training collar comes from the receiver collar. The higher the output, the bigger the receiver collar becomes. This filter will show you remote dog training collars that are appropriate for your dog’s size. You want to avoid receiver collars that are too large and heavy for your dog to wear comfortably.

The standard transmit range for dog training collars is about ½ mile, but they start at 100 yards and go several miles. When selecting the proper range for you and your dog, keep in mind that remote dog training collars work with a radio signal, much like a walkie-talkie. As such, the range will be affected by various factors, such as terrain and weather. If a manufacturer states “1/2 mile range” for a specific model, then you will get the full stated range if you can clearly see your dog on a clear day.

Factors such as rain, snow, structures, and heavily dense woods and hills can cut the transmit range down considerably. So, when selecting the best dog training collar, it’s better to have more range and not need it than less range and in need of more.

Most modern shock collars are expandable. This means that you can purchase a 1-dog system and add other dogs to your remote later with the purchase of additional receiver collars. If you plan on adding dogs in the future, you’ll want to select an expandable electric dog collar.

Continuous stimulation is one of the most common features of most dog training collar systems. It basically allows you to maintain control of the correction period for up to 10 seconds for as long as you hold down the stimulation button. Holding this button down for more than 8 to 10 seconds (depending on the model) will activate an automatic safety shutoff feature, which stops the shock collar from delivering further stimulation until the button is released and pressed again. Continuous stimulation is ideal for training new commands.

This stimulation mode provides the dog with a predetermined duration of static correction. The sensation lasts only a fraction of a second, even if you hold down the button on the remote for an extended period of time. This setting is often used with dogs who have had proper training and are familiar with previously taught commands. It provides a way to grab their attention without being too excessive.

Many modern-day remote dog training collars feature a vibration function. Using vibration first and reinforcing it with static correction can ultimately lead to weaning off static corrections and relying solely on the vibration mode to deliver commands.

Similar to vibration, tone allows you to train your dog to respond to commands through auditory tone signals. In early training, the tone signal can be given as a warning before the static shock is applied. If you are hunting in an environment where silence is essential, this might not be the preferred method and a vibration setting may be more suitable.

The Jump feature on an e collar gives you the ability to set two levels of intensity on your remote. When needed, you can easily transition to the higher setting with a single button press. For example, if your dog normally works at level 5, but doesn't always respond, the jump button can deliver a correction of a higher level over a few seconds.

This mode offers an alternative to the jump feature by letting you stay at your normal lower setting on the e collar. If your dog isn't responding to this, press the Jump & Rise button for a few seconds and the intensity of stimulation will rise until the dog responds. Release the Jump & Rise button and it will jump back to its original level.

Upland hunters often utilize beeper collars when running their dogs in tall covering grass, where it can be difficult to make out their location. To locate the dog, they can press the Beeper Locate collar button, which will emit a loud auditory signal that can be heard up to 500 yards.

Run & Point mode on a beeper collar provides a convenient way for you to track your dog while they are out of sight. Run & Point mode emits a steady, slow beep every 5-10 seconds when the dog is in motion. If it stops and enters a pointing position, the beeper horn will speed up, signaling to you that your pup is on point. This allows you to easily locate them without having to see them directly.

The Point Only mode functions the same as the Run & Point mode but without emitting a beep while the dog is in motion. When your dog stops and is on point, the beeper on the dog’s collar will play an audible beep once every second so you can locate the dog.