Training a dog can be a rewarding way to bond with your furry friend, even though it can also be incredibly challenging.
Many first-time pet parents gravitate toward smaller breeds. Typically, these dogs require little by the way of exercise and feeding, and they tend to be easier to control than a bigger dog.
One of the primary drawbacks of many small breeds, though, is their innate tendency to bark and yap excessively.
Luckily, this behavior can be corrected if you pack plenty of patience and consider using a bark collar for small dogs, a no-shock training collar, or a multipurpose dog training collar like those we review today.
Choosing a dog collar might not seem like the most demanding of decisions that you’ll face as a dog owner, but you should consider the following pointers to streamline your buying journey:
If you keep these basics in mind, you should have no problem choosing the best dog training collar for small dogs from our curated selection below.
Dive in!
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The 10 Best Dog Training Collars for Small Dogs
1. Our Pick DOG CARE Shock Collar
Features
If you’re looking for a training collar for a smaller dog, DOG CARE is one of the most reputable brands in a crowded market segment. Not only do you get a highly effective and versatile collar, but it also costs much less than you might imagine.
If you act quickly, this collar is steeply discounted for the holiday season, so why not use this as an opportunity to correct negative behaviors in your pooch?
The collar comes equipped with three different methods of correction. If you find that your pup doesn’t respond favorably to the audible beep or the vibrating alert, you could try using static shock correction to dissuade him from barking too much.
If you opt to use the static shock correction on your dog, start at the lowest setting and work your way up through the 99 levels as required. If you don’t feel that static shock correction is humane, we recommend using the humane settings or considering a spray collar.
You can expect a couple of weeks of runtime from the collar and up to six weeks of use from the remote before the batteries need recharging.
With a class-leading 1,000-foot range, this training collar will allow you to train your small dog not to bark when he shouldn’t by using one of multiple methods of correction.
2. Pet Safe Remote Training Collar
Features
Pet Safe is one of the most well-respected brands in the pet space, so what do you get for your money with this training collar?
Well, you’ll first need to choose from a training range of between 100 yards (300 feet) and 900 yards (2,700 feet). This variant offers coverage of areas to 300 yards (900 feet). You must also decide whether you need to train one or two dogs, and whether you want a collar for small, medium, or large breeds.
Once you have your preferences dialed in, you’ll benefit from multiple methods of correction. Through trial and error, you can establish whether your pooch responds most favorably to correction by audible beep, vibrating alert, or static shock correction.
This collar is lightweight enough that it won’t’ burden smaller breeds, and it’s also waterproof and rugged enough to give you plenty of faithful service.
While the collar is designed with the needs of small dogs in mind, you should not use training collars on puppies younger than six months old.
Overall, this might not be the cheapest solution if you want to train a small dog not to bark inappropriately, but it’s right up there with the very best.
3. Bousnic Dog Shock Collar
Features
Bousnic is a brand that produces tech-driven canine kit at a reasonable price point, so how does this training collar for small dogs stand and fall?
Firstly, while many collars are suitable for smaller dogs, this one is designed from the ground-up with the requirements of small breeds in mind.
The most notable benefit for owners of dinky dogs is the lightweight nature of the collar. Even if you spend long periods training your dog or you head out for lengthy walks with your furry friend in tow, the collar won’t burden Rover or make him feel uncomfortable.
If he starts barking excessively, though, you can use the remote control to administer a variety of correction methods. Choose from a beep, a vibration, or static shock depending on the temperament and characteristics of your pooch.
The remote control is also lightweight and easy to use. The silicone covering ensures it won’t slip out of your grasp, even if you’re training Fido when it’s raining. Rated IPX7 waterproof, the set-up is also extremely hardwearing and represents outstanding overall value for money.
This training collar for small dogs is ideal for all mini-canines, as long as they weigh 8 pounds or more.
4. PATPET Dog Shock Collar
Features
PATPET delivers a multipurpose training collar that works well for all dogs in the weight range of 8 to 100 pounds. Most small breeds should find this collar comfortable and unobtrusive, although some toy breeds or teacup dogs may require an alternative training solution.
The range of this collar is impressive, covering areas to 3,000 feet. This allows you to correct aberrant behavior in your dog, whether you’re out in wide open spaces or in the yard at home.
The waterproof nature of the collar lets you train your furball in all winds and weathers, and also means he can dip in the water without destroying the collar.
You can generate a full burst of charge in just two hours, delivering up to two months of use from the remote and one month of runtime from the receiver before you need to charge them up.
While the manufacturer claims that the collar is designed to fit puppies, we do not recommend using any training collar on pups until they reach six months of age.
If you’re looking for an efficient training collar with a choice of different correction methods, does this make the right choice for you and your dog?
5. Petrainer Dog Collar
Features
Petrainer is a highly reputable brand that produces top-notch pet gear that doesn’t break the bank. How does this training collar for small dogs shape up, then?
The first thing to note is that this is a new and upgraded model. If you owned one of the previous generation collars and you prefer to stick with a winning formula, you can still pick up the outgoing model.
You’ll get a choice of three different training methods with this collar. You may wish to alert your dog to negative behaviors like excessive barking by first trying an audible alert. If this fails to stop Rover from barking or howling, try introducing a vibrating alert to reinforce the message.
If you don’t get a positive outcome with either of those methods, you can try using the static shock correction. Most dogs will stop barking inappropriately when they receive a mild static shock to correct them. Regardless of the training method you use, you should always incorporate plenty of positive reinforcement, cuddles, and treats.
For owners of small and stubborn breeds who persist in barking excessively, this training collar offers you many different ways of correcting that behavior. Does it make the right choice for you, though?
6. Bousnic Shock Collar
Features
If you have a dinky dog at home and you’re looking to train him not to bark excessively, why not consider this collar from Bousnic that comes in several delightful pastel colors?
We appreciate that you are not buying a dog collar mainly for the way it looks, but it is not a case of form over function here. While this device looks super-cute, you’ll also find it delivers highly efficient correction. Used as part of a comprehensive training program, you should find the collar helps you to discourage your little dog from menacing the neighbors with excessive barking.
Unlike always-on collars, this training collar gives you the opportunity to work closely with your furball, discouraging him from a variety of poor behaviors like inappropriate, excessive barking.
Not only is this training collar keenly priced, but you can also grab a bargain if you move quickly as it is steeply discounted for the holiday season already underway.
With the option of using a beep, a vibrating alert, or static correction, you have all based covered and you won’t need to break the bank either.
7. Vsezund Dog Training Collar
Features
Vsezund might not the most recognizable brand, but this training collar intended for small dogs and any other breeds weighing up to 120 pounds is well worth popping on your shortlist.
You’ll have no trouble slipping this collar onto your dog, and removing it is just as seamless and stress-free thanks to the secure buckle closure.
Like most of the training collars we highlight today, this model provides you with the choice of an audible or vibrating alert which may be enough to discourage your dog from barking excessively.
If you have several dogs at home, this unit comes equipped with the support for three channels, allowing you to purchase extra collars and train multiple dogs using the same set-up.
You can deliver a full burst of charge within an hour or two and this could return up to two weeks of runtime, depending on how frequently you train your dog.
Ideal for small dogs weighing 8 pounds and upwards, this training device could be the extra weapon you need in your armory when training small or stubborn dogs not to bark around the clock.
Rated IPX7 waterproof, you can use the collar year-round and even by the water with no safety concerns. The only real drawback with this collar is that it is not as long-lasting as some of the alternatives we review above and below. Is it the right choice for your small dog?
8. BUUOC Dog Training Collar
Features
As we near the end of our collection of the best training collars for small dogs, we have a multipurpose and highly effective unit from BUUOC.
The first thing to point out is that the collar is not waterproof as the manufacturer claims. While it may be OK in a light rain shower, we recommend keeping your dog away from water when he’s wearing this collar.
When you’re ready to start training Rover, you’ll find he is not overburdened by this small and compact collar. If he starts barking inappropriately, you can use the remote to administer a series of alerts that should stop him in his tracks. If the beep and the vibrating alert fail to stop this barking, try using the more aggressive static shock correction. Only do so if you are happy with this method of correction.
You can charge the batteries in just two hours, and you’ll get long runtimes from both the collar and the receiver.
Remember: when you’re training your pooch, always give him lots of cuddles and treats rather than purely relying on punitive methods of training.
9. ABBIDOT Dog Training Collar
Features
ABBIDOT has a deep bench of affordable and effective canine equipment, including this versatile and durable training collar ideal for smaller dogs.
As long as your small dog weighs at least 8 pounds and is at least six months old, you should find you can fit this highly adjustable collar snugly. The lightweight nature means it won’t weigh him down, and you can choose from several colorways according to the temperament of your hound.
If you’re looking to train your dog not to bark excessively, you’ll appreciate the vast coverage range of this unit. Train Fido in wide open spaces to distances of 3,000 feet and spend far less than you might think to achieve this.
The keypad of the remote has a security lock to prevent any accidental misfires when you’re out walking.
Like most of the dog collars we review today, you can choose here from a beep, a vibrating alert, or static shock correction depending on which method seems most effective for your pooch.
The only gripe here is that the instructions are written in a font so small you may require a magnifying glass to read them. Once you’re up and running, though, this collar might be the best addition to your training arsenal you make this year.
10. PECOLE Dog Training Collar
Features
To round out our dog training collar reviews, we have another fine example that’s intended for smaller breeds weighing 10 pounds and upwards.
This is a multi-channel unit that can support up to two dogs if you invest in an extra collar. This saves you from buying an extra kit. The one thing worth pointing out is that switching between the channels on the remote requires two-hands and a few seconds, so this is not the most efficient training collar for multiple dogs.
Like the other training collars we review today, you’ll have the option of trying to discourage your dog from barking too much with an audible beep or a vibrating alert. Oftentimes, these methods of correction prove fruitful with smaller dogs. If they prove ineffective, you could introduce static shock correction. This mild static shock in line with the shocks you receive yourself after touching a metal object should put an end to excessive barking once and for all.
As long as you do not have a teacup or toy breed, you should find that most other small dogs will find this collar comfortable to wear. Depending on the temperament of your pup, you should also find it stops him from inappropriate barking.
FAQs
1) How do training collars for dogs work?
Training collars for dogs typically offer you the choice of several different methods of correction. These collars are designed to administer stimulation in response to your dog barking. Where an always-on collar is a great way of training a dog in your absence, dog training collars come with remote controls and allow you to take a hands-on role in training. Most training collars offer you a choice of correction methods. You can start with an audible beep. When the collar detects your dog barking, it will deliver a sharp beep that should distract Fido. If this doesn’t stop him from barking too much, try using a vibrating alert instead. Some dogs still do not respond to this form of correction, leaving you with the option of introducing static shock correction.
2) Is static shock correction considered cruel or inhumane?
There is no universal answer to this question. All that matters is whether or not you feel happy to use this type of shock when training your dog. Many pet owners do not consider this type of collar to be humane. Having said that, these collars have improved dramatically since the crude early examples. Regardless of which type of training collar you use on your dog, you should check his neck regularly to ensure that the collar is not irritating his skin in any way. If you spot any signs of irritation, discontinue use until your dog’s skin has healed. If you think that static shock collars are harmless and humane, feel free to use one when training your dog. If you have any reservations, avoid these collars, and stick to more humane methods of correction like beeps, vibration, and spray.
3) Can I use a training collar on my puppy?
Despite the claims made by manufacturers, you should avoid using a training collar on your puppy until he is six months old. Before this stage, use treats, toys, or clappers when training him.
4) Are dog training collars considered safe?
Yes. As long as you follow the instructions, you should encounter no issues when using a training collar. Never leave a collar like this on your dog for more than twelve hours in a single session. Check frequently for signs of irritation. Use only the methods of correction that you feel are humane. Bear these pointers in mind and you may find that a training collar works where other methods of training have failed.
5) What factors should I consider when choosing a training collar for my small dog?
The most important variable when shopping training collars for small dogs is that the collar is lightweight enough for little pups. You should also consider the breed and temperament of the dog, as well as his age. Beyond this, pay attention to the number of dogs in the home and the type of negative behavior you are looking to correct. Consult our brief buying guide above for more details.
Conclusion
If you arrived here today at GO Boxer Rescue with no idea about how to pick the best training collar for your small dog, today’s guide should have cleared up any confusion.
As you can see from the collars we showcase today, you can opt for more humane methods of correction like audible beeps and vibrating alerts when you’re training your furball not to bark excessively. If you find that these gentler methods of correction fail to discourage your dog from poor behaviors, you may choose to employ static shock correction to reinforce the message.
One thing that is worth repeating: always use lots of encouragement, treats, and cuddles when you’re training your dog in any area. Relying on the stick without introducing the carrot is an ineffective approach to canine training.
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