If you are reading this, it means you are looking for the best training collars for hunting dogs, and this is where you should be.
Hunting is one of the dog’s skills that we can say it takes pride in. After all, they are the descendants of wolves and hunting was their way of survival before domestication. While several types of hunting dogs have been bred for different reasons, there are major hunting dog categories. This includes gun dogs, terriers, cur types, hounds, and dachshunds.
What is a hunting dog collar?
Hunting dog collars are essentially any type of collar that is specifically designed for use with hunting dogs. This can include GPS tracking collars, e-collars, or even a simple nylon collars with a leash attachment. The type of collar you choose will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Now, if you have a hunting dog, you know that there is no rewarding experience than hunting with him. While it improves the bond between you two, your canine buddy also feels helpful thus boosting his buoyancy. But this cannot be achieved without proper training.
Table of Contents
Types of hunting dog collars for training:
The different hunting dog collars vary by their features, specifically GPS, electronic stimulation and simple collars described below.
- GPS Tracking Collar: A GPS tracking collar is a great option for hunters who want to be able to track their dogs while they are out in the field. These collars use GPS technology to track the location of your dog, so you can always know where they are. If your dog is still new to the hunting ground and worried that they’ll get lost, go for these GPS tracking collars.
- E-Collar: An e-collar, also known as an electronic stimulation collar, is a training tool that uses electrical impulses to train your dog. These collars are often used in conjunction with other training methods, such as positive reinforcement. E-collars can be a great option for hunters who want to be able to train their dogs from a distance.
- Simple Collar: A simple collar is just that, a simple collar with no bells or whistles. These collars are the most basic type of hunting dog collar and are typically just a nylon strap with a leash attachment. Simple collars are a great option for hunters who do not want to deal with the extra features of other collars.
This is where the best training collars come in handy to maintain the safety of your hunting pooch. With many training collars in the arena, which is the best for your hunting dog? It might be very confusing, I know but here are the top-rated training collars for hunting dogs:
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Amazon.comWhat to Look for in a Hunting Dog Collar
To answer the question “which is the best dog collar for your hunting dog”, you need to know what to look for in a hunting dog collar. And if you are reading this, you are either on your way to buy the best hunting dog or already have.
So, here are five things to consider when purchasing the best collar for your hunting dog:
- Range
This is the first factor to consider and the answer is automatic! Your hunting dog can go to uncontrollable ranges during hunting exercises. This means that a dog shock collar with a low range is barely useful, especially when you consider obstacles that affect the signal.
The best thing is to buy dog collars with long ranges (400+ yards). While they might not go that far, it comes in handy.
- Levels of Stimulation
Levels of stimulation enable you to control how much vibration or shock your hunting dog gets. Other determinants include the temperament, skin, and amount of thickness it has. So, go for dog collars with multiple stimulation levels, including vibration mode, static & electric shock modes.
- Durability
Hunting can take your dog places that are rough. So, check the building materials to see whether it can withstand the outdoor environment without breaking. When it comes to fowl hunting, it means swimming into water bodies at times. Is the dog collar waterproof? It should be to prevent filthy smell after contact with water.
- Extra Features
When it comes to extra features, opt for dog collars that are reflective or maybe camouflage. Why so, you may ask? That’s because they enable you to locate your dog from a distance while hunting to avoid accidental targeting. The camouflage feature comes in handy during fowl hunting to help your dog hide unseen waiting to strike.
If the hunting collars can have your dog’s info engraved, the better.
- Multiple Dog System
It’s no surprise to find people with more than one hunting dog. If you are in that category, check that the dog collar’s transmitter has a multi-dog system that enables you to control your canines simultaneously. Dogtra 1900 series and Garmin brand are a perfect example.
6. Type of training:
First, you need to decide what type of training you want to do. If you just want to train your dog to obey basic commands, an e-collar can be a great option. However, if you want to do more complex training, such as scent training, you may want to consider a GPS tracking collar.
7. Size of the dog:
Next, you need to consider the size of your dog. Make sure you choose a collar that is comfortable for your dog to wear, and that is not too big or too small. The rule of thumb is that the collar should fit snuggly around your dog’s neck without being too tight.
5 Best Training Collars for Hunting Dogs
The market floods with many brands that claim to offer the best training collars for your hunting canine buddy. To save you the hassle, we conduct in-depth research regarding this and came up with the 5 best training collars for hunting dogs.
- SportDOG SportHunter Family Remote Trainer
- Dogtra 1900S Series
- Garmin Sport PRO Collar
- HOLDOG Dog Training Collar
- A+ Trainer Remote Dog Training Collar
Review of the 5 Best Training Collars for Hunting Dogs
In this review, we shall look into the features of these best training collars for hunting dogs, as well their pros and cons.
SportDOG SportHunter Family Remote Trainer
7 used from $165.62
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Our top-best training collar for hunting dogs is from one of the most reliable brands on the dog collars market, SportDOG. The SD SportHunter 825X stands out as the brand’s first long-range electric collar with a range of 880 yards.
Designed with hunters in mind, the SD-825X series comes with three modes of stimulation, including tone, vibration, and static shock (with 21 stimulation levels). It comes with the ability to train 3 dogs simultaneously is a perfect choice for hunters with more than one hunting dog. All you need to do is buy add-a-dog collars separately.
If you are hunting fowls and they drop in the nearest water bodies, you do not have to worry. This dog shock collar from SportDOG is equipped with DryTek waterproof tech and can be submerged 25 feet underwater. Its rechargeable batteries give you a whopping 70 hours of service after 2 hours of quick charge and feature a low battery indicator.
The SD-825X is suitable for hunting dogs weighing 8 lbs. and above with 5-inch to 22-inch neck size. Such outstanding features in a training dog collar tell why it is highly-priced.
Pros:
- User-friendly
- 7 levels of intensity
- Multiple levels of stimulation
- Solid range (880 yards)
- Multiple dogs training
- Water-resistant
Cons:
- High price tag
- Non-reflective collar
- Reported malfunctions
Dogtra 1900S Series
Yet another hunter’s choice and favorite, the Dogtra 1900S series boasts over 20 years’ experience in the dog collars industry. Our runner’s up, this training dog collar for hunting dogs features an intuitive design and offers you a whole 1300 yards range.
This training dog collar comes with three modes, including tone, vibration, and static shock, as well as 127 levels of stimulation which is a wide range for any dog. Do you have a stubborn hunting dog that needs to be controlled? The Dogtra 1900S series is worth the try.
The sleek and classy dog collar includes robust collar straps that are suitable for most dog breeds perfectly. The Dogtra 1900S is the brand’s validation of a dog training tool that trainers can use to instill obedience in their canine friends. It is also perfect for stubborn pooches. Like you would expect, such features have to come with a high price tag.
When it comes to durability, there is no compromise. The Dogtra 1900S electric collar has been designed to withstand harsh conditions. It features IPX9K waterproof tech for reliability even in water, and a remote with an LCD screen display.
Pros:
- User-friendly
- 127 levels of intensity
- Rechargeable battery
- Multiple types of stimulation
- Water-resistant
- LCD display
- Awesome range (1300 yards)
Cons:
- High price tag
- Non-reflective collar
- Supports one dog training
Garmin Sport PRO Collar
1 used from $289.99
Free shipping
Our third-best training collar for hunting dogs and popular among many hunters is the Sport PRO Collar from Garmin. If you want a compact, lightweight dog collar with an ergonomic design and intuitive appearance, look no further!
Unlike others, this training dog collar comes with four training buttons/modes, including tone, vibration, momentary stimulation, and continuous stimulation. The quick turn dial feature allows you to switch between the 10 intensity levels with ease and efficiently. Just like the Dogtra 1900S series, Garmin Sport PRO Collar offers a 1300 yards range.
If you have more than one hunting dog, the Sport PRO allows you to add, train, and control 3 dogs simultaneously. Do you hunt in low-light environments or maybe come home at night? The collar’s beacon lights make your hunting dog visible (100 yards away) in such areas.
The training collar straps are made of nylon coated with polyurethane, comes with a rechargeable battery, and AC adapter. They come with a high price tag some users have reported accidental shocks.
Pros:
- User-friendly
- 10 levels of intensity
- Long-range (1300 yards)
- Multiple types of stimulation
- Rechargeable battery
- Ability to train multiple dogs
- Increased reflectiveness with beacon lights
Cons:
- High price tag
- Reported faulty & accidental shocks
- Lacks USB charger
HOLDOG Dog Training Collar
HOLDOG Dog Training Collar is new in the arena but ranks as our fourth-best training collar for hunting dogs. It features a hands-on and clear-cut wheel design that allows for easy and efficient adjustment of the intensity levels – all at a pocket-friendly price.
Like many training collars for hunting dogs on this review, the HOLDOG Dog Training Collar comes with three effective modes, including beep, vibration, and static shock. It offers up to 100 levels of intensity. With this dog training collar, you can control your dog from 400 yards away. While it is not the best, it works just fine. The collar features a fully waterproof and rechargeable collar with a battery that can last up to 20 days with a 2-3 hours charge.
To help you monitor the battery status, the remote control comes with an LED display and has a standby time of 60 days while the receiver offers 15 days. Does your hunting dog weigh 10 lbs. to 100 lbs.? This dog training collar from HOLDOG is a fantastic choice.
Unfortunately, you can only train one dog and some clients have reported easy breakage.
Pros:
- Pocket- & user-friendly
- 100 levels of intensity
- Rechargeable battery
- Water-resistant
- Multiple types of stimulation
Cons:
- Supports one dog training
- Standard building materials
- Low range (400 yards)
A+ Trainer Remote Dog Training Collar
Our fifth-best training collar for hunting dogs is the A+ Trainer Remote Dog Training Collar. Like the one from HOLDOG, this dog training collar is an alternative for those working on a tight budget but who need high-quality dog collars.
This training dog collar features an intuitive design and a user-friendly remote with an LCD display that shows key info such as the battery levels. You can switch between three stimulation modes, including beep, vibration, and static shock with 8 different levels of intensity. It offers 800 yards range, which I would say it is considerable given its pricing.
If you are a beginner with training collars, you can never go wrong with the A+ Trainer Remote Dog Training Collar. The dog training collar is IPX6 waterproof and features a convenient rechargeable battery that can last up to 20 days after charging for an hour. The receiver lasts 10 days with continuous use.
Unfortunately, it offers a standard battery life which cannot be compared to our top three dog training collars. Some clients have also said it breaks easily.
Pros:
- Pocket-friendly
- 8 levels of intensity
- Water-resistant
- Beginner-friendly
- User-friendly
- 3 stimulation modes
Cons:
- Non-reflective collar
- Supports one dog
- Short battery lifespan
User and Buying Guide of Hunting Dog Training Collars:
Benefits of using hunting dog collars
There are many benefits to using hunting dog collars.
One of the most obvious benefits is that it allows you to keep track of your dog while out in the field. GPS tracking collars will allow you to see exactly where your dog is at all times, so you don’t have to worry about them getting lost.
Another benefit of using a hunting dog collar is that it can help you train your dog. E-collars allow you to deliver electrical impulses to your dog from a distance, which can be helpful in training them to obey commands.
Finally, using a hunting dog collar can help you keep your dog safe. Simple collars with a leash attachment can help you keep your dog close by, so they don’t wander off into dangerous areas.
Drawbacks of using hunting dog collars:
- There are a few drawbacks to using hunting dog collars.
- One of the biggest drawbacks is that they can be expensive. GPS tracking collars and e-collars can cost hundreds of dollars, so they may not be an option for everyone.
- Another drawback of hunting dog collars is that they can be uncomfortable for your dog. If not fitted correctly, collars can rub against your dog’s skin and cause irritation.
- Finally, some people worry that using an e-collar will cause their dog to become scared or anxious. While this is possible, it is typically only the case if the collar is used incorrectly.
How to train your dog with a hunting dog collar
If you want to use a hunting dog collar to train your dog, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Remember hunting dogs have an advanced sense of smell, so they may be distracted by smells while you are training them.
First, you need to make sure that the collar is fitted correctly. The collar should be snug but not too tight, and it should not rub against your dog’s skin. If using a shock collar, you need to make sure that the level of stimulation is set correctly. too much stimulation can cause your dog to become anxious or afraid, while too little will be ineffective.
The type of collar will also impact the success of training your hunting dog. If you just want to train your dog to obey basic commands, an e-collar can be a great option. However, if you want to do more complex training, such as scent training, you may want to consider a GPS tracking collar.
Next, you need to decide what commands you want your dog to learn. Common commands include “come,” “stay,” and “heel.” Once you have decided on the commands, you need to start training your dog.
Begin by having your dog wear the collar around the house for a few days so they can get used to it. Then, start with basic commands such as “sit” or “stay.” As your dog masters these commands, you can move on to more difficult ones. Once you settle on commands, be consistent with the commands and rewards.
Finally, you need to be consistent with your training. Dogs learn best when they are given consistent commands and rewards, so make sure you are consistent with your training method.
You can also read our full guide on how to train a dog.
Wrap-Up
Nothing makes hunting and training easier and fun like a quality dog training collar. And to achieve that, check for features such as range, multi-dog system, and stimulation levels. While choosing the best training collar for hunting dogs can be challenging, selecting top brands, such as Dogtra, SportDOG, and Garmin is preferable.
If you find those three brands too expensive, try A+ Trainer and HOLDOG.
Hopefully, the article was helpful.
Related Guides:
- How to train a dog with shock collar to come
- When can you put a shock collar on a dog?
- Best Shock collars for large dogs
- How to introduce shock collar to a dog
- Most powerful shock collars
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Hi there! My name is Ben Domb, an owner of two pets and I am one of the co-founders of OurPets HQ. I have several years of experience as a pet care professional in the New England region having spent time in various roles including a stint at a veterinary hospital in Upstate New York, Syracuse area. I am a certified pet care professional and mostly spend my time researching pet nutrition and sharing my thoughts in various blogs and columns. With quarantine and COVID restrictions, I have been spending a lot of time a lot with my dogs and cat and loving it! I also run a small consulting business providing advice to parents on pet nutrition, and especially safe homemade options to try. You can reach me at ben@ourpetshq.com
