When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Here’s how it works.
Owners of large dogs with thick and long fur have a hard time finding a shock collar that’s effective. Why? All that extra hair. Also commonly called e-collars or remote training collars, shock collars are only effective when the contact points (prongs) can reach through the fur to make contact with a dog’s skin to deliver the appropriate correction stimulation, whether that be by vibration only or static shock. Many training e-collars don’t offer the features you need if your pup is super furry, but rest assured, I’ve found some of your best options.
When Can I Start Using A Shock Training Collar?
Contents
Most experts recommend waiting to use a shock collar until a dog is at least six months old. It’s crucial to ensure that your pup has a solid grasp of basic commands. If they haven’t mastered these basics, using a shock collar could actually lead to more behavioral issues. It’s always a good idea to talk to a veterinarian or professional dog trainer about your concerns and training goals before starting with a training collar.
You may also want to consider using an online training course along with an e-collar. DIYK9 has a fantastic course taught by a certified police dog trainer. “Unleashed! 5 Steps To E-Collar Mastery” is all about positive reinforcement training and not fear-based training — a big concern about shock collar use.
Factors To Consider
When shopping for a shock collar for dogs with long hair and thick coats, you’ll need to consider several features to find the best fit for your extra furry friend. Here’s what I recommend.
- Contact point (prong) length: E-collars that come with longer shock collar prongs for long hair are essential for dogs with long, thick fur or a double coat, as these contact points can more effectively access the dog’s skin.
- Collar size & durability: Obviously, large dogs need longer collar sizes. Also, if your pup is a leash puller or tends to chew their collar, you’ll need to look for shock collars that fit those needs.
- Correction types: Most e-collars have multiple correction types that you can adjust for your pup’s needs. These include beep, vibration, and static shock options. Collars vary widely in the levels you can reach with each correction type.
- Collar sensitivity: Some larger and more stubborn dogs may need a higher level of intensity for vibration and static corrections.
- Price: For owners on a budget, collar price is a big factor. However, the same holds true for most products — the cheaper they are, the less reliable and durable. I researched dozens of bestselling cheap shock collars (those under $50), and many customers say they’re not worth it. That’s why I don’t include these in my top choices.
Best Shock Collars For Large Dogs With Thick Fur
I’ve extensively researched shock collars for all types of dogs and chose my top picks based on quality and performance, prong and collar size, correction modes and levels, pricing, customer feedback, and more.
Best Value: Pet Resolve PTS-1200 Training Collar Review
The Pet Resolve Training Collar is an excellent value for the range and features it provides. It comes with three sets of prongs — the largest are nearly an inch long — and has a 3/4 mile range, LED night mode (with different colors for each dog), anti-bark mode, removable prongs, sturdy collar, low battery indicator, and other cool features.
This e-collar has beep, vibration (10 levels), and 10 levels of momentary or continuous shock modes. The transmitter and receiver are waterproof. The collar is made from thermoplastic polyurethane, which can be cut to size, and has a sturdy metal buckle. A vast majority of customers rave about this training system and say it’s reliable and of high quality.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fantastic value | Has fewer levels of correction than some other collars |
| 3 sets of contact points included (largest are 4/5″) | A few complaints that the remote stops working after several months of continuous use |
| Collar length up to 27-1/2″ | |
| Up to 3/4 mile range | |
| Battery life up to 3 days | |
| Expandable to 3 dogs | |
| 1-year warranty | |
| Users report superb customer service |
Price
Best Premium: Garmin Sport PRO Bundle Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
Garmin is a highly trusted brand among dog trainers, owners of working dogs, and other experts, and this Sport Pro training collar is one of its bestsellers for all types of dogs. It has four training buttons for continuous and momentary stimulation, vibration, and tone, and setting the intensity level is a breeze.
One cool feature is its BarkLimiter with adjustables levels to curb unwanted barking. The remote and collar are both waterproof, and the receiver also has LED beacon lights that are visible up to 100 yards away in low light conditions. If you can afford this higher-priced system, it’s worth it for the reliablity, superior quality, and long-lasting product life.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Superb performance | On the pricey side |
| Comes with long 3/4″ contact points | Has fewer levels of correction (10) than some other collars |
| Collar length up to 27″ | A few complaints that the audible tone isn’t loud enough |
| Up to 3/4 mile range | |
| Battery life up to 60 hours | |
| Expandable to 3 dogs | |
| 1-year warranty |
Price
Best For Extra Large & Giant Breeds: Dogtra 1900S Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
Like Garmin, Dogtra is a company that has a long track record of producing top-notch, high-performing training collars. The Dogtra 1900S is no exception and a fantastic choice for big dogs with heavy coats. It has higher intensity correction levels than the Garmin Sport Pro (and other collars I review here), which can be useful for very large and/or stubborn dogs. Plus, you can enhance this collar with one-inch prongs or Titanium Flexi Fin contact points (much purchase separately). The collar is longer and wider than many others and has a heavy-duty metal buckle.
This system comes with low-to-high nick (quick 1/2 second), constant (up to 12 seconds), and vibration corrections (no tone mode) and is IPX9K certified waterproof. It also comes with a handy belt clip for the remote. Check out the Dogtra 1900X model that includes all the features of the 1900S plus higher output correction, a tone mode, and LED receiver light.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful collar for big, stubborn dogs | On the pricey side |
| Collar length up to 28″ and 1″ width | Doesn’t have audible tone correction mode or LED receiver light |
| Range up to 3/4 mile | Only comes with 5/8″ contact points (but can purchase 3/4″ and 1″ prongs separately) |
| Features 127 correction levels (vibration and static shock) | A few complaints that it stopped working after several months |
| Battery life up to 3 days | |
| Expandable to 2 dogs | |
| 1-year warranty |
Price
What About SpotOn GPS Fence, Mini-Educator & INVIROX Collars?
These best-selling shock collars didn’t make my top picks, but they’re certainly worth consideration, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a virtual fencing solution. After all, every pup owner has different needs.
INVIROX 2025 Edition Shock Collar For Large Dog Review
Looking for a reliable shock collar for long-haired dogs or those with double coats that won’t break the bank? The INVIROX 2025 edition shock collar could be your best solution. This budget-friendly collar comes with two sets of contact points suitable for short- and long-haired pups.
It features 123 training levels, beep (1-8), vibration (1-16), and static shock mode (1-99). The remote transmitter has a handy wrist strap and security keypad lock to prevent accidental corrections. The collar is IP67 waterproof, and the remote is IP65 waterproof.
If you find that this collar isn’t enough, INVIROX carries an Ultra K9 model that can accommodate dogs up to 150 lbs. It has stronger intensity and a 3/4-mile range.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable price | Only suitable for dogs up to 110 lbs |
| Comes with 5/8″ and 3/4″ contact points | Some complaints that the shock feature stops working after a few months |
| Collar length up to 27″ | Some reports of a glitchy shock button |
| Range up to 3,350 feet (just over 1/2 mile) | |
| Features 123 training levels (beep, vibration, and static shock) | |
| Battery life up to 15 days | |
| Available in a 2-dog system | |
| 1-year warranty |
Price
Mini-Educator ET-300 Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
Don’t let the name “Mini” deter you from considering this training collar. The Mini-Educator is a best-selling shock collar that works well for most large dogs with thick fur. It comes with 3/4″ contact points and features “lock and set” stimulation levels from 1 to 100 and a boost level from 1 to 60 to tailor the level to your dog’s behavior. You can also opt for tone or vibration-only correction. The waterproof, lightweight collar features a nighttime tracking light to improve visibility. For enhanced contact, you can purchase the Educator CPAD-011 Winged Receiver Comfort Pad.
This collar system is only called the “Mini” because of the smaller size remote transmitter, which is ergonomically designed, easy to use, and can even float in water. Both the transmitter and collar have low battery indicators, and they only take two hours to recharge. However, I did see several customer reviews that said the collars stop charging after a few months of use.
If the Mini-Educator isn’t quite enough for your needs, I encourage you to check out the Educator ET-400, which has a 3/4-mile range (versus 1/2 mile), or The Boss ET-800, which is designed for larger and more stubborn dogs. The Boss has a wider collar width, a one-mile range, and higher intensity correction.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with 5/8″ and 3/4″ contact points | On the pricey side |
| Collar length up to 30″ | Several complaints that the collar stops charging after several months of use |
| Range up to 1/2 mile | Some reports about difficult-to-reach customer support |
| Vibration- and tone-only modes and 100 levels of static stimulation | |
| Battery life up to 60 hours | |
| Expandable to 2 dogs | |
| 2-year warranty | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
SpotOn GPS Fence Review
SpotOn GPS Fence is a terrific option if you want a wireless fencing system, GPS tracking, and more. While it’s not a standard training collar like the rest of those in my reviews here, SpotOn allows you to create unlimited overlapping fences to keep your pup contained in your set boundaries. It uses multiple levels of tone, vibration, and static shock modes to help correct your pup to stay in your yard. However, it’s not the best solution to use for everyday training needs.
While a subscription isn’t mandatory, the system is limited without a plan. While the fences work without a subscription, you’ll need one to receive alerts that your dog has left your yard and to track his whereabouts in real time on your smartphone.
Our Personal Experience With SpotOn GPS Fence
We had the opportunity to try SpotOn’s collar with our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in exchange for an honest review. The collar itself was easy to set up, attach the contact points, and adjust the size. After activating the collar and creating an account, you can walk with your dog on a leash to create your virtual fence in real-time. I was impressed at how detailed the fence line was and how accurate the invisible fence lines were.
When getting close to the “edge,” it makes a loud beep. As you get closer to the boundary, there is a two-tone alert. And if you cross the boundary, the collar vibrates. There’s no subscription required for the fence feedback, but if you want GSP tracking that is an additional monthly fee. If you’re looking for a way to contain your dog without a need for wires, this training collar is worth the investment.
– Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog parent, Marketing & Creative Content For Canine Journal
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with 2 sizes of contact prongs – users say the larger size is roughly 1” | Expensive |
| Can create unlimited, overlapping wireless fences over no maximum size | Largest collar size is 26″ |
| Easy to set up | Requires a minimum of 1/2 acre |
| Real-time alerts and accurate GPS tracking | Must pay a monthly fee for tracking feature to work |
| IP-67 waterproof rating | |
| Battery life is 14-25 hours, depending on the mode you’re using | |
| 1-year limited warranty | |
| 90-day money-back guarantee | |
| 10% discount on multi-collar purchases |
Price
Monthly Subscription
The optional subscription gives you access to SpotOn’s GPS tracking feature.
- Month to Month: $9.95/month
- 1-Year: $8.49/month (save 15%)
- 2-Years: $7.49/month (save 25%)
Coupon
Use coupon code CANINE to get $50 off your SpotOn purchase via this link.
In Depth Review of SpotOn GPS Fence
Read our comprehensive SpotOn GPS Fence review to learn more about this wireless containment system.
How Do Shock Collars Work?
Shock collars, which are also known as remote dog training collars or e-collars, consist of a few key parts: a handheld transmitter, a collar receiver, and collar probes. You can adjust the transmitter to select the type of stimulus—whether it’s a tone, vibration, or static stimulation—and the intensity level. Once set, the transmitter sends a radio signal to the receiver on your dog’s collar, which then delivers the chosen stimulus through stainless steel probes that make contact with your dog’s neck.
The contact points should be in direct contact with your dog’s skin, not just their fur, so it’s crucial to have a collar receiver that fits snugly. It’s best to place the collar on the upper third of the neck instead of lower down near the chest. Be sure to brush your dog to clear away any loose hair around the neck area.
For dogs with long or double coats, you might need to thin out the fur a bit to ensure the probes can connect well with the skin. There’s no need to shave the area; using thinning shears is a great option. If the probes can’t make proper contact, your dog won’t receive consistent correction stimulation, which can hinder the effectiveness of training.
Check out his video tutorial by Julie’s K9 Academy that takes you through the steps of how to effectively put an e-collar on with a long-haired dog. The brand she’s using in the tutorial is the Educator, which I reviewed above.
7 Tips To Avoid Potential Shock Collar Irritation
Experts recommend taking the following precautions when using a shock collar:
- Read your product’s instructions carefully before use to ensure the proper fit
- Don’t leave the e-collar on for an extended length of time (no longer than 8-10 hours)
- Reposition the collar on your dog’s neck every one to two hours
- After swimming or wet weather, remove the collar and allow the neck and collar to dry before putting it back on
- Clean the contact points regularly
- If you notice skin irritation, leave the collar off to allow air to get to the neck area
- Contact your vet if the skin is showing any signs of infection
Are Shock Collars Cruel?
Many pet owners are put off by the concept of shock collar training. However, most modern shock collars are made to provide low to medium-intensity options, allowing you to select the intensity level that suits your dog best. The static stimulation can feel like a gentle tingle or a more noticeable jolt, similar to the static electricity you might experience from your bedsheets, but the shock is not harmful to your furry friend. Still, many owners prefer to only use the tone and vibration settings on these collars, and many find those correction modes successful.
The Humane Society warns against the misuse of shock collars. They can create fear, anxiety, and aggression in your dog and can worsen their undesirable behavior. Never use shock as a form of punishment. If you’re wondering whether you should use the shock feature with these collars, check out our in-depth article on shock collars to see the pros and cons.
Need Other Dog Collars?
The market for various dog collars is massive. Beyond shock collars for training, I encourage you to see our reviews of other dog collars you may need, including the best GPS dog collars, bark collars, smart collars, light-up collars, and more. Some of our top picks satisfy multiple collar uses.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Over the last 10 years, Sally has researched hundreds of different dog collars (standard, training, smart, GPS, shock, etc.) as well as activity monitoring devices. She’s part of a team of dog specialists at Canine Journal who have over a decade of experience researching, testing, and writing about the best and safest products for our furry friends. She’s a mom to one rescue dog, Tiny, and 3 rescue kitties, Bammy, Lola, and Monk.