The American Pitbull Terrier (APBT), known as Pitbulls or Pitties for short, is a loving, happy, and fun breed. They can make brilliant family pets, too. However, like all terriers, they can also be stubborn and challenging to train, which is why many owners turn to electronic collars for their Pitbulls. Pitbull shock collar training is a hot topic, and I explore the advantages and disadvantages of using one. It’s important to remember that this training method is only suitable for some dogs or some circumstances. For those who think it might work for them, I also discovered the best shock collars for Pitbulls and provided an in-depth review to make choosing one simple.
I suggest only using these e-collars once your Pitbull knows basic dog training. For them to fully comprehend what you want from them, they must understand basic commands such as come, sit, stay, and yes or no. Shock collars can worsen their behavior if they don’t understand basic commands. Discussing your concerns and training needs with a professional dog trainer or veterinarian before introducing a training collar is always best.
5 Best E-Collars For Pitbulls
Contents
I have chosen five of the best training collars for Pitbulls based on their functions, such as vibration, tone, and static shock, as well as their performance, reviews, customer support, price, and more. So, let’s look at the best training collars for Pitbulls.
Best Shock Collar Overall: SportDOG 425X Review
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The SportDOG 425X training collar is my number one option for Pitbulls and my top choice for shock collars overall. It offers everything most owners need, with great customer reviews and a reasonable price point. It’s pricier than some options but less than others with similar features. It features 21 levels of static correction, tone, and vibration-only options, so you don’t have to use the shock method.
The 500-yard range offers enough scope for most owners. It is also IP67 waterproof, making it submersible up to 25 feet, which is handy if your Pittie is adventurous and loves water. The rechargeable batteries last between 50 and 70 hours, and they only take up to two hours to fully charge. It fits dogs weighing at least eight pounds and has a sleek and discreet style. This collar also comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 21 levels of static correction, tone & vibration | Not for dogs weighing less than 8 pounds |
| 500-yard range | |
| IP67 waterproof | |
| Quick charging batteries | |
| Sleek & discreet style | |
| It comes with a 1-year guarantee |
Price
Best Shock Collar For Stubborn Pitbulls: Dogtra Boost & Lock 280C Training Collar Review
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The Dogtra training dog collar is an excellent choice for stubborn Pitbulls for a few reasons. It has two shock modes: Nick, which is 1/2 a second shock, and Constant, which delivers a shock of up to 12 seconds. Plus, there are 127 levels for gradual and precise control to suit a wide range of Pitbull needs. It also has a boost button that instantly increases the correction modes when your Pitbull isn’t listening. There is also a lock mode, which prevents accidental boosts.
The approximately 880-yard long-range means you can use this collar almost anywhere. The e-collar is adjustable and lightweight, making it comfortable for fussy pups. It fits small to large dogs with a neck size of 12 inches or more. The collar and remote are IPX9K waterproof, making it a fully waterproof system. The Tom Davis edition comes in a funky color combo that reads “No Bad Dogs,” which is a great slogan for the often misunderstood Pitbull. This training collar is quite pricey. However, considering the precision, long range, shock modes, levels, and boost options, it’s a fantastic option for stubborn Pitbulls needing a stricter option. It comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has 2 shock modes | Quite pricey |
| It features 127 levels of correction | |
| The boost mode gives you extra control | |
| Comfortable & lightweight collar | |
| The remote & collar are waterproof | |
| It has a long 880-yard range |
Price
Best Long-Distance Shock Collar: Bousnic Extra Long Training Collar Review
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If you’re searching for a long-distance shock collar for your Pitbull, look no further than this Bousnic option. Offering a stable connection with your pup up to 1,330 feet, you can feel confident letting your dog off-leash, knowing you still have some control over them. Bousnic is a trusted brand in the dog training collar world. Best of all, it comes at a brilliant price point, too. After reading through the reviews, I found that customers are happy with customer service, too.
The collar features three training modes: standard beep, standard vibration, and static levels 1 to 16. It’s also IPX7 waterproof, suitable for playing in the rain or swimming. The rechargeable, long-life lithium-polymer batteries can last between 15 and 60 days on a two to three-hour charge. Customers feel the vibration mode is more effective than the shock option. So this might not be an option for stubborn Pitbulls.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers a long range of up to 1,330 feet | Some customers found the vibration mode more effective than the shock mode |
| Good customer service | |
| Good price | |
| 3 training modes: beep, vibration & static | |
| It is IPX7 waterproof | |
| It can last up to 60 days |
Price
Best Budget Shock Collar: PatPet P320 Training Collar Review
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The PatPet 320 training collar is the best budget shock collar for Pitbulls I’ve seen. For under $40, it offers most of the features of the others but a shorter working range of 330 yards. So, if it’s for inside the home or small yard, this is a top choice to consider. It offers three training modes: beep, vibration (1 to 8 levels), and static shock (1 to 16 levels). It performs well and has excellent customer reviews.
The strap is made of durable nylon, and its adjustable size means it fits dogs weighing approximately 15 to 100 pounds. It is also reflective and waterproof, which is excellent for walks in low visibility and wet conditions. The prongs have safety silicone caps, and the rechargeable batteries only take two hours to charge. Although the product description states that it can last up to 40 days, some users felt it lasted less than this. It also comes with a one-year warranty.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Costs less than $40 | It only works up to 330 yards |
| There are 3 training modes: beep, vibration & static shock | Some customers found the batteries did not last as long as suggested |
| Made with durable nylon | |
| It is waterproof & reflective | |
| Prongs come with safety silicone caps |
Price
Best Shock Collar With GPS: SpotOn Review
SpotOn GPS Fence is an excellent option for your Pitbull if you’re looking for a shock collar with a wireless fencing system, GPS tracking, and more. This training collar system uses data from 25-30 satellites to help keep your dog safe. To start, walk your boundary or set your map in the app to set up virtual fences. You can then customize SpotOn’s correction methods with sound, vibrations, or static correction with 30 levels.
This GPS shock collar comes with training materials, and you also get one-on-one training sessions with one of SpotOn’s certified dog trainers. The e-collar is IP67 waterproof and works in extreme heat. The fences work without a monthly subscription, but you must pay for SpotOn’s additional coverage service to enjoy the tracking. This premium option comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All-in-one shock, wireless fence & GPS tracking collar | Pricey |
| 30 levels of correction with sound, vibration & static | Have to subscribe to a monthly plan for GPS tracking |
| Easy to set up | |
| It comes with training materials & sessions | |
| IP67 waterproof & works in extreme heat | |
| It comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee & 1-year warranty |
Our Personal Experience With SpotOn
We tried SpotOn’s collar with our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in exchange for an honest review. The collar 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, there is an additional monthly fee. This training collar is worth the investment if you want to contain your dog without wires.
– Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Parent & Creative Marketing For Canine Journal
Price
Monthly Subscription
The optional subscription gives you access to SpotOn’s GPS tracking feature:
- Month to Month: $9.95/month
- 1-Year: $7.95/month (save 20%)
- 2-Years: $5.95/month (save 40%)
Coupon
Use coupon code CANINE to get $50 off your SpotOn purchase via this link.
In-Depth Review Of SpotOn
To learn more about how this training collar system with GPS works, check out our comprehensive SpotOn review, where we share our team’s personal experience with SpotOn.
How Do Shock Collars Work?
Shock collars use operant conditioning to correct your dog’s behavior. This means that when your dog engages in an undesirable behavior, the training collar applies an immediate correction. The goal is to reduce or remove the negative behavior. Pitbull shock collar training and shock collars should be used to deter unwanted behavior, not as a punishment.
Corrections usually take different forms, including tone, vibration, or static shock, and sometimes, you can use a combination of methods. E-collars for Pitbulls are typically used to curb different types of aggression and excessive barking or to keep dogs within a specific area on open property. They are also sometimes used for leash training. Watch this informative video by dog trainer Tom Davis for tips on using e-collars for beginners. In this video, he uses the Dogtra 280C model I chose for stubborn Pitbulls above.
If you’re looking for the best training collar for your Pitbull’s nuisance barking, check out our guide on the best bark collars for dogs. These e-collars deliver immediate correction, which can be more effective than remote-controlled collars.
Are Shock Collars Bad For Dogs?
No, when using an approved shock collar correctly for the appropriate scenario, shock collars can be a useful training tool. Using a shock collar for dog training is controversial, and they are banned in some countries, such as the United Kingdom. It’s a personal decision to use a shock collar. Ultimately, the correction is enough to get your dog’s attention and deter specific behaviors, but it won’t cause any physical harm.
You should not use a shock collar for dogs younger than six months old, so I do not recommend training collars for Pitbull puppies.
4 Things To Know Before Buying A Shock Collar
Here are the main pros and cons of using a shock collar for your Pitbull, which can help you decide if it is the right option for your family.
Pros Of Using A Shock Collar For Your Pitbull
1. Many Offer Intensity Levels
Most high-quality shock collars offer adjustable shock levels and the flexibility of a tone or vibration mode. Having different levels and methods of correction is comforting to people who aren’t sure using shock to correct their Pitbull’s unwanted behavior is the best way. It also means you can start low and build up to the shock level that works for your dog. Remember to look for different shock levels when looking for a training collar for a Pitbull.
2. Shock Collars Can Be More Affordable Than Other Methods
Often, shock collars are more affordable than implementing a fence or hiring a professional dog trainer. Most of the best training collars for Pitbulls range from $40 to $250+, depending on the features. When looking for the best shock collar for your Pitbull, ensure it offers the features you need to get the most out of it.
Cons Of Using A Shock Collar For Your Pitbull
1. Shock Collars Can Cause Fear
Anxious or overly aggressive dogs might not be the right candidate for shock collar training. Fear in dogs can be dangerous, and with shock training, some dogs may learn to fear something, be it people, objects, or situations. There are stories of dogs becoming afraid of going outside after their parents installed a wireless fence. This is why discussing using a shock collar on your Pitbull with your vet or a professional dog trainer is crucial when deciding if it is the right option for your dog.
2. Shock Collars Offer No Positive Reward
Shock collars deter undesirable behavior by offering a shock rather than a reward, such as affection, a toy, or a treat when they do something good. While a shock collar might effectively deter negative behavior, it doesn’t teach them positive behavior. Although shock collars work, a small study found that dogs respond better to positive reinforcement training than aversive methods. In addition to using a shock collar, you should reinforce positive behavior with a reward.
3 Shock Collar Alternatives For Pitbulls
- Citronella Collars. These are similar to shock collars, but they release a blast of unpleasant citronella instead of emitting a shock. Although citronella collars are still an aversive training method that uses discomfort, many consider it more humane than using a shock.
- Positive Reinforcement Training. Unlike shock collars, positive reinforcement training is reward-based and involves giving your pup praise and a treat for exhibiting good behavior.
- Clicker Or Whistle Training. Some owners find using a clicker or whistle more effective and comfortable to use. Many dog trainers use clicker or whistle training to enhance positive reinforcement training.
More Dog Training Tips
All dog training methods take time and patience, especially regarding the best e-collars for Pitbulls. But with our dog training advice guide, you can learn how to bring your pup’s best behavior into the limelight. If you need additional help training your Pittie, we also have a guide on the best online dog training courses, including DIYK9. DIYK9 has an entire course to help you train your pup with an e-collar. Also, be sure to read our tips on finding the right dog trainer and pick a trainer who has experience training Pitbulls.
Have you used any of these options for Pitbull shock collar training? Maybe you’ve had great success with another option you think I should consider adding to this list. Let us know in the comments section below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is a dog mom to two rescue dogs, Bonkers, a Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix, and a Dachshund. During her time as a professional dog walker, she also met many clients who had utilized an e-collar to train their pups. Emma is passionate about helping her readers give their dogs the best life possible and does so with her extensive knowledge and dog-focused research. She works with a professional team at Canine Journal to achieve this goal.