Training a large breed with proper behavior and socialization expectations can often be a big challenge. German Shepherds are an excellent working and guard dog breed, but there can be some obstacles when it comes to training. You may have a pup with a stubborn streak, an aggressive barker, fence aggression, or a pup that needs more than verbal reinforcement.
Whatever the reason, you may have considered electronic training collars or e-collars, often referred to as shock collars, as a training tool. This training method is only right for some dogs or some circumstances, and there are advantages and disadvantages to using an electronic collar. I’ve looked at the best shock collars for German Shepherds and laid out some information about this training tool.
I do not suggest using any of these collars until your dog has been through basic training. They must understand basic commands like come, stop, stay, sit, and yes or no to fully understand what you want from them. Introducing an e-collar before your pup is ready may only complicate things and make the behavior worse. It’s always best to discuss your concerns with your veterinarian as well as a professional dog trainer before taking a step like introducing an electronic collar.
Learn more about the wonderful German Shepherd breed and their training needs in our detailed breed overview.
5 Best Shock Collars For German Shepherds
Contents
Below, I share five of the best shock collars for German Shepherds. My reviews are based on several factors, including performance, price, methods of correction (vibration, tone, static shock), customer support, user reviews, and more.
Best Shock Collar Overall: SportDOG 425X Review
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The SportDOG 425X is my top pick for German Shepherds but also our top pick for electronic collars in general. One feature that stands out is the 21 levels of static correction, as well as the tone and vibration only options. The SportDOG Field Trainer 425X has a 500-yard range and includes an IP67 waterproof collar. It is submersible to 25 feet, so this is a great option for dogs who spend time in the water and outside in wet weather.
This option comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts 50 to 70 hours and only takes about two hours to charge fully. Additionally, the SportDOG 425X remote trainer has the option to come with one or two collars. This is incredibly helpful if you have more than one dog as often, one dog’s bad behavior will trigger another’s. This collar is very light and works for in-the-field training and close to home, so it is a versatile choice for family dogs and companions. Additionally, the company has other options that extend to a further range if you need a collar to train your German Shepherd for a larger property.
I like this e-collar because of its wide level of adjustability, making it a more positive choice rather than collars that simply deliver a strong shock. This is a great pick for a dog training collar for any breed and can fit dogs that weigh as little as eight pounds. I’ll be honest: this is a pricier option, but it is worth the investment to ensure you are using a high-quality, safe product that is effective.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Waterproof | Some customers prefer a different model |
| 21 levels of adjustability | May not last as long as some others |
| Static, vibrate, and tone | |
| Rechargeable batter | |
| It may not last as long as some others | |
| Great for walking and far distances | |
| Can expand to 3 dogs |
Pricing
Best Premium Shock Collar: Boss Educator ET-802 Review
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I’ll say right off the bat this is a pricey system, but it is well worth the money. The Boss Educator ET-802 is a one-mile distance and comes with plenty of unique features. There are 100 user-selectable levels of static stimulation along with 60 levels of additional boost. The Boss Educator system has three stimulation modes: momentary, continuous, and combo. You can also pick non-stimulating vibrations and a Pavlovian tone. The lock and set safety feature helps prevent accidental overstimulation by letting you set it to a specific level.
Both the transmitter and receiver are waterproof, and the collar features a receiver light. This system is for dogs 20 pounds and larger, so it works very well for the hefty-sized German Shepherd.
The Boss Educator ET-802 is expandable to a two-dog system if you want to add an extra collar. The one-mile radius makes this a tool you can use close to home and in larger areas. If you like to take your bigger dog to an off-leash dog park, for example, this system is very effective in training out undesirable behaviors. It is also perfect if you spend a lot of time outdoors hiking and camping. The extended distance allows for much more exploration on various terrains. The collar and remote are submersible up to 500 feet.
The company offers a two-year limited warranty. The Educator ET-8O2 is made in the United States.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 100 levels of static stimulation | Expensive |
| Tone and vibration-only modes | Some customers are not happy with the level of electrical stimulation |
| Comes with a clicker and training manual | Design can be bulky |
| 3 stimulation modes | |
| 1-mile radius | |
| Waterproof | |
| Rechargeable | |
| 2-year warranty |
Pricing
Best Budget Shock Collar: Nikketta Review
If you’re looking for an electronic option but don’t want to break the budget, the Nikketta dog training collar is a great option. This dog training collar has a built-in flashlight to help keep your pup visible in low light. This collar has a beep, vibration, and electric shock function. The unique sound pitch is adjustable, and you can change the frequency to find the one that best attracts your pup’s attention. There are different warning tones you can use to avoid the static shock option.
The remote features a keypad lock, and the system can be expanded to work with two dogs. The Nikketa system features two-way communication between the remote and the collar, making communication efficient and effective. It also has a 4,000-foot remote control range. Two rubber pads are built into the collar to protect your dog’s neck, but it is best not to let your pup wear this for more than 12 hours. The IP67 waterproof material means you can use this outside in wet weather, in the snow, and even in the pool.
I like this one for its adjustable intensity, versatile use, and affordability.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Budget-conscious | Some owners find the beep to be excessively loud |
| Multiple levels of feedback | Buttons can be sensitive |
| Four modes | The larger receiver is bulky |
| Waterproof | |
| 4,000-foot range |
Pricing
Best Shock Collar For Long-Haired German Shepherds: INVIROX Spark K9 Review
![INVIROX [Ultra K9] shock collar](https://www.caninejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/inviorox-shock-collar-jpg.jpg)
This e-collar was designed by veterinarians to address dog training needs. It has an ergonomic remote, which can be worn on both a belt clip and a lanyard. The remote features a keypad lock to prevent accidental stimulation. The system is 100% waterproof and made from IP65 material, so it can be used in any weather conditions. This collar can be used on dogs between 8 and 150 lbs. It has a ¾ mile range, and you can use it close to home as well for shorter distances. The INVIROX collar is made for large, hairy pups, so it’s a top choice for long-haired German Shepherds.
This option features three separate stimulation modes: beep, vibration, and shock. There are 99 intensity levels to choose from for shock mode and 16 for vibration. Along with that, you can choose from 8 different audible beeps. The collar also features a night light mode, helping keep your pup visible at night. The company offers 24/7 customer service as well as a one-year warranty.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Designed by veterinarians | Lower battery life |
| Beep, vibration, and static | Not all dogs have the desired results |
| Multiple response levels | |
| Ergonomic remote | |
| Adjustable and easy to use | |
| Highly audible beeper | |
| 1-year warranty |
Pricing
Best GPS System With Shock Collar: SpotOn Review
If you are looking for an electric collar with a wireless fencing system that includes GPS tracking, the SpotOn GPS fence is an all-in-one option. This system accesses data from 128 satellites, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou, to help you set a specific boundary for your dog. This system includes one-on-one training sessions with a SpotOn-certified trainer. You can use sound, static, or vibration to deter your pooch if they wander too close to a set boundary.
The SpotOn System allows you to create up to 1,500 wireless boundaries for your pup. You can then use GPS and the easy-to-use app to track your pup. This is not a traditional shock collar; rather, it is a wireless fence system with an option to use static as a deterrent to keep dogs within a set boundary map. Many owners find this system super effective without ever having to use the static option.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Create a virtual boundary | Very expensive |
| Easy to walk out your map | Not a substitute for a physical fence |
| Optional static correction | It may not work on all dogs |
| No installation of posts or wires | Not a training collar |
| Uses GPS | |
| IP67 waterproof | |
| 30 levels of correction intensity | |
| 1-year warranty |
Pricing
In-Depth Review Of SpotOn
To learn more about how this wireless fence and collar system works, see our full SpotOn review with personal experience.
How Does A Shock Collar Work?
Shock collars use operant conditioning to correct your dog’s behavior. When a dog engages in a negative behavior, an immediate correction is applied to send a signal that helps reduce that behavior. Today’s electronic collars generally have more than one method of correction. Many include tone, vibration, and static shock.
The practice of using shock collars for dog training started in the 1960s with hunting dogs. Today, the practice is often considered cruel and is often only used when people are working to stop negative and unwanted behaviors in their dogs. Often, this is due to aggression such as fence or food aggression or excessive barking. In some cases, e-collars are used to train dogs to stay within a certain area when they are off-leash or on unsecured property.
What Does A Shock Collar Feel Like?
If you’re wondering what the shock to your pup feels like, consider if you have ever had use of a TENS unit (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation). These do not hurt, but they definitely make your pup take note and stop unwanted behavior.
Shock collars are often viewed as cruel, and they are if they are used as a negative punishment. When used appropriately as a deterrent to negative behavior, and at an appropriate level, they will offer an uncomfortable feeling, which will stop the behavior. Dogs will associate that behavior with this uncomfortable feeling and eventually stop doing it to avoid having that reminder. Eventually, the behavior will stop completely, and the reminders will no longer be necessary.
Boundary training often involves an invisible or wireless fence that triggers a shock collar using GPS location tracking. In some cases, electronic fences have wires that are physically placed underground along property lines. This method helps a dog learn precisely where their physical boundary is.
Are Shock Collars Bad For Dogs?
When used appropriately, electronic collars are not bad for dogs. These teaching collars offer the benefit of working from a distance as well as those that work when an owner is not present, such as an electronic fencing system. Some dogs have persistent behaviors and are resistant to more passive methods of training and intervention. Tackling these problem behaviors head-on before they become a big problem is beneficial to your dog in the long run.
It is important to point out that approved shock collars only administer a safe level of electrical jolt. The shock is enough to send a clear message and get your pup’s attention, but it is not enough to harm them physically. Using a shock collar does not make you a cruel person or a bad pet parent. It also does not mean that you are harming or hurting your dog. In many cases, electronic collars help deter unruly behavior and even strengthen your relationship with your pup once the behavior is under control.
5 Things To Know Before Buying A Shock Collar
Before investing in a shock collar and trying it out on your dog, there are a few things I want to point out. Keep in mind that an electronic collar is not a solution to all bad behavior, nor is it something that is going to work for every dog. Positive reinforcement is still considered the most effective method of training your dog. You must also be careful not to leave your pup unsupervised for long when wearing a shock or electronic collar.
1. Shock Collars Do Not Work Overnight
While using a shock collar may be effective for certain persistent bad behaviors, they are not a fast solution. Some dogs may respond very quickly to intrusive beeps or vibrations, but for other dogs, it may take longer. Additionally, shock collars do not work by themselves, you must be involved in the process.
2. Shock Collars Can Cause Pets Discomfort And Fear
This is not something to take lightly because you do not want to use fear to train your dog. Some dogs may have a very poor reaction, leading to lifelong anxiety issues. We have had stories shared about dogs who have had poor reactions to wireless fences, resulting in fear responses and urinating and defecating in the house. Some owners have even reported their dogs being afraid to go outside after an experience with an e-collar.
3. No Positive Reward
E-collars work differently than positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement offers a reward such as affection, a toy, a cuddle, or a treat when a dog displays good behavior. Shock collars, on the other hand, offer a negative affiliation with behavior and no positive feedback.
4. E-Collars Are Often Adjustable
Most high-quality electronic dog collars offer adjustable levels of intensity. This is extremely helpful as you do not want to start your pup out on the highest level of response regardless of the reinforcement method. This is something to look out for in the different e-collars you may be considering.
5. Affordability
Affordability is a consideration for many pet parents when they choose an e-collar. At face value, these devices seem simple to use and are less insensitive than many in-person options. However, shock collars are not your only choice, as there are plenty of affordable options, including online classes. Many, like the K9 Training Institute, offer free trial classes that address common problem behaviors. To learn more, read our guides on the best online dog training options.
Shock Collar Alternatives
Consider these alternatives if you need more training options and are unsure about a shock collar. If you have an alternative to share, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
Clicker Or Whistle Training
Clicker training can be highly effective in teaching dogs appropriate behavior. The clicker serves as a marker or signal to your dog that they have done something right. For example, I have used clicker training with my dogs, who have fence aggression when walking. My black Labrador was prone to barking at other dogs behind fences.
We started saying leave it when he pulled towards the fence and followed that with a click when he corrected and kept walking; he got a verbal reward or a small treat. The clicking signals to the dog what specific behavior earned the reward. In this case, leaving the fence and walking by rather than pulling towards it and barking was cause for a treat. You can also apply this same method using a whistle rather than a clicker.
Citronella Collar
A citronella collar is an alternative to a shock collar that works in the same fashion. Rather than delivering a shock, vibration, or beep these-collars release a citronella spray that causes discomfort to dogs. The idea is that the spray will deter the bad behavior. While this is still a more intrusive method than positive behavior reinforcement or clicker training, it is far less intrusive than the shock collar.
Training & Positive Reinforcement
It’s widely believed that dogs respond better to positive reinforcement methods than more punitive methods like shock collars. Positive reinforcement offers your dog a reward for good behavior. You will generally have better results if your dog feels rewarded and like they accomplished something after a training session or are deterred from unwanted behaviors. Training takes patience, time, and investment on your part. If you cannot handle the behavior on your own, seek out assistance from a professional trainer.
Try Setting Physical Boundaries
If you are using an electronic or GPS collar for boundary training, which is often done using an electronic fence, you always have the option to try a physical barrier and boundary instead. While it may be a little more work and investment to build a full fence on your property, if your dog is having a tough time with any wireless fence setup, it may be the best option.
If you are working to deter your dog from being in certain places in your yard or home, using gates and doors to physically block access is a tried-and-true method. You can also section off certain areas of your yard. For my aggressive fence barker, this was my method. Rather than have him annoy all the neighbors on all sides, I set a specific area in my yard and created a fenced-off, secure dog-run area for him. This provided him with a safe space, away from the fences and the people and other dogs that were causing him anxiety.
More Dog Training Tips
It’s a big responsibility to train your German Shepherd. You must start at day one with basic commands, socialization, and obedience. You must remember that this is a learning process and takes plenty of time and patience. Learn more about specific behavior issues like barking and bad behavior in our detailed guides.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Danielle is a dog mom with over 30 years of experience. She has a special devotion to rescuing pets and has given many a loving home. Her two dogs, Daisy and Falkor, are by her side most of the day, ready to assist in her research. As a dog-focused writer, she spends her time working to bring dog owners the most accurate and up-to-date canine content. Her goal is to help other pet parents give their pus the absolute best life. Danielle has raised multiple dogs with special medical and behavioral needs and believes every pup deserves a chance at a happy home.