Dogs seek to understand people and their environment to know that they are safe which is why training your dog is so valuable. A training collar can help you to deter unwanted behaviors—pulling, ignoring commands, and exploring outside of the space you've designated—by allowing you to redirect their attention towards you.
The core of all really good dog training is having a beautiful bond with your dog," Alison Buehler, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) for Brooklyn-based dog trainers Dharma Dog NYC, told The Spruce Pets. "Equipment that gently deters pulling is helpful but no one should rely on equipment for behavior, it’s our responsibility to teach them how to walk on a leash."
In addition to expert guidance, we consulted with our wide pool of volunteer testers who have provided testing data and feedback on more than 700 pet products. After speaking with this diverse group of dog parents about how they trained or are training their dog to walk on a leash, we curated a selection of recommendations backed by years of experiential data with dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds.
A previous version of this article included recommendations for collars with shock stimulation settings. After consultation with experts and guidance from organizations like the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, we no longer recommend collars that use shocks or other forms of stimulation that depend upon negative reinforcement or positive punishment to teach a dog. For more on this decision, check out the "Why We No Longer Recommend 'Shock' Collars" section, found beneath our product recommendations.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Dexil NERVOUS Collar at Amazon $20
Jump to Review
Best for Pulling:
PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar at Chewy $17
Jump to Review
Best for Hearing Loss:
WOLFWILL Humane No-Shock Training Collar at Amazon $70
Jump to Review
Best for Sighthounds:
PetSafe Martingale Collar at Chewy $8
Jump to Review
What We Like
Clearly communicates your dog's needs
Available in a variety of sizes and for various needs
Coordinating leash available
Machine washable
Quick-dry neoprene padded backing
PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar
- What We Like
- Choke-free method
- Comes in several sizes and collars
- Affordable