When you’re training a small dog, choosing the right shock collar can prevent an incredible amount of frustration. Poorly-made shock collars fail to supply the consistency that’s necessary for dog training, and they can even pose a big health risk to your dog if the device malfunctions.
Many people neglect to train their small breed dog, because they don’t think that they pose a risk of doing any damage. However, while dogs like Pitbulls and German Shepherds often take the blame when it comes to dog bites, the tiny Chihuahua is actually the one most likely to bite you.
True, a Chihuahua is not likely to do lasting damage or death, but they can still cause a nasty wound, and it could leave you responsible for the medical bills of the person that your dog has bitten.
Plus, it’s no fun to suddenly find out that you have an aggressive and impossible to live with dog on your hands.
In today’s guide, we are going to be looking at the best shock collar for small dogs that you can invest in. We’ll give you our reviews and top picks, and even some tips on how to train your dog using the collar.
We’ve made our picks based on extensive research and customer surveys. All of the collars in this article were chosen because they are well suited to smaller breeds, including size and options for reduced stimulation that would be acceptable for a smaller breed dog.
Editor’s Pick!
#1 – Educator Mini/Micro
The Educator Mini and Micro Remote Dog Training Collars comes in sizes that are suitable for smaller canine friends.
It also offers a system which allows you to train up to two dogs if you have more than one, which is nice.
However, the best feature of this collar is the sheer number of options available. You’ll be able to key in exactly what level of stimulation you need, making it suitable for use with nearly any dog since it can be so easily customized to fit their tolerance level.
These devices start out with a 1/3 mile range out of, which is plenty for most small dogs, and it will work for any dog that weighs at least 5 pounds. However, you can upgrade to a 3/4 mile range if your property is large and you need greater long range control of your dog.
The shock deterrent for this device is blunter than most collars, making it a good choice for those worried about sending too much stimulation to their dog. It’s adjustable, and it contains stimulation levels from 1 to 100 for maximum control. It also comes with extra contact points so you can customize the fit to your dog’s body too.
The Mini Educator is one of the highest rated e collars on Amazon for a reason, and it’s our top pick when it comes to the best shock collar for small dogs. It’s a solid investment, and a good way to keep your dog under control and within a safe distance of you.
Please note that this item has multiple sizes available. The Micro or the Mini will be suitable for smaller dogs depending on their weight. Make sure you double check sizing before you purchase.
Features:
- 1 or 2 dog systems available
- Small receiver for dogs 5 pounds and larger
- Configuration allows for more options
- Li-ion rechargeable batteries
- Charges fully in just 2 hours
Pros
- Tons of options
- Adjustable stimulation levels
- High-quality and effective
- Waterproof
- Fits dogs as small as 5 pounds
Cons
- Small receiver
- Limited range compared to other collars on the market
SportDOG YardTrainer
SportDOG is a well-recognized and highly-sought brand among dog training collars. The SportDOG Brand YardTrainer collars are designed for small dogs, offering a range of 100-300 yards.
This collar has momentary and continuous static stimulation options so you’ll like better to emit the deterrent quickly to remind him of your rules or continuously until he corrects the behavior; whichever works best for your pup.
It’s also waterproof and that we don’t just mean for slobber and rain – you can submerge this collar in water up to 25 feet which means your pup can swim to his heart’s content if he loves the water.
It has Li-ion batteries that will charge fully in 2 hours and every charge lasts 50 to 70 hours, offering you fantastic battery life for longer trips. It has a low battery indicator on both receiver and transmitter, too, so you won’t need to wonder when to change the batteries. Oh, and it also has removable batteries, so you can bring some extras with you if you need them!
This device is also pretty affordable, and it’s a great collar to have as long as your dog weighs at least 8 pounds. If they’re under this amount, then the Educator Micro is likely your best bet.
Features:
- 8 levels of static stimulation in low or medium ranges
- Receiver fits dogs 8 pounds and larger
- The collar fits neck sizes from 5 to 22 inches
- Choose to train with vibration (buzz), tone (beep)
- Fits dogs of 8 pounds or larger
- Low battery light indicator
Pros
- High-quality SportDog brand collar
- Adjustable stimulus
- Excellent design
- Waterproof
- Good for 8 pounds or larger
Cons
- Not good for dogs under 8 pounds
- Rather limited range compared to other collars
PetSafe Remote Training collar
The Pet Safe collar is very lightweight, making it a decent choice if you don’t want a larger collar weighing down your dog. They also have a collar with a “spray” function, if you’d prefer something which does not shock your dog at all.
Instead, the spray version releases a short burst of scent which dogs dislike at the push of a button. Be warned however, that the effectiveness of these spray options will heavily depend on the dog, and your pooch could choose to ignore it entirely.
While PetSafe does have an interesting option, it’s not the most affordable for the options offered, and we’d honestly recommend the Yard Trainer or the Mini Educator over this one based on what you get for the price.
However, it is waterproof, lightweight, and durable. It is however a bit on the large side, and neither of their collars will fit a dog that is under 8 pounds, which is kind of a bummer, as the spray collar might be a good option for very small dogs where other collars would not work.
The shock collar version has 3 modes: Vibration, Static simulation, and Tone. It also has a gentler stimulation than some other collars, which might make it a good choice for sensitive dogs that need a little push for training, but might be scared off by other more serious collars.
Features:
- 300 yard training range
- Uses 3 different types of correction stimulation
- Charges within 2 hours
- Made of premium coated nylon
- U.S.-Based customer care
- Alternative “spray” collar trainer available
- Fits dogs 8 pounds and up with neck sizes 6-23 inches
Pros
- Shock and spray collar choices available
- Collar receiver is lightweight
- Premium collar strap
- Waterproof
- Good for dogs pounds or larger
Cons
- Not good for dogs under 8 pounds
- Limited options for the price
- Range is limited compared to other collars
Dogtra IQ Plus
Dogtra makes a lot of high-quality collars, and we’ve highlighted them in other shock collar articles before. However, this one is a collar model made specifically with the smaller canine friend in mind.
Dogtra IQ Plus+ Remote Training Collar is formed with plastic and simply adjustable to suit many sized dogs, although the neck size won’t accommodate huge dogs. Like our other top picks, Dogtra’s collar features a good signal range and adjustable levels of low-to-medium stimulation output.
This device is one of Dogtra’s most well-liked e-collars, and with all of the top-of-the-line features it’s easy to see why it’s the star of their lineup. The Dogtra IQ Plus+ Remote Training Collar has a number of great features. I
It’s specially designed for pet, K9, and sport dog training where high output stimulation is critical. It packs the punch to coach even the foremost aggressive small dog. Plus, with the 400 Yard range and waterproofing features, you’ll be able to keep up with your training at the park, in your backyard, or even on your camping trip, keeping your dog safe from harm, but still allowing them to move freely.
The device is ideal for professional trainers and new dog owners looking to coach their dogs on their own. Not only does it help your dog understand obedience, but it also helps you understand the behavior of your dog better. In simple terms, the device offers exceptional value for the price.
Features:
- Perfect for dogs from 10 pounds and up
- Fit dogs with neck sizes between 6 – 24 inches
- Fully waterproof collar and receiver
- 100 levels of stimulation ranging from low to medium
- Expandable to two dogs with additional collar
- Pager Vibration allows you to send a non-stimulating vibration
Pros
- Good 400-yard range
- Rheostat/Volume Dial with Stimulation Levels 0-100
- Vibration setting
- 2-hour rapid charge batteries
- Waterproof
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t adequately fit dogs under 10 pounds
- Not ideal for huge dogs (fits up to 24″ neck)
- No tone setting
- Only expandable up to 2 dogs
Garmin Delta Sport XC
For many pet parents, small dog training is desired to keep them from barking. If you live in close proximity to neighbors, things can get hairy quickly if you can’t keep them from barking up a storm. Fortunately, the Garmin Delta has a built in bark collar!
So, if reducing unwanted barking is your main concern, then you may want to check this one out. However, this collar also offers a longer range, and it’s a dead simple to use product, making training a breeze.
It’s full of all the high end features one would wish for in a collar, without any of the complications. It allows for a generous 3/4 mile range as well, making it great for the home, the yard, the park, and even trips. This collar also has a very attractive battery life at 80 hours per charge!
This collar is rated for dogs in the range of 10 to 100 pounds, and it’s not advisable to use it on very small or fragile dogs. The shock stimulation will be too much for them, so be mindful.
Features:
- Includes long and short replaceable contact points
- Improved stimulation levels
- Gives 3/4 mile range capability
- Multi-dog compatibility
- 5 training configurations for different behavioral issues
- Built-in Bark Limiter
Pros
- Good ¾ miles range
- LCD and built-in Bark Limiter
- 36 levels of momentary stimulation
- Tone and vibration
Cons
- Not ideal for dogs with large necks
- Only fits dogs 10 pounds or larger
- Only expandable up to 3 dogs
What to Know Before Buying a Shock Collar For a Small Dog
There are many types of training collars in the market these days. Every manufacturer has its own line of best training collars to offer to the dog owners and professional trainers. Here we are telling you the best Features to consider before buying a training Collar.
Sizing:
Before purchasing a shock collar for your dog, it’s important to make note of the sizing. Even the best shock collar for small dogs is a bad collar if it’s the wrong fit for your dog.
Check measurements and recommended weights carefully. Make sure that the collar will fit properly for their safety, and that the stimulation will not be too extreme. The stimulation required for a Pitbull is much different than what’s required for a Jack Russell!
Stimulation Options:
Sometimes the shock function is not needed at all. Many dogs will quickly learn to respond to tone or vibration instead, so make sure that your collar offers these options. If they get away from you, a quick beep will bring them back, and your dog won’t be afraid of you or the collar.
Remote Range:
How much range do you need? If your primary concern is to control actions in the house, then a short range may be acceptable. However, if you need to make sure that your dog does not run off into the woods, a larger range will be to your advantage. Small dogs are quick, and a runner can be out of range before you can react, so keep that in mind.
Price:
While you don’t need to spend a small fortune on a collar, just remember that you get what you pay for. If the price of your chosen collar seems too good to be true, check the options carefully against another collar. It’s likely that the manufacturer has skimped on key features. Be sure that you can live without them.
