Training dogs plays an essential role in pet ownership. It fosters a deep connection between the owner and the pet, as well as guaranteeing that the dog acts appropriately and follows orders. There’s a variety of dog training equipment in the market, with the dog trainer being the most commonly used tool.
A dog trainer is a device that emits a sound or a vibration to get the attention of the dog. It is used to train dogs to stop barking excessively, to stop jumping on people, and to obey basic commands. The dog trainer is a humane way of training dogs, and it is often preferred over harsher methods like shock collars.
When purchasing a dog trainer, it is essential to consider the range of the device, the battery life, and the type of sound or vibration it emits. The range of the device is crucial as it determines how far away the owner can be from the dog and still be able to use the device effectively. The battery life is also important as a short battery life can be frustrating when trying to train the dog. The type of sound or vibration is also a critical factor as some dogs may be more responsive to certain sounds or vibrations than others.
We spent numerous hours researching and testing different dog trainers to identify the best ones on the market. Our goal was to find dog trainers that were effective, humane, and easy to use. In the following sections, we will review the top dog trainers that we found and provide a detailed analysis of their features and benefits.
Best Dog Trainers
We understand that training your furry friend can be a challenging task, especially if you’re a first-time dog owner. That’s why we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best dog trainers available on Amazon. These trainers have been carefully selected based on their effectiveness, ease of use, and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re looking to teach your dog basic obedience or need help with more complex behavioral issues, our list has got you covered. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at our top picks for the best dog trainers on Amazon.
1. SportDOG Brand FieldTrainer 425X Remote Trainer
We highly recommend the SportDOG Brand FieldTrainer 425X Remote Trainer for dog owners who are looking for a reliable and efficient training tool.
Pros
- The e-collar can support training up to 3 dogs with the same remote with the purchase of additional collars (SDR-AXS).
- Designed for ease-of-use and no look operation while offering more levels of stimulation which allows for more customized training.
- The rechargeable lithium-ion batteries charge in 2 hours and last 50-70 hours per charge.
Cons
- The collar needs to be cut and feels flimsy.
- The transmitter cannot be programmed.
- The collar needs to be recharged every 2 days.
The SportDOG Brand FieldTrainer 425X Remote Trainer is perfect for in-the-field training or hunting with close working dogs. The remote is quickly and easily operated without having to look at it, which lets you focus on your dog and not your equipment. With only a slight movement of the dial and the push of a button, you will be able to deliver a tone, vibration, or one of the 21 levels of static stimulation.
The 500-yard range is perfect for training your dog in a large open area. The collar is waterproof and submersible to 25 feet using DryTek technology. The upgraded, matte collar strap for Receiver is comfortable for your dog to wear. The remote transmitter button functions can be customized to suit your training needs.
Overall, the SportDOG Brand FieldTrainer 425X Remote Trainer is a great tool for safety, off-leash, recall, control, getting attention, obedience, correcting bad behavior, and ensuring commands are followed. The detailed operating guide and locally based Customer Care Center provide support when you need it.
2. SportDOG Brand YardTrainer Family Remote Trainers – Rechargeable, Waterproof Dog Training Collars with Static, Vibrate, and Tone, 100 Yard Range – Stubborn Dog – YT-100S
If you’re looking for a reliable dog training collar that can handle tough and stubborn dogs, the SportDOG Brand YardTrainer 100S is a great option. With its waterproof and submersible design, rechargeable batteries, and intuitive remote control, this collar is perfect for basic obedience training around the house, yard, or park.
Pros
- The collar is waterproof and submersible up to 25 feet, making it perfect for dogs who love to swim or play in the water.
- The rechargeable lithium-ion batteries last up to 70 hours per charge, so you won’t have to worry about constantly replacing batteries.
- The remote control is easy to use and allows you to choose between tone, vibration, and 8 levels of static stimulation, giving you the flexibility to find the right level of correction for your dog.
Cons
- The collar is designed for dogs that do not respond to lower levels of static stimulation, so it may not be the best option for dogs that are more sensitive to correction.
- The 100-yard range is shorter than what is needed for in-the-field training or hunting, so it may not be the best option for more advanced training.
- The collar is only designed to fit dogs that are 8 pounds or larger with neck sizes 5″ – 22″, so it may not be the best option for smaller dogs.
We’ve been using the SportDOG Brand YardTrainer 100S for a few weeks now and have been impressed with its durability and effectiveness. The collar is easy to put on and take off, and the remote control is intuitive and easy to use. We especially appreciate the different levels of stimulation, which allow us to find the right level of correction for our dog’s temperament.
One thing to keep in mind is that the collar is designed for dogs that do not respond to lower levels of static stimulation, so it may not be the best option for dogs that are more sensitive to correction. Additionally, the 100-yard range is shorter than what is needed for in-the-field training or hunting, so it may not be the best option for more advanced training. However, for basic obedience training around the house, yard, or park, the SportDOG Brand YardTrainer 100S is an excellent choice.
3. SportDOG Brand FieldTrainer 425XS Add-A-Dog Collar
If you’re looking for a reliable and effective dog trainer, the SportDOG Brand FieldTrainer 425XS Add-A-Dog Collar is a great option.
Pros
- The collar is compatible with the SportDOG Brand FieldTrainer 425XS (SD-425XS), 425S (SD-425S).
- The collar is waterproof and submersible up to 25 feet using DryTek technology.
- The rechargeable lithium-ion battery charges quickly and features a low battery indicator.
Cons
- The collar is designed for dogs 8 pounds or larger with neck sizes 5″-22″, so it may not be suitable for smaller dogs.
- The collar receiver is sold separately, so it may be an additional expense if you don’t already have a SportDOG brand system.
- Some users have reported durability issues with the collar, particularly with the collar strap.
We have used the SportDOG Brand FieldTrainer 425XS Add-A-Dog Collar with our energetic German Wire Haired Pointer and have seen positive results in training. The collar is easy to use and the waterproof feature is a big plus, especially when training near water.
The rechargeable battery is convenient and charges quickly, which is helpful for busy dog owners. The collar also offers tone, vibration, and static options for training, so you can choose the best option for your dog’s needs.
One downside is that the collar is designed for larger dogs, so it may not be a good fit for smaller breeds. Additionally, the collar receiver is sold separately, which could be an added expense if you don’t already have a SportDOG brand system.
Overall, the SportDOG Brand FieldTrainer 425XS Add-A-Dog Collar is a reliable and effective option for dog training.
4. PetSafe Collarless Remote Trainer
We highly recommend the PetSafe Collarless Remote Trainer for dog owners who want to correct their pet’s bad behavior.
Pros
- The ultrasonic sound is undetectable to most humans, but it gets your dog’s attention and deters bad behavior.
- The positive tone rewards good behavior and helps train your dog.
- No receiver collar is needed, making it easy to use as a standalone product.
Cons
- The range is limited to 30 feet, so it may not work for larger yards or outdoor areas.
- It may not work for dogs with hearing impairments.
- Some dogs may not respond well to the ultrasonic sound.
We recently used the PetSafe Collarless Remote Trainer to train our dog to stop barking excessively. The ultrasonic sound was effective in getting her attention and stopping her barking, and the positive tone helped reinforce good behavior. We appreciated that no receiver collar was needed, making it easy to use and not uncomfortable for our dog.
However, we did notice that the range was limited to 30 feet, so it may not work for larger outdoor areas. Additionally, some dogs may not respond well to the ultrasonic sound, so it may not work for every pet. Overall, we found the PetSafe Collarless Remote Trainer to be an effective and easy-to-use tool for correcting bad behavior in dogs.
If you’re looking for a humane and effective way to train your dog, we recommend giving the PetSafe Collarless Remote Trainer a try.
5. PetSafe 900 Yard Remote Training Collar
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable remote dog trainer with an impressive 900-yard range, the PetSafe 900 Yard Remote Training Collar is a great option.
Pros
- The 900-yard range is perfect for dogs who love to explore the outdoors and go on long walks.
- The remote is easy to use, with intuitive buttons and a backlit display for easy reading in any lighting conditions.
- The collar is waterproof and durable, making it perfect for dogs who love to swim and play in the water.
Cons
- The collar is only suitable for dogs weighing 8 pounds or more, and with neck sizes between 6-23 inches.
- The collar may be too bulky for smaller dogs, and some dogs may find it uncomfortable to wear.
- The price is on the higher side for a remote dog trainer.
We recently tried out the PetSafe 900 Yard Remote Training Collar on our dog, and we were impressed with its performance. The remote is easy to use, with tactile buttons that are easy to remember and located right where you expect them to be. The backlit display is also a nice touch, making it easy to read the settings in any lighting conditions.
The collar itself is made of durable and waterproof material, which is great for dogs who love to swim and play in the water. We also appreciated the adjustable sizing, which made it easy to find the perfect fit for our dog.
One thing to note is that the collar is only suitable for dogs weighing 8 pounds or more, and with neck sizes between 6-23 inches. If you have a smaller dog, you may want to consider a different option. Additionally, the collar may be too bulky for some dogs, and some dogs may find it uncomfortable to wear.
Overall, we think the PetSafe 900 Yard Remote Training Collar is a great option for dog owners who want a reliable and durable remote trainer with an impressive range. While the price is on the higher side, we think the quality and performance of the product justifies the cost.
6. Educator EZ 1/2 Mile Dog Training Collar
We highly recommend the Educator EZ 1/2 Mile Dog Training Collar for small to medium sized dogs. This collar is the most humane and effective trainer available, with features that make it easy to customize for each dog.
Pros
- The stimulation levels range from 0-100, with maximum and “lock-and-set” features to prevent overstimulation.
- 7 vibration + 4 tone settings allow customization for each dog, making it easy to find the perfect level of stimulation.
- The COS (control of stimulation) technology provides clean stimulation without the head jerking found with other collars, making it a safe and effective option.
Cons
- The collar is only designed for small to medium sized dogs, so it may not be suitable for larger breeds.
- The collar is relatively expensive compared to other options on the market.
- Some users have reported that the collar can be difficult to set up and use correctly.
We were impressed with the Educator EZ 1/2 Mile Dog Training Collar’s range of features, which made it easy to find the perfect level of stimulation for our dog. The collar was easy to use and the ergonomic design of the transmitter allowed us to watch our dog during training sessions. We also appreciated the tracking light on the transmitter, which allowed us to locate our dog after dark.
The collar comes with two miniature collar receivers, a waterproof ergonomic transmitter with lanyard, two 3/4″ x 30″ waterproof odorproof Biothane collars, four sets of contact points (5/8″ and 3/4″), contact removal tool, dual battery charger (120V/220V), belt clip, manual w/training tips. We also appreciated the two-year full manufacturer warranty on transmitters and receivers, and one-year warranty on accessories.
Overall, we highly recommend the Educator EZ 1/2 Mile Dog Training Collar for small to medium sized dogs. It’s a safe and effective option that will help you train your dog quickly and easily.
7. SportDOG Brand SportTrainer 875
We highly recommend the SportDOG Brand SportTrainer 875 for field training and hunting with close-working dogs. This remote trainer is designed to train up to 3 dogs with the same handheld remote, and it features an OLED screen that displays the selected dog, static stimulation level, and battery status with just a glance. With 10 levels of both continuous and momentary static stimulation, as well as vibration and tone options in select modes, you can customize this system to fit any situation or dog’s temperament.
Pros
- The OLED screen is easy to read, which makes it easier to use and adjust.
- The remote trainer is waterproof and submersible to 25 feet using DryTek technology, so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet.
- The rechargeable battery lasts 50-70 hours per charge and has low battery indicators, which means you can use it for an extended period.
Cons
- The charging cord is not the best quality, and you have to lay it to one side of the collar to keep tension on the charging port to charge.
- The buttons marked “1” and “2” for the channel both do the same thing, so if you push #1, it will go to 1, but if you push it again, it will go back to #2, and it doesn’t always work, so with 2 dogs, you might have some confusion.
- The system has a bit of a learning curve, and it’s not intuitive to use at first.
The SportDOG Brand SportTrainer 875 is a reliable and effective remote trainer that can help you train your dog with ease. The OLED screen is a standout feature that makes it easy to read, and the 10 levels of both continuous and momentary static stimulation, as well as vibration and tone options, make it easy to customize the system to fit any situation or dog’s temperament. The waterproof and submersible design is also a plus, as well as the rechargeable battery that lasts for an extended period. However, the charging cord could be of better quality, and the system has a bit of a learning curve. Overall, we highly recommend the SportDOG Brand SportTrainer 875 for field training and hunting with close-working dogs.
8. SportDOG Brand SportHunter 1225X/1825X Add-A-Dog Collar
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile dog trainer, the SportDOG Brand SportHunter 1225X/1825X Add-A-Dog Collar is a great option.
Pros
- The collar is waterproof and submersible to 25 feet, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
- It’s compatible with several SportDOG electronic training collar systems, so you can expand your current system or replace an old collar.
- The rechargeable lithium-ion battery can be quickly charged in just 2 hours and features a low battery indicator.
Cons
- The collar is only suitable for dogs weighing 8 pounds or more with neck sizes between 5″ and 22″.
- Some users have reported issues with the rivets coming loose from the collar.
- The green collar color may not be to everyone’s taste.
We’ve used the SportDOG Brand SportHunter 1225X/1825X Add-A-Dog Collar with our hunting dogs and have been impressed with its performance. The collar receiver is easy to add to our existing SportDOG system, and the waterproof design means we don’t have to worry about it getting damaged during water activities.
One of the standout features of this collar is the rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It charges quickly and lasts for a long time, and the low battery indicator is a helpful feature that lets us know when it’s time to charge the collar.
While the collar is well-designed and durable, it’s important to note that it’s only suitable for dogs weighing 8 pounds or more with neck sizes between 5″ and 22″. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the rivets coming loose from the collar, which could be a concern for those who need a secure collar for their dogs.
Overall, we would recommend the SportDOG Brand SportHunter 1225X/1825X Add-A-Dog Collar to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile dog trainer that can be used for a variety of outdoor activities.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best dog trainer, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the right product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for:
Type of Training
The first thing to consider is the type of training you want to provide your dog. Do you want to use positive reinforcement or negative reinforcement? Do you want to use clicker training or voice commands? Understanding the type of training that works best for your dog is important in selecting the right trainer.
Quality of Materials
The quality of materials used in the trainer is also important. You want to ensure that the trainer is durable and will last for a long time. Look for trainers made from high-quality materials such as leather or nylon.
Ease of Use
The ease of use is another important factor to consider. You want to choose a trainer that is easy to use and comfortable for both you and your dog. Look for trainers that are adjustable and have a comfortable grip.
Range
The range of the trainer is also important. If you plan to use the trainer outdoors, you want to choose a trainer with a longer range. Look for trainers that have a range of at least 100 yards.
Price
Finally, you want to consider the price of the trainer. While you don’t want to skimp on quality, you also don’t want to overspend. Look for trainers that offer a good balance between quality and price.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best dog trainer for your needs and ensure that you and your dog have a positive training experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of obedience training for dogs?
Obedience training is beneficial for both dogs and their owners. It helps dogs learn basic commands, such as sit, stay, come, and heel, which can improve their behavior and make them easier to handle. Training also provides mental stimulation for dogs, which can help prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
What should I look for when choosing a dog trainer?
When choosing a dog trainer, it’s important to look for someone who is experienced, knowledgeable, and uses positive reinforcement techniques. You should also consider their training philosophy, as well as their availability and pricing.
How long does it take to train a dog?
The length of time it takes to train a dog depends on several factors, including the dog’s age, breed, and temperament, as well as the owner’s consistency and dedication. Generally, basic obedience training can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
What are the most effective dog training methods?
The most effective dog training methods are those that use positive reinforcement, such as rewards and praise, to encourage good behavior. Punishment-based methods, such as shock collars or physical corrections, can be harmful and ineffective in the long run.
What qualifications should a professional dog trainer have?
Professional dog trainers should have formal education and training in dog behavior and training, as well as certifications from reputable organizations such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).
How much does dog training typically cost?
The cost of dog training can vary widely depending on the trainer’s experience and location, as well as the type of training and number of sessions required. Generally, group classes can cost anywhere from $50 to $150 per session, while private training can range from $75 to $200 per hour.
