If dogs are known for their fearsome bite, then you have the breed known for having the gentlest maw. You’re probably here wondering if you can use shock collars on your Lab, or perhaps you have questions about shock collars in general. We’ll be happy to help you gain important insight about how to use shock collars and provide you with a list of shock collars and why they are on that list.
The Labrador Retrievers are practically all-around dogs. Originally bred as sport dogs, they soon found themselves joining us in the hunting grounds. As time passed, their loyalty turned them into solid companion dogs, and their smarts turned them into excellent service, and rescue dogs.
They are incredibly energetic when they’re young. Armed with their smarts, they can become experimentative, easily learning more about you and their environment. However, this is a double-edged blade. Without training, they can develop destructive behavior such as excessive chewing, harassing small animals, and worst of all, escaping your yard. This is one of the scenarios the best shock collar for Labs can come in handy.
In a rush? Here are the top picks!
Aren’t E-Collars Too Much For My Lab?
They are still commonly called shock collars because it’s one of the things they do: use electricity to create an unwanted stimulation also called an “aversive”. There are two points to make here, that Modern Shock Collars do more than just use electricity to provide stimulation, they also have vibration and audible beeps that can be used as alternative training methods. Another is that the electric sensation is so low, that its power pales in comparison to common muscle stimulators sold for human use.
The idea of training using an aversive is just half the picture. Proper electric collar training requires both using aversives and positive reinforcement. It’s that push-and-pull effect that cements good behavior. With the correct method, timing, and a tactical bag of treats, even the most stubborn of dogs can be trained.
If you have any further doubts, we will have a small FAQ at the end of the list to hopefully help answer some of your questions and help you decide which collar is best for you.
Without further ado, here are the 5 best shock collars for Labs.
Features
- Three Training Modes: Shock, Vibration, and Tone Modes
- 10 Adjustable Levels of Stimulation
- 3/4 Mile Effective Range
- Remote Supports Up to 3 Collars
- Memorizes Settings for Each Collar
- Remote Activated Nightlight
- Splash-proof Remote, Waterproof Receiver
- 2-Hour Charge Time Lithium-Ion Batteries
Noteworthy Features
- Automatic Anti-Bark Mode
- Always-Awake/No Stand-by Mode
- Additional Extra-Long Prongs for Long Haired Dogs
- Plastic Prongs
The first collar on the list has a plethora of useful modes and functions that make it a powerful contender on this list. First, we have the basic features that nearly all the training kits here have in common: Three training modes that create different kinds of training methods. The static shock mode has 10 levels to select from, with 10 being the highest. If you’re wondering what level you need for your Lab, refer to our FAQ below for a more detailed answer.
If using the electric stimulation isn’t your cup of tea, vibration mode could be the answer. If you’re lucky, your Lab will be responsive to vibration as an aversive, so you don’t have to find the correct shock level. The beep or tone is there to signal your dog for any reason. The beep is not an ultrasonic sound, just a beep audible enough for your dog to hear.
If you happen to have two or more dogs, one remote can support up to three collars. Once you’ve paired another collar, just press one of the numbered buttons on the bottom of the remote to switch it. In terms of collar-to-remote communication, the remote’s signal has an impressive range of 3/4 miles or about 1300 yards. It’s a massive range if you’re just training your Lab, but it will come useful if by some chance you lose sight of your bundle of energy, having that range drastically improves your chance of finding them.
In case you lose them in the dark, the receiver has a fairly bright LED light you can activate at the push of a button, instantly letting you know where your dog is.
The kit’s battery life depends on how much you use it. It will net you around 1-2 weeks of use if you do one training session per day. The remote can resist the heaviest of rains, but unlike the receiver, cannot withstand being submerged in water.
There are three features that make this shock collar stand out in the list. The first is the automatic bark-limiter. The remote won’t work when set to this mode, instead, it will listen for your dog’s barks. It will allow a few seconds before sending out a warning beep. If it still hears your dog barking a few seconds after the beep, it will send a millisecond-quick shock with the level of your choosing. It automatically reduces excessive barking without any effort. It saves you the effort of getting anti-bark collars in case you need them for excessive barking.
The second is the extra-long prongs that come with the collar. These longer prongs are essential for long-haired dogs as the prongs need to make contact with the skin at all times. Labs are known for their thick double coats, so using longer prongs is ideal to maintain skin contact.
The next is the collar’s always-awake feature. It just means the kit doesn’t have a standby mode. Most collars go to this mode after being idle for a few minutes and have to be “woken up” before they work again, which could mess up timing in more spread-out training sessions. This may cost the kit some battery life, but it’s easily solved by turning the collar off when not in use.
Finally, if you wish to still have the availability of using shock, but would like to use vibrate or beep without accidentally using the shock, you can replace the metal prongs with the included plastic prongs. You should still place them tight enough for your Lab to feel the vibration.
Features
- Three Training Modes: Shock, Vibration, and Tone Modes
- 15 Levels of Stimulation
- 100-300 Yard Effective Range
- Remote Supports Up to 2 Collars
- Memorizes Settings for Each Collar
- Waterproof Receiver and Remote
- 2-Hour Charge Time Lithium-Ion Batteries
Noteworthy Features
- Simplistic Design
- No-Buckle Tightening Collar.
The second collar is a stark contrast to the first on the list in terms of features. This collar is perhaps as simple as it gets when it comes to design and features. It has three training modes, of which the static shock mode has 15 levels. The higher shock level doesn’t mean it’s stronger than the rest of the collars here. They are all the same strength both at the highest and lowest stimulation level.
Some owners use the beep as a remote clicker. You can use this as a way to signal your Lab that they did a good job and deserve a reward.
The remote has a pretty small range and depending on the model, you can get 100 yards or 300 yards. If all you want is some simple indoor and backyard training, then this kit should suffice. The amount of collars you can control also depends on the model, so choose accordingly.
The simple design also offers complete water protection on both the remote and receiver, both of which can take a dive of 20 feet underwater before sustaining any water damage. The battery life is a bit shorter, with a maximum of 40 hours or less before needing a recharge.
One of the highlights of this kit is the collar itself, which is made of cloth straps, allowing you to tighten the collar to the centimeter instead of using buckles. This is helpful for smaller dogs, but the only downside is that this type of tightening can eventually loosen with activity, so check the collar’s fit every hour or two.
Secondly, the receiver is compact, a bit smaller than the rest of the kits here. That smaller design could benefit you if you have a particularly small Lab or smaller crossbreed.
Features
- Three Training Modes: Shock, Vibration, and Tone Modes
- 60 Levels of Stimulation
- Stimulation Boost Button
- 600 Yard Effective Range
- Waterproof Receiver and Remote
- 2-Hour Charge Time Lithium-Ion Batteries
Noteworthy Features
- Smaller Adjustable Collar Strap
- Horizontal Collar Option
The Educator Series is already known for its “Mini” approach to design but this one makes it even smaller. Despite that, it meets all the basic demands of shock collar training. It has three training modes, namely, shock, vibrate and beep, with shock having a wide range of levels. It has, in fact, 60 levels of shock, all while reportedly, having a weaker stimulation.
When it comes to dogs, smarter breeds can be particularly stubborn or resistant. We say this because you might be concerned when you find that your dog only responds to higher levels.
Speaking of higher levels, the remote has a shock boost button, that when pressed, produces a shock that’s 10 levels higher than your set shock. You may find this useful if your Labrador refuses to pay attention during your training. It’s at least better than manually increasing the level and trying to dial it down again. The only con about having a wide range and a dial-type level switch is how much effort you need to take to get the right level. In the end, you’ll end up just estimating.
The remote is technically waterproof because it’s designed to float. The receiver is waterproof but doesn’t float. Your Lab will have to do the floating for it. Battery-wise, this kit actually has a bit less battery life. About 40 hours max compared to the 50-70 hours other shock collars in this list can reach. It still charges to full in about 2-3 hours, so charging it for 30 minutes for a short training session should suffice.
There are two highlights to this kit. One of them is the overall size of the strap. Labs can be pretty finicky and downright whiny when it comes to comfort, so having a thinner strap could give them the comfort they need to start paying attention.
The second highlight is that the receiver can be strapped at a different angle. It helps with fitting issues if you fit the receiver lengthwise on the neck instead.
Features
- Three Training Modes: Shock, Vibration, and Tone Modes
- 256 Levels of Stimulation (100 Levels on Display)
- 800 Yard Effective Range
- Remote Supports Up to 2 Collars (Based on Model)
- Memorizes Settings for Each Collar
- Waterproof Receiver and Remote
- 2-Hour Charge Time Lithium-Ion Batteries
Noteworthy Features
- Customizable Button Mapping via Software
Our fourth collar takes things to the extreme, at least it takes the range of control levels to the highest. It doesn’t mean it’s more powerful, but it does mean you can get the least possible energy level required for your Lab to react. The display can reach 1-100 levels via the dial on the remote. It’s good enough as it is, but you can take it a step further via software customization.
It still meets all the standard needs trainers and owners demand of a shock collar and has a range of 1/2 miles or about 800 yards. According to the company, the shock is more “blunt”, but this could just mean the electricity travels at a slightly lower speed, which could mean you’ll use higher levels to get the desired effect, or the opposite if you have a sensitive pooch.
The battery life is the same good 50-70 hours depending on usage and the remote and receiver are waterproof for about 25 feet underwater.
When you buy the kit, you’ll also get a small USB storage device with the software needed to modify and customize the remote. Here you can change the level and change which buttons do what, which is handy if you’re used to using certain fingers for certain tasks, or are familiar with another shock collar.
Features
- Three Training Modes: Shock, Vibration, and Tone Modes
- 100 Levels of Stimulation
- 600 Yard Effective Range
- Waterproof Receiver and Remote
- 2-Hour Charge Time Lithium-Ion Batteries
Noteworthy Features
- Smaller Adjustable Collar Strap
- Compact Receiver
The last collar on the list may have few features to speak of, but by no means is it the least of the five. It has the three training modes all shock collars should have. Despite having an intensity level reaching 100, you can easily adjust it via the dial on the remote. Though the lack of any screens to indicate the level means you’ll have to trust your memory and the small numbers on the dial.
The remote has a maximum range of about 600 yards in open spaces and is built specifically tough. The IPX9K rating means it’s highly water-resistant, you can blast it with a pressure washer and all you’ll do is clean it. The same goes for the receiver.
Battery-wise, it’s the same 50-70 hour lifespan depending on usage. It’s worth noting that the remote and battery will work at freezing temperatures, but won’t charge well at really low temperatures due to the chemical processes of the Li-On batteries.
The receiver is slightly more square-shaped than some of the kits on this list. This means the prongs are closer together, making them less likely to loosen during regular activities. However, this means you must rotate the collar’s position every hour or so, as close prongs mean more pressure on the skin overall.
Tips For Using a Shock Collar For a Lab
You may have doubts regarding purchasing e-collars, let alone purchasing one. You have the right to be cautious, as we are dealing with devices that use electricity, so they must be treated with both respect and care, much like when using a good kitchen knife. In this section, we aim to at least shed some light on those doubts and give you a clearer picture of what shock collars are, how they are used, and how to stay safe.
Conclusion for Best Shock Collars for a Lab
Labrador Retrievers are truly a well-rounded breed. Training them is very important, as they are a large dog breed and sometimes have a mind of their own. Using one of the best shock collars for Labs can definitely help in getting your dog to listen to your commands. However, it’s important that you are using these e-collars correctly when training your dog.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are E-Collars Safe for Short and Long Term Use?
They are safe for as long as they are used properly. There is a learning curve when using them, but not steep enough that if you make a mistake, it would result in a bad fall. We’ve already mentioned that the electricity they produce is quite weak. A static shock from a door handle on a cold, dry day produces significantly more power compared to the nick done by the collar. The continuous mode the collars here have doesn’t produce a steady stream of energy either, instead, it’s simply repeated nicks done in rapid succession. You may make a few mistakes here and there, but as long as you use the collar the correct way, there should be no negative short-term effects. What’s the correct way? Let us share some important safety tips to maximize your experience.
- Read the manuals. All of the devices in this list have safety guidelines that contain certain information unique to the kit.
- For first-time users, get your Labrador used to wearing the collar first. Let them wear it for a week or two without using any of the features. This way, they won’t anticipate that the collar is for training and be “collar-wise”, which can be a bit problematic in the long run.
- Use the lowest shock level possible. When you’re going to start training, use the lowest shock level, observe your dog and trigger the shock. If your Lab reacts in the slightest way, like a mild look of confusion, go with that level. If not, increase to the next level and try again until you get that response.
- Do not leave the collar on your Lab for more than 8 hours. If you can, rotate the collar to position the receiver to another part of the neck.
- Never, ever, trigger the collar for punishment. To be precise, don’t use it when your Lab is doing any kind of unwanted behavior. Instead, teach them obedience commands and, generally, trigger it when you have issued a command they know until they perform the correct behavior. This avoids confusion, which leads to all hosts of problems.
Are there other alternatives to shock collars?
There are some variations of shock collars out there. There are many types of bark collars whose only purpose is to listen to your dog’s barks then trigger an aversive when the barking gets excessive. There are citronella spray collars, which when remotely triggered, spray a small amount of citronella solution into the air. Cats and dogs dislike the smell of citronella as it irritates their nose, but also protects them from bugs, so Citronella spray collars have their advantages. One other alternative is ultrasonic devices, either in collar form or something you can put on a desk or mount on the wall. Pay attention to your neighbors when using these
The electric training collars on this list are multipurpose, with the first collar doubling as an automatic bark collar. If you truly do not want to use the electric stimulation, you can use the vibrate function. The beep can act as a clicker for general training.
It’s also worth noting that none of the kits here are ultrasonic collars, the beep is simply for signaling purposes, or locating if they are near enough.
There is always one other alternative: Positive Reinforcement. This is done by using treats, rewards, and praise to encourage your Labrador to repeat desired behaviors. When you use shock collars, you should be using Positive Reinforcement in tandem with the training. The shock collar pushes them to do the desired behavior and your treats and praise pull them. Eventually, your Lab will understand the entire training process, your methods, and you. Ironically, you won’t need the shock collar in the long run, as long as you do the training correctly.
Do shock collars hurt?
In general, shock collars are not designed to cause pain. The electric stimulation aims to excite the skin and muscles, creating a prickly and pulse-like sensation that acts more like an irritant. Some curious owners have tried a shock collar on their palms, (with some brave and creative few actually wearing them on their necks for our entertainment.) and the general reaction is that they act like muscle stimulators, no different than those sold to tone your abdominal area.
Some collars at maximum power can cause sharp pain as the electric discharge could be quite high. Pay attention to your Lab and always defer to lower levels, especially when they show even the slightest sign of pain.
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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