Your Purchase Helps
shelter pets in need
Each order helps pets in need
Best Shock Collars for German Shepherds: 8 Picks and What Vet Behaviorists Say
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) recommends that only reward-based training methods are used for all dog training, and it lists electronic shock collars among the tools a trainer should avoid. This page starts with what AVSAB and the American Kennel Club say, then compares eight remote training collars sold for dogs of German Shepherd size, using only what the maker or the Amazon listing states.
Reward-based training means teaching the dog what to do and paying for it with dog treats or play. Our guide to the best collars for German Shepherds covers regular neck collars.
What the Veterinary Behavior Society Says
AVSAB's position statement on humane dog training says: "Evidence supports the use of reward based methods for all canine training." It also says: "There is no evidence that aversive training is necessary for dog training or behavior modification."
The statement answers the shock collar question by name. In its list of what a trainer should avoid, AVSAB includes "any use of training tools that involve pain (choke chains, prong collars, or electronic shock collars)". Its conclusion reads: "AVSAB recommends that only reward-based training methods are used for all dog training, including the treatment of behavior problems."
AVSAB says recall is the most common reason people use remote electronic shock collars. It cites a 2020 study of dogs with a history of off-leash problems that found no difference in the share of disobeyed cues between dogs trained with electronic shock collars by manufacturer-nominated trainers and dogs trained with reward-based methods. In that study, the dogs trained with reward-based methods took less time to respond.
The AKC's guide to curbing excessive barking adds that spray collars, ultrasonic devices, and e-collars all work on the principle of positive punishment, meaning the dog receives a negative consequence when it barks. The AKC says to seek the help of a certified professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist before using such tools.
Whatever tools a dog parent chooses, a dog trainer's post on consistency in dog training says dogs understand a behavior when the same cue leads to the same result or reward each time. A German Shepherd Shop article with tips for a happy, well-behaved German Shepherd lists physical exercise, mental exercise, and routine.
Shock Collars for German Shepherds Compared
The listings below call these products shock collars, e-collars, or remote trainers. The two tables show each product's modes, range, water rating, and dog weight range as the maker or listing states them. The AKC lists adult German Shepherds at 65 to 90 pounds for males and 50 to 70 pounds for females, so check each weight range against your dog before you read further.
| Collar | Modes and levels | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Mimofpet X1 | Beep, vibration 1 to 9, shock 1 to 30 | 4,000 ft |
| INVIROX Spark K9 | Beep, vibration, static, 123 adjustable levels | 1,100 yards |
| Nikketta | Beep 1 to 8, vibration 1 to 16, shock 1 to 99, light | 4,500 ft |
| MEGWR | Beep, vibration 1 to 8, static 0 to 18, dog finder | 2,500 ft |
| Bousnic New Edition | Beep, vibration, static 1 to 16 | 4,000 ft |
| Delupet | Beep, vibrate, static 0 to 99 | 1,600 ft |
| SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X | Tone, vibrate, static 21 levels | 500 yards |
| PetSafe Pro Dog Trainer | Tone, vibration, static 19 levels | 1,000 ft |
| Collar | Water rating | Dog weight |
|---|---|---|
| Mimofpet X1 | IPX7 receiver | 10 to 130 lb |
| INVIROX Spark K9 | IP67 | Not listed |
| Nikketta | IP67 collar, remote not waterproof | 15 to 150 lb |
| MEGWR | IP67 collar, remote splash-proof | 11 to 110 lb |
| Bousnic New Edition | IPX7 receiver | About 8 to 120 lb |
| Delupet | IPX7 | 10 to 110 lb |
| SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X | Submersible to 25 ft | 8 lb or more |
| PetSafe Pro Dog Trainer | Waterproof collar | Not listed |
Remote Training Collars Sold for German Shepherds
Mimofpet X1 Training Collar
The Mimofpet X1 Training Collar is a versatile and cost-effective option, especially for German Shepherd owners looking to improve their dog's behavior with customizable training tools.
The maker's page lists three modes: beep, vibration with levels 1 to 9, and shock with levels 1 to 30. It gives a control range of up to 4,000 feet, four channels, an IPX7 waterproof receiver, and an adjustable nylon strap for dogs of roughly 10 to 130 pounds with a neck of 7 to 23.6 inches. The same page says a full charge takes 1 to 2 hours and gives a standby time of up to 185 days.
INVIROX Spark K9
The listing describes 123 adjustable training levels across beep, vibration, and static, a 1,100 yard range, and an IP67 waterproof rating. The remote has a keypad lock, and the battery is rechargeable.
The listing gives no dog weight range, so check the strap size on the product page against your dog before ordering.
Nikketta Training Aid
The listing gives 8 levels of beep, 16 levels of vibration, and 99 levels of shock. It states a 4,500 foot range and a two-way display that shows the battery level of both the remote and the collar.
The collar has a light with two modes, solid white and flashing, that turns on from the remote. The listing says the collar is IP67 waterproof and that the remote transmitter is not waterproof. It says the collar suits dogs of 15 to 150 pounds and that dogs with long, thick fur need the included long prongs for contact. A keypad lock on the remote is meant to stop accidental activation in a pocket or bag.
MEGWR Shock Collar
This listing names four modes: beep, vibration with 8 levels, static with 18 levels, and a dog finder. It supports 3 channels, gives a 2,500 foot range, and describes a nylon strap with a neck range of 8 to 25 inches for dogs of 11 to 110 pounds.
The collar is IP67 waterproof, and the remote is only splash-proof. The listing says the receiver lasts up to 30 days and the remote up to 45 days on a charge, and that a power adapter is not included.
The listing carries a warning that the collar must not be used on dogs with epilepsy, neurological disorders, or any known pre-existing health condition. It also says to check the skin under the electrical contacts and to stop using the collar until the skin condition improves if an unhealthy skin condition shows.
Bousnic Training Collar
The New Edition listing gives a 4,000 foot range with beep, vibration, and adjustable static levels from 1 to 16. The receiver is IPX7 waterproof, and the strap suits dogs of roughly 8 to 120 pounds.
The listing says the receiver stands by for up to 30 days and the remote for up to 60 days after 2 to 3 hours of USB charging.
Delupet Dog Training Collar
The Delupet listing gives beep, vibrate, and static with levels 0 to 99, a 1,600 foot range, and a remote with 4 channels. The collar is IPX7 waterproof and fits neck sizes of 4.5 to 24.4 inches on dogs of 10 to 110 pounds. The remote has a safety lock. The listing says that training more than one dog needs an additional collar bought separately.
Charging takes 2 hours, and the listing gives up to 35 days of standby for the receiver and 45 days for the remote.
SportDOG FieldTrainer 425X
SportDOG sells this model with a 500 yard range, 21 levels of static stimulation, and tone and vibration modes. The listing says the collar is submersible to 25 feet and that the lithium-ion battery charges in 2 hours and lasts 50 to 70 hours per charge.
The listing says it is for dogs of 8 pounds or larger with neck sizes of 5 to 22 inches, and that the same remote can train up to 3 dogs with the purchase of additional collars. The box includes standard and large contact points.
PetSafe Pro Dog Trainer
The PetSafe listing gives tone, vibration, and 19 levels of static, a 1,000 foot range, and a waterproof collar. The remote can train 2 dogs with the purchase of an additional collar. The listing gives no weight range for dogs, so check the product page.
Want other options for dog safety during walks? Check out these muzzles for German Shepherds!
Buying Guide
Match the Collar to the Dog
Most listings above give a dog weight range or strap size, and the numbers differ from product to product. The INVIROX and PetSafe listings do not give one. Compare them with your dog's weight and neck measurement before you order.
Read the Warnings on the Listing
The MEGWR listing says the collar must not be used on dogs with epilepsy, neurological disorders, or any known pre-existing health condition, and to stop using it if the skin under the contacts is unhealthy. Read the warnings and the operating guide for any collar you consider, and ask your veterinarian first if your dog has a health condition.
Range and Water Ratings
Ranges in the first table are the makers' figures. Water ratings differ, and two listings say the remote is not waterproof or is only splash-proof, so a rating applies to the collar and not always to the remote. IPX7 and IP67 are the ratings the listings print, and the SportDOG listing gives submersion to 25 feet instead.
Batteries and Locks
The listings that give standby times for the receiver or collar range from 30 to 185 days. These are the makers' figures. A keypad or safety lock on the remote is listed on the INVIROX, Nikketta, and Delupet pages.
Shock Collar FAQ for German Shepherds
What does AVSAB say about shock collars?
AVSAB recommends that only reward-based training methods are used for all dog training, including the treatment of behavior problems. Its statement lists electronic shock collars among the tools involving pain that a trainer should avoid.
Does a shock collar work better than reward-based training for recall?
AVSAB cites a 2020 study of dogs with a history of off-leash problems that found no difference in the share of disobeyed cues between dogs trained with electronic shock collars and dogs trained with reward-based methods. The dogs trained with reward-based methods responded faster in that study.
Can a shock collar stop a German Shepherd from barking?
The AKC says bark tools such as spray collars, ultrasonic devices, and e-collars work on positive punishment, and it says to see a certified professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist before using one.
What collar size does a German Shepherd need?
The AKC lists adult males at 65 to 90 pounds and adult females at 50 to 70 pounds. Most listings above give a dog weight range or strap size (INVIROX and PetSafe do not), so compare your dog's weight and neck measurement with the product page.
Which of these collars has a warning for dogs with health conditions?
The MEGWR listing says the collar must not be used on dogs with epilepsy, neurological disorders, or any known pre-existing health condition. Read the warnings on every listing before you order.
More reading for a German Shepherd: Training Treats for German Shepherds, Names for German Shepherds, and Tactical Harness for German Shepherds.
Sources
- American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, Position Statement on Humane Dog Training (2021)
- American Kennel Club, Expert Tips to Help Curb Excessive Dog Barking
- American Kennel Club, German Shepherd Dog breed information
- Mimofpet, X1 Dog Shock Training System product page
- Product details for the other seven collars come from each Amazon listing linked above.
READ NEXT: Best Leashes for German Shepherds: Durable and Comfy Selections
Leave a comment