When it comes to teaching your dog good manners, choosing the right dog training collar can make a big difference. With so many options on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed — but the right collar depends on your dog’s temperament, your training goals, and your personal training style.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through 12 types of dog collars — from basic to advanced training tools — and explain when and how each one can be useful. As dog owners and trainers ourselves, we believe training should always be kind, effective, and safe.
1. Flat Dog Collar – Everyday Comfort
The classic flat dog collar is the one most owners are familiar with. It’s ideal for everyday wear, holding ID tags, and light leash walks. While not a “training tool” on its own, it’s often used alongside other training methods.
✅ Best for:
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Puppies and adult dogs with good leash manners
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Daily walks and identification
❌ Not ideal for:
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Dogs that pull excessively
👉 Tip: Make sure the collar fits snugly — you should be able to slip two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck.
2. Martingale Collar – Gentle Control for Pullers
A Martingale collar tightens slightly when the dog pulls but doesn’t choke. This makes it a great option for dogs with narrow heads (like Greyhounds) and for those learning leash manners.
✅ Best for:
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Dogs prone to slipping out of regular collars
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Gentle leash training
❌ Not ideal for:
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Dogs left unsupervised (it can tighten unexpectedly)
3. Head Collar (Head Halter) – Redirecting Focus
A head collar sits over the nose and behind the ears. When your dog pulls, the head gently turns — redirecting attention without pain.
✅ Best for:
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Strong pullers
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Training sessions focused on focus and calm walking
❌ Not ideal for:
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Reactive dogs (if not properly introduced)
💡 E-E-A-T tip: Always introduce a head halter gradually with positive reinforcement.
4. Vibrating Dog Training Collar – No Shock, Just Vibration
A vibrating collar uses gentle vibrations to get your dog’s attention — not to punish. This is one of the most popular types of dog training collars in the UK, especially for sensitive or anxious dogs. We have checked the British law about dog collars, but please read it yourself as well.
✅ Best for:
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Dogs that don’t respond well to sound
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Deaf dogs or easily distracted breeds
❌ Not ideal for:
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Very stubborn dogs who ignore mild signals
👉 Calmshops offers no-shock vibrating collars with adjustable levels for gentle, effective training.
5. Beep Training Collar – Simple Sound Cues
Beep collars emit an audible tone to mark unwanted behaviour or signal a command. Many owners pair beeps with positive reinforcement.
✅ Best for:
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Early training stages
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Dogs that respond well to sound
❌ Not ideal for:
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Noisy environments where the beep may not be heard
🦴 Pro Tip: Always pair sound cues with rewards to reinforce good behaviour.
6. Spray Collar (Citronella Training Collar) – Humane Deterrent
Spray collars release a burst of citronella or unscented spray when the dog barks or pulls. The surprise (not pain) interrupts the behaviour, helping dogs learn more quickly.
✅ Best for:
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Bark control training
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Gentle behaviour correction
❌ Not ideal for:
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Dogs that are not sensitive to smell or spray
👉 Calmshops offers several citronella spray collars that are automatic or remote-controlled — great for humane bark control.
7. Shock Collar – ⚠️❌
Shock collars deliver a small static stimulation to correct unwanted behaviour. These are legal in some countries but banned in others (for example, the UK is phasing out shock collars).
✅ Best for:
-
❌❌❌
❌ Not ideal for:
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Everyday owners or basic training
⚠️ Important: Always check local laws before using an e-collar. In many cases, gentle alternatives like spray or vibrating collars are better options.
8. Automatic Bark Collar – Hands-Free Training
An automatic collar detects barking and responds (with spray, vibration, beep, or a combination). It’s popular with owners who want to manage excessive barking without constantly using a remote.
✅ Best for:
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Reducing nuisance barking
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Busy households
❌ Not ideal for:
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Dogs with medical issues that cause vocalisation
9. Remote Training Collar – Full Control in Real Time
A remote training collar allows you to send a signal (beep, vibration, or spray) from a handheld remote. This gives you immediate feedback control during recall or behaviour training.
✅ Best for:
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Recall training off-leash
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Behaviour correction at a distance
❌ Not ideal for:
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Puppies or inexperienced handlers without training knowledge
10. Prong Collar – High Control, Controversial
Prong collars apply even pressure around the dog’s neck. When fitted and used correctly, they’re not meant to harm — but they’re controversial and should only be used under professional guidance.
✅ Best for:
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Very strong dogs that need high control during walks
❌ Not ideal for:
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Novice owners, small dogs, or unsupervised use
⚠️ Many trainers prefer positive reinforcement methods over prong collars whenever possible.
11. Slip Collar (Training Slip Lead) – Quick Corrections
A slip collar or slip lead tightens when the dog pulls and loosens when they stop. It’s often used in structured training sessions or for quick handling, but must be used with skill to avoid injury.
✅ Best for:
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Temporary handling in training sessions
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Rescue or kennel environments
❌ Not ideal for:
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Daily use or inexperienced handlers
12. GPS and Smart Dog Collars – High-Tech Training Support
Modern GPS dog collars let you track your dog’s location and activity levels. Some smart collars also include training features like vibration or beep alerts, combining safety and obedience training.
✅ Best for:
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Active dogs and recall training
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Off-leash adventures
❌ Not ideal for:
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Very small dogs or owners who prefer simple solutions
Choosing the Right Dog Training Collar
Not every collar is suitable for every dog. Here’s what to consider:
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Your dog’s age, breed, and temperament
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Training goals (recall, barking control, pulling, etc.)
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Legal regulations in your area (e.g., e-collars)
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Your training style (positive reinforcement is always best)
Many owners find that vibrating collars, spray collars, and beep collars offer gentle, effective control without causing distress. These are excellent alternatives to shock-based devices and work well when paired with treats, praise, and consistency.
Expert Tip from Calmshops
As a UK-based dog training accessories shop, we’ve helped hundreds of owners choose the right dog training collars for their pups. Our philosophy is simple:
“Training should build trust, not fear.”
That’s why we specialise in no-shock vibrating collars, citronella spray collars, and automatic bark control collars that offer a humane and effective way to guide your dog’s behaviour.
Final Bark
The best dog collar is the one that fits your dog’s needs — and your training philosophy. Whether you’re working on recall, barking, or leash manners, there’s a collar designed to help. Always introduce new tools gradually and positively, and if in doubt, seek advice from a qualified trainer.
Remember: A collar is just a tool. Real progress comes from patience, consistency, and understanding your dog.
