The 5 Best Shock Collars for Long Haired Dogs with Thick Fur

Are you worried that the long hair on your dog will keep it from receiving a shock in order to keep it in the yard or to obey your commands? Too often, long hair can keep the prongs of a collar from touching the dog’s skin. 

As a result, the dog won’t feel the shock and will continue in its bad behavior or move past the boundary line. To find the right kind of shock collar for your dog with long hair, consider some of the options below.

Quick Facts – E-collars and shock collars keep getting better and better. Overall the market has grown more than 150% from 2016 through 2021 (source). According to Sgt. Rod Hampton, Canine Unit Supervisor of the Round Rock (Texas) Police Department Canine Unit, the most effective use of e-collars is controlling dogs at a distance (when verbal commands are harder to hear) and preventing accidental bites (source).

Note: If you click some of the links in this article we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

In A Rush? Here Are Our Top Picks for Zap Collars for Long Haired Dogs

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Best Overall

The Dog Care shock collar is a the best overall shock collar for long-haired dogs because of its adjustable strap and many features. Because the strap is adjustable, you can easily fit it in close to the skin no matter how long your dog’s hair is. 

It also comes with three training modes, so you can use alternative methods like vibration or a tone before resorting to shocking your dog. Aso, the remote can be used for up to 9 dogs. You can do a lot for an affordable price.

Pros

• Rechargeable
• 3 Training Modes
• Waterproof
• 0-99 intensity levels
• 9 dogs capabilities
• 330-yard coverage

Cons

• Battery charge doesn’t always hold up

Runner Up

The Educator E-Collar Remote Dog Training Collar is the runner-up because it offers a huge area of protection. It also offers two different sets of contact points, so that it can fit against the dog’s neck more accurately despite its long hair. 

However, it doesn’t make the best overall placement because it is quite expensive and doesn’t come with multi-dog capabilities. It also doesn’t have an adjustable collar, so you can’t make it sit snugly against the dog’s skin.

Pros

• Range up to 1/2 mile
• Two sets of contact points
• 1-100 stimulation levels
• 2-hour full charge
• Rechargeable

Cons

• Expensive
• Non-Adjustable Collar

Best for Small Dogs With Long Hair

The SportDOG Brand SportHunter shock collar is a great choice for smaller dogs because the intensity levels are low enough not to cause them harm.

This small dog training collar with remote is great because it comes with so many different intensity levels. You can find the perfect level that dissuades your small dog without seriously injuring them.

It also allows up to three dogs to be used on a single transmitter. 

However, this small dog training collar is a bit expensive, and you might want to try the collar on your arm first to ensure it isn’t too intense for your small dog.

Pros

• 1320 yards
• Collar suited for dogs 8 pounds and larger
• Multi-dog capabilities
• Rechargeable
• Waterproof
• 3 behavioral modes

Cons

• Expensive
• Higher intensity levels may be too much for smaller dogs

Best for Large Dogs With Long Hair

The Homeled dog shock collar is a great choice for larger dogs with long hair because the stimulation is powerful enough to dissuade larger dogs from bad behavior. The adjustable collar also allows you to fit the collar in close to the skin and past the hair. 

There are also three training modes that allow you to dissuade your large dog with other means like vibration and tone.

Pros

• 0-100 levels of stimulation
• 3 training modes
• Effective for dogs 25 pounds and up
• Rechargeable
• Waterproof
• Adjustable collar

Cons

• Might need to use higher levels for large dogs to feel the stimulation

Best for Aggressive Long-Haired Dogs

The Dogtra 3502NCP Super X dog shock collar is a great choice for aggressive dogs because this collar is used for working dogs. Working dogs, while not necessarily aggressive, often require higher levels of stimulation. 

This also works well for aggressive dogs who might need stronger stimulation. This collar has 127 stimulation levels, so it’s sure to have a level for almost any dog. It also contains multi-dog capabilities, so you can use it on at least two dogs.

Pros

• 1-mile range
• Waterproof
• 127 stimulation levels
• Used on working dogs
• Offers two different stimulation types
• Multi-dog capabilities

Cons

• Expensive
• Vibration setting is not adjustable

Reliability of Shock Collars for Long Haired Dogs

It’s easy to assume that since they have more fur, long haired dogs are going to wear out a collar more quickly. That isn’t the case, though you’ll want to make sure to groom your dog regularly and clean the inside of the collar.

This same advice could be given to anyone using any kind of collar.

According to Human Society representative Dr. Randall Lockwood, newer e-collars are safe enough to strengthen the bond between trainer and dog when used appropriately and in a manner that’s consistent with their labeling.

We dive deep into how reliable shock collars are at keeping your dog in the yard in this article. The article covers it from a wireless fence perspective. These fences use the same technology as a shock training collar.

Strength of a Dog Shock Collar

You might think that long haired dogs need additional juice when it comes to a collar, which is probably a really concerning thing to think. Fortunately, it actually has more to do with the prongs being long enough.

As long as you have a collar the fits your dog, you won’t need to worry about the amount of power since even the normal gentler setting should work well.

According to a study conducted by engineers from the Philips Testing Service, a remote trainer on on the highest setting is only putting out 0.0003 joules of power.

For reference, the shock of an electric fence would be something like four to five orders of magnitude stronger than this.

Charging a Dog Shock Collar

Generally, you’re going to want to make sure your collar and transmitter are fully charged after every use. Those who have long haired dogs with truly shaggy coats may have to charge it a bit more, but keep in mind that you shouldn’t have to use additional power if the prongs are properly fitted.

That means the difference shouldn’t be as dramatic as it might seem.

Some collar remotes take regular old household batteries. If that’s the case, then you might want to invest in a charger and some rechargeable AA or AAA cells to save a few buckets in the long run.

Proper Use of e-Collars for Long Haired Dogs

You’ll want to make sure you only ever apply correction when you’re dealing with an immediate teachable moment. Otherwise, you run the risk of teaching your dog the wrong thing.

Some pet owners have actually complained that they’ve accidentally trained their dogs to do bad things, so you want to be careful and never use the shock correction at some point after they did something.

Explaining to Your Dog why You Used a Shock Collar

Even when you do apply a corrective shock, you still need to show and tell your long haired dog what they did wrong. Treat this like any other trainable moment and go through the same procedure you would if you were teaching your dog anything else.

This is also important because it gives you a chance to really connect with your dog, which is vital for making a good bond between the two of you.

Judging Dog Feedback from Shock Collars

Long-haired dog owners have a bit of an extra challenge when it comes to telling how their pets respond to correction. Since you might have some additional shag in the way of their eyes and face, it can be hard to judge your dog’s feedback.

Don’t feel like you need to start applying more voltage, since this seldom works. Instead, pay close attention to any sounds your pooch is making.

Once you reach the point where your dog is yelping, you’re only going to worsen the situation. You may even want to give your dog some time to rest before trying again all the way from the beginning.

Range on a Dog Shock Collar

A majority of e-collars that you’re likely to see have a range that probably doesn’t exceed maybe 30 yards, but there are certainly ones out there that feature a much greater one. In fact, you could find ones designed for agricultural use that go up to around 10 times that distance.

You might want to invest in one if you were training your dog for any major outdoor activities. Preliminary research in the field shows that there might be some use for this kind of equipment for hunters who’d like to train dogs for the sport.

On the other hand, research also suggests that longer range collars could be more readily abused. One study conducted in the UK found that dogs that received electronic correction could end up more tense as a result even when they were at rest.

Note the length of your dog’s coat should in no way hamper the range. Even the shaggiest dogs don’t have enough fur or dander to actually block a significant amount of radio waves from reaching their receiver box.

Length of Time for Using a Dog Shock Collar

Experts have sometimes said that you need to leave a dog’s shock collar on for about a full week before you start to actually apply correction. This gives your dog plenty of time to associate wearing a collar with positive thoughts so the whole experience won’t be one big negative problem.

Those with really long haired dogs might want to extend this period a little longer, since even good fitting collars can feel a little weird for a while on these dogs.

Reliable Training with Electronic Dog Collars

Noted New York City-based pet researcher and journalist JoAnna Lou opined that people with excellent training methods have taught dogs reliable recalls and other similar skills using nothing but reinforcement-based training methods. That being said, in those cases the trainers in question all had a ton of experience.

Just like with anything else, start slow with your training methods and proceed from there. A good idea is usually to avoid using a collar like this altogether until your dog already understands basic commands like sit, stay and come.

Electronic Collars to Treat Barking Problems

While it can be tempting to also use one of these collars to train out a barking habit, and some manufacturers have specific products on the market designed to address this issue, you might want to think twice before you do so indiscriminately.

According to RSPCA representatives, there might be a very good reason that your dog is barking. Making noise is how your pooch communicates, so if you’re ignoring something that he or she is trying to tell you it’s best to get on it right away.

That being said, some electronic dog collar manufacturers have also applied the concept of sound to their correction equipment as well.

Using Sound Collars to Train Long Haired Dogs

Whether it’s due to the fact that your dog’s natural coat interferes with traditional shock collars or you don’t like the idea of them, there are also auditory collars that only use a training buzz to correct your dog.

Keep in mind that your dog’s ears are very sensitive . According to George M. Strain, a veterinarian professor from Louisiana State University, dogs can hear up to 45-60 kHz as opposed to humans, who hear up to around 13-20 kHz.

In a 2003 review, auditory specialist Timothy Condon wrote that dogs could perceive up to 100,000 air vibrations a second. In all of these cases, one thing remained the same.

Namely, that dogs can hear really well.

Keep that in mind if you decide to try any alternative correction methods.

Non-shocking Shock Collars for Long Haired Dogs

A few manufacturers produce collars that use citronella spray or another compound to spook your dog into acting right. While this technology is more commonly found on anti-bark collars that work automatically, you can also find it on some remote units.

Just like dogs with hearing, though, you have to consider how strong a dog’s sense of smell is. Dogs can easily be overpowered by something that might smell good to you.

You might not want to invest in one of these if you’re looking for a remote control collar, because there’s a good chance you could overuse the scent system without realizing you’re doing any harm.

On the plus side, however, there are some alternative methods you could use to provide negative reinforcement.

Alternative Shock Collar Modes for Long Haired Dogs

While all certified shock collars have an actual shock mode, you might find additional modes on your remote control as well. Don’t count these out!

More than likely, you’ll find something called training mode, which emits a tone in much the same way that a dedicated sound collar would. You could try this to train your dog until electrical correction is finally necessary.

Trainers normally start on one of these lower settings and then gradually increase the severity over a long period of time, which helps to ensure that their dogs know exactly what’s going on at any moment.

You never want to start on a really high setting and then go backward. Dogs won’t understand what’s going on, and they might even start to think whatever behavior you’re trying to train out of them could help them stop the discomfort.

Your best bet is to think like a dog as much as possible!

FAQ

Can shock collars be used in the water?

You won’t want to actually use an electronic collar while a dog is swimming or anything remotely like that. In fact, it might short it out completely even if you were able to find some way to do so safely.

While it’s never safe to use a collar like this to provide correction around standing or running water, most manufacturers do take the possibility of moisture exposure into mind when they design these collars. As a result, you won’t have to worry if your dog likes to play around in the dirt or something.

Make sure to keep the receiver unit on the collar clean, though, and wipe it off after every use.

How long do electronic collars last?

Regardless of whether or not you have a long haired dog, shock collars themselves don’t have rated lifespans in terms of how many times they’ll apply correction before burning out. A good rule of thumb is the more you use it the more you’ll have to replace the transmitter or possibly the receiver.

Granted, that’s probably true of anything you buy, so just look at this as an investment in your dog’s training like you would with any training aid.

Most pet supply companies that provide these tools also provide interchangeable receiver replacements as well as prongs, so you won’t normally have to replace the entire set anyway.

What is a Part 15 certified collar?

Pet owners are often concerned about safety issues when they first start looking into e-collars. If this sounds familiar, then you’ve probably come across some warnings about Part 15 rules.

The Federal Communications Commission wants to make sure that every single dog collar sold in the United States is safe for you, for your pooch and even for any electronic gizmos that it might get close to. As a result, they’ve set out a whole mess of standards known as the Part 15 rules.

You might find a little piece of paper attached to the inside of the box your dog’s collar comes in that mentions the gear you bought has been Part 15 certified. While this doesn’t automatically mean it’s the safest thing in the world, you can rest easy knowing the transmitter isn’t going to go around screwing with your dog’s DNA or something crazy like that.

Sometimes, pet gear might have the Recognized Component or UL marks. These, again, mean that it adheres to certain standards so you can sleep a little easier at night.

Can a dog die from a shock collar?

In matters of electricity, it is always possible for lethal consequences to occur. A malfunction in the collar can keep it from stopping which then continues to electrocute the dog. Too much electrocution can cause cardiac arrest or other lethal situations. 

Smaller dogs may also receive too intense of a shock from a collar that is supposed to be used for larger dogs.

However, most dog shock collars are built with safety in mind. The lower levels of stimulation are often quite soft or less intense. For larger dogs, they might not even feel it. 

Whereas a small level of stimulation might be all that it needs. To ensure if your collar is safe, you can always test it on yourself first.

Finally, if you prefer to stay away from using the shock mode, most collars also offer tone and vibration modes.

How do you train a dog with a shock collar (video)?

If you’re using a wireless fence shock collar and need to train your dog to understand the boundaries and how to respond to the collar signal check out our full training here. It covers wireless, underground, and even electric fence training.

We also have a lot of other training articles on specific topics for shock training collars. Read them here:

• Does Shock Collar Training Work?
• Shock Collar Training for Jumping
• Shock Collar Training for Biting
• Shock Collar Training for Barking
• How to Use Shock Collar Training for Aggressive Dogs

How long can a dog wear a shock collar?

Most manufacturers of dog shock collars usually suggest removing the dog collar after 12 hours of wearing it. If you happen to use the collar a lot, as in actively shocking the dog, then you might want to remove it more often. 

You can also move the collar, so it doesn’t rest in the same place against their neck each time. For specific usage, refer to the collar’s instructions of use that you purchase.

Are electronic collars safe for dogs?

Shock collars are built with safety in mind. They don’t want to lethally harm your dog. Many offer two different stimulation types in order to best protect them. The shock level is also typically quite low or at least starts low. 

One of the biggest factors of shock collar safety is its usage. Obviously, if you continuously shock your dog, then it might not be the safest method for curbing bad behavior or establishing boundaries.

Again, check out our top pick below…

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