The Best Shock Collar for Pitbulls in 2024: How To Protect and Train Your Pitbull Pup

🦴 Updated on July 17th, 2023

Pitbulls can be some of the sweetest and most loving dogs, and they often get a bad reputation based on their looks and history. Even the most lovable dog can be stubborn, and pits have a strong, stubborn streak. 

If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to train your pitty to stay in the yard, stay away from strangers, and come when you call, an electric shock collar is a great way to start. 

The device is controversial in the dog training market, but when used properly, it is completely safe and works exceptionally well to help your pitbull listen to your commands. 

Getting the right shock collar for your dog is crucial. Here is a complete review of the ten best shock collars for pitbulls. All these are affordable and available now, so you can purchase and begin training as soon as possible. Remember, the earlier you train, the better your results will be! 

The 10 Best Shock Collars for Pitbulls Reviewed

Shock collars use a small electric shock to remind the dog of your commands. With excitable puppies or stubborn dogs, it can be crucial to be physically reminded that you are in charge, even when you’re not next to them. 

Good shock collars have several settings and can be adjusted to the size and behavior of your dog. With the best shock collar for pitbulls, you won’t even have to use the shocking setting for very long. Proper training will remind your pup of your presence, and a sound or buzz will be enough. 

Here are the best pitbull shock collars, with pros and cons and availability. One of these will be perfect for your pup! 

Educator E-Collar – Best Choice Overall

We’ll start with the best of the best. Of all the collars we tested and reviewed, the Educator e-collar is the best option. Although it’s a little more pricey, it has multiple settings and features a nightlight and a mile-long radius.

The Educator E-collar does the best job of training a dog and keeping it safe. It does this with several features. The standard size includes a mile of sensitivity, making it ideal for owners with runaway dogs. It also features a flashlight if your dog is missing, which you can activate from the remote. 

You can purchase a single remote for one or two dogs and choose the transmission length and dog size. With over 100 shock options, you’ll be able to find one that works without hurting your pup. 

In addition, Educator offers a variety of prongs for short-haired or sensitive dogs. It is ideal for pet owners who need customization and reliability. 

The main con of this collar is its price. For those on a budget, Educator might not be the best option. The collar has the best technology and works extremely well, especially over long distances. 

Although expensive, it works for training dogs of any age to come when they’re called and not bark excessively. 

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Educator: 

Pros: 

• Multiple options for lengths and dogs 
• Great for long distances 
• Over 100 settings 
• Comes with a two-year warranty 

Cons: 

• Expensive 
• Only available in the United States 
• Longer distances aren’t available for smaller dogs 

Dogtra Remote e-Collar

The Dogtra e-collar is less of a single item and more of a training package—it comes with multiple vibration and sound settings, a training clicker, and a collar and remote. If you want to incorporate positive training into your schedule, try out the Dogtra training package. 

More stubborn dogs might need a zap or two, and this is possible with 21 different levels to choose from. 

With a pitbull, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and think that they will never train out of their puppy’s stubbornness. A collar like the Dogtra can help even the most stubborn pit to obey and stay safe. It’s easy to use and has ergonomic, LED-lit controls.

Pros: 

• Includes multiple pieces for training
• Easy to set up and use 
• Has a large range and 21 shock settings 

Cons: 

• Expensive 
• The range isn’t always as long as advertised 

SportDOG Wetlands Trainer

Made for hunting dogs, the SportDOG wetlands trainer collar does well with pitbulls (although not traditionally hunting dogs). It’s a good pitbull shock collar because of its range, variety of settings, and ease of use. You don’t have to hunt to use this collar with your puppy! 

This is the right collar if you want something durable and lasting through your dog’s roughhousing. Pitbulls can be strong and stubborn, and you might consider getting the “stubborn dog” collar if your pet struggles to listen. 

It has higher levels of stimulation and should only be used on dogs who don’t respond to anything else. 

With a pitbull, you won’t have to worry about longer prongs costing extra or that it doesn’t work well on smaller dogs. Instead, you can focus on training your dog to accompany you safely on all your adventures.

Pros: 

• Extremely durable and sturdy (waterproof) 
• Has a “stubborn dog” option with higher levels of stimulation
• Includes 21 shock settings, vibrations, and tones

Cons: 

• It can be difficult to set up at first 
• Prongs for long-haired dogs are extra 
• Doesn’t work for smaller dogs 

PetSpy Dog Training Collar

Like most shock collars for pitbulls, the PetSpy dog training collar focuses on eliminating negative behaviors and helping your dog live its best life. An obedient dog is a safe dog, and the PetSpy collar helps you train your pup to obey you and not stray. 

With a 650-yard range, the PetSpy is an excellent choice for dogs that run away or hide in the backyard. Even if you have a large yard, you’ll be able to find your dogs and keep them safe with this collar. It’s intuitive and easy to use, with visibly separated buttons for the different functions. 

One big con of the PetSpy is that it doesn’t hold the battery very long. Charging the collars and remote overnight will enable you to use them without concern. 

Pros: 

• 650-yard range 
• Easy to use remote 
• Waterproof and rechargeable 

Cons: 

• Somewhat large and clunky 
• Hard to tell if the collar has a battery 
• Collars and remote need to be recharged often 

PetSafe Remote Training Collar 

PetSafe offers a remote training collar that emphasizes your pet’s mental and physical health.  

This is one of the best training collars for pitbulls, as experts conducted the research behind the making of this collar so that you can expect the best quality and the highest level of safety. If you’re concerned about shock collars but find one necessary, try the PetSafe option. 

PetSafe works well with sound and vibration effects; most users never have to use the shock to get their pets to listen. 

The sound setting only has one volume—if your dog startles easily, there’s no way to turn it down or adjust the sound levels. In addition, not all models come with a charging port and cable. You’ll have to find a universal charger for it. 

These are minor issues in the grand scheme because the collar works very well and can be adjusted to your pitbull’s size and needs. If you have customer issues or safety concerns, the customer service is extremely helpful and consists of dog experts and owners.

Pros: 

• Safety lock on higher shock settings 
• Quick charging technology and long-lasting battery 
• It can be used with one or two dogs 

Cons: 

• Expensive 
• Needs an adaptor to charge 
• No sound volume control 

Bousnic Dog Collar

The Bousnic shock collar is a more affordable option for smaller pitbulls or pit mixes. If you’re looking for an option that isn’t as expensive and can work on your pitbull puppy, the Bousnic collar is a great choice. 

It has several settings options and works well for backyard and barking correction.

It has a 1,000-foot radius and works with two dogs (although you can only buzz one dog at a time). It’s also much more affordable than other options and is relatively easy to use. 

This collar isn’t perfect. Because it’s less expensive, it might not last as long as the other options. The remote control will not stay charged for very long, so it’s crucial to charge it overnight if you intend to use it throughout the day. The collar will last quite some time with a good charging schedule. 

Although this collar works on all sizes of dogs, it’s best used for smaller or medium-sized dogs. Unless your dog is well over 100 pounds, you can use the Bousnic collar easily. 

For simple use and easy training, this is a great option. It works exceptionally well without the shock effects—you can use vibration and sound to train your dog. 

Pros: 

• Inexpensive 
• Works on all sizes of dogs 
• It can be used for two dogs 

Cons: 

• The remote doesn’t stay charged well 
• No settings for both dogs at once 
• Works better on smaller dogs 

Garmin Delta Shock Collar

Garmin is known for its GPS and location devices. The company also makes location-based dog training collars. The best training collar for pitbulls they offer is the Garmin Delta pulsing collar, which has multiple settings and can work for up to three dogs.

The most significant issues with this collar are how difficult it is to understand and put together and the shortness of the range. 

Once you open the package, you’ll need to look up a video tutorial or read the instructions very closely. We found it challenging to understand, as do many reviewers who purchased the item. 

The range is shorter than other shock collars depending on your chosen model. Some models only work in backyards, which can be difficult if your pup likes to jump the fence and run away. The largest model can work for up to 1,000 feet. For three dogs, this is a great length to train. 

You can adjust the prongs on your collar to ensure your dog gets the proper pulsation. Longer-haired dogs might need longer prongs, and the Garmin device has several size options. With multiple settings and the possibility of vibration, you can adjust this collar to your pup’s training needs. 

Pros: 

• Can train up to three dogs 
• Comes with replacement prongs 
• 18+ pulsation settings 

Cons: 

• Shorter range than other models 
• Difficult to put together 
• Life span of four years 

Lu & Ba Dog Training Collar

The Lu & Ba training collar is an excellent choice if you want something simpler. It’s aesthetically pleasing and not as chunky as other options, with a sleek design and multiple shock settings. It’s also remarkably affordable and works for two dogs with a single remote.

Lu & Ba have created a dog collar that works on small, medium, or large dogs (up to 110 pounds, according to the manual). It is excellent for training unwanted barking or other behaviors, and you can adjust the shock level. Once the dog is trained, you can adjust to only vibration or sound. 

Unlike other bark collars, this collar is exclusively for training. This means it won’t go off while you’re away. Many bark collars are noise-activated and can control barking while you’re gone, but the Lu & Ba prevents unnecessary shocks by only working when you press the button. 

You can choose between one or two dogs and receive the appropriate number of collars with the remote. Although Lu & Ba works on dogs of all sizes, we have found that the prongs are too short for dogs with long fur. This shouldn’t be an issue with a pitbull or pitbull mix. 

Pros: 

• Designed by dog training experts 
• Capable of training two dogs with one remote 
• Up to 3,000 feet
• inexpensive

Cons: 

• Only 16 shock settings 
• Only works when you’re present (no remote settings) 
• Doesn’t work on dogs with longer fur 

Pet Resolve Dog Training Collar 

Some collars are only necessary for one behavior, such as fence jumping or barking. Other dogs need an entire training kit, and that’s where the Pet Resolve collar set comes in.

Made for hunters and retrieving dogs, Pet Resolve goes the extra mile when it comes to customizing the shock collars. You can choose up to three different collars and train three dogs on the same remote. 

If your dog has longer or shorter hair, you can change the prongs to maximize its effects without hurting your pup. 

Pet Resolve is a total training solution, but it isn’t perfect. The training receiver can’t be removed from the collar, making it challenging to take on and off more excitable dogs. Your dog shouldn’t wear a shock collar for more than eight hours, so you must remove it at night or when the dog is inside. 

The training collar and multi-prong system can confuse beginners, and the settings are hard to learn. The company offers online videos and tutorials for its collars. Otherwise, Pet Resolve is an excellent brand with a background in dog training, safety, and research. 

Pros: 

• Can train up to three dogs 
• It is waterproof and works for up to a mile 
• Removable and customizable shock prongs 

Cons: 

• It can be confusing to use 
• Not ideal for beginning trainers 
• Can’t remove the receiver from the collar

PatPet Dog Training Collar – Budget Pick 

If you’re looking for a way to save money and train your dog, you don’t have to spend several hundred dollars on a remote collar set. The PatPet device is simpler than many on this list, but it does the job and is highly affordable. 

Overall, the PatPet shock collar is an excellent choice for those with smaller dogs, puppies, and dogs with barking issues. 

It is inexpensive and offers 16 levels of shock (which can be adjusted depending on your pup’s weight). If you have a puppy, you can start with a lower level and adjust the collar as he grows. 

With a 1,000-foot radius, this collar and remote work well in an average backyard. You can buy a second collar for two dogs, as the remote has a toggle switch for two separate channels. This is the ideal collar to buy if your dogs bark a lot. 

The cons of this device are that the collar has a 100-pound weight limit. Even over 80 pounds, the shocks, vibrations, and sounds aren’t as effective. A large dog will need a different option. The collar needs to charge more often than other models but works well for the price point. 

Pros: 

• Affordable 
• Works for two dogs
• Vibration, sound, and 16 shock settings 
• 1,000-foot radius

Cons: 

• Only small and medium dogs
• Best for barking, not other behaviors 
• The collar must be charged often 

How To Choose the Best Training Collars for Pitbulls

Of course, there’s more to choosing a pitbull shock collar than simply reading reviews and choosing one. Every dog is different, and you should know your pup and how you will train them before you choose a collar. 

Here is some more information about shock collars in general and how to choose the best training collars for pitbulls. 

How Does a Pitbull Training Collar Work? 

Shock collars provide a small sound, vibration, or electric shock to a dog when the trainer hits a button on the remote. The shock varies depending on the style and size, but it should never exceed what would amount to a static discharge. 

Shock collars aren’t intended to hurt a dog—instead, they are a way to remind a dog of your presence. Think of it like a small pinch or tap on the shoulder. 

If your dog is far away and not listening, a small shock will remind them that you are in charge. They prevent runaways, excessive barking, and other negative behaviors. 

These collars are used in training to move from the shock to the sound or vibrate-only settings. They work like a normal collar, with metal prongs touching the dog’s skin through its fur. This way, any breed of dog can feel the collar’s effect. 

The Pros and Cons of a Shock Collar

While pitbull training collars can be very effective, they might not work for every dog. Here are some pros and cons of a shock collar for your pitbull: 

Pros: 

• Extremely effective 
• Works well on stubborn dogs 
• Affordable 
• Multiple settings for training levels 

Cons: 

• More nervous dogs might become afraid of the collar
• If left on too long, shock collars can leave heat marks 
• It can cause aggression if not used correctly

What To Look for When Purchasing a Pitbull Shock Collar

When looking for a pitbull shock collar, there are a few elements to focus on. The range is essential, especially if you have a large yard. Always keep your budget in mind as well. The most crucial aspect to focus on is the settings offered by the collar. 

If a collar only has shock settings, it’s likely not a good collar. You want to be able to adjust the shock for the weight and size of your dog to prevent harm. It’s also crucial to include sound and vibration settings. Once your dog is trained, you won’t need to use a shock—a vibration will work just as well. 

Does My Pitbull Need a Shock Collar?

Of course, not every pitbull needs a shock collar. If your dog has past trauma, is exceptionally nervous, or is food and treat-driven, you likely don’t need a shock collar (and shouldn’t use one). This dog will train well with the positive reinforcement of treats and might react aggressively to the shock. 

Puppies old enough might need more than positive reinforcement to remind them that you’re in charge. Older or more stubborn dogs who received little training might also benefit from a shock collar. If you aren’t sure, ask a dog trainer to help you decide. 

Are Shock Collars Safe?

Although shock collars are highly controversial in dog training, they produce well-behaved dogs. 

You might read that shock collars hurt the dogs or produce trauma, but that is usually because of poor training methods. Shock collars are completely safe as long as you know how to utilize them properly. 

Shock collars aren’t meant to hurt dogs. Instead, they provide a physical reminder, which can be helpful for puppies or stubborn adults. As long as you have the proper settings for your dog’s size and weight, you won’t cause them harm. 

If you are worried, try the shock on yourself. It feels like a small zap and might startle more than hurt. 

How to Train with a Shock Collar

If you’re worried about a shock collar for your pitbull, remember that it’s not the shock collar that causes harm—it’s the trainer. Knowing how to train your pup with the collar properly won’t cause the dog any trauma or physical harm. 

If you’ve purchased the right size of a shock collar, you won’t have to worry about overstimulating or hurting your dog. 

Instead, adjust the collar to the right settings and train your dog using positive reinforcement (treats and pets) and negative reinforcement (the collar). Seek out professional help or training guides if you need them. 

Final Thoughts

No matter how you choose to train your dog, it’s important to have a way to call them back to you safely. It’s not just a matter of well-behaved dogs, but it can mean the difference in your dog’s life and death. 

For the ultimate training and protection, we recommend the Educator e-collar. It has a great range, a reasonable price, and will work forever. If you’re looking for a way to train your stubborn or defiant pitbull, this is the best training shock collar for pitbulls. 

With any of these collars, you can improve your dog’s quality of behavior and help them understand that you are in charge. As long as you properly train them, a shock collar for pitbull dogs is an excellent method of training and behavior correction.