Glossary

E-collar

A remote-controlled collar that delivers a tone, vibration or electric stimulation to a dog, and is a debated training tool.

Also called: electronic collar, shock collar, remote training collar, e collar, static collar

An e-collar is a collar with a receiver that the handler triggers from a remote control. Models offer a tone, a vibration or an electrical stimulation, usually in adjustable levels. Trainers use them for off-leash work, hunting dogs and some recall training.

The stimulation is meant to be unpleasant, so it is an aversive tool. Supporters argue that low settings are a mild signal. Critics, including many welfare organizations, point to risks of pain, fear and stress, and to poor timing in untrained hands, and some countries ban or restrict them.

It is different from an electronic fence collar, which gives a stimulus at a boundary, and from a bark collar, which responds to barking. Dogs can be taught the same skills with rewards. Anyone considering one should consult a qualified trainer or behaviorist first.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Aversive Anything a dog wants to avoid, from a leash pop or shock to a loud noise, when used to change behavior. Positive punishment Adding something unpleasant right after a behavior to make that behavior less likely, such as a leash jerk or a startling noise. Force-free A training approach that avoids pain, fear and intimidation and teaches dogs with rewards, patience and good management. Prong collar A collar of metal links with blunt prongs that pinch the neck when pulled, used for leash corrections and widely debated.