This article was updated on 12 July 2022.
Dogs make great hunting companions. Taking a dog as a hunting partner may have begun as far back as 20,000 years ago, as evidenced by cave drawings. Since those early days, the human/canine partnership has gone a long way. Today, hunting dog training has evolved so much with the help of more advanced training methods and tools.
A dog’s great sense of smell, hearing, and athleticism are ideal aides in any hunt. But not all dog breeds are natural hunters. So, before you start hunting dog training, it is essential to know if your dog’s breed has a history of hunting.
Types of Hunting Dogs
Modern hunting dogs are typically classified into three categories based on appearance and abilities:
- Terriers
Size: Small
For: Hunting small game, e.g., birds, rabbits
Sample Breeds: Airedale, Jack Russel Terrier, rat terrier
In the US, terriers have primarily become house pets.
- Gun Dogs
Size: Small to large, depending on breed
For: Pursuing and flushing out hidden game animals, upland and wetland hunting
Sample Breeds: Labrador retriever, English pointer, English springer spaniel
Gun dogs love to exercise! These breeds are typically quite active and will happily work all day, in any weather condition. They’re also very friendly and social. They make fantastic family pets as they love people, children, and other animals.
- Hounds
Size: Small to large, depending on breed
For: Chasing game
Sample Breeds: Mountain cur, Black-and-tan coonhound, the American foxhound
Hounds have loud barks and excellent noses. They are tasked to chase after the running game. They need to be trained for stamina if used as hunting dogs. Scenthounds use their sense of smell to locate prey, while sighthounds rely on their keen eyesight to spot targets.
Hunting as a Sport
Hunting now is more classified as a sport than a necessity. Gone are the days when dogs are being used to hunt prey for food or for daily living. In the modern world, hunting dogs are being used for missions and retrievals. They play an important role in rescuing humans and retrieving other animals in the forest.
With proper training and tools, the potential of these hunting dogs can be maximized. The use of e-collars and dog training collars are also helpful in improving their hunting skills.
What is an E-Collar for Hunting Dogs?
An e-collar, sometimes stylized as e collar or ecollar, is a dog training collar. It is also commonly called a shock collar or remote training collar. An e-collar uses various types of stimulation – static, vibration, or tone, to either correct unwanted behavior or mark the desired ones. The actual collar goes around the dog’s neck. It receives the stimulation triggered by the handheld transmitter remote.
Some of the benefits of using an e-collar for hunting dogs are:
- Better control of the dog – a push of the remote transmitter button can quickly signal your dog regardless of sudden events or distractions.
- Prevents your dog from going missing – plenty of dogs go missing every year. An e-collar can help prevent this as you can easily signal your dog to return. Some e-collars also have a GPS function, letting you track your dog’s whereabouts anytime.
- Easier communication – when out in the field, terrain and weather conditions can make it hard for your dog to hear your commands. An e-collar makes signaling your dog easier as it covers a vast distance.
Before using an e-collar for hunting dogs, though, remember the following:
- Your dog must already know and consistently follow basic obedience commands.
- Make sure you know your dog’s temperament. This lets you pick the right kind of stimulation and at what level.
How to Start E-Collar Training for Hunting Dogs
Once you are ready to start hunting dog training with an e-collar, you can follow the basic steps as a guide.
- Get your dog acquainted with the e-collar.
Get your dog comfortable with the e-collar. Start by placing the collar near them. Then slowly transition to putting it on your dog’s neck. Do not use any stimulation right away. You are only making sure your dog accepts the remote training collar.
- Set the right stimulation level.
Once the dog is familiar with the e-collar, you can start using stimulation. Gradually increase the level until you see a reaction. This could be a slight twitch or head tilt. If your dog reacts adversely, you may have set the level too high.
- Start training with commands.
When you have the level set, you can begin training. Again, this will only be effective if the dog already knows his basic commands.
Press the remote transmitter button when the command is given so your dog can start associating the stimulation with the directive being issued. Do not forget to reward your dog with praises or treats for successful execution. Repeat until your dog can consistently follow.
E-collar training for hunting dogs is not a magic solution. As with any other type of dog training, it will take patience and consistent effort to be effective.
For the best e-collars for hunting dogs, check our list below.
PetsTEK’s Picks for the Best Shock Collars for Hunting Dogs
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Dogtra 1900S Remote Training Collar
Best for Dog Size: medium to large, 35 pounds and up
Price: $239.99
Dogtra shock collars are always highly dependable and durable. The 1900S remote training collar is one of the best examples. This dog shock collar is versatile enough to go from basic obedience training to hunting, competitions trial, and K9.
Weatherproof and waterproof, the 1900S e-collar makes a great dog training tool whether you’re indoors or outdoors.
The Dogtra 1900S remote trainer has a range of ¾ mile and comes with 127 levels of static stimulation and vibration. For wetland hunters, the 1900S Wetlands variant offers a lovely camouflage pattern with all the same features for just an extra $10.
Buy the Dogtra 1900S Remote Training Collar Here
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SportDOG SD-1225X SportHunter Remote Training Collar
Best for Dog Size: small to large, 8 pounds and up
Price: $259.95
SportDog collars have the advantage of being designed and field-tested by sporting and hunting dog enthusiasts. This means they put a lot of thought into what makes an excellent e-collar for hunting dog training and actual fieldwork.
However, these e-collars are not limited to hunting functions alone. The SportDOG SD-1225X SportHunter is best for basic to advanced dog training. This e-collar is customizable to any dog’s size and behavior.
It has a 3/4-mile range, 21 static stimulation levels, 7 levels of momentary static stimulation, tone feature, and vibration mode. The 1225X is fully waterproof and expandable to a 3-dog system.
Buy the SportDog 1225X SportHunter Remote Training Collar Here
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SportDOG SD-1825X SportsHunter Remote Training Collar
Best for Dog Size: small to large, 8 pounds and up
Price: $319.95
Another excellent e-collar from the SportDog brand is the 1825X SportsHunter. Thie remote trainer has a greater range at 1-mile versus the 1225X. It can also be expanded up to a 6-dog system by purchasing compatible add-on collars.
This e-collar also comes in a camo print design called the 1825X Camo WetlandHunter ($359.95).
Buy the SportDog 1825X SportsHunter Remote Training Collar Here
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Dogtra ARC Handsfree Plus Remote Training Collar
Best for Dog Size: small to large, 15 pounds and up
Price: $264.99
The Dogtra ARC Handsfree Plus takes the popular ARC model and adds a new handsfree controller called a “square.” This dog training e-collar is ideal for trainers that want a more discreet remote.
The ARC Handsfree has a ¾-mile range, 127 levels of low to medium static stimulation and vibration. Expandable to a 2-dog system and up to 14 handsfree squares.
Buy the Dogtra ARC Handsfree Plus Remote Training Collar Here
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Boss Educator ET-800 Remote Training Collar
Best for Dog Size: medium to large, 20 pounds and up
Price: $279.99
Educator collars are mostly known for the Mini Educator ET-300, which is a good shock collar even for larger breeds, belying the “mini” in its name. It also has the advantage of having variant designs like the black version and the Educator Zen 300.
However, it is best to get the Educator collar that fits better for medium to large dogs. The Boss Educator ET-800 Remote Training Collar is it.
It has a 1-mile range, 100 selectable levels of static stimulation, 60 levels of additional boost, 3 stimulation modes- momentary, continuous, and combo mode, Pavlovian tone, lock and set technology, fully waterproof, and is expandable to a 2-dog system. In other words, it’s everything you want in a hunting dog e-collar.
Buy the Boss Educator ET-800 Remote Training Collar Here
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Dogtra Pathfinder2 Remote Training Collar with GPS
Best for Dog Size: medium to large, 35 pounds and up
Price: $429.99
The Dogtra Pathfinder2 is the new and improved version of the original Pathfinder.
It has a 9-mile range, 1-100 stimulation levels, tone, and a vibration function. This e-collar has a GPS function that lets you know your dog’s location at all times, making it a very valuable tool to have in the field. On top of that, you have the option to use either your smartphone (via the Pathfinder2 app) or the connector remote to issue correction.
Buy the Dogtra Pathfinder2 Here
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SportDOG SD-1875 UplandHunter Remote Training Collar
Best for Dog Size: small to large, 8 pounds and up
Price: $429.99
The SportsDog SD-1875 UplandHunter is the best tool to increase the chance of successful prey hunting for your dogs. This was designed to locate your dog easier in the field or while on a hunting activity. This will also let you know if your dog is moving or just in one place.
It has a 1-mile range, selectable tones audible to 500 yards, an instant locate feature, and 12 pre-set transmitter settings. This e-collar is also waterproof and submersible up to 25 feet. Expandable to 3-dogs system.
Buy the SportDog 1875 UplandHunter Remote Training Collar
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SportDOG SD-425X FieldTrainer Remote Training Collar
Best for Dog Size: small to large, 8 pounds and up
Price: $179.95
The SportDog 425X shock collar is the smallest and lightest among SportDog e-collars. While limited in range compared to its big brothers, it is still a more than capable remote trainer for basic and advanced training.
The 425X has a range of 500 yards. It has 21 levels of static stimulation, tone, and vibration.
Buy the SportDog 425X FieldTrainer Here
