Training Collars: Your Questions Answered

Name: Dogmaster Australia
Address: Unit 5-35 Township Drive, Burleigh Heads, QLD, 4220, AU
Telephone: 1800 300 364
Price range: $$$

25th Sep 2026

Training Collars: Your Questions Answered

Remote training collars are one of the most useful tools for working with a dog at distance. Whether it’s recall, obedience or redirecting behaviour in the field, the right system makes a real difference. Here’s what our team gets asked most.

There are so many models. How do I choose the right one?

All remote training systems share the same core features. What changes between models is range, output strength, and extras.

Start with your dog’s size. Smaller dogs need a compact collar with medium output. Larger or more stubborn dogs need a bigger collar with higher output. From there, think about whether you want the collar to double as a bark control collar, or whether a boost feature would help with a stronger-willed dog.

What is the difference between a bark collar and a training collar?

Bark collar: Automatic. Once fitted, it detects barking and delivers a correction at the appropriately selected level.

Training collar: Remote controlled. You hold a handheld and send the correction at the right moment. That lets you address specific behaviours in real time. Recall is the most common use, but it works for any situation where you need to communicate with the dog at distance.

Are training collars only used for correcting bad behaviour?

Depending on the collar and how it is used, tone, vibration or stimulation can also be used as a training cue to communicate with your dog from a distance.

A collar can help reinforce a recall or let your dog know when they have done the right thing, even when they’re too far away for you to reach them. The goal is to use it as a communication tool, not simply to correct bad behaviour.

What range will I get?

Depends on the model. Our range starts at around 375 metres and goes up to 1600 metres for top-end systems. The number on the box is the maximum under perfect conditions. In practice, work to about three-quarters of that. Terrain, obstacles and interference all reduce range, especially in bush country or hilly ground.

Starting tips

Always start at the lowest level. Increase gradually while watching your dog’s body language. A small change, such as looking around, pausing, looking at the ground or shaking their head, may indicate that the level is noticeable to them. If your dog yelps or jumps, reduce the level.

Start somewhere familiar. Begin in a familiar, low-distraction environment such as your backyard. Once your dog is responding reliably, gradually introduce more distractions and different environments.

Start close and build distance. The range on the box is based on ideal conditions. Terrain, buildings, vegetation and other interference reduce it in real-world use. Start at a shorter distance and build gradually. A long line can help maintain control while your dog is learning.

Safety note

Do not leave any training collar on your dog for more than 8–12 hours a day. Extended wear can cause skin irritation or pressure necrosis. Check the contact area daily and clean the probes regularly. Laws relating to remote training collars vary by state legislation in your area. Please review our terms and conditions before purchase.