test_faq
Choosing the Right E-collar
Are e-collars safe for the dog?
Yes, e-collars are safe for dogs if they are used as the user manual recommends. PetSpy e-collars are intended to be used for short training sessions (up to 15 minutes per session) that require constant human interaction and supervision. They are not intended to be worn constantly. The total amount of time that an e-collar can be worn by a dog is 4 hours. Note that the electrical output of a collar is not strong enough to generate heat that can burn the skin. Additionally, a shock can only be delivered for 10 seconds at a time. After that, even if the button is pressed, the remote will time out, and no stimulation will be sent. If there is any lesion or marking after using the collar, this is caused by friction or pressure necrosis, not from actual “burns”. This only occurs during inappropriate wear.
How do I choose the correct e-collar for my dog?
PetSpy has a range of models accommodating various needs as shown in the picture below. If you have doubts about using a shock collar, you can consider using a spray collar or a non-shock bark collar. If you have any questions, reach out to us at support@petspy.com for assistance.
| M86 | XPro | M919 | M686 | P620 | P320 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog weight, lbs | 10-140 | 10-140 | 10-140 | 10-140 | 10-140 | 10-140 |
| Correction levels | 8 | 16 | 100 | 8 | 16 | 16 |
| Number of collars supported | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Max distance, yards | 1100 | 1000 | 1000 | 1000 | 650 | 400 |
| Simultaneous charging | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| One-year warranty | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Waterproof reciever | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Free e-book | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| One intensity level control | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Premium materials | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Intuitive button layout | no | yes | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Waterproof remote | no | no | no | no | yes | no |
| Quick collar wake-up | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Set 2 collars on 1 channel | yes | no | no | no | no | no |
| Individual intensity level controls | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes |
What is a bark collar?
A bark collar (also known as a smart collar) is an e-collar that is triggered by the dog’s barking and does not have a remote. PetSpy carries two variations of bark collars: a regular model with the tone, vibration, and gentle shock functions and a no-shock one. For more information, please see our collection of bark collars.
What is a spray collar?
A spray collar is an electronic collar that uses citronella spray instead of vibration or shock.
Will the collar fit my dog?
The collar strap is standard for all models (with the exception of the e-collar for small dogs). It is adjustable and can fit dogs that weigh from 10 to 140 pounds. It has a maximum length of 26 inches and a minimum length of 8 inches. The width of the strap is 0.8 inches. Please use the reference chart below to choose the right size. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at support@petspy.com for assistance.
| Size | Neck (inches) | Chest (inches) | Weight (lbs) | Breed | Will it fit? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | 7.8-8.7 | 9.8-11.8 | <10 | Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, Maltese | Your dog is too small |
| Small | 7.8-9.4 | 11.4-14.1 | 8-17 | Jack Russell Terrier, Pekingese, Maltipoo, King Charles Spaniel | You will have to try it on |
| Medium | 9-11 | 13.8-16.5 | 15-35 | Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, French Bulldog, Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Perfect fit - congrats! |
| Medium | 11.8-13.4 | 18.1-20.9 | 30-65 | Bulldog, Standard Poodle, Husky, Pitbull, Dalmatian | Perfect fit - congrats! |
| Large | 17-18.9 | 29.9-33.1 | 45-85 | Boxer, Labrador Retriever, Schnauzer, Basset Hound | Perfect fit - congrats! |
| Large | 18.5-20.5 | 34.6-38.2 | 50-100 | German Shepherd, Bull Terrier, Old English Sheepdog | Perfect fit - congrats! |
| X Large | 20.5-24.4 | 36.2-39.4 | 75-140 | Rottweiler, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundland | Perfect fit - congrats! |
| Huge | 24.4-28 | 36.4-43.0 | 100-200 | St. Bernard, Leonberger, Mastife, Great Dane | You will have to try it on |
Can I train a puppy with an e-collar?
No. Your dog should be at least 6 months old and should already be able to understand basic commands.
Can I train more than one dog at a time?
Yes, all PetSpy e-collars can be used to train one or two dogs together. Some of the models are three-dog systems. Please refer to the model comparison table below:
Can I use an e-collar on an aggressive dog?
We do not recommend using the collar on aggressive dogs since they may become more agitated.
If I buy two systems, will they interfere with each other?
No, the collar receiver gets the commands only from the remote it is synced with.
Fitting the Collar
How do I fit the collar?
- Select the contact points that would fit your dog best. If your dog has long or thick hair, choose longer contact points and consider trimming their coat, otherwise, the contact points will not be able to touch their skin.
- Position the receiver unit high up on your dog's neck, just below the ears. Make sure it fits snugly and is in direct contact with the skin.
- Check if you can fit two fingers between the collar strap and your dog's skin. This extra room helps avoid pressure sores.
WARNING: Remember that e-collars are not intended to be worn constantly during the day. We recommend using the e-collar only under adult supervision and for no longer than 4 hours a day. Do not attach a leash to an e-collar. Use a regular collar if there is a need for a leash.
Can I cut the strap to adjust the length of my collar?
Yes, you can cut the collar strap to the desired length using sharp scissors. Remember to measure your dog's neck carefully before trimming the collar.
How can I choose between the two sets of contact points?
We recommend picking shorter contact points for short hair and longer contact points for longer and thicker hair.
Do I need to use the silicone covers?
Yes, they must cover contact points at all times since they help prevent skin irritation. But remember that silicone caps will help avoid irritation only if the collar is used as recommended by the user manual. This includes the following instructions:
- Use the collar for short training sessions (up to 15 minutes) under the supervision of an adult.
- Make sure the dog wears the collar for no longer than 4 hours a day.
- Regularly reposition the collar on the dog’s neck and make sure the dog’s skin is clean and irritation-free.
Can I attach a leash to the e-collar?
No, this can result in pulling the contact points too tightly against your dog's neck, causing an injury. Use a regular collar when you need to use a leash. Your dog can wear a regular collar and an e-collar at the same time. The regular collar must be put above the e-collar.
How do I use the lanyard?
The lanyard can be attached to the remote. These are the steps to do that:
- Find the opening on the remote (it is usually located on the lower part of the device)
- Insert the smaller loop into the opening
- Pull the larger loop through the smaller loop and tighten it
If your lanyard has a quick-release button, use it to quickly detach the lanyard from the remote.
Using the collar
How do I charge the system?
How do I charge the system?
You can use the charger (included in the package) to charge the system using your wall socket. Depending on the model, the charging time may vary from 2 to 4 hours.
Alternatively, you can charge the system using the USB port of your computer, but it may take more time.
Remember to charge the system even if you are not using the system. Otherwise, the batteries may deteriorate quicker.
For how long does the battery last on one charge?
That depends on the intensity of your training sessions. The time may vary from one day to one week.
Can I replace the batteries?
The batteries in PetSpy’s e-collars are non-replaceable. Depending on the frequency of use, they are intended to last between 1 and 3 years.
How do I sync the system?
Each model has its own instructions for charging. Please refer to the user manual for more information. Remember that both the remote and the charger must be fully charged before you attempt to pair them.
Is the collar waterproof?
PetSpy’s collars are water-resistant. This means that your dog can safely jump into a puddle or run in the rain, but we do not recommend using these collars for underwater training or swimming. If the collar comes in contact with salt water, we recommend rinsing it with tap water before wiping it or leaving it to air dry. The remote transmitter is not water-resistant (with the exception of the P620 and P620B models).
What is the maximum operating range of your collars?
Depending on the model, the range may vary from 400 to 1100 yards. Please refer to the model overview table or your user manual.
The range may also vary depending on terrain, buildings, trees, and electromagnetic interference from other devices.
For how long can I leave the collar on my dog?
The collar is not intended to be worn continuously. We recommend using it only for short training sessions (up to 15 minutes). You should avoid leaving the collar on dogs for more than 4 hours per day and should reposition the collar on the dog's neck regularly.
How do I choose the right stimulation level?
Every dog has their own recognition level. Even a slight change in your dog’s behavior, such as looking around in curiosity, scratching at their collar, or flicking their ears may indicate that they feel stimulation. If your dog does not have a visible reaction (like twitching their ears or head), the level you selected may be too low. Increase the level by 1 and test the stimulation. Repeat until the dog starts reacting.
WARNING: If the dog yelps or becomes agitated after you deliver stimulation, the level is too high for your pet.
For how long can I deliver static shock or vibration to my dog?
You will be able to deliver vibration or static shock to your dog continuously for up to 10 seconds. After 10 seconds, the remote transmitter will time out. The vibration or shock button must be released and pressed again to proceed. It is highly recommended to limit the continuous shock delivery to no more than 3 seconds (the smaller the dog, the shorter it should be).
Dog Training
How long should the training sessions be?
Training sessions should be kept short and positive. We recommend training your dog for about 10-15 minutes per session.
How frequently can I use the collar?
You can use it as frequently as you need to train the desired behavior, but it should not be worn continuously during the day. PetSpy’s e-collars can be worn for no more than 4 hours a day.
Troubleshooting
My dog doesn't respond to the shock stimulation mode.
First, test the shock function by bringing the collar’s prongs in contact with the test bulb. If the test bulb lights up, do the following:
- Make sure the collar fits snugly and the contact points touch the dog’s skin. Both contact points must be touching the dog's skin for your dog to feel stimulation.
- If your dog has a long or very thick coat, trim their hair where the collar contact points normally touch the skin.
If the above suggestions do not resolve the issue, please reach out to our support team at support@petspy.com.
The collar works intermittently.
There may be three possible explanations:
- There is a circuit delay. The stimulation button must be held down for at least 1 full second for the transmitter to have enough time to send a signal.
- The collar is in sleep mode. The collar receiver enters sleep mode after 5 minutes without motion. To wake it up, you need to press any button on the remote twice or shake it (depending on the version of the receiver).
- Low battery. Fully charge the collar and the remote, re-sync them if necessary, and try again.
The collar or the remote doesn’t charge.
Try charging the device with the USB port of your computer. If this helps, it means the wall adapter will need to be replaced. Reach out to our support team at support@petspy.com for further assistance.
The collar does not respond to the remote.
- Make sure the collar and the remote are both fully charged
- Make sure the system is synced. For instructions, please refer to the user manual
If the steps above do not resolve the problem, reach out to our support team at support@petspy.com for further assistance.
Spare parts
Can I order spare parts for my system?
Yes, most parts can be ordered separately. Please find them on the Replacement parts page
Can I order a second remote and pair two remotes with the system?
No, you cannot use two remotes to control one or multiple collars, but you can use one remote to control multiple collars.
Warranty
When and how can I file a warranty claim?
To file a warranty claim, reach out to our support team at support@petspy.com. Remember to include your name, your order number, and your shipping address when sending the message.
If the product was a gift, does the warranty cover it?
Yes. But we recommend asking the gift giver to provide you with a copy of the purchase receipt or to help you process the warranty claim on your behalf.
How do I register my warranty?
To register your warranty, please navigate to the Warranty page or send a message to warranty@petspy.com. Remember to include your name, your order number, and your shipping address when sending the message.
What are your warranty terms?
You can view our warranty terms and conditions at the Warranty page.