When you are using a training collar to train your dog, note that each manufacturer has different stimulation levels. There is no set code as to the amount of stimulation when it comes to dog training collars. Thus, the stimulation will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Because there is no universal system in place when it comes to stimulation levels for dog training collars, you will have to discover which type of collar will work best for your dog. You cannot think that a level 2 on a Tri-Tronics collar will give the same amount of stimulation than a Level 2 on a SportDog collar.

In addition to the stimulation differences, dog training collars also come with different levels of stimulation. They range from 2 levels to 127 levels of stimulation. Many dog trainers feel that too many levels can be ineffective, while too few will give the dog too much stimulation on the second round than he needs.

The purpose of dog training collars is to send a stimulation impulse to a dog who is wearing the receiver collar. You control the transmission of the stimulation. You use this in order to get the dog to obey your commands and cease improper behavior. If the dog does not respond to the lighter level of stimulation, you increase the level until he finally gets the message.

When you use a collar that has over 100 different levels of stimulation, it may be difficult for the dog to ascertain between levels. Thus one level of stimulation appears to be the same as the first. You are merely repeating the same thing that didn't work the first time and caused you to increase the stimulation. Many dog trainers feel that collars with this much of a variety in stimulation can make training the dog more difficult. You may end up taking a bit longer to get the dog to finally start to behave.

The opposite is true when it comes to dog training collars with too few stimulation levels. The dog does something wrong, you send him a signal. He repeats the infraction and you then raise the level, but far more than you have to. This can end up confusing the dog. You may be using too much stimulation in such a case.

When you are shopping for a dog training collar for your gun dogs, take a look at the various models that are available and how they vary in stimulation. You also have to keep in mind the breed and size of your dog as well as what type of temperament the dog possesses.

Shop around for the dog training collar that will not only suit your dog, but will work with your dog training style as well. Remember that each manufacturer has different levels of stimulation. A larger dog will need more stimulation than a smaller dog. It is best to go with the dog training collar that will offer you a variety of training levels that increase on a steady, gradual basis.