When training dogs, we always need to keep in mind the science behind dog training. Using corrections (compulsion) is not mandatory and you can get a really well-trained dog only using three out of the four quadrants of operant conditioning.

However, with that being said, if you want 100% reliability, then using compulsion becomes necessary. When I start adding corrections to a dog’s training routine, I first start with the martingale collar. If I correct the dog with a leash pop on the martingale collar and the dog continues the undesired behavior, then we have to move up to a prong collar. The reason for this is that you can only pop the leash so hard before you would start physically harming the dog. Since we don’t want to harm our dogs, we must move to a collar that is designed to give a higher correction.

You'll also notice on the list is a remote training collar by Dogtra. I've trained both my dogs on remote training collars and this is my preferred make and model. I cover the full training process that I follow in my dog training manual (version 3). However, if you prefer to watch training videos, then I would highly recommend Michael Ellis’ online remote-collar training course. When done correctly you'll have a happy dog that is reliable off-leash. Check out this video of my dog Arih at the beach with her remote collar on.