Is a Bark Collar the Right Solution For Your Dog?

Have your neighbors nag about your dog’s barking when you leave for work? A bark collar could clear up all of those issues.  The kind of barking your dog does with no special reason is known as problem barking.  This barking can go on at all hours of the day and night and is often particularly unceasing.  No particular stimulus exists; your dog just barks.  He may notice something in the yard, be scared by lightening, or like to bark at the trucks, whatever the cause, he just won’t stop.

There are many different types of techniques that people use to try to decrease nuisance barking.  The younger your dog is the easier the training will go.  If you have missed the point of no return, it will take time and consistency to find out the reason he barks and to stop the barking.

If you see your dog is barking out of boredom, that can be conveniently fixed with spending more time with him or her, buy them stuffed animals, and other simple ways to keep them busy.  If they are fearful, find ways to make them feel calmer, such as providing them with a comfortable kennel.  If, however, you determine that the barking is a result of them being a very vocal dog, then training is more likely to succeed.

Excessive barking is one of the most popular reasons that people relinquish their dogs to shelters.  It is such a disappointment that a natural behavior gone awry causes so many problems.  The saying, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” doesn’t have to be a reality.  With a lot of time and aspiration, you can teach your dog to do cartwheels.  You can speed your progress and improve your odds of success by adding a bark collar to your training process.

Dog bark collars don’t replace your involvement.  You use them in agreement with training.  Bark Collars come in many models, but two lead the pack.  The spray collar uses a citronella based spray that squirts your dog in the face when the sensor picks up the shaking caused by barking or whining. The e-collar, or electric collar, uses the same type of prongs, but sends a small electric correction to the dog when barking persist past a specific time frame.  The intensity on the bark collar is compared to the shock you get when you rub your socks across the carpet and touch something else. It doesn’t hurt but it will certainly get there attention.

Every collar is made for different breeds of dogs and come in a variety of styles, models, and styles.  You should make sure you choose an relevant collar, especially if you have a small pet.  There are no bark collars suitable for a dog younger than the age of six months or weigh less than three pounds. Only one collar goes down to three pounds; the majority start at seven pounds.  Make sure the collar is large enough to fit around your dog’s neck snuggly.  While your dog is wearing his collar, you can start training.  When your dog begins to bark persistently, say your verbal commands with a firm voice.  If they continue, the receiver will give a slight shock.  If your dog stops barking when you tell him to, be sure to praise him and give him a treat.

Only make your dog wear the collar when it is necessary. Sometimes the prongs on the collars can put blisters on your dogs necks if they wear it for a period of time.