Is a Bark Collar the Right Solution For Your Dog?

In the most simplistic words, a barking collar can be used to redirect a dog that insists on barking constantly.  Most dogs bark for a reason, such as being a guard. Other dog’s just bark because they feel they can, such as problem barking.  This barking can go on at all hours of the day and night and is often outstandingly nonstop.  No particular impulse exists; your dog just barks.  He barks at trucks, birds in the yard, people passing by, or dust motes, but whatever the cause, he just won’t stop.

There are varieties of techniques that people use to try to decrease nuisance barking.  The best time to apply these tactics, which mirror other training behavior, is when your dog is small and hasn’t yet developed the habit of barking at everything.  If you have missed the point of no return, it will take time and patience 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 easily fixed with spending more time with him or her, buy them bones, and other simple ways to keep them busy.  If they are anxious, find ways to make them feel relaxed, such as providing them with a comfortable kennel.  If, however, you come to the conclusion that the barking is caused from them being a very vocal dog, then training is likely to succeed.

Excessive barking is one of the most common reasons that people give away their dogs to shelters.  It is such a shame that a natural habit gone awry causes so many problems.  The quotation, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” doesn’t have to be true.  It takes patience and exertion on your behalf, certainly, but it can be done.  You can speed your progress and improve your odds of success by adding a dog bark collar to your training process.

Bark Collars shouldn’t take the place of the communication between you and your pet.  You use them in conjunction with training.  Collars come in several types, but two lead the pack.  The first collar that is popular is the spray collar. This collar uses a citronella, lemon or citrus based spray that squirts in your dogs nose to make him stop unnecessary noises. The electronic bark receiver is the next famous collar. This collar sends a small pinch of correction on his collar line.  The intensity is likened to a static shock that you get during the winter if you rub your socks on the carpet.

Every barking system is designed for many types of dogs and come in a variety of styles, models, and styles.  Make sure you talk with a professional if you are skeptical of which collar to purchase.  Veterinarians and trainers do not advise using collars on dogs that are younger than five months or weigh less than four pounds. Only one collar goes down to three pounds; the majority start at seven pounds.  You should be able to put two fingers in between the collar strap and your pets neck.  While your dog is wearing his collar, you can begin training.  Each time they bark excessively tell them “NO BARK” in a stern voice.  If they continue, the collar will administer a correction.  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 sores on your dogs necks if they wear it for a period of time.