A bark control collar may be used as a harmless and efficient training tool for eliminating your dog’s nuisance or persistent barking. Following are the most often asked questions I receive from pet owners interested in learning more about bark collars and how they are used.
Bark Collars – Harmless or Harmful?
There has been a lot of debate about the humaneness of using a bark control collar. In my opinion, anti bark collars are very humane.
There are many different varieties of bark collars (Citronella or Spray Collars, Ultra Sonic Collars and Shock Correction Bark Collars). For the intention of this article, I’ll focus on static correction since most of the controversy about reliability and humaneness will often center on this type of collar.
Static correction bark collars use a harmless static shock to admonish your dog when he barks. Some collars sense your dog’s bark through use of vibration sensor, some bark collars utilize a microphone to identify barking by sound; many collars use a combination of vibration and sound.
The static correction that your dog receives is akin to the jolt you feel when you walk across a carpeted floor in your socks and then touch a metal object. You have probably experienced this when you pull your clothing out of the dryer during the wintertime and your clothes have “static cling”. Startling? Yes. Painful? No.
When used properly, along with uniform training, static correction bark collars can be a safe, harmless tool to put a stop unreasonable or nuisance barking.
Which bark collar works best?
The answer to this question lies with you, and your dog of course. As a pet owner, you know your pet best. Factors to consider when purchasing a bark collar:
- Your dog’s age: Bark collars or dog training collars should not be used on a puppy younger than 6 months old.
- Your dog’s size & weight: Your dog’s weight and neck size need to be considered when considering collars. A bark collar for little dogs won’t work well for a large or stubborn dog.
- Your dog’s temperament: Is your dog very stubborn? Apprehensive and fearful? There are bark collars specially created for both of these extremes, as well as standard collars that will work for most dogs. An extremely timid dog may react better to a Citronella Bark Collar or Ultra Sonic system. Likewise, a stubborn dog will in all likelihood be trained easier with a bark control collar especially created for large breeds.
Do bark control collars always work?
The success rate with bark collars is good, but its important to keep in mind that bark devices might not work in each situation. A sure way to help encourage success is to make a commitment to consistent training. Choose the bark collar that conforms best with your dog’s personality and size, use persistent teaching, and you’ll soon be enjoying bark free days.
Filed under Dogs by on Jul 20th, 2009. Comment. 
Understanding Your Dog’s Behavioral Problems
Dogs exhibit many behaviors that leave their owners scratching their heads in confusion. Whether it’s barking, digging, nipping, or a number of other annoying activities, canines do things that seem odd to us. However, by understanding why they do such things, owners can learn to modify such behaviors.
Below, we’ll discuss several behavioral problems that can frustrate owners, their guests, and their neighbors. I’ll explain why your pooch may be doing some of the things she’s doing so you can take steps to curb inappropriate behaviors.
Chewing
Dogs chew for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, they’re anxious. Other times – especially in the case of puppies – they chew because they’re teething. Still other times, they simply become bored or restless. They do it to work off excess energy.
If your canine limits her chewing to a chew toy, or Bully Sticks there’s little harm in it. When no chew toys are around, your house belongings are at risk for damage from a chewing dog. When you notice her chewing on things she should not be, sharply tell her. Take away (or remove her from) the item on which she’s chewing and give her a Odorless Bully Stick in its place.
Excessive Barking
First, it’s important to realize that your dog barks as a way of communicating. While it can become frustrating if she does so excessively, owners should understand that there may be a valid reason for the behavior.
That said, canines often bark excessively for a number of reasons that are inappropriate. For example, they may be bored or excited. The barking could be a response to other pets close by. Many times, your dog just wants to attract your attention.
An effective way to discourage continual barking to to provide your pet with daily exercise. When bored your dog’s behavior issues can increase because of pent up energy. Also, avoid encouraging her barking by giving her attention when she does it. Instead, clap sharply to let her know that her behavior is unacceptable to you.
Begging
Dogs love food, even if they’re not hungry. Given the opportunity, they’ll continue eating as long as someone gives them something to eat. The problem is that owners encourage begging each time they provide a taste from the dinner table. Remember, your pooch learns by repetition. When it comes to food, she learns quickly. When your dog is rewarded when they beg, they will learn this behavior and deem it natural.
You can discourage the begging behavior putting the dog into another part of the house during meal times.
The Value Of Obedience Classes
Most behavioral issues can be curbed by enrolling your dog into obedience classes. If you train them as a puppy, they will learn what is acceptable and what is not acceptable behavior and the training will “stick”.” If you enroll her as an adult, the training will be effective, but she’ll probably need periodic classes as a reminder of what constitutes appropriate conduct. In the end, a well-trained, well-behaved dog makes a more pleasant companion.
Filed under Dogs by on May 9th, 2009. Comment.
Educating yourself about dog training is the first step one takes before actually training your dog. There are plenty of sources you can go to, but at times it becomes information overload.
Canine training is not really all that difficult. One thing to remember is that many dogs simply want to make their owner happy. The issue is communication. Obviously dogs and humans can’t talk to each other, and you need to get your pet to figure out what you want.
Canine training can be summed up with just a few tips. Lets take a look at some of the methods that I have used in order to train my dog, making both he and I happier.
Try to avoid the negatives that often come with training. Hitting or striking your dog, either by hand or with an object will only teach the dog to fear you. A stern verbal NO, is OK, but don’t go any further than that, or you risk alienating the animal. Focusing on praise and rewards when your dog behaves as it should is the better way to go.
Praising your dog will reinforce the correct behavior. Loving or petting your dog for acting positive behaviors is of course nice, but experience has shown even better results occur when food treats are given out at the time the behaviors observed. Think about it, food motivates humans, so to it works with our four legged friends.
Body language can also influence your pet’s reactions. Many canines can actually can actually sense and read your body language before any verbal communication is given. A method that works well in doing this is to match an audible command with a specific movement of either the hand or arm.
Refusing to give up is the final key to successful dog training. Sure at times it is frustrating. It would certainly be easier to give up, go sit on the couch and watch your DirecTV, but you need to persist in your training. Your dog is not going to train himself, and training always takes longer than you would like. It is so important to keep this in mind when things are difficult with your dog. Things will not always fall into place, so do not give up at the first sign of trouble.
Training your dog can be both a difficult and rewarding experience. Keeping these brief tips in mind will help you keep on track in your natural dog training efforts.
Filed under Animal Info by on Apr 30th, 2009. Comment.
