About Bark Collars

Types

• There are three main types of bark collar.
  Citronella collars do not shock the dog, but deliver a quick blast of unpleasant citronella oil spray upwards, towards the muzzle, when the dog begins to bark. This type is preferred by many people who are uncomfortable with shocking their dog.
  Electronic shock collars deliver a mild shock to the dog and can usually be set to several levels, from a mild tingle to a definite shock.
  Ultrasonic collars make a very high pitched noise that is usually undetectable to humans, but startling and uncomfortable for a dog. The better versions of any of these collars offer the option of a delayed reaction, allowing the dog to bark a few times before triggering.
  Electronic collars may he least expensive option, but cheap versions of these may not last very long, or work reliably. See the link below in Resources for an effective, well made bark collar.

Features

• Each type of collar runs on batteries. If the collar is effective, the dog quickly learns that barking triggers an unpleasant stimulus and the battery gets little use.
  Citronella collars feature cartridges that need to be replaced if the barking persists. Generally, if you have to replace either the cartridge or the batteries frequently, this indicates either a poor quality or ineffective collar.
  Most electronic bark collars can be set to up to ten levels of correction. Sensitive dogs respond to a low level, which delivers a mild tingle, while challenging dogs need more definite correction. The ultrasonic and citronella collars are typically not adjustable. Since there are times when barking can be useful, like to alert you to someone at the door, look for a collar that allows the dog to bark for several seconds before delivering the correction. This allows the dog to bark a few times, then stop. Most dogs learn very quickly to stop nuisance barking and may eventually not need to wear the collar at all.

Considerations

• Before trying a collar, determine why your dog barks and if there is another way to deal with the problem. Barking is a natural behavior for most dogs, and some breeds were selectively bred for their barking and "voice." Some herding dogs, such as Collies and Shelties, were valued for their barking, which helped warn predators away from the flocks. Hunting dogs bay and howl to indicate a trail or a treed animal so hunters can follow the dogs and prey. Watch dogs alert families and intruders.
  Barking can be a symptom. A dog that is left alone outside in a yard all day may bark because he is bored. He could well be quiet when brought inside and left with some good dog toys to chew. A dog who only barks at the front window at passers-by is being triggered by the visual cues can be contained or baby-gated away from the window. Very active dogs may bark because they are under exercised, and walking them daily may quiet them down.
  Interactive dog toys, or toys that can be stuffed with food and frozen for the dog to chew, are available at pet supply stores and can keep a dog from being bored. Very often, behavioral fixes and common sense solutions can be an easier and cheaper than a bark collar.

Benefits

• Dogs who bark endlessly because they are a breed predisposed to being vocal may benefit from bark collars. When you are way from the home and unable to correct the dog, the bark collar can deliver the correction. Some dogs bark only when they are left alone and a collar helps quiet the dog and keep your neighbors happy. Some dogs actually get themselves overstimulated by their own barking, and a bark collar can calm them down.

Warning

• Always start with the lowest correction setting possible and only increase the level if the lower one is ineffective. Giving excessive shocks to a dog who doesn't need a strong correction is unfair and can make him anxious. Take the collar off when not in use, as the prongs can irritate the skin if left on all the time.

Size

• .Bark collars are available to fit dogs from the smallest toy dog to the largest breeds. Look for a collar that fits snugly but not too tightly. You should be able to slide two fingers under the collar, but the prongs need to make contact with the dog's throat. Some very long coated dogs may need longer contact prongs, which are available from manufacturers. The Bark Collars link below in Resources has all types of bark collars available.