How to Train With Sound Collars

Sound collars consist of collars that emit an unpleasant, high-pitched decibel sound any time the dog barks. They can be overall effective training tools if dog owners learn how to use them properly but should be used as a last resort, when all other training methods have failed. The effectiveness of sound collars is based on the principles of classical conditioning where the dog learns to associate barking with an unpleasant noise, and therefore the behavior gradually is extinguished. Sound collars are often preferred over the use of electronic shocking collars.

Things You'll Need

  • Sound collar
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the underlying cause of barking. Dogs often bark when their social needs are not met or when they are frustrated from being under-exercised and under-stimulated. Other times, dogs may bark when left alone in the home under the form of separation anxiety. Barking may also result from getting startled from noises and stimuli that stress the dog. Sound collars should not be used when a dog's basic needs are not met or when the dog's barking stems from anxiety, stress or fear.

    • 2

      Allow your dog to become familiar with the sound collar. Let him sniff it and then offer a food reward. Repeat this for a couple of times. You want your dog to associate the collar with something good, such as a tasty treat, so there will be no problems when allowing him to wear it. Progress by putting the collar around the dog's neck unbuckled. Give treats and then remove it. Continue these exercises for about three days.

    • 3

      Fit the sound collar on your dog's neck and give treats. A well-fitting sound collar will be snug, but you should be able to fit two fingers between your dog's neck and the collar. The collar should not be loose enough to slip over the dog's head and not so tight as to restrict breathing. Make sure the microphone unit sits against the middle of the dog's throat. Some sound collars allow you to attach the sound device directly to your dog's existing collar so there is no need for your dog to wear two collars.

    • 4

      Regulate the appropriate correction level for your dog. Most sound collars offer the opportunity to moderate the intensity of the sound. Yelping and cowering the first time is a normal event, according to Pet Safe, a bark collar manufacturer company.(see Resources) The first correction is always the most intense and eventually the reaction will lessen over time.

    • 5

      Observe your dog's reaction over time. You should notice an improvement in your dog's barking in a week or so. At this point, however, the training is not complete, since many dogs may feel compelled to engage in testing behaviors. It is important to keep the collar on in every situation during which barking is not wanted. However, overuse may be counter productive.