Collars to Prevent Barking

Dogs bark for a number of reasons, including protection, fear and boredom. Although some barking is acceptable, the barking should stop once the alert has been sounded. If you have a dog with a barking problem, using a bark control collar may be the solution for you. Knowing the three different types of collars will help you choose which is right for you and your dog.

  1. Shock Collars

    • Shock collars use a small electrical shock to correct your dog when it barks. Probes sit on your dog's throat and sense when your dog barks. Then the probes emit a shock that is comparable to a static shock you might get after walking across carpet with socks on. The shock is not cruel or overly painful. It is just enough to startle your dog to make it stop barking. These collars have different settings to change the strength of the shock so you can find the one that works best with your dog.

    Sound Collars

    • Despite the effectiveness of a shock collar, some owners prefer to avoid the physical effects of a shock collar. If you are looking for another option, consider a sound collar. These collars use ultrasonic sounds to distract the dog. They work similar to the shock collars, using probes to sense the barking. The sound that is emitted can't be heard by humans. You can adjust the frequency of the collar until you find a frequency that is effective with your dog.

    Spray Collars

    • Similar to sound collars, spray collars use sensory distraction to stop the barking. These collars emit a mist of citronella spray when your dog's bark triggers the mechanism. The spray is emitted near the dog's nose, and the smell is enough to distract most dogs from barking.

    Warnings

    • Regardless of which training collar you choose, never leave a dog unattended with a bark collar until you know how your dog reacts to it. Observe your dog for 48 hours, taking the collar off when you are not able to watch it. Once you determine your dog is not aggressive or afraid of the collar, you can leave the dog alone with it on. Signs your dog is afraid or aggressive can include biting, growling or cowering, as well as increased barking.