What Are the Long-Term Effects of Bark Control on Dogs?

Bark control for dogs can occur in several forms. The traditional form of bark control is to simply train the dog not to bark at times when he naturally wants to. More modern methods include bark control collars, which may emit a high-pitched sound, a citronella spray or an electric muscle stimulation to the throat when the dog attempts to bark.

  1. Traditional Bark Control

    • Traditional bark control comprised of training the dog not to bark has been effective for centuries with no profound long-term negative effects. Long-term positive effects, however, include a more pleasant and agreeable living arrangement in the human world for the dog, the owner and family and for any visitors that the home may have. Additionally, a dog trained not to bark may becomes easier to train overall.

    Bark Control Collars

    • Bark control collars may emit a high-pitched sound when the dog barks or when the owner presses a button for the sound on a wireless remote, depending on the brand. Other bark control collars will produce a citronella or lemony spray directed toward to dog's snout when he barks. This spray is harmless, but unpleasant and distracting for the animal. The most aggressive models produce an electric muscle stimulation contracting the throat muscles when the dog barks or when a wireless remote button is pressed. This type of collar often has varying levels of intensity and can startle the dog as well as cause discomfort and should never be left on the dog when he is unattended. Some collars contain a combination, such as the ability to produce a sound or a stimulation, allowing the owner options.

    Long-Term Effects

    • A study conducted in 2006 involving 21 mixed breed dogs tested the Cortisol plasma levels and ACTH hormone in the dogs before and after wearing bark control collars for a couple of weeks while a bark-provoking stimulus was presented each day. The study found an average increase in Cortisol, a stress-related hormone, of 169 percent on the first day of wearing the bark control collars, but no significant difference in ACTH, a biological stress-related hormone. The Cortisol levels remained within normal ranges, however, so despite the 169 percent increase on the first day, the findings were statistically insignificant. Barking was reduced greatly by the second day wearing the collar, with no significant difference between electric stimulation or citronella spray collars. Findings from the study suggest that bark control collars can safely be used, but that there is some level of stress increase for the dog, at least initially.