Bark Collars

Bark Collars: Do Various Training Collars Really Work?

Will a bark collar work? What do you do if you have been consistent, tried behavior modification techniques, and everything you can think of to control canine barking, and your dog just won’t stop? Training is the best way to correct unacceptable behavior, but other methods are available. Faced with problems no amount of effort on your part has affected positively, and threats of lawsuits or court action, owners have used no-bark collars and vocal cord surgery to stop their pets from making excess noise. Of course a no bark collar is preferable to surgery, and they really are not inhumane. There is even a special small dog bark collar available.

The anti-bark collars come in two types. The most popular are radio and herbal spray types of bark collars. The radio type dog bark collar delivers a mild shock when the dog starts to bark. The prongs on the bark stopping collar must touch the front of the dog’s neck, so the vibrations of the barking trigger the shock. The herbal spray no bark collar works the same way, only the vibrations trigger a mist of pungent citrus-scented fog from the no bark collar into the dog’s face. This mist from the anti-bark collar startles the dog and interrupts the barking. Bark training collar with remote, is an alternative where the shock or the spray is controlled by you, with the remote. Some users believe this is a better way, since it can train for other aversive behaviors as well, and immediate positive reinforcement can be given in reward to the conditioned response.

Debarking, as a last alternative, must be done by a veterinarian. The procedure is misnamed – it muffles barking but doesn’t eliminate it – but it is a humane alternative to the options of giving away a beloved pet, suffering disgruntled neighbors, or facing unwanted legal action.

Recently, the electronic dog training collars have started to grab the attention. Such pet training collars set off radio waves that shock that dog, but it will always will with fear, waiting for the next shock wave. The electronic dog training collars are suitable for problematic dogs that have been un able to be trained so far. Remember that the electronic collars should not be used if your dog has heart problems or it is less than ten months old.

The bottom line is that bark collars for dogs and other training collars are not trainers in themselves, you are. It is your responsibility to train your pet and use the anti bark collar in the best possible manner. When it comes to dog training collars, use your common sense and gain some knowledge on their proper use, before applying it to your pet.