Have you received complaints from your neighbors about your dog’s excessive barking? If so, chances are you are looking for a solution that is safe and effective. Bark collars are designed to automatically correct your dog’s barking behavior using a variety of techniques.
The most common question pet parents ask is, do bark collars work? Yes. Bark collars are designed to successfully train your dog to limit their barking habits. Innovative technology is used to create an electric shock, ultrasonic noise, or spray such as citronella that grabs your dog’s attention and stops them from barking.
Every bark collar is carefully created to be effective without causing harm to your dog with the exception of a few brands. Most collars offer you the opportunity to choose between three settings, so if you don’t feel comfortable using electric shock you can choose noise or spray. The options allow you to remain in control of your dog’s training while using the bark collar as a useful tool.
While bark collars have safely and successfully trained dogs for years, it’s up to you as a pet parent to ensure your dog is trained properly by using the low strength settings first then gradually raising the level to meet your pet’s needs. Continue reading to find out how a bark collar can help solve your dog’s excessive barking behavior.
What is a bark collar?
You are probably wondering what a bark collar is exactly. It looks like a standard collar but has an extra component such as a box that is attached. Most bark collars are adjustable to ensure a snug but comfortable fit. The collar is specifically designed to be long lasting and durable.
The type of material used for most bark collars is a durable and strong nylon fabric that features adjustable attachments to customize the fit to your pet. Some dog owners think that bark collars inflict pain on dogs and are afraid to use the tool.
While this opinion is common and valid, bark collars are not designed to inflict pain but just a slight discomfort that is distributed through the senses such as touch, smell, and hearing.
Even if you don’t want to use the touch or shock option which only causes discomfort, the other two options of sound and scent are extremely humane and don’t inflict any pain. The pet industry and bark collar manufacturers design this training tool specifically to allow the pet parents to remain in control of their dog’s training and have created a wide range of models and options to choose from.
Careful consideration for the well being of dogs was put into the creation of most bark collar designs. The manufacturer’s goal was to design a product that corrects excessive barking in a safe but powerful way while producing rapid results. Some models offer you the opportunity to activate and control the collar remotely.
Types of Bark Collars
There are plenty of types of bark collars to choose from that will suit your dog’s needs. There are four specific types of dog bark collars that get the job done safely and powerfully. The four types include static, vibration, spray, and ultrasonic.
Static Bark Collars
This option is the most popular due to the versatility it offers. It’s designed to detect barking by using sensors. Once it’s activated it sends pulses that are brief and short to your dog’s neck area while using pulses of static interruption.
This model is adjustable, fits dogs of all sizes, and features a setting option that allows you to choose from a number of intensity levels. This means it can effectively and safely be used on dogs that range from timid to those that are more headstrong and intense.
Vibration Bark Collars
This model is similar to the static option because it uses similar sensors that activate the collar to produce interruption vibrations to your dog’s neck.
The vibration collar uses sensor technology to detect when your dog is about to bark by anticipating the action once it senses potential barking movement in your dog’s neck. The intensity level can be adjusted to suit your dog’s needs and this collar is an excellent alternative to the static or shock collar.
Spray Bark Collars
Surely you have heard that your dog’s sense of smell is strong and reaches far beyond human capability. 
This means a slight citronella scent can catch your dog’s attention and immediately distract them in their tracks during one of their excessive barking sessions.
The spray bark collar models have tiny sensors built into the collar that initiates the puff of citronella spray. Citronella is harmless to pets and the environment, so you can feel confident you are using a humane and safe way to train your dog.
Ultrasonic Bark Collars
Your dog can hear sounds and noises beyond your ability. Ultrasonic noise naturally captures your pet’s attention and deters and stops them from barking. The high-pitched sound is activated when your dog barks and immediately stops the behavior.
Most ultrasonic collars have a vibration option added to allow you the choice to use either one by itself or together for rapid results. Most models can be activated and operated by the pet parent which allows you to be part of the training process and gives you control of when your dog needs the correction.
Are bark collars safe?
By the time a pet parent is seeking a bark collar to help correct their dog’s behavior, the excessive barking has interrupted sleep cycles, caused neighbors to complain, and created tension between family members in the household. It’s rare that a bark collar is the first training option for most pet parents to consider.
Typically, using other methods such as removing the cause of the barking from your dog’s daily life is the first step and some basic obedience training helps before settling on a bark collar for training purposes.
Generally, bark collars are safe for dogs when used responsibly and directions are followed exactly. Most bark collar models feature a setting that allows you to adjust the intensity of the vibration or shock to suit your dog’s needs.
For example, if you have a small breed dog, you will need to use the lowest setting to ensure your pet is not overstimulated. However, if you have a large breed dog such as a German Shepherd, you will need to start out at the lowest setting and gradually higher it until it has a subtle effect on your dog that is strong enough to deter their barking habits.
As a responsible pet parent, you might feel uncomfortable using the shock or vibration mode on your dog. In this case, you can choose the spray or noise bark collar to ensure your dog isn’t feeling any discomfort other than hearing a loud noise or smelling something out of the ordinary.
Unfortunately, some dog owners don’t read the instructions when they first use the collar and set the shock or vibration mode to high without realizing they have made a mistake. In this scenario, the sudden reaction of the dog will alert the pet parent and encourage them to lower the setting.
Bottom Line
After learning all of this information about bark collars, you might wonder if they really work. Yes. They really do work when used as instructed. Remember, all dogs are different, and while one of your dogs might have success using a vibration or shock collar your other dog might react better to the noise or spray option.
Some bark collars have been specifically designed to have multiple features so you make one purchase but have the option to test and use different settings. Your ultimate goal is to stop your dog from barking excessively but still remain a sweet adorable family pet.
When using the remote activated mode, make sure your dog doesn’t see that you are the cause of the interruption in their barking. All dogs are intelligent and they will figure it out quickly if they see you with the remote. Always activate it only when absolutely needed and do it secretly.
Keep in mind that bark collars are not meant to be used long term. Once your dog is officially trained and has curved or stopped its excessive barking, remove the collar for good, and only use it again if their behavior appears again in the future.
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