These days, there are many bark collars available on the market. This is a positive thing, because now you can control your dog’s barking easily. On the other hand, with so many options, how can you decide which is the best one?
The first step should always be finding out why your dog barks in the first place. Here are three of the most frequent reasons why dogs bark:
- When they sense danger. This is the moment when dog barking control should not be applied. Applying a correction to the dog when it senses danger can mislead it into believing that it has done something wrong. On occasions when its barks might actually be very helpful, it might not give you any signal at all. So, take great care when you use stop dog barking methods.
- When they are happy. Happy dogs might express their feelings by barking. It is OK if this is done at appropriate hours and preferably in an open space where neighbors cannot be disturbed. However, when the dog barks late at night in an apartment it almost doesn’t matter if it is happy barking. Dogs need to learn from the youngest ages what they are allowed to do and what not. In this case, bark collars are the right solution, if they do not listen to your verbal commands.
- To thank you for what you’ve done for it. This is specific to shelter rescued animals, but not only. Since dogs cannot speak, the only way they can communicate their affection and feelings is by barking. The no bark collars are able to put an end to this irritating habit, but think if you really want to stop it. Of course, when the dog doesn’t listen to any verbal command, it is time to choose other methods, like the anti bark collars.
The next step should be analyzing your needs and the needs of the dog. Here are some variables to take into account:
a) Consider the size of the dog. This is one of the most important things you need to take into account before you purchase a dog bark collar. Bark collars for small dogs are quite different from the ones for big dogs, even if they work on the same principles. First of all, the correction is adapted to the size, so that the dog doesn’t suffer unnecessary discomfort. Moreover, the length and thickness of the collar needs to be suitable for the size of the dog.
b) Consider the age of the dog. Pet training experts say that puppies should not be trained using bark collars for dogs that work with intense shocks, because they can be easily trained using other, less traumatizing, methods for their age.
c) Take into account the physical characteristics. Dog breeds have very different characteristics, especially when it comes to the shape of the neck and head. For example, in the case of the dogs with long necks and small heads, the dog bark collar needs to be tight enough to sense the vibrations. Moreover, when they see it is uncomfortable, the dogs might try to take the collar off, which can be very easy if it is loose and the head is small.
d) Start with a less painful dog barking control system and increase the correction intensity if it doesn’t work. There are some types of bark collars that have a gradual intensity system. For example, if, after the first correction that uses ultrasounds, the dog continues to bark, the next correction will be a short shock one. If this doesn’t work either, the next correction will increase in intensity. This can go on up to 7 or more levels, depending on the type of anti bark collars. This is one of the most recommended bark collars, because of the efficiency and because you will only pay for one collar that does on its own what other several bark control collars do separately.
The no bark collars are most of the times extremely useful and can help you train your dog into obeying your commands. However, if this doesn’t work, you should see a training expert for more advice. It is very possible that you are not using the right bark collars and this is why your dog’s behavior is not corrected yet.
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