Choosing an Effective Bark Control Aid

Put an end to disruptive noise with a no bark collar

Learn about the available bark control aids on the market, and then select the one that's right for your pet and your lifestyle

By far the most popular domestic pet in America, dogs bring much delight to their owners-but, as anyone who's lived near a dog that barks for prolonged periods of time, they can also be a source of disruptive noise. Barking is a natural way for canines to express fear, anger, excitement, hunger, and even boredom, but it can easily result in disrupted sleep, irritated neighbors, and potentially even a citation from the authorities.

Taking your dog to an animal trainer at an obedience school may eventually help curtail the barking, but it will also require multiple sessions and pricey fees. A quicker, more cost-effective solution may be purchasing a bark control collar for your vocal pet.

Before choosing a bark control aid for your dog, take the time to research the various options on the market and choose the one that's right for you and your pet. Below are some of the most common styles:

Electronic Bark Collars

These battery-operated solutions will deliver a mild shock to your dog each time it detects the vibrations from barking. A variety of electronic collars are available; although they all have the same basic functionality, they may vary by the levels of shock adjustment, additional features, and type of battery used. Many dog owners have found electronic collars to be a quick, safe way to reduce the amount of disruptive barking.

Citronella Bark Collars

Considered by many as more humane than electronic collars, citronella collars (also known as "spray collars") emit a squirt of citronella and a hissing sound, both of which are physically harmless but are very irritating to the dog. Over time, the animal will begin to associate the spray and sound to his own barking, and he should become less vocal while wearing the collar. Combining use of the collar with positive reinforcement for quiet periods will help to prolong the good behavior. Many dog owners have found citronella bark collars to be more effective than electronic versions.

Some versions of spray bark collars come with a remote control that allows you to manually administer the frequency and duration of each burst of citronella. Other versions are equipped with a sensor or microphone that automatically detects barking and emits the spray accordingly.

Often used in outdoor candles as an insect repellent, citronella oil is a safe, non-toxic substance that will not cause harm to your pet. That said, if your dog develops a rash, hives, or other physical reaction, he may be allergic and you should discontinue use.

Other Bark Control Aids

If electronic or spray collars aren't for you, you might consider trying a sound-correction bark control aid. Each time the dog barks, the unit will emit a high-pitched tone that is highly unpleasant to the animal's sensitive sense of hearing. These bark control aids are discreet, easily portable, and stop automatically when your dog is quiet.

Be sure to visit our trusted friends Drs. Foster & Smith and Only Natural Pet to buy products mentioned here.

We hope you find better living for your dog, natually.
John & Heidi Walsh
Pet lovers for over 20 years.

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