to all dog owners, what is your feeling on bark collars to decrease barking?

Answer 1

It depends on what is causing the barking in the first place. If you don't deal with the cause, you may stop the barking but find that the dog takes up a new stress-releiving behavior (like chewing). Therefore, in most cases the collar can be counter-productive. You'd be better to consult with a behaviorist.

Answer 2

I think that we should get to the root of the problem before we go to such drastic measures (they don't work anyway). The reason the dog is barking usually is because they are bored and have no mental stimuli. Were we to walk our dogs for an hour every morning, afternoon, and night, as well as give them something stimulating to do with their free time we wouldn't have them barking all day while they sit in the backyard.
I do speak specifically of shock collars, the others aren't necessarily cruel. The only problem with them is the dog learns when they are on and off and will continue to bark if the collar isn't being worn. So in fact the problem isn't cured it's simply repressed until a later time. No matter what the device does, all electrical products can short out and that could cause pain/discomfort or even death should the device catch fire. For that reason I would never use one. Same goes for hidden fences.

Answer 3

I am sorry some of your posters, don't understand the many different types of bark collars there are out there. There is the shocking collar which I am against, I have seen it burn through a dogs coat unto the neck of a dog I have groomed. There are the citronella bark collars which spray a scent that dog does not like and it will detour the dog from barking, there is also the collar that emits a high pitched sound that the dog does not like and will also keep the dog from barking. Most dogs bark from boredom. Please make sure to play with and give your dog lots of exercise everyday. If y ou hear your dog barking correct him or her immediately. Barking is only okay if there is a danger. Bark collars can train your dog to choose those occasions and then eventually you will not need the collar at all. I do believe in bark collar if they are the citronella or the high pitched one. Good luck.

Answer 4

I'm 100 % for them. I had a new dog and we lived in an apartment building. When we left for work the dog barked constantly for hours on end and needless to say the neighbors complained and rightfully so. We got the bark collar and everything was fine. When they bark they get several warning beeps before the mild shock. If they continue to bark it gets a little stronger. They soon learn. Eventually we only had to put the collar on and she was fine...even with a dead battery. Now we don't even have to put the collar on any more. I would've either have had to get rid of the dog, which I couldn't have done, or move. I think they are wonderful.

Answer 5

First and foremost: Anti-bark collars are punishment devices and are not recommended as a first choice for dealing with a barking problem, especially if the barking is motivated by fear, anxiety or compulsion. Before resorting to an anti-bark collar, you should seek advice from a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, a Veterinary Behaviorist, or a Certified Professional Dog Trainer.
Excessive barking is nothing new. Dogs appear to enjoy barking, and they do so for various reasons. They bark when they want something, when they say “hello,” when they are having fun, when they are startled or alarmed, when they are defending their territory or threatening someone, when they are frustrated, and when they hear other dogs barking. Unfortunately, a dog who barks incessantly can drive the family crazy—and disturb the entire neighborhood.
Many owners can identify why their dog is barking, just by hearing the specific bark. If you want to reduce your dog’s barking, it is imperative to determine the dog’s reason for barking. Understand that it usually takes time to teach a dog to bark less. It is not realistic to expect a quick fix or to expect that the dog will stop barking altogether. Your goal should be to decrease the amount of barking. Bear in mind that some dogs are more prone to barking than others. In addition, some breeds are known as “barkers,” and it may be more difficult to decrease barking in individuals of these breeds.
The most common reasons why dogs bark: Territorial or protective defense
- Distress vocalizations due to fear or separation anxiety
- Excitement or greeting
- During play
- To gain attention or to make requests
- Frustration
- Socially facilitated barking (hearing other dogs bark)
- Compulsive behavior
WHAT NOT TO DO:
- Do not encourage the dog to bark at passers by or people coming to the door (by saying, “Who’s there?,” for example, or getting up and looking out the window, you are encouraging the dog to bark).
- Do not punish the dog for barking at certain sounds (car doors slamming, kids playing in the street) while encouraging him to bark at other sounds (people at the door). You must be consistent!
- Never use punishment procedures for a dog who is barking from fear or anxiety, unless on the advice of a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or Veterinary Behaviorist. This could make the dog feel worse, which could in turn cause the barking to escalate.
- Never use a muzzle or HusherTM to keep a dog quiet for long periods of time or while a dog is unsupervised. As the dog cannot eat, drink, or cool himself while wearing a muzzle, this would be extremely cruel.
- Never tie a dog’s muzzle closed with rope, cord, or rubber bands. This is dangerous, painful, and inhumane

Answer 6

I thank bark collars would help, if you want to abuse your dog!
How would you like it if you had 1000 volts of electricity running threw your body every time you talked? My Australian Shepperd is a non stop barker but she is our gard dog and I cant get mad every time she barks. Instead of bark collars I have found a few other ways that work for my pup. For example you can use a water gun and squirt the dog, you can use a metal can full of beans. Just throw it on the ground and it should scare the dog. If that dose not work you could try a centranala collars, instead of electricity they spray centrinala with no harm to the dog. I hope you will try some of these methods before resorting to the bark collar. thank you!!!

Answer 7

Only as an absolute last resort. Dogs bark for a reason, i.e. neglect, boredome, illness, stress, excitement, etc. Very few dogs are just plain "compulsive barkers" although there are a few, I believe, who just plain like to bark. If you've tried everything else and the neighbors hate you and the police have been to your house for noise issues and your vet is at a loss for answers, you may have no other choice.

Those who think it's cruel, consider this:
Many dogs are dumped at shelters and/or put to sleep because they "bark too much". People can be thrown out of apartments, issued citations with large fines, or even be ordered to get rid of an animal who disturbs neighbors. No one wants to see an animal mistreated, but those who are quick to scream "cruetly" often have no idea of what goes on behind the scenes at a shelter. It's about saving lives. A mild shock is better than a death sentence.

Answer 8

I agree as long a you have investigated the true reason for the barking. Is it because the dog is bored, or any other contributing factor that you could solve without a collar. If it is not for any type of reason or out of boredom, there are SPCA approved collars. I would recommend one of those. I have one , and I have only had to use it once. They are safe, non-harmful and they come with a training video. Most dogs just don't bark to bark. There is probably a reason that you could solve yourself. lol

Answer 9

I have a bark collar for my dog. I was forced to get one because I live in an apartment. Every time I left he would not only bark but howl... it was so bad I could hear him in the parking lot. I didn't want to risk having to get rid of him or losing my apartment. It only took about 1 week, now I don't make him wear it and he doesn't growl, bark, or howl when I leave. I don't mind if he barks when I am there because I can correct him accordingly, but not while I was away!

Answer 10

i think the humane ones that spray water or have a dog whistle are great for training dogs with barking problems.
all dogs will bark but it is excessive barking that causes problems. used propley they are perfectly fine and will caurse no stress to the dog.(they shouldn't be on 24/7 just the times when the dog barks the most frequently)

the westie next door barks all night every night and keeps me awake, but ive got it so i only have to whistle and it will go in.