What do you think of bark collars?

Question

I have a little chug that has been barking a lot lately. One reason is because I live in a four unit house and the two apartments above me are being remodeled and there is a lot of noise. My landlord came to me last night and said when the new tenants move in upstairs I may need to put a bark collar on him so that he quits barking so much. I told him absolutely not and that I would move before I did something like that. What do you guys think of bark collars, and honestly would they hurt a dog that is only about 14 pounds?

Also, another reason I do not want to use one is because if there were danger and he needed to alert me that someone was trying to get in or whatever, he would be too scared to bark thinking he would get shocked. I think it's cruel and feel I would move before I did something like that to him. Please give your opinion on them.

Answer 1

I am against shock collars. If you must get a collare get the kind that sprays a citrus spray instead of a shock collar. But remember, dogs are smart. They will quickly learn they can't bark when they are wearing the collar, But when the collar is off it is bark time! I am all for training dogs.

Taming a Big Barker

Your dog communicates with his bark. But if he barks excessively, it can diminish his effectiveness as a watchdog.

The good news is you can control the situation. Understanding why you have an excessive barker is the first step to solving the problem.

Here are the most common causes of constant barking:

Loneliness — A dog that is home alone for long periods is likely to bark because he feels anxious or sad and is afraid his owner may not return.

Conditioning — Your dog may bark because you have inadvertently trained him to do so. Think about it: He barks and you open the door to let him out. He barks again and you let him back in. He may even bark for a treat-and then you give him one.

Inactivity — Lack of exercise can result in a dog that has pent-up energy and barks out of frustration. A well-exercised dog is more likely to sleep when you're not there.

How to tame the dog that cries wolf

Take your dog for at least two 20-minute walks each day, or head to the park for a game of fetch. Dogs that spend most of their time in the backyard or in the house need regular exercise.

Visit the same park daily or weekly and let him find doggy friends. Dogs are social creatures. Plus, there's a lot of truth to the saying "a tired dog is a good dog."

Give your dog something to do when he is home alone. Instead of barking, your dog can keep himself busy by earning his food. Fill a hollow chew toy with a biscuit or two.

You can also pack it with canned food and freeze it, so it takes a long time for your dog to get the food out.

Attach an unpleasant experience to inappropriate barking. Never strike your dog, but do something that will catch his attention, such as clanking an empty soda can filled with coins. As soon as your dog stops barking, instantly reward him.

Teach your dog a "quiet" command.

Each time your dog barks, give him a command of "quiet" or "no bark." At the same time, hold a treat in front of your dog's nose. Most dogs get quiet immediately because they can't sniff the treat and bark at the same time.

Lavish praise on your big dog during his quiet time. After three seconds of no barking, let him have the treat. As you continue with your training, increase the amount of time you require him to be quiet before giving the treat.

While you can't calm your dog's constant barking overnight, you can retrain him to bark only when necessary. Be prepared that it may take weeks to establish new habits. Just stick with the training and you'll see a new pattern of appropriate barking develop

Answer 2

PLEASE DON'T USE ONE!!!!!!

look at this article.



Friday, January 23, 2009

Dog Training Shock Collars - A Big Mistake! By Candice Lee



Many dog owners do not realize that the dog training shock collars is not the correct approach when trying to train a dog not to bark. Unfortunately, all people want to quickly improve the day to keep them from barking dogs is right and what is a shock collar ... fast. This is an overused and collars can be very confusing for the dog.



It is true that they do correct your dog when she "barks" but the problem is that you have to use negative reinforcement to improve behavior. Your dog to respond to positive rather than negative reinforcement.



Training a dog shock collars barking dogs basically tell you which one. Every time he barks, he gets zapped, so one must be, right?



Well, why do dogs bark? All the tree is not bad. Dogs bark for many reasons including keeping strangers from entering their domain and you! There are times you want to do with the dogs bark but the shock collar was told that they hold the tree is a "bad thing". So easy to see why your dog may be confused about something as natural as barking.



If your dog training, is vitally important to always take the negative with positive. Dogs love to be praised, and they respond well to it. They REALLY want to please you. So so important to take your hands on approach to training dogs and not only surprises in the neck and think that will automatically handle the problem.

I WOULD MOVE OUT BEFORE PUTTING ONE OF THOSE ON MY DOG.

GOOD LUCK

HOPE THIS HELPS:)

Answer 3

Hopefully when the construction noise stops your dog will stop barking. I would actually see if the barking continues when the new neighbors move in before you use a collar.



If you are facing eviction I would use a citronella collar over a shock collar. They have been proven to be just as effective and are more humane. They issue a spray of citrus scented liquid towards the dogs snout when a bark is detected.



Things to remember when using a bark collar. The citronella ones use a microphone and any loud noise near your dogs collar can cause it to spray. Dogs are smart and often learn to bark lower or growl more so not to set the collar off. It doesn't really teach them anything. Many dogs will bark as soon as the collar is off.

Answer 4

Yes you do seem like a good dog owner. I think bark collars are awful things and can cause more harm than good for your dog. Apart from personally thinking they are cruel, a lot of the time they don't even work to stop the barking. Some dogs find it difficult to make the connection between bark and shock etc. and end up with huge behavioral problems as a result.



DO NOT take damascus dark advice on putting a muzzel on him thats cruel and ignorant - though Im sure you would have more sense than that as you obviously care about your dog.



There are lots of training techniques to stop dogs barking excessively, check out Victoria Stillwell site, I saw her address this problem a while ago on one of her programmes, her training methods are very good.



Good luck!

Answer 5

People have a HUGE misconception on bark collars. Honestly, my dogs probably would prefer a low stimulation on a bark collar over my own leash correction. I have a tri tronic bark limiter collar. Honestly that is the only brand i trust. They come in all different sizes. It actually teaches the dog not to bark. The first bark, the collar gives a warning. If the dog barks again in the next few minutes it will get another stronger correction and so on.

Answer 6

If you absolutely must use one, then make sure he doesn't see you putting it on him or her. The dog will associate you with the collar, and thus grow either fearful of you, or angry with you.



I wouldn't advise using one as not only are they inhumane for most animals, and aside being cruel to the animal, the dog will also grow desensitized to it over time and will likely start up the barking again. I would advise getting a muzzle, instead. It keeps the dog's mouth closed enough so that it can't bark or howl, but leaves it open enough so the dog can eat and do other activities.

Answer 7

Every dog needs some type of training. The first class I ever took a dog to was https://tr.im/8mL4l



It's a very basic kind of class. They will help you with your dog, and show you how to work with your dog at home.



They'll also answer any questions you have about your dog's particular problems and how to handle them. The most important thing in dog training is to be consistent and work with your dog at home on the lessons. The PetSmart class teaches sit, down, come, and the very basics every dog needs to know. They will also help socialize your dog. You are unhappy with an untrained dog, and believe it or not, the dog is actually unhappy to. You need to take your dog now, as the older he gets, the harder it will be to correct your dog's bad habits. Plus the classes are fun for you and your dog. My dog went from that first PetSmart class on to advanced obedience classes. You might also contact your local humane society. The one in my area offers obedience classes with a very good trainer at a reduced price.

Answer 8

I think it's cruel and unusual punishment. My mom used to use one on our toy poodle and she was never the same. Please don't use one. Talk to the landlord and let them know that you will personally keep an eye on the barking and if it persists after the new tenants move in then I would find another solution.

Answer 9

Your mutt is *NOT* "protecting" anything! It's scared& hollering for help ***&*** developed a bad habit because it wasn't STOPPED!



Your AR-brainwashed lack of training & discipline has made a compulsive barker that'll get you kicked out,fined & the dog dumped & killed.

GOOD bark collars WORK! They TEACH the animal to shuddup,which is more you've done.

Answer 10

The ones that are adjustable are a good solution to a bad problem.

I.E. one bark...light shock, more barking...progressive shock.



The dog will learn not to bark in short order.

Answer 11

maybe you should take ur dog out for more walks and plays in the park to limit her boredom which would also limit the barking.



i live in aust. so i guess its a completely different story.

Answer 12

hmm.

i guess when the work stops, your dog will stop barking.

it's your responsibility to stop your dog from barking the moment it starts, tho.

you can't really blame your landlord for wanting to keep the rest of the tenants happy aswell.

Answer 13

They are not advisable.

Personally wont use it.



Its seems your dog has a good owner.



Good luck

Answer 14

lol i thought it was about trees