Shock collars for dogs, what to do with a barking dog?

Question

Do shock collars for dogs work? I was just wondering are there any alteratives to shock collars. I have called a few personal trainers, and one suggested this to me (collar) I would really hate to use it, but we are getting ready to move to an apartment and my dog has separation aniety and barks when we are gone. He is a pit bull 9 months old and his name is Scrappy. If you have any alteratives then please let me know, you can also e-mail me, my e-mail is in my profile~ Thanks

Answer 1

No reason not to use it. I have only had a couple that got freaked out about it. Most of the time they learn real quick. 3 barks beep bark again you get shocked.



I did have one that mastered the reset??

Answer 2

The spray collars can be activated by other dogs barking. Anyways that has been my experience which is why I neither use them or recommend them. A good quality anti bark collar like tri-tronics or dogtra will not shock to dog if the dog is quiet and other dogs in the area are barking. Personally, I would not use a shock collar on a young puppy. Many dogs can be taught not to bark without them. Plus dogs that are well exercised usually don't nuisance bark.

Answer 3

Dogs bark for attention and the best way to deter barking is to ignore it or correct it yourself. Shock collars are very painful. I tested my friends dogs collar set at level 2 and I would rather be shocked by a light socket. The other problem with shock collars is that if the dog is injured and yelp it gets shocked or if planes take off over the house or there is a strong base that travels through the dogs body it can cause the collar to inadvertently go off. I am strongly against them. Just like raising a child if the kid cries everytime it wants something then you don't give it what they want you ignore it or dicipline it. The same for dogs. If you are set on a collar I'd go for a citronella collar instead. It's a lot more humane and effective. Besides, shock collars only build up a dogs titration level which makes it more difficult to train the dog.

Answer 4

A shock collar should be a last resort. First, I would make sure that you're giving him a good 1-2 hours of exercise a day to help with energy. When you're gone, I would leave him in a crate - that may make him feel less stressed and more secure. Leave a toy or a bone with him. You can even drape the crate with a sheet if that helps. You should test all these methods with practice runs - pretending to leave and waiting outside for awhile.



Also how do you know the dog barks when you are gone? Are neighbors complaining? Because usually, even if a dog barks when you are leaving, eventually it will become bored with it and lay down.



Here's other things you can do that may help:

- draw the curtains - darker is calmer for most dogs

- leave the tv or radio on softly as background noise



Another thing I would emphasize is obedience training. This makes an overall better dog, and strengthens its understanding of the dog-human relationship that you're the alpha boss. Buy a book on training or take him to classes - I use the clicker method. Also watch the dog wisperer on animal planet, he's pretty good.



If he is suffering from separation anxiety you may need to also socialize him a little more, with other people and other dogs.

Answer 5

A shock collar may make your dog's stress or anxiety worse when you leave. Now not only do you leave and it causes him stress, he will then get shocked when he tries to relieve that stress. He may not bark but, you are masking the problem and he will probably do something else distructive instead. Your dog barks when you leave because he's panicked and the barking helps him relieve his stress.



Seperation anxiety is a very common problem for few reasons; 1) dogs are pack animals it is unnatural for them to be alone 2) owners don't get them gradually accustom to being alone and they act like it's a big deal( Bye, I'll miss you or I'm sorry, I missed you so much etc...) 3) The dog has energy and nothing to do while your gone.



Your best bet is to start gradually leaving him alone for very short periods of time and gradually increase that time. Don't make a fuss when you leave or when you come back. Even when you leave a room act as though it is no big deal, by not giving him attention if he gets excited when you come back.

If he starts barking or crying when you leave you know he has a problem. However, do not give him any attention if he does this, if you do you are telling him he should behave that way (he gets what he wants, attention from you). Try using a crate and make the crate a nice place to be, by giving him treats for small amounts of time in the crate.



Work on getting him tired before you leave (long walk, run, game of fetch). A tired dog will sleep instead of getting into trouble.



Give him something to do when you leave. Try a Kong stuffed with peanut butter or a Buster Cube, with kibble in it (make sure you adjust his food intake accordingly).



Getting another dog can sometimes help, however, I would avoid doing that unless you can get some control on this behavior. Also, it's not a good idea if you can't provide enough exercise etc.. for your dog you already have.



Work on making it a gradual and pleasant experience when your gone. And try not to feel guilty about leaving him alone, that will only make him feel like it is a tragic event when you leave. Who knows this may not even be an issue, and if you expose him slowly it shouldn't be. If there is a problem and my suggestions do not help, get a dog trainer (positive methods only) or an animal behaviorist before a habit develops and it gets harder to fix.



Good reading:

The Other End of the Leash by, Patricia McConnell

The Power of Positive Dog Training by, Pat Miller

The Loved Dog by, Tamar Geller

Answer 6

I've never liked the idea of a shock collar being used to train, whether humane or not...it's like you're telling the dog he's bad for doing something that all dogs instinctively do.



Do you have any family members who live close by? Or, could you become friendly with some new neighbors in your area, and perhaps someone wouldn't mind either staying with the dog at your place, OR you could bring him to their house/apartment?



That way, you're socializing Scrappy and he will be happy to be around someone while you're gone. Your best bet is to try with a family member I think, since you'd really want to get to know any strangers first and make sure they're okay with dogs.



But anyway, even if someone couldn't stay at your place all day, if a relative or someone you know is retired, at least he/she could check on Scrappy frequently and spend some time with him, keep him occupied, take him out for a walk, etc. Your pup is always going to bark, so at least you can try to work around it rather than punish him for being him. Good luck to you... :-)

Answer 7

I do not agree with the shock collar, when you use it you are teaching him that he is not to bark. What are you going to do if someone breaks into your home and he doesn't bark cause of the shock collar. But on to the anxiety thing I have a 1 1/2 old pit bull and she did the same they will bark for a few minutes then go on about occupying theirselfs. If you havent tried this make a CD with you talking to your dog and play it while you are gone make sure to set the repeat on so it will play all day.

Answer 8

Shock collars are banned in some counties and states as a cruel act--Yes they do work but the dog is effected and can become timid and suffer uncontrolled bowel/bladder motions due to them

Debarking is an option but i think is cruel to an extent and some vets won`t do it

There are alternative devices /one is the citronella collar it sprays a harmless smell that the dogs hate so they stop barking.

The thing is to find out why your dog barks a lot things like boredom, lonely-ness

These problems can be fixed with giving toys etc to keep the dog happy and to chew on

Answer 9

I too had this problem with my dog. I couldn't bring myself to get a shock collar, I just couldn't do it. I have heard that they work good, but then again, it would work on anyone if they were getting shocked. I bought this thing online that everytime it heard a dog bark, it would give a dog whistle.($30) It worked ok, but it only works with consistent barking, not a bark or two. I would most recommend researching separation anxiety in dogs and practice some training techniques and excercises. Good luck to you and Scrappy!

Answer 10

Such an aversive technique should only be used in situations where there is danger of someone or something getting hurt. If, for example, your pit bull is prey aggressive and hunting down bicyclists. If you use a shock collar improperly, you can really hurt a dog psychologically and end up with a fear aggressive pit bull.



Your dog is a puppy and you have an opportunity to nip the problem in the bud. If you are short on time, a good vet can prescribe Prozac or other drug that can make it easier to modify his behavior. Exercise, crate training, food rewards for staying by himself, etc. will also make improvements faster.



You need to teach him asap that being alone is not frightening but, is instead, pretty nice. Put him on a flat collar and a leash and tie him to something secure. Walk away from him and toss him some really tasty treats. Praise him, let him loose and play with him.



Repeat until he looks foward to you leaving.



:)



He has negative associations with your leaving him so you need to make positive associations with your leaving him.



Here are more suggestions for dealing with separation anxiety:



http://www.metpet.com/Reference/Dogs/Training/separation_anxiety_in_dogs.htm

Answer 11

There is no way I'd use a shock collar on a pit bull with separation anxiety. They are inhumane to begin with but this will make your dog's anxiety much worse.



I'm not sure its the right choice either, but an alternative is a citronella spray collar. It is effective and I'd sure as heck try it before resorting to a shock collar. I'd also work with a trainer on the separation anxiety - but not the one that suggested a shock collar. You can also use an herbal remedy called Rescue Remedy that works for some separation anxiety dogs. As a last recourse, I'd try medication from the vet during training to calm the dog before resorting to a shock collar.

Answer 12

You have two problems....maybe three. Pits, as many breeds, do indeed suffer separation anxiety, you are gone, he's alone, and shows it by barking... and dogs are social animals, they don't like being alone... I had a bull mastiff that when all his buddies died, when I'd go to work he went nuts -- clawed at the garage door until he bloodied up his claws, jumped on the work bench trying to find a way out, and in his anxiety, everything was one the floor, paint cans all over, spilled paint, pooped all over everything, went thru glass, chewed up everything. When he'd finally escape the electrified property, he'd go over the school to be with the kids. The janitor would lock him up, and let him out after the kids left, and when I got home, he would be waiting in the front yard for me at 4:00p. Then the hunt was on to find from where he had escaped--- find the breach in the fence.. Your main issue isn't barking, it is being alone, and anxious. (And tho I have a bark collar for one of mine now that just barks to get in, barks to get out, barks because he bored, barks because he has nothing else to do, that is a far different problem than what you have. You really need to consult a dog behavorist. Short of getting another dog for company, I don't know what to tell you, only that your problem is not just a barking of boredom one. To put an anti-bark collar on him may just turn him into a destruction machine, to then just become neurotic.... It's a bigger problem than just barking.



A little something more:

MANY PEOPLE DON'T LIKE CESAR MILAN, PERSONALLY I FIND HIM JUST FINE. BUT LOTS OF PEOPLE LIKE THE THINGS WRITTEN BY ANOTHER GUY IN THE FIELD... IAN DUNBAR. GO TO AMAZON.COM AND FIND SOME THINGS BY HIM... HE DEALS AS WELL WITH SEPARATION ANXIETY, AND LOTS OF TRAINERS USE HIS METHODS.... HOPE THIS HELPS

Answer 13

There are Bark Boxes they come attached to a collar and you just put it on when the dog barks it reduces the volume something like that go on line and research that. Don't do anything that will hurt the animal. You obviously care because you're asking

MP

Answer 14

Shock collars are extremely painful and after the shock, the dog might pee or run around damaging everything! I agree with the Cesar Milan (The Dog Whisperer) DVD's, call around to video stores and see if you can find them. You're pup is right at that awkward age and acts up. Lots of long walks help to make the dog tired and calm in the home. You might even find someone who will take the dog in, (like a babysitter or daycare service). Call all of the (no-kill) local animal rescue groups and see what advice they can offer, some of them will babysit your baby for you as well! I live in an apartment, and my dog barks. I am lucky so far, the neighbours have been patient. But it only takes one person to complain, I know what you're going through.

Answer 15

If indeed your dog has true separation anxiety, he is already stressed whe you are gone, so adding a shock will only deepen the stress. Think of it, your leaving = anxiety. Now you leave and not only does your dog get stressed but when he tries to bark to relieve the stress he gets shocked? The anxiety will worsen and he could become more destructive.



Treat the separation anxiety. When worked with properly, the success rate of treating SA is very high. The trick is to find the right professional that will teach you how to treat it correctly. Visit www.ccpdt.org to find a trainer. I also advise checking out the book, "I'll be Home Soon" by Patricia McConnell, PhD.

Answer 16

We have a lab, brittany spaniel, and boxer-pit mix. Until about 2 weeks ago we also had an american bulldog. My husband wanted to use a shock collar on our brittany because she barks alot or did when she was younger. And I'd cry at the thought! How can you love an animal yet shock it for doing what comes as natural to it as barking. If your dog sufferes seperation anexity put it in a kennel with some of its toys during the day while your home for short periods of time now before you move and leave the room. Our brittany was easy to break with her barking we just squirted her with water or shook a can with marbles in it when she did it in the house. I know a guy who uses a shock collar on his dog and frankly I'd like to strap it to his penis see how he likes it.

Answer 17

WOW, Shock Collars, 30 caliber, medicine to keep the dog quiet.

What happened to humanity, doesn't anyone have any feelings about this animal? I feel if the owner of the SHOCK COLLAR can wear a collar and be shocked along with his pet then do it. Otherwise, I don't think you should keep this Dog, I know you probably care about him but, there are NO KILL shelters you can give him to, where big Dogs ARE MORE EASILY Adopted, and he may just get that big Yard all Dogs Deserve.

This is my feelings toward cruelty to animals STOP IT!!

This message is for all the people on this site with the cruel ideas.

I really do wish you good luck.

Although, I was wondering how can you shock your animal to be quiet if your away?

You said,:WHEN YOUR AWAY HE HAS ANXIETY SEPARATION. He loves you that much that he has issues when your gone and you would consider shocking this little one? Yes he's little compare to Humans.

Think this over AGAIN!

Answer 18

I have found a shock collar works very well.. Especially when it comes to barking.. Usually one or two corrections and they don't bark WHEN THEY ARE WEARING THE COLLAR... Read the booklet, watch the video you get with the collar and don't shock the dog to death.. If used properly, they are a great training tool.. I think a little shock here and there to correct is far more humane than yanking a dog all over the place, trying to teach him not to do something.. Or people who yell and scream at their dog... Or people who hit their dogs.. One little shock and they get the hint.. Put the collar on your hand and shock your self.. You'll see that it doesn't hurt but it definately gets your attention.. Once the shock stops, which is only a fraction of a second, the feeling goes away immediately there is no residual effect.



Get a collar that also has a warning buzz.. You can press the warning buzzer and it will remind them not to bark, cause they will get a shock.. Even the bark only collar will give off a little beep reminding the dog that if they continue to bark, they will get a shock. SO while people might like to think it's mean, the dog themselves learn, the buzz means Shock is coming.. SO it's up to them to decide if they want to be shocked or not and keep barking or quit while they are ahead..



It is better to correct a behavior quick and easy then to spend weeks correcting something. The dog learns quicker and remembers better..



You should work on that separation anxiety tho.. Crate train him, maybe it's the size of the area that he needs to protect that is causing him anxiety.

Answer 19

It's very simple and cost free....train the dog not to bark. Shock collars are inhumane and unnessecary if you have a good trainer and an owner who wants to work with the dog. Shock collars or any other training device are for lazy people or ones that don't have a clue as to how to train a dog or even treat a dog like a dog.

Answer 20

They make collars now that let out a very high pitched tone instead of a shock. I never tried one though. I have used a shock collar and a regular bark collar. They both work and dont seem to discomfort the dog to much. This web site sells both.

http://www.petstreetmall.com/AllTrainingCollars.aspx

Answer 21

I would think shock collars are pretty cruel.

But there is a different type of collar that will spray water on the dog, or something like that. It is just as effective and less cruel.

Answer 22

There are several varieties of 'no-bark' collars. Some do emit an electric vibration and the levels are adjustable. While I agree at the highest levels it is probably painful for the dog and I wouldn't recommend that, but at the lower levels, it just feels like a vibration. I know, because I've felt them. They are an annoyance, not painful and are meant to distract and redirect the dogs attention.



If you are not comfortable with that, they also make 'no-bark' collars that squirt a small amount of citronella or that emit high pitched frequencies. As with the 'shock' collars, the purpose is to redirect the dogs attention, not hurt them.

Answer 23

They make citroila bark collars, so when the dog barks they get a spray with it. Very humane, non toxic, safe and it smells good. It just does not work if there is more than one dog - the other dog barking will set if off. Foster and Smith sells them I believe as well as pet edge - I don't know about pet stores, but they can probably order it for you.

Answer 24

A dog should be trained on how to eat, walk with you, not to bark, potty training and sleep on its place etc. You can teach anything to your puppy, dogs get trained easily with some good instructions. If you want some good training tips visit https://tr.im/ompaT



If properly trained, they should also understand whistle and gesture equivalents for all the relevant commands, e.g. short whistle or finger raised sit, long whistle or flat hand lay down, and so on.



It's important that they also get gestures and whistles as voice may not be sufficient over long distances and under certain circumstances.

Answer 25

Yes, they work very well, just get a good one that you can control how high the correction is. I recommend innotec. The dog will soon learn that if he barks he will get something negative.



Don't bother with the high frequency ones. They work for a week or two and then the dog gets used to them. My old dog had one and it worked for a week, and we tried a few different ones.



Citronella ones run out of citronella and confuse your dog because he only sometimes gets corrected.



Also try this. Make sure he has toys when you leave him and ignore him for 10 minutes before you leave. This will make you leaving less stressful. If this doesn't work then get an electric collar.

Answer 26

You can get collars that actually spray them instead of shocking them. Usually a shock collar is only recommended in extreme cases like aggression.

Barking is not something that requires a shock. The spray collar will have the desired effect without hurting the dog or traumatizing it.

http://www.petproductdepot.com/PSBC-300_PetSafe_Premium_Spray_Bark_Control_Collar.htm?gclid=CKnqr4LN640CFREuYAoda2pEyg

Answer 27

I'm sure he doesn't bark the entire time you're gone.

Why do you do something to first solve the separation anxiety issue (there are ways to help combat it) before resulting to something so extreme?



I know I've joked about it with my dog - who tends to bark right in my ear at the sound of a car door shutting 8 blocks away.. but I could never really do it.

Dogs bark.. dogs hate being away from their owners.. it's just something you have to work through - WITHOUT unnecessary painful gadgets.

Answer 28

There is a no-bark collar that doesn't shock. I can't remember the name ,but it uses a citronella spray instead. Your dog barks, it sprays,and your dog smells something icky. If you absolutely must use a shock collar, test it on yourself first so you know what your dog is gonna get.

Answer 29

Maybe you could find a dog daycare? Or find someone willing to sit your dog while you're gone? Shock collars are effective, but very cruel. It will cause your dog considerable pain. Please try anything else first, short of surgery, before you resort to a shock collar.

Answer 30

I wouldn't use one FULL STOP. Try putting it round your neck and then shout and see what happens!!!



If he suffers anxiety than this would cause more problems..

Get an aboistop collar it sprays compressed air under the chin and makes a HISS therefore discouraging the noise,you need to follow the instructions carefully or you'll get no results..



Bah humbug to all you who think these collars are great, i think you are cruel and should have it done to yourself

Answer 31

I had the same problem when I got my dog, I live in an apartment and when I would go to leave he would bark and cry and howl, so I tried the bark collar, and voilia! He stopped barking when I left... I only had to use it for a couple weeks and he learned to be quiet when I am gone!

Answer 32

My sister had a bark collar on her pit-bull/boxer mutt. Didn't work at all. He didn't seem to mind the pain or maybe he didn't get it. Either way it didn't work for him, he just drained the battery

Answer 33

Many people feel different about Shock collars and you will hear that. If you have a personal trainer teach your dog with the shock collar you will have good results. There is another way, its called Dog Appeasing Pheromones (D.A.P.) these pheromones are recognized by dogs their entire life and send a signal that they are in a safe and comforting environment. I've seen them at local animal hospitals and petsmart. They are like glade plug-ins, I've heard they worked for many people. If that doesn't work leave a radio on for the dog and see how reacts when you leave. Maybe he needs to hear something, so he feels that he isn't alone.



Hope this works out.

Answer 34

I don't personally like shock collars. Your pet store probably sells bark collars that reduce barking. Check it out.

Answer 35

How they work: as the dog barks, the shock increases. when he stops the shock stops. My dog is an

Akita-Lab mix. He is a sweetheart, but when I had him confined to the house he barked a lot.

When he had the collar on, he yelped and was scared until he figured out he shouldn't bark. It was a quick learn. Get a good quality one from a pet store such as Petsmart. They have the kind that won't shock the dog if it is raining and the collar gets wet. Have them show you how to put it on. I brought Buddy to the store to be fitted and I am glad I did.



After a while, the dollar did not need to have a battery in it and the dog would not bark. He will whine though. It is his nature to express himself.



Best wishes to you and your beautiful companion

Answer 36

Shock collars are cruel and inhumane. I know several people who have tried the citronella collar with VERY good results. I don't know exactly how it works, but basically instead of shocking the dog when it barks, it sprays the dog in the chin with citronella.



Here is a little more information about the citronella collar:



http://www.news.cornell.edu/chronicle/96/6.6.96/barking.html

http://www.shirleychong.com/keepers/archives/citronella.txt

Answer 37

1

Answer 38

I've never had to use one, even with 'problem dogs' I've taken into my home. I can't say they're cruel (but also can't say they're not), I just find them completely unnecessary. To me, training is teaching and being zapped teaches nothing. It seems like, lazy at best and punishment at worst. Besides, I want my dogs to mind me, not a collar...lol.

Answer 39

How long is he left alone? Is he getting sufficient exercise etc? If not maybe the humane thing would be to surrender him to a rescue if you don't have time for him.



Shock collars are not the answer...it could backfire.

Answer 40

i'm always wary of those things because what if the switch broke and it became a continual shock? if he barks while you're with him, try making a very loud noise, like banging on a wall or banging pans together. it startles them out of barking, then when he stops, give him a lot of attention and a treat. dogs have like a 3 second association time limit, so if a bad thing happens when he barks he'll figure it out, and if good things happen immediately when he's quiet, he'll get that too. but, you have to be consistent. as far as when you're not home, i dunno what to do.

Answer 41

Shock collars just make things worse, frighten the dog.

Answer 42

a big headstrong dog like a pit bull will shock the hell out himself everytime someone walks by, before he quits barking.

the urge to bark will overcome his fear of the shock. it will wind up torturning him (i know someone who's dog did this to himself, and it left a burn on his neck)

I like the whistle.

and a kennel might help too...since he's still a puppy. it might be a safe comfortable place to hang out til you get home, and he wont go nuts when pple walk by...hopefully

Answer 43

They do work. I had my brothers dogs here for a while and they barked non stop. I tried everything to get them to stop barking and nothing worked. So we got the shock collars. Like you I was worried about hurting the dogs. I wouldn't put it on them until I tested it on myself first because I didn't want to be cruel to them. It gives a good little shock but no worse than shocking yourself on metal from static build up. So we put them on the dogs and as soon as the first one barked he got shocked and turned around with his tail tucked as if he were goosed on the butt. It was hilarious! But they quickly learned not to bark. After about three weeks we removed the collars and we had no barking. Occaosionally they had to be reminded so we put the collars back on for a couple of days and the barking stopped quickly. NOTE: We did not leave the collars on 24/7. They got a break from the collars during the day so that they had some bark time. We used it mainly at night.

Answer 44

its not nice pt it this way if evry time you tride to speek wuld you like a shock !

i have a yorkie that was the same id sogest wen he/she barks not to react but egnor the behavur and wen she/he dosnt bark reword with a doggy treat thay soon relise that a reword is for good behavur . o and dont look at he/sh wen thay bark becos its ther way of getting your atenton



ifu say you love your pet youd say no to shock colles thay r crule and inhumane x

Answer 45

don't use the shock collar. for one your dog will behave even worse. and for two, it could lead to some problems up the road from now.

Answer 46

Train him NOT to bark! Watch Dog whisper!

Answer 47

ok. First off, if used properly shock collars are not cruel. Many many trainers use them, sometimes up to three on ONE dog for training purposes. In this day and age of feel good, not punishing a dog for bad behviour, I don't want to spank my kid or punish my dog, everything can be done with positiveness and a smile we are a society that creates monster humans and monster dogs. (here come the thumbs downs!) I used one on my dog when he suffered from separation anxiety as well. I tried EVERYTHING else. I got my dog over the summer, I am a teacher so I had all summer to work with him and on his separation anxiety. I did everything that I found on the internet. I ignored my dog for 4 hours a day (recommended by some to show that just because you are home, doesn't mean that you are the center of my world). I stepped outside with a timer and came back in after 1 minute. I was never able to work up to 2 minutes (you are supposed to do this time and time and time again slowly increasing the time). I kennel trained him (he still barked). I gave him a Kong filled with peanut butter (he wouldn't eat it he was so anxious). i had a friend bring her dog over (the get a second dog mentality as a "cure" for separation barking/anxiety). Her dog is my dog's bestests friend. My dog was not a barker when I was home so I could do no "stop barking" training while I was there because he didn't bark!



Nothing worked. The only thing that worked was a combination of a LOT of exercise before I left the house and the shock collar. Exercise tires them out (tired dogs tend to sleep, not bark). I purchased a shock collar that began by beeping (therefore I felt it was more humane). On top of that, there were seven shock settings. He barked, it beeped. He barked again within 30 seconds, it beeped louder and buzzed him (lowest). He barked again, it beeped louder and gave a slightly higher shock, he barked again, it beeped loweder and gave and even higher shock. See, he was in control of whether or not he got shocked or not. He had the choice to stop - and yes, they DO learn that. It took 3 days to stop anxiety barking when used in combination with exercise (I highly highly highly recommend some vigorous exercise (a run, a long walk, playing catch for 30-45 minutes before you leave the house - as your dog become more comfortable with you leaving and returning, you won't need as vigorous or as long - but you should develop a routine - that will get them more comfortable and routines teach dogs what is going to happen. It's unsure dogs - dogs that don't know what is going to happen that suffer from anxiety!). Within 3 days I never have had to use the collar again. Is three days of beeping cruel? No.



I had neighbors that complained, I was threatened by the management that I would either need to move or get rid of the dog. This was my last option and it worked for me. I recommend one - but - this is not something that you should ever simply leave on your dog. And this is something that you should see results with immediately, if not, you need to try another training technique.



Routine is what is MOST important. Get a routine and you will see anxiety diminish/disappear. Anxious dogs are anxious because they just don't understand what is happening, what is going to happen, what is expected. I now get up, walk my dogs, feed them breakfast, and into their kennels they go with a treat. My dog now RUNS to his kennel and lies down before I get there to shut the door. He sleeps and his anxiety level is gone. He knows what to expect, he knows what happens day in and day out.



Would I do it again, yes. Do I want to - no, but when you have treid all the "humane" ways of treating something like this and they are NOT working at all, you have to do what you have to do. When I had surgery on my knee - afterwards I went through electrostim therapy (which shocks my muscles into contracting) as therapy. Did it hurt - yes - did it help and cause expedited healing of my muscles - you bet. Was it cruel (at the time I hated every second of it!), no. It is a method - just as this is. When used properly it is not cruel!!

Answer 48

Separation anziety can be dealt with w/ doggie prozac. See you DVM.It is much more humane than a shock collar. Good Luck

Answer 49

well i think that shock collars are a form of abuse and all you really need care for as you do your life and call the dog whisperer

Answer 50

You could purchase a spray collar that sprays a safe liquid upward when he barks. Good luck! hope i helped! :D

Answer 51

i have a dog that barks all the time we got him a bark collar it works every time he barks it shocks him a little harder he gets the point after a while.

Answer 52

you need to alpha leader him, make him know you are the leader of the pack, this usually means " humping " the dog, typical when you see two dogs or more together it is how they chose their pecking order, when he is barking go lay on him till he stops moving and tell him no and hold your hand around his mouth to keep it closed, you need to lay on him until he says " uncle" which means he stops moving, once he knows you are the leader you will be able to point at him and say Shush, and he will get it,,

Answer 53

i have heared of this thing called "de-barking". its a cirgury that consists of something like making the vocal cords less efective or something. the results will be that ur dog will still bark, but almost no sound will come out. but u should ask ur vet about it and the risks of de-barking ur dog. i have never tried this or a shock collar, because i personally think that it is a bad thing to do. dogs are meant to bark as humans are meant to talk. but thats just my opinion.



the most effective method i use is that, when he barks, hold his neck(not too hard though, remember that ur NOTtrying to make him feel pain, just to make him unconfortable) and put a little pressure and say"no". if he stops barking, release ur hand and give him a treat. this should help, any way, ur dog is still a puppy. he is young and will learn.



hope this helps! :)

Answer 54

you can have his vocal cords removed surgically, but some people feel this is as cruel as having a cat de-clawed. the fact of the matter is though, sometimes it is necissary.



there is also a collar that will spray the dog when barking, rather than shock.

Answer 55

well i would not use a shock color because it could really hurt them but to make him not bark you go out the front door and when he stops barking say bad boy and just keep doing that and when he stop give him a treat

Answer 56

I personally thing that its not right, my grandmother used them and when ever they bark they whin and i felt very bad and it looks painfull.

Answer 57

.citronella collar. if sprays a citron scent when your dog barks. dont use shock collars!!!!!!!.

Answer 58

muzzle?

nevermind that. thats horrible too.

get him a friend? something to chew on? something to play with?

this might not work well with a pit bull, but i do this fo my rotweiller while im gone, jst to keep him occupied...

take your dog out of the room/house

while he's out, hide doggy treats around the room/house-

hard enough places to keep him occupied, but simple enough that he can get to them- or stumble on to them.

do not!!! put them in or on a couch or bed unless you want him to eat the couch or bed...

but anyway, let him outside untl you leave and then put him in, and let him have his fun sniffing out his treats:)

Answer 59

We use this ultrasonic bark control. It emits an ultrasonic noise when he barks. It is only a noise dogs can hear and it irritates them so they stop.





http://petsafe-warehouse.com/bark_control_collars/ultrasonic_bark_control.htm

Answer 60

i believe there is some sorta oral stuff you can give a dog to stop the barking but I am not aware of the name. May try to see if a vet would know or look it up on the net.

Answer 61

buy a spray collar

Answer 62

I'd get a shock collar for my 17 year old if I could, and everytime he started "yappin back" I'd send him a volt or two.



Get a squirt gun, and everytime he barks at an inappropriate time, squirt him, and say "no" firmly.



An aluminum can with pennies in it works too. Shake it a time or two when he does it. It will take time, for him to get it that you want him to stop BARKING when you say no.

Sometimes closing your hand around the muzzle gently but firmly, looking him directly in the eyes, and firmly saying NO several times while he does it, will help too.

Answer 63

try the link down below, that was a best answer for a very similar question.

Answer 64

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110155834248&ssPageName=MERCOSI_VI_ROSI_PR4_PCN_BIX_Stores&refitem=110148932284&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&refwidgettype=osi_widget



http://cgi.ebay.com/STOP-THAT-BARKING-DOG-COLLAR-Safe-HUMANE-No-Shock_W0QQitemZ260146887696QQihZ016QQcategoryZ146245QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem



http://cgi.ebay.com/BARK-FREE-Training-STOP-Dog-Barking-DOGS-No-Collar-NEW_W0QQitemZ220137403314QQihZ012QQcategoryZ146244QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem



These Are Items on ebay that are non shock.

Shop around to get best price.. I just picked these as examples.



Also seen these on ebay:

http://petsafe-warehouse.com/bark_control_collars/ultrasonic_bark_control.htm

Answer 65

They work really well on all dogs. If you live in an apt you will have people really close to you. The dog barking will create a problem. There is nothing wrong with an Electric collar. Look under my questions for a detailed explanation on them. All of my dogs wear them from time to time.

Answer 66

Shock collars are inhumane!! Please don't use one!!! Send your dog to training school...it will be about the price and be so much better for your dog!

Answer 67

i really dont know but here is a link 2 one of my questions im beggin people for an answer



https://answersrip.com/question/index?qid=20070810105410AA8lQC3

Answer 68

i dont think thats the right way to do it, it seems quite cruel to me.

Answer 69

a muzzle

Answer 70

shock collars worked on my beagle

Answer 71

They work well on naughty boyfriends.

Answer 72

USE A MUZZLE

Answer 73

Worked on my wife, she stopped nagging so much.

Answer 74

If you really love him give him to a dog pound!!!!!!!!!

Answer 75

u can have a surgery done to reduce the volume of their bark