subject: Information About Bark Control Collars [print this page] A bark control collar is a collar that a dog owner can use to keep a dog from barking. There are several different types of these collars on the market; all are effective at stopping a dog from barking. The one that you use will depend on your opinion of the various deterrents that are utilized by these collars. Before we begin the discussion of the types of collars one thing that you need to consider. Barking is a natural habit of a dog, we bred them to bark. Dogs bark when they are scared, angry, on alert, and nervous. Choose the type of collar you use carefully, you do not want your dog to be afraid to bark, especially if they are warning you that someone is in the house, or that your home is on fire.
The first type of bark control collar uses a small electric charge to stop the dog from barking. When the collar is placed on the dog, there are two small probes that make contact with the skin of the dog, when the dog barks a small electrical charge shocks the dog and makes it stop barking. Many of this type of collar will also have a vibrate only setting where the collar only vibrates against the dog. For many dogs the vibrate setting is enough to stop the barking. You can get these collars in versions that operate on their own. This means that every time the dog barks it gets shocked. There are versions where the owner has a remote control and shocks the dog with the push of a button. Most trainers prefer the remote control, this way if the dog is barking for a good reason the owner can withhold the shock.
The next type of bark control collar is the sonic collar. This type of collar uses an audible sound that only the dog can hear to interrupt the barking. This type of collar will also have a vibrate only option. Sonic collars can also be purchased in types that operate each time the dog barks, or that the owner can operate via remote control. The third type of bark control collar is the type that sprays a shot of either lemon oil or citronella oil when the dog barks. The scent irritates their nose and stops the barking. This type of collar will not have the vibrate option. They can also be purchased in types that operate on their own, or are operated by the owner.
Many dog owners will not use the electric shock bark control collar because they feel that shocking their dog is inhumane. Most trainers will tell you that the vibrate or audible setting is enough of a distraction to train any dog. The spray collars are also very effective, the only drawback is that the spray canisters need replaced occasionally. In the end, it is the decision of the owner which type of collar they use. The collars that are owner operated by remote control can be used to break other bad habits other than barking. Anytime your dog is doing something wrong, give them a short push of the button and they will stop the behavior.
