Bark Collars

Bark collars don't injure the dog, but they do dissuade it from barking at everything from postmen to falling leaves. Training dogs to be quiet takes many hours, unwavering patience, and knowledge of what you're doing. These collars are more effective in less time, and require less work from both you and your dog. You don't even have to be with the dog, and the bark collar never stops working.

Fido won't spend hours puzzling over what it is you want from him when he's got a bark collar to tell him immediately. Dogs quickly recognize the relationship between their barking and the corrective measures taken by the bark collar. Within a day or two, they'll bark only when they deem it of high importance--if the electric meter man is coming, for example.

Different types of these collars work in different ways. Some bark collar devices are attachable to your pet's existing collar, and can weigh only an ounce so even miniature dogs can comfortably wear them. Look for water-resistant collars for everyday protection from rain, ponds, and hoses.

Many of the shock and ultrasonic bark stopping dog collars allow the owner to set the level of correction, so the dog only receives what degree is necessary. Some feature stepped ranges of correction, and within these are automatically incrementing correction levels. The mildest correction is administered when your dog barks the first time. The level of correction administered by the bark collar continues to increase slightly if your dog continues to bark, until it reaches a point at which the barking is effectively discouraged. When your dog stops barking for a short period of time, the collar automatically resets to the lowest level of correction.

The devices detect barking in different ways. Some rely on a microphone that activates the collar on sound, but these can occasionally correct your pet because of a neighbor dog's bark or other noise. Other units activate upon vibration, which is supposed to be from your dog's vocal cords, though rough play can also sometimes set these devices off. Better units combine both initiation systems to ensure your dog is corrected only when necessary, and to avoid confusing him about what he's done wrong.

The two primary types of collars are electric shock and ultrasonic correction models. Electronic units emit a mild shock, comparative to a "socks-on-carpet" static jolt. Ultrasonic units rely on extremely high or low-pitch sounds that are indiscernible to human ears but annoying to a dog's. So you can tell how well your dog behaved while you were away, certain collars tally the barks with a "bark odometer."

Some units emit a blast of perfectly harmless but annoying citrus extract when your dog barks. These are entirely humane, and can be purchased with a citronella extract, too, so the odor won't offend your sensibilities.

"No-collar bark collars" are ideal for multiple-dog homes or for pets whose skin is irritated by a collar. These variations work over distances up to 50 feet, and rely on high-pitched noise for correction. An all-weather model intended for yard use can quiet your dog, or the neighbor's noisy dachshund.

Collars are suitable for any dog over 6 months of age that has been effectively trained in a simple command or two, such as "sit" or "stay." Use another collar to lead your dog, as most bark units aren't designed to withstand the dog's full strength straining against them. Most dogs don't need to wear the bark collar for more than eight hours a day, and as time passes they'll need the corrective collar less and less frequently. In a short time, they can train your dog to stop barking incessantly and ensure a better life for you, for him, and your entire neighborhood.