A bark control collar responds to the vibrations of your dog's vocal cords every time it barks. It provides an electronic correction or a strong burst of citrus scent when the dog barks. A bark odometer on one collar records how many times your dog barks during the day. With this collar, you can see the progress your dog is making.

The electronic collar is a great training device because it offers a safe correction. Dogs have a very strong sense of smell so the citrus collar offers a distraction from barking. If you don't like the idea of giving your dog an electronic correction, this unit might be best for your dog.

The electronic correction provided by a barking control collar is mild, more of an annoyance than a real pain. Most models have intensity levels that you control. The initial correction from a collar is akin to the feeling that you get when you touch a door knob after sliding your feet on a carpet.

Dogs bark for so many reasons; not all barking is bad. A control collar doesn't stop barking; it only controls unnecessary barking. And, your dog will probably not have to wear a collar forever. Once the dog realizes that it is being corrected by the unit because of excessive barking, it will only bark when needed, even when it's not wearing the collar.

The units themselves runs on batteries; many models come with rechargeable batteries. Almost all collar models are water resistant or waterproof. All manufacturers make light-weight, unobtrusive collars for any sized dog.

What if the neighbor's dog is the one doing all the barking, or you just don't' want your dog to wear a collar? There is a barking control method that uses ultrasonic sound to stop barking. This bark control method uses a transmitter and can be used in or outdoors and on one or more dogs. No collars are needed with the ultrasonic method. When dogs bark within the limited range of the transmitter, an ultrasonic tone sounds that only the dogs can hear, stopping barking. If you choose this method, be sure to read the packaging. Some of these models are not water-proof and should not be placed outdoors.

A barking dog is a nuisance, but there are options that can help any dog owner. A bark collar discourages unnecessary barking in an effective, humane way.