Thinking about getting a No Bark Collar or Anti-Bark Device? Them I'm sure there are lots of questions about how they work and their safety. No to worry though, because here's some answers to a list of the most frequently asked questions about these items.
How Do I Stop Nuisance Barking?
If at all possible figure out first what is causing the barking. If there really isn't a reason then this is nuisance barking and needs to stop. The only way to do this is to discipline the dog not to bark through training. An Anti-Bark collar is a successful and humane method to teach your pets and modify their behavior.
How do No Bark control collars work?
Anti-Bark or No-Bark Collars use four different methods to combat nuisance barking associated with most dogs. Each type of collar provides an effective solution depending on the pet, surroundings, circumstances and available adjustments provided dependent upon the manufacturer of the product. The methods are Citronella or a No Scent Spray Collar, Static Electronic Shock Collars, Ultrasonic Sound Tone Devices or they can be Remote Control Devices that use either the Spray technique or Static Shock methods.
Are the Collars Harmful?
They are not harmful to your pet(s). Either method does an effective job of curbing or ridding the pet of improper behavior. The systems static shock is no worse than the shock you get when walking across a statically charged rug then touching a metal object or another person.
What breed of dog can you use the No Bark Collars on effectively?
Any breed of dog that needs to be corrected for nuisance barking can wear and use the collar. Tests have been performed on 1000's of dogs and have successfully worked without harming any of the breeds. Small breeds are more sensitive just because they tend to be more high strung. For that reason I use the spray method on my Min Pins.
Can you use them on any size of dog?
The No Bark Collars should only be used on pets 8 lbs or more in weight and at least 6 months old.
Does it take a long time to break them of this annoying habit?
Tests have shown that most pets will reduce barking in as little as 2 days having 6-30 minute sessions of training. Of course the pet and individual circumstances may or may not take to training in this short a period of time. It may take longer.
Is every pet able to be trained to stop their barking?
Not Always. Sometimes it's a matter of not setting up the device properly. Other instances suggest that the dog may be suffering from another type of disorder. The most important rule is to be patient and work with your pet.
Is there a way to control the bad barking situations but not their normal acceptable behavior?
This would be a good situation for using a remote control collar. You as the owner would have to control when they were sprayed or received the electronic shock.
Once the dog gets used to it should it stay on them at all times?
That depends. If they bark non-stop this may be a symptom of something else or more serious. You might want to get a Veterinarians opinion. Otherwise keeping the collar on for more than 8 hours at a time is generally not recommended.
If I train them, is that it?
Once the dog realizes that without the collar there is no shock, they may from time to time need to be re-trained. So although the training may have been successful it might have to be repeated once in a while.
What shouldn't I do with a No Bark Collar?
Don't use it as their walking collar. Always use a regular collar and train them with it when taking them for a walk. You need to exercise this specific control at this time so your pet knows that you are in control at all times. Not just when the No Bark Collar is around their neck.
Are these No Bark Collars and Anti-Bark Devices Effective?
Yes, all of the different devices have been proven to be very effective on all breeds of dogs. It was also proven that when it comes to calming "nuisance-barking" dogs, a spritz of fragrance under the chin is more effective than electric shock, as tested by the Animal Behavior Clinic at Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine. Dog owners who tried both types of No Barking collars preferred citronella spray over shock for their pets, according to a report in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (May-June 1996, Vol. 32).
Is a No Bark Collar or an Anti-Bark Device the right treatment for my pet?
The answer to your question is yes. It is the right solution and the course of action is in fact to have the pets "self monitored". By using a No Bark collar or an Anti-Bark device we can curb or even eliminate the bad behavior. There are a number of styles and methods so the next step would be to review the different types and select the best for your pet's situation and surroundings.
What about Anti-Bark "Area" Devices? Are they just as effective?
They are just as effective. However unless there are no other pets around, the device does not discriminate and will affect those pets that are not barking as well. So an individual collar might be more helpful in this case.
What type should I get if using the static shock collar?
The best one to get has several modes of training and within each mode there are levels of the electronic shock that will be administered. This way the collar can be set to the most effective setting with the least discomfort for your pet. The levels of shock only increase in relation to the pets continuing to bark. This is what breaks them of their bad habit.
Remember to work with your pet. The devices are only one part of training to break them of any bad habits. Good Luck with your training.
