Dog Bark Collar: Will a Bark Collar Assist as a Compassionate Dog Learning Tool?

Are you considering the purchase of a shock, ultrasonic or citronella dog bark collar? Wondering which is the most humane or dog-friendly?

Thinking of buying a dog bark collar? Trying to decide between a shock collar, ultrasonic version or a citronella spray model? Wondering which one, if any, is actually humane? To learn more about the different types of anti-barking training collars, read on for a high level description of each.

Electric Shock Collars

If your dog is wearing an electric shock collar, then he is given an electric zap every time he barks at a certain level of loudness. The shock is quick and painful. So, before you buy this type of collar, ask yourself if you would make your child wear one?

Electric shocks are not only painful and irritating, but they can lead to serious, long-term behavioral problems. A dog that is shocked repeatedly will quickly become frustrated, fearful and possibly aggressive or overly anxious.

Ultrasonic Collars

If your dog is wearing an ultrasonic noise collar, then he is treated to an extremely high-pitched and unpleasant siren noise every time he barks above a particular decibel level. That said, these collars rarely work and could even encourage barking.

Not all dogs have ultrasonic hearing nor can they necessarily hear super high-pitched noises. Also, because the owner can't hear the collar, there's no way to tell if it's even working.

Besides being ineffective, the collar may actually encourage barking if your dog can hear it. Most dogs bark in response to a noise or as part of a call and response. If each time they bark they get a response, albeit a high-pitched wail, they may continue barking, but louder.

A Humane Choice - Citronella

Most animal activists and veterinarians agree that citronella spray collars are the most humane bark collar. Instead of issuing an electric shock or high-pitched noise when the dog barks, they simply automatically spray a small amount of citronella, which is an unpleasant smell for most dogs. Over time, the dog will learn to associate the citronella with its barking and will stop.

Where to Find Citronella Collars

The two most popular brands of citronella barking collars are the MultiVet No Dog Bark Spray Collar and the Premiere Gentle Spray Anti-Bark Collar.

The Premiere Gentle Spray Anti-Bark Collar is fairly expensive and typically retails for around $70 or $80, though it has been spotted for as low as $35. It comes with a full can of citronella, and the batteries are easily replaceable.

The MultiVet No Dog Bark Collar is more affordable at $30 to $40, but many customers complain the collar isn't sensitive enough to pick up high-pitched barking, meaning it's better suited for dogs with low growls.

Article Tags: Bark Collar, Electric Shock