bark collar: Bark Collar Information
Introduction to Bark Collars
Bark Collars are used to keep dogs from barking excessively. There are three main varieties, one is citronella based, another uses electric stimulation and another uses ultrasonic sound. All of these collars usually have a time delay so that the dog may bark up to 30 seconds before corrective action is taken. This in theory tells the dog that it?s ok to bark out of fear or anxiety, but not excessive barking coming from boredom. This type of conditioning has reported some success with dog owners with its use.
How Bark Collars Work
The citronella contains a spray can of citronella and a microphone to track the length of barking. When a threshold has been reached, a small amount of citronella is emitted. Dogs learn to associate the foul smell with their behavior and stop barking.
The electronic-based bark collar works similarly, except that it delivers a small shock to the dog rather than emit a foul smell. Dogs find the shock uncomfortable and thus stop barking. Because of the perceived pain involved with the shock, true or not, this method of bark control has become hotly debated.
The ultrasonic sound bark collar emits a sound wave only audible from a dog but that is loud enough for the dog to understand. The theory is the same; the dog associates the loud noise with barking enough to arrest their bark. This method is considered to be the least effective of the three bark collars however as the dog may adjust to the noise and not find it that intrusive.
Benefits of Use
The benefits of using a bark collar are unique in that you can control your dog?s behavior when you?re away and aren?t able use conventional training methods.
Proper Use of a Bark Collar
Before you use a bark collar, you should determine first why your dog is barking. These collars are not suited for all barking. They should not be used if your dog is barking out of fear, aggression or separation anxiety, as it can create unpredictable behavior in your dog and worsen the problem rather than make it better. Barking for fear is a proper response for a dog. Aggression, perhaps in defense or territorial invasion is a proper response for a dog as well. Separation anxiety and loneliness is easily treatable with proper training and attention. The situations best suited for using a bark collar is when your dog is barking for the sake of barking, likely from boredom.
Ethics and Arguments Related to the Bark Collar
Bark Collars are considered humane by most experts with the exception of electric or shock based collars. There isn?t any physical pain involved with citronella and ultrasonic sound based bark collars and the corrective action from it is really more of an annoyance. The owner should be proactive with this approach. Rather than look at a bark collar as a quick fix to end all barking, a responsible owner will determine first why their dog is barking, then take corrective measures from there.
More Information
Your can check out other articles related to dog training collars and bark collars here:
Dog Training Collars
Electric Dog Collars
Bark Collars are used to keep dogs from barking excessively. There are three main varieties, one is citronella based, another uses electric stimulation and another uses ultrasonic sound. All of these collars usually have a time delay so that the dog may bark up to 30 seconds before corrective action is taken. This in theory tells the dog that it?s ok to bark out of fear or anxiety, but not excessive barking coming from boredom. This type of conditioning has reported some success with dog owners with its use.
How Bark Collars Work
The citronella contains a spray can of citronella and a microphone to track the length of barking. When a threshold has been reached, a small amount of citronella is emitted. Dogs learn to associate the foul smell with their behavior and stop barking.
The electronic-based bark collar works similarly, except that it delivers a small shock to the dog rather than emit a foul smell. Dogs find the shock uncomfortable and thus stop barking. Because of the perceived pain involved with the shock, true or not, this method of bark control has become hotly debated.
The ultrasonic sound bark collar emits a sound wave only audible from a dog but that is loud enough for the dog to understand. The theory is the same; the dog associates the loud noise with barking enough to arrest their bark. This method is considered to be the least effective of the three bark collars however as the dog may adjust to the noise and not find it that intrusive.
Benefits of Use
The benefits of using a bark collar are unique in that you can control your dog?s behavior when you?re away and aren?t able use conventional training methods.
Proper Use of a Bark Collar
Before you use a bark collar, you should determine first why your dog is barking. These collars are not suited for all barking. They should not be used if your dog is barking out of fear, aggression or separation anxiety, as it can create unpredictable behavior in your dog and worsen the problem rather than make it better. Barking for fear is a proper response for a dog. Aggression, perhaps in defense or territorial invasion is a proper response for a dog as well. Separation anxiety and loneliness is easily treatable with proper training and attention. The situations best suited for using a bark collar is when your dog is barking for the sake of barking, likely from boredom.
Ethics and Arguments Related to the Bark Collar
Bark Collars are considered humane by most experts with the exception of electric or shock based collars. There isn?t any physical pain involved with citronella and ultrasonic sound based bark collars and the corrective action from it is really more of an annoyance. The owner should be proactive with this approach. Rather than look at a bark collar as a quick fix to end all barking, a responsible owner will determine first why their dog is barking, then take corrective measures from there.
More Information
Your can check out other articles related to dog training collars and bark collars here:
Dog Training Collars
Electric Dog Collars
