Bark Collars - How to choose one

Posted by StevenHWicker on June 7th, 2019

Types of Bark Collars

There are a range of different dog collars out there, depending on what you’re after. Some give light shocks, others don’t. Regardless, all dog collars are designed for the same purpose - to bring an end to excessive barking, quickly, easily, and painlessly. The one you choose all depends on what you believe in and how severe your dog’s barking problem is.

Ultimately, there are three main types of anti-bark collars out there - ultrasonic, citronella, and static shock. While all three work slightly differently (which we’ll go into more detail about below), all dog collars are designed to fit comfortably around the neck - when fitted correctly of course. If you’re not sure how to fit your dog’s anti-bark collar, it’s important to speak to a professional or experienced dog owner.

How Bark Collars Work

Can’t get your dog to stop barking? You’re not alone. It’s a frustrating reality faced by thousands of dog owners all around the world. If you’re struggling to manage your dog’s barking and behavioural issues, hope isn’t lost. There IS a solution!

Anti-bark collars are normally made from nylon. There is a mechanism at the front which is designed to release your chosen deterrent. It works be releasing vibrations to combat nuisance barking.

DogGear.com is a leading name in Australian remote control bark collars.  We stock high-quality dog collars from the world’s leading brands, fusing high quality with affordability for your peace of mind and convenience. There’s no need to compromise!

We know what you might be thinking. Aren’t dog collars cruel? Maybe in the old days! New technology means you don’t need to give your dog a severe electric shock to get them to behave. The way these collars work is simple. Here’s a little more information on each of the three types of bark collars we mentioned earlier:

Shock Collar

These collars sit against the dog’s throat and, when prompted, release a static shock. These travel through two metal prongs that touch the neck. When your dog first barks, the anti-bark collar will let out a short warning tone. Your dog might not understand what this means at first, but they will eventually! So, if the dog barks again in the next 30 seconds, the warning tone will ring again - but a little louder. If they bark yet again in the next 30 seconds, an even louder warning tone will be emitted along with a very mild shock. This is the first and lowest correction level. Each bark after this will cause the correction level to rise, if it occurs within 30 seconds of the last bark. Should your dog go for more than 30 seconds without barking, the collar’s system will automatically reset itself. Don’t worry, anti-bark collars have a built-in safety feature that causes the collar to automatically shut down if it reaches the seventh level of correction. The shock is too light to cause any harm, yet strong enough to make an impact and help your dog understand that excessive barking will result in a light shock. It’s not cruel! In fact, most manufacturers recommend that you test the shock on your own hand before using it on your dog. That’s how safe it is for use!

Citronella Bark Collar

These popular alternatives work on the same theory as shock collars (negative reinforcement), except they spray citronella-scented liquid instead! Most dogs can’t stand the smell of citronella, and if they smell it after barking, they’ll be unlikely to bark excessively again - unless there’s an emergency!

Ultrasonic Bark Collar

Sometimes just known as sonic collars, these mechanisms send out high-pitched, unpleasant sounds. Just like the other types of anti-bark dog collars, these are designed to prevent nuisance barking.

This technology makes sure that the dog’s bark collar only activates if the dog actually starts barking or is making any other form of nuisance-related noise. These types of bark collars are conveniently rechargeable and totally waterproof, meaning they’ll still work even if your dog decides to take an unplanned swim!

We know all of this information might seem overwhelming, and you might have no idea which collar is best suited to your dog. Every dog is different, which is why it’s a good idea to speak to an experienced dog owner or your local veterinarian for great advice.

Are Bark Collars Safe?

Yes - and they’re often ideal, especially if you’re not at home to get your dog to stop barking and you don’t want to anger the neighbours! We understand that it’s part of a dog’s nature to bark - but excessive barking is where the problem comes in and can cause a lot of trouble and conflict. Bark collars are a proven and highly effective way to break undesirable canine habits. While some people disagree with the concept of negative behavioural reinforcement, Bark Collar are completely safe (and effective) when used correctly. It’s important to follow the instructions included with your purchase. If you’re still uncomfortable, ask your local vet for help and advice.

All three of the types of collars we discussed earlier are safe for your dog, whether you want to deter nuisance barking via shock, citronella, or sound. Remember that most dog collars have built-in safety features to ensure that the collar turns off automatically if your dog barks more than 15 times within 50 seconds. Seeing as dog collars are also waterproof, you don’t have to worry about having to take them off if your dog feels like taking a dip in the pool or sea. Anti-bark collars are also adjustable, usually by up to 22 inches, so you don’t have to worry about the collar being too tight around our dog’s neck.

At the end of the day, while dog dollars reduce barking, they don’t reduce the stress that causes barking. It’s important to look at your dog’s living situation to determine if there’s anything that can be improved and any stress that can be eliminated. If your dog is simply a nuisance barker for no apparent reason, these collars could just change everything for you. We’ve got a range of options available on our website which you can start exploring today. Unsure of anything? Get in touch with our friendly dog-loving team today. We’d be happy to put you and your pup on the right track.