Anti-Bark Dog Collars:The Debate

I personally would much rather has a happy quick to respond dog that eagerly does what I ask. However, as much as dogs really are man’s best friend in many ways, they can still be stubborn creature. Some dogs are more stubborn than others just like kids.

Tempers can get heated up on the issue of anti-bark collars. People who do not believe in thier use strongly support that idea. Those who thinks they are acceptable can be just as strong in thier beliefs. Certainly I would use all other alternatives before using negative reinforcement..

Dogs are pack creatures and really want to please their pack. You can capitalize on this characteristic and possibly stop nuisance barking using rewards for quiet behavior. Teaching a dog to “speak” on command can also help decrease unwanted “speaking.”

Other steps you can try to stop nuisance barking vary in effectiveness depending on the dog and your commitment to being consistent. You can try squirting your dog in the face with water. Throwing a can of pennies close to him when he barks to distract him sometimes works also.

Size is no predictor of stubbornness when it comes to dogs. Small dogs can often be very stubborn and some large breeds are quiet by nature. You have to consider the individual nature of your dog.

A very nervous, sensitive dog could be traumatized by a no bark collar. On the other hand I happen to own a five pound yapper. My dog does fine at night but during the day when I must sleep because I work nights he can yap for hours unstopping. Put aside the problems with the neighbors if you have any, the sheer sleep deprivation issue can drive you to drink!

In my own personal experience dogs do a lot better if they gets some vigorous exercise each day. This unfortunately means you may have to get some too! A small dog can be ran in the house chasing his rubber ball on days it is just impossible to get him out for a run. Dogs have to have exercise. So if you’re not exercising your pet nothing you do may stop his barking including a bark collar.

 An anti-bark collar is a reasonable choice in my opinion if you have tried all the alternatives. To really be effective you have to use such collars only intermittently. It’s also important to choose the right collar for your dog. Anti-bark collars used correctly will decrease barking but keep in mind they may not eliminate the problem. Exercise, attention and training will still be needed.