The Pros and Cons of a Bark Collar

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The Pros and Cons of a Bark Collar

Staff Writer · Apr 13, 2010

For apartment dwellers who own dogs, a bark collar can be used as an aid in reducing nuisance barking. If your dog barks to excess, then weighing the pros and cons of buying a bark collar can help you decide if such a collar is the right choice for altering your dog’s behavior.

Bark Collars Control Excessive Barking

Many dogs will bark when their owners are away as a result of separation anxiety. Other dogs, such as toy dogs and terriers, will bark for no apparent reason at all. If your neighbors complain that your dog barks too much, then you have to find some sort of remedy. If you don’t have the time to train your dog  or if your dog’s tendency to bark is inbred, a bark collar can be of assistance. Therefore, a bark collar can offer a convenient way for you to contain your dog’s barking whenever you’re away.

Pro: A Feeling of Assurance

Affixing a bark collar to your dog’s neck offers you the assurance that your dog will not bark and disturb others in your apartment building whenever you’re not there. Therefore, you can rest easier if you know your dog is not bothering your neighbors while you’re at work or out running errands.

Pro: Three Basic Kinds of Collars Are Available for Ease of Selection

Electronic bark collars, citronella collars and ultrasonic collars are available over the Internet to stop your dog from barking. Electronic bark collars send a mild shock to your dog’s neck every time he barks. The shock can be likened to the static shock you experience, for instance, when you rub your hand across a carpet pile. Citronella collars stop barking by releasing a citronella scent when the microphone in the collar detects a growl or bark. This type of collar is used quite often by animal rescue and adoption organizations for nuisance barking.The ultrasonic bark collar emits a high-pitched sound when the microphone in the collar picks up the slightest amount of vocalization. The sound is annoying to dogs although it can’t be heard by humans.

Con: Bark Collars Are Not Always Effective

In some cases, you may not find a bark collar to be a useful tool. One research study found that only half of the dogs that wore electronic collars responded to this type of training method. In other cases, dogs can rebel when wearing a bark collar. For example, dogs wearing citronella collars have been found to bark excessively until the citronella in the collar is depleted. In addition, several human rights groups, such as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, believe electronic bark collars are inhumane. In some instances, trainers advise that behavior modification is preferable to using the electronic variety. They insist that modifying a dog’s behavior is a better alternative for pet owners who have the time and patience to pursue this type of training.

Con: Expense

Bark collars can be fairly expensive. Therefore, you definitely must be sold on this type of collar for training.

Consider the pros and cons before buying any bark collar. For many apartment dwellers who have hectic schedules, bark collars offer the best solution for quieting  the barks of their anxious or attention-seeking pets.

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