Tap to Read ➤

Dos and Don'ts of Buying a Bark Collar for Your Dog

Malvika Kulur
Bark collars are available in an array of types. Therefore, choosing the perfect one becomes confusing. Here are the dos and don'ts of buying a bark collar for your dog so that making your selection becomes easy.
Bark collars are also called training collars, shock collars, anti-bark collars, and e-collars. They should be bought only if positive training methods fail.
Earlier, when bark collars were a new technology, they were quite inhumane, as they would shock the dog if he barked. Many dog owners refused to buy this product because it would hurt their dog, and they never wanted to subject their dog through such a cruel punishment.
But, in recent times, as technology has developed, bark collars that do not hurt or traumatize your pet have been developed and introduced in the market.

Instead of shocking the dog into not barking, the new age collars help train the dog not to bark just after a few days of wearing.
These collars are also used so that your dog gets trained not to escape out of your fencing. While buying these collars, there are a few factors that you need to consider; therefore, elaborated for you in this DogAppy write-up are the dos and don'ts of buying bark collars.

What to Consider When Buying a Bark Collar for Your Dog

The Dos

►► Know the difference between each type of bark collar. These collars come in four basic types: static, ultrasonic, spray, and vibrating collars.
►► Static pulse collars are the most controversial anti-bark collars, but are also the most effective. When your dog starts to bark incessantly, these collars pass a static pulse to your dog.
Earlier, these were the collars that dog owners detested as they were thought to be cruel, but today, the static pulse is no more a shock-like feeling, as the level of the pulse can be adjusted to your liking.
►► Ultrasonic collars are also very effective, but not effective as static pulse collars. Ultrasonic collars emit an ultrasonic sound like a high-pitched screech when your dog starts barking. This high-pitched screech is too loud and disturbing for your dog, making him cease his barking.
Many dog owners prefer this collar to the static pulse collar, as apart from your dog's ears ringing, there is no other discomfort experienced by your pooch.
►► Spray collars or Citronella collars are the most humane collars preferred by dog owners and trainers.
They work very well, but are a bit slow, as compared to static pulse and sonic collars. Citronella collars stop your dog from barking by spraying your dog's face with a light citrus mist every time they start barking. These collars work best with shy, timid, and moderate barking dogs.
►► Vibrating collars, like their name suggests, are collars that vibrate when the dog starts barking. The flaw in this type of collar is that they are very ineffective, as the dogs get acclimatized to the vibration and continue to bark.
►► After you understand and know the difference between each type, you need to consider your dog's temperament and barking amount. For dogs that are aggressive and bark more, you should consider using the sonic or static pulse collar. If your dog is not too aggressive and barks in moderation, then a spray or vibrating collar is the best.
►► Always take your dog's comfort into consideration. Even though these collars are not exactly what you think about when comfort is concerned, you need to use a collar that is comfortable for your dog. It should not choke him, or cause him any harm while wearing it.
►► Read product reviews of different brands, and choose the best possible option. Read individual reviews, and also talk to other dog owners who have used bark collars for their dogs. Compare prices of different products when you are making your purchase. Always compare retail and online prices.
►► Always consider the age, breed, sex, and size of your dog before buying this collar.

The Don'ts

►► Do not buy a bark collar if your dog is too sensitive. If he has displayed any behavioral traits like depression or insecurity, buying this collar will not be helpful at all.

►► Avoid buying collars that just have one specific level. Look for collars that have at least 5 changeable levels.
►► Buying collars that run on specified batteries is highly inconvenient. Look for e-collars that have chargeable batteries, or those that run with general AA or other sized batteries.

►► Avoid sound only collars, as they get triggered off with other sounds apart from your dog's barking, especially if you are living in an urban setup.
Buying a bark collar for your dog is a big decision. Always try to train him using positive training methods first, and if all those fail, then buy an e-collar. Talk to your veterinarian and trainer, and then make your purchase.