Just how can you stop dog barking? We all know it is a natural, but when it becomes disturbing there has to be a solution. I’ve personally had dogs that need only a blade of grass to move for an excuse to bark. Then we all love the pets that are unable to distinguish TV noises from real life. My personal favorite is the ultimate embarrassment of my miniature dachshund when he sounds off at every passerby on the street!
Rudy, my "Mouth of the South" mini-dachshund.
So just what can be done to keep our extended family in check? There is virtually a plethora of items on the market today and the correct choice to help your animal stop barking depends a great deal on you and your pet. The free standing or mounted devices respond to any dog shouting. You can find handheld devices that you physically activate each time a reminder is needed. And there are a great number of different collar products where the variety is the greatest.
Most table top or mounted devices use ultrasonic tones which are inaudible to the humans. These come as both indoor and outdoor products. Outdoor ranges claim to work as far as 50 feet, which is great to stop dog barking in neighbor pets. Indoor units are for one room coverage. Handhelds also use ultrasonic tones. One handheld also emits a “positive” tone which is audible to humans and used for good behavior. A very clever use of the hand held is for control of stray animals, on an evening walk it can be a safe and humane defense.
Handheld Ultrasonic Device
Indoor Tabletop Ultrasonic Device
- Outdoor Ultrasonic Device
When it first became an issue to stop dog barking, shock collars were the first design. Many owners avoided these for
Shock Collar Showing Correction Prongs
fearof hurting their pets. Most shock products emit a sensation similar to static shock. The point is to correct rather than punish, yet the term “shock” still sounds frightening.
Spray Collar Showing Refill
In response to these fears, the next was a spray collar. After sensing a bark the collar sprays a citronella or lemon scent mist. Next was a vibration type collars, also bark activated, delivering a vibration to the neck. Most collars are ultrasonic, and may be automatic or used with a handheld. In shock, vibration and ultrasonic types, some are waterproof or adjustable. Once trained, you can usually reduce the levels and it is enough to remind your pet. A few claim to sense the type of bark and over time able to distinguish nuisance from warning barks.
With all of these devices the object is to interrupt the cycle and stop dog barking!
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