Buying guide forBest bark collars
Your dog may be the perfect four-legged companion in most situations, but if he has an excessive barking habit, it’s easy to get frustrated. Whether it’s because the UPS truck is making a delivery or a squirrel ran past your window, dogs typically don’t need much reason to bark, which is why a bark collar may be the only way to get some peace and quiet in your home.
A bark collar has a sensor to detect barking. When the collar senses that your dog is barking, it uses a correction to discourage the noise. This negative reinforcement trains your dog to stop barking because she learns to associate an unwelcome sensation or consequence with barking.
确保你训练你的狗安全、有效vely, though, you have to choose the right bark collar. That means figuring out what type is best, the sensor type you prefer, and what other features will be most helpful in training your dog.
Key considerations
Collar type
树皮衣领与几个不同的是可用的types of corrective stimuli to discourage barking. While they can all be effective, you may be more comfortable using certain forms of negative reinforcement than others on your dog.
Static bark collarsprovide a short pulse of mild static electricity when the collar senses barking. Some models increase the strength of the pulse if the dog continues to bark. Many veterinarians, trainers, and pet owners don’t feel static bark collars are the best option because they can confuse the dog, who may respond to the pulses by barking more. Though the static electricity is mild, some research suggests that it can cause tissue damage.
Vibration bark collarsbegin to vibrate when they sense that your dog is barking. The vibrations are similar to the vibrate setting on a cell phone, so the collar won’t hurt your dog. These collars are considered a more humane alternative to static bark collars, though they usually work better if you have a dog with short hair that can feel the vibrations more strongly.
Ultrasonic bark collarsemit a high-pitched sound that only dogs can hear when barking is sensed. They are another more humane alternative to static bark collars, but they can be set off by other noises nearby. Dogs can also become used to the sound over time and learn to ignore it.
- Spray bark collarsproduce a fine mist that hits the dog to discourage barking. Most models use a solution that contains citronella because it has an odor that is unpleasant to dogs. Depending on where the mist hits the dog, though, the citronella may cause eye irritation. Models that use plain water may not be as effective, but they won’t irritate your dog. The problem with spray bark collars is that some dogs learn to empty all of the misting solution from the collar with continued barking.
Dog size and weight
Most bark collars are designed to be effective on dogs of a certain size and weight. As with any collar, you have to choose a model that will fit the circumference of your dog’s neck. Measure your pet with a tape measure, and compare the measurement to the sizing guidelines. If the collar is adjustable, you can purchase a collar that’s slightly larger because you’ll be able to tighten it for a snug fit around your dog’s neck.
To make sure that a bark collar is both safe and effective, collars are often sold based on weight. That’s because a 10-pound dog obviously needs a milder pulse from a static collar than an 80-pound dog. Check the weight range listed for any bark collar that you’re considering to make sure that your dog can safely use it.
Static bark collars are designed to provide a shock through static electricity. We assess how safe this option is and if it can cause long-term harm to your dog.
The dog size can determine what type of bark collar you need. We look into a wide variety of products to see which ones work best in multiple scenarios.
Some dog collars work by creating stimulation for your dog that doesn’t hurt them, it merely makes them uncomfortable. This is something we consider during our evaluations.
Certain collars may recognize vibrations in a dog's vocal cords. We weigh the pros and cons of how well this type of sensor works for barking.
It is essential to have a bark collar that allows for sensitivity adjustment to protect your dog from injury. We vet each product to see just how adjustable this feature is.
Whether you have an outside dog or one that is simply messy when drinking water, it is best to have a waterproof collar to prevent injury. We assess each product to see if it is safely designed.
Some bark collars utilize batteries and some are rechargeable. We consider the pros and cons of each type to see which style would work best.
Some bark collars may come with a remote control to help with training. We take a deep dive into each product to see if it includes extra training materials.
Some unique bark collars may spray a fine mist to deter barking. We look into a wide variety of products to see how well they work to help train your dog.
Bark collars can run anywhere from $10-$265. We assess how many features each product has and if it is worth the cost.
Features
Sensor type
A bark collar has a sensor that determines when your dog is barking. Some collars have a vibration sensor, which picks up the vibration of a dog’s vocal cords, while others have a sound sensor that’s able to detect the noise of barking.
Vibration sensors may not be sensitive enough to detect all barking, while sound sensors may be too sensitive and trigger the collar when noises are detected around your dog. You can find some collars with dual sensors, which typically provide the most accuracy. Dual-sensor bark collars are more expensive, though.
Adjustability
No matter what type of sensor you choose, you should select a bark collar that allows you to adjust its sensitivity. The more sensitivity levels that a collar offers, the better you’ll be able to fine-tune the device so that it works only when your dog barks.
Battery type
A bark collar’s sensor and behavior modification mechanism require some type of battery for power. Some collars use standard replaceable batteries, such as AAA or AA, while others feature rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that can last up to 70 hours without needing to be recharged.
Most pet owners find rechargeable batteries to be more convenient because you don’t have to run out to buy replacement batteries while you’re training your dog.
Remote control
While bark collars are designed primarily to correct a dog’s barking problem, they can be used to train your dog to avoid other undesirable behaviors. To help you correct behaviors other than barking, some models allow you to trigger the collar with a remote control rather than waiting for the sensor to be activated. This feature may be ideal if you also want to discourage your dog from behaviors such as jumping on furniture or wandering away from your yard.
Water resistance
If you have an active dog, choosing a water-resistant bark collar can be an important feature. It allows the collar to still work effectively even if your dog is in the water, out in the rain, or getting bathed.
Did you know?
If you use a bark collar with ultrasonic noise stimulation, be aware that other dogs in your house may be affected when the collar is triggered.
STAFF
BestReviews
Bark collar prices
Bark collars vary in price based on their sensors, sensitivity, and special features. Most collars range from $10 to $265.
The most affordable bark collars use a single type of bark deterrent and only offer up to 10 levels of adjustability. They usually run on replaceable batteries, have few special features, and cost between $10 and $65.
Mid-range bark collars typically offer two or more bark deterrent options and offer up to 50 adjustability levels. They usually run on rechargeable batteries, offer some special features like remote access, and cost between $65 and $170.
The most expensive bark collars offer three or more bark deterrent options and offer up to 100 adjustability levels. They run on rechargeable batteries, offer some special features like remote access and a waterproof design, and cost between $170 and $265.
Tips
Make sure that any bark collar you choose fits your dog comfortably. If the collar is too loose, your pet may not experience enough of a deterrent effect to stop the barking. If the collar is too tight, it will be uncomfortable and your dog won’t want to wear it.
Take your dog’s temperament into account when you’re deciding what type of bark collar to choose. If you have a relatively calm dog, you likely don’t need an electrical pulse to train him to stop barking.
Get your dog used to a bark collar slowly. Have her wear the collar for short periods to start, and gradually increase the length of your training sessions as your dog becomes used to the collar.
If you are using a bark collar for barking, don’t try to use it for jumping on the furniture or staying in your yard, too. Your dog may get confused if you use the same stimuli for all types of training.
Caution
Bark collars with only one stimulation level are often too extreme and may cause distress for your dog that makes training more difficult.
STAFF
BestReviews
FAQ
Q. Will a bark collar hurt my dog?
A.Even if you choose a bark collar that uses electrical pulses as a deterrent, it likely won’t hurt your dog. The pulses are designed to be mild, so they feel more like static electricity than a shock. If you’re concerned about your dog experiencing pain or discomfort, though, opt for a collar that uses vibration as a deterrent.
Q. Can my dog use a bark collar if he has health issues?
A.Most bark collars don’t have any health restrictions for use, but check the instructions. If you have any concerns about particular health issues that your dog suffers from, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian before using a bark collar.
Q. How long will it take a bark collar to stop my dog’s barking?
A.A variety of factors can affect how long it takes to train your dog not to bark with a bark collar. Your dog’s temperament, how frequently she experiences the stimuli that trigger barking, and how easily your dog is distracted while barking can all determine how long the training takes. In many cases, it only takes a handful of triggers from the collar for your dog to make the connection between barking and the deterrent, so you may see results in a week or so. Other dogs may need several weeks of training.
