Anti-bark Collars: Everything You Need To Know
Dogs are considered to be loyal and noble animals. Among all the qualities they possess, however, some details can also stand out that can be annoying. One of their shortcomings is their tendency to bark too much, which is why they invented anti-bark collars.
In today’s article we will tell you everything you need to know about anti-bark collars .
The anti-bark collar: what it is
The anti-bark collar is a system created to prevent the dog from barking. It works like this: by placing it on the neck, it has a receiving system that detects the movements of the dog’s throat and, depending on the model, acts in a certain way. The throat is one of the most delicate areas of the animal, and the consequences associated with these mechanisms can be complicated and unpleasant.
Types of bark collars
There are different types of anti-bark collars, among which the most used are:
No-bark collars with spray
The anti-bark collar with spray is placed around the animal’s neck and, when it barks, a small microphone perceives the sound and sends a signal that activates the release of a spray, positioned under the animal’s muzzle. This causes a surprise reaction in the dog, which reacts with all four senses: hearing, sight, touch and smell.
Several studies state that in about 28% of cases the problem partially disappears, while in 70% completely. This type of collar is the least harmful of all those existing, it does not cause direct effects on the animal’s body but merely pulverizes a harmless liquid. One option is a lemongrass spray, which tastes annoying to dogs.
Electric collar
The operation of the electric anti-bark collar is similar to the spray one, with the difference that it acts only on the touch of the animal. The moment the dog barks, the collar emits an electrostatic discharge which acts as a punishment in the face of its action.
If you choose this collar, make sure it is adjustable, as each animal has a different sensitivity just like people.
The discharge is usually automatic and varies according to the intensity and frequency with which the animal barks. For this, it is essential that the collar is adjustable. It is also recommended not to make the dog wear the collar continuously, because the electrodes can generate necrosis of the dog’s skin.
Limits of effectiveness
All anti-bark collars have a limit of effectiveness. For this, it is necessary to act at the same time on the cause that causes so many barks. Otherwise, a remedy will be given to the problem but without really solving it.
Some animals stop barking but as a secondary effect they take on destructive tendencies, make needs uncontrolled or even self-mutilate.
Identify the cause of the problem
Before you decide to opt for this option, you need to identify the reason behind the barking. Dogs bark to express different moods: cheerfulness, excitement, worry and so on. When they do, they always want to send a message. Some specialists define this tendency as a “safety valve to release stress and boredom”.
To identify the cause that leads the dog to bark, we list some of the most typical reasons:
- Boredom. As a reaction to the stress of loneliness, the dog barks to attract company.
- Vision. If people, other dogs or animals that intrigue him pass in front of the animal, the dog barks to communicate with them. Or, to express frustration.
- Noises. Our animal is able to perceive any type of noise, reacting in a different way. If the door opens and the owners come in, it will bark to show joy.
- Attention. He wants you to pay attention to him, and will do anything to make himself heard.
- Compulsive behavior. He may bark when he is not feeling calm, or simply because he is used to it.
- Fear. Faced with the fear they feel when they are alone, they bark to reassure themselves.
Another option is to bark with you to communicate and express how he feels.
After reading this article, we can come to the conclusion that anti-bark systems are not positive for the dog, instead giving rise to a possible series of negative consequences. There are many other therapies or options that are valid for correcting the dog barking problem.
