Barking Mad? How Anti-Bark Devices Could Restore Your Sanity
Dogs have only body language and barking at their disposal when they need to communicate their feelings. Unfortunately, like people, some dogs talk too much! Excessive barking can quickly wear your down and it isn't likely to endear you to your neighbors either.
If your dog is too vocal then you need to address the problem and sooner rather than later. Otherwise, you will find that it is you who has gone barking mad.
When your dog won't stop barking it is tempting to shout at them but this simply won't work. Your pooch will think that you are barking back and the situation will escalate. So what should you do instead?
Why Do Dogs Bark?
There may appear to be no reason at all for your dog's behavior, but there will be one and you should try to work out what that is. It will be possible to stop them barking but if you do not remove the cause of their anxiety, then they will never be truly happy and they could start barking again at any time. Dogs bark for a variety of reasons. Some barks are entirely normal and acceptable. Others are signs of distress and can eventually result in habitual barking.
Territorial barking
This is a defensive bark, which dogs use to protect their territory or owner. They will bark when strangers or other animals approach and may exhibit aggressive body language at the same time.
Dogs often bark when they have been startled or when they see something that they do not understand. They may also begin barking when you leave the house because they fear loneliness.
Boredom and depression
Dogs which are left alone for long periods or which do not receive enough exercise will become bored and may then start to bark because they are depressed.
Barking can also be a sign of excitement. Dogs often bark when greeting someone they know and this happy bark will be accompanied by tail wagging.
Attention seeking
If dogs are keen to go for a walk, to play or to eat, they will bark to let you know.
Compulsive barking
Dogs which have repeatedly experienced fear, boredom or loneliness may begin to bark excessively in order to express their anxiety. Their own voice is a comfort to them and the barking becomes habitual.
If your pet barks excessively then you should address the underlying cause in the first instance. The barking is most likely caused by or is a legacy of anxiety and distress. If you stop your pet from barking without improving their state of mind then the problem could return. Your dog may be quiet but they will still be feeling anxious.
Ingrained Behaviour
Even if you discover the underlying cause of your pet's barking and take the right steps to alleviate their distress, they will most likely continue to bark because the habit has become ingrained. Try to teach them to understand a command to be quiet. This should be given firmly but without shouting. If this approach does not yield the desired result then you should invest in an anti-bark device.
What is an Anti-Bark Device?
Anti-bark collars for dogs provide you with a humane but highly effective tool for tackling habitual barking. The collars are comfortable for your dog to wear. They feature a microphone to detect the barking and are battery powered. Sensors enable the devices to distinguish between barking and other external noises. When your dog barks, the collars deliver a mild but annoying stimulus. Your dog is an intelligent animal and will quickly learn to associate the stimulus with the offending behaviour.
There are various different types of dog barking collars available to buy for your dog. The anti-bark collars correct your pooch's behavior by delivering a spray, an ultrasonic signal or a static electrical stimulus.
Spray Bark Control Collars
Some anti-bark collars including the PetSafe Little Dog and Big Dog Spray Bark Control Collars, emit an odourless or citronella scented spray when your dog starts to bark. The collars contain a reservoir for the liquid and dispense a fine spray into your dog's face which surprises them. The spray is irritating as opposed to unpleasant and will not harm your dog in anyway.
Ultrasonic Anti-Bark Collars
When your dog barks, an ultrasonic collar, such as the PetSafe Ultrasonic Bark Control Collar, emits an ultrasonic (high pitched) tone. This can be heard by your dog but not by most humans. Your dog will be startled by the annoying sound and will stop barking. They will not experience any pain or discomfort. Some models also offer a vibration stimulus. This is similar sensation to the vibration of a mobile phone.
Static Correction Bark Control Collars
This type of collar encourages your dog to cease barking by delivering a static electric charge. This stimulus is not harmful or painful and many collars also feature an audible warning for your dog which sounds before the stimulus.
Static correction collars can be highly sophisticated. Models such as the Pet Safe Deluxe Anti-Bark Collar incorporate a learning system. This is software which monitors the number of corrections required to reduce and then eliminate the nuisance barks. These collars offer ten levels of static correction and so the stimuli will increase in intensity if your dog does not cease barking. There is a shut-off system to ensure that your dog does not receive excessive stimuli.
The Benefits of Bark Control Collars
Nuisance or habitual barking is distressing and could negatively impact your relationship with your dog. It won't impress your neighbors either. It is a problem which must be tackled but if you simply shout at your pet then you will be barking up the wrong tree! Anti-bark collars are a safe and humane way to improve your dog's behavior and do not require you to be present in order to do their work. Advanced technology ensures that the collars are highly effective and they will help you to enjoy a loving and rewarding relationship with your best friend.
