Dogs love to communicate by barking, but a dog who barks excessively can become a nuisance.
A bark collar is a safe and effective way to train a dog when to make sound and when to be quiet.
However, many thoughtful pet owners wonder if the use of a bark control devices is actually safe for their pet.
In this article will discuss the safety of bark leashes, the evolution of their design, and how to maximize the use of one.
Bark collars are safe when purchased from a reputable brand.
Some low-end bark collars emit a high-pitched sound or spray citronella when the dog barks.
These are not optimal options as most dogs are not sensitive to the alert sound and the scent of citronella lingers much longer than is necessary to discipline the dog.
Cheaper collars may also be triggered by sounds other than your dog's bark which can result in your dog being disciplined for another dog's barking.
The most effective bark collars are those that offers static correction which is a mild electronic shock that lasts for just a few seconds.
The first bark collars were not as safe as those manufactured today.
The old collars could not distinguish between various types of barking, and some even reacted to dogs who were silent.
The early collars required a pet owner to monitor their dog during the first few days of use to ensure it did not traumatize their pet.
However, bark collars have come a long way since those early prototypes.
Today's bark control devices do not harm pets, instead they offer a way to teach a dog not to bark all the time.
Many bark collars have a remote option that allows owners to dissuade pets from other behavior as well.
Bark collars are intended to startle and interrupt the behavior the dog needs to correct.
The intensity of the shock delivered is very mild and only serves to remind the dog not to bark excessively.
Some collars can be set to respond only to barks above a certain volume.
This allows the owner to allow their dog to bark to communicate, but not so much that it becomes disturbing.
It's also helpful to determine at what times a pet should wear a bark collar and at what times they should not.
For instance, a dog owner may choose to let their dog go collar-free at night so they are able to warn of intruders or other danger.
A well made collar can become a pet owner's right-hand.
When purchased from a reputable brand, a dog bark control safely helps a pet understand what behavior is acceptable and what behavior is not.