Owners of dogs that bark too much are often at their wit’s end just searching for a bit of peace and quiet. Many people have already tried other methods of controlling their dogs’ barking. Such methods are often recommended as tried and true by trainers and include a quick squirt of water or vinegar to the dogs face, or the startling shake of a homemade coin-can. Although these methods may work for the average dog, imagine trying to quiet the most stubborn hound or little yappy terrier.
The adage that “there are no bad dogs only bad owners” slowly makes the pet parents of excessive barkers feel like failures each time they are unable to halt their dogs’ barking. Although they love their dogs to pieces, they find themselves dreaming of voice box removal surgery in the darkest moments. It’s times like these when a serious tool, a miracle per se, such as an anti bark collar is needed. These collars rarely fail when used correctly. However, it is essential that the following directions are used or failure WILL be the owner’s fault and a waste of money.
First, it is important that the collar fit correctly. The collar should be snug but not too tight, and the sensors need lie over the neck area, particularly in the center over the voice box. You need to make sure that the collar is not too tight. You can check the snugness by seeing if you can gently fit your pinky under the back of the collar. At the same time you don’t want the collar to spin too easily, because the metal sensors should stay in contact with the dog’s throat. Your dog should be able to comfortably wear the collar for a long period of time. When you fist put it on the dog may find it new and thus uncomfortable, but he should soon get used to it if it is not excessively tight. You should be able to leave the collar on your dog throughout the day, but be sure to take it off at bed time.
It is very important that you get into a routine when using the collar. Many people forget to put it on their dogs first thing in the morning. You need to consistently put the collar on your dog for at least a week so your dog does not become “collar wise.” Dogs are very smart. If you are not consistent in your use of the collar, or if the dog does not wear it for long periods of the day the pooch will soon associate the unpleasant sensation he receives when barking with only the time he actually wears the collar. This means if the collar isn’t on, and the dog has become collar wise, he is smart enough to howl like mad as soon as he realizes.
This is important if you want to train a dog not to bark all the time and eventually not need the collar. When used correctly and consistently the dog associates the unpleasant sensation with just with the act of barking, and not with the act of barking only when wearing the collar. Also, if you start the process and your dog begins to respond to the devise and then you forget to use it one day, and she lets out a few barks without an unpleasant sensation then this is license for her to continue with the unwanted behavior. At this point the owner is basically starting from square one in the training process. If your dog becomes collar wise or if you constantly have to start the training process over again and again you WILL become frustrated, and think: What a waste of $130!
If you are the forgetful type of person, you may find it helpful to leave a reminder in a place you will always see in the early mornings. You can write yourself a note and stick it to a mirror, over the toilet, on the fridge, or by the coffee maker. It is important that your dog wears the collar first thing in the morning until the evening. Make sure to take the collar off before bed! This is important. Even though you should have properly fitted the collar for both snugness and comfort, wearing it too long, such as through the night, can cause irritation and perhaps even a rash.
An anti- bark collar is a tool that can be successful even when other methods have failed, especially while you are at work. Spray bottles only work as long as a person is there every time the dog barks, and not even then! My lab loves the water; he thinks a squirt in the face is an invitation to play with lots of barking! This is not the case with a collar. Since your dog is wearing the collar, it will provide the anti-bark sensation even when you are not around, like when the mailman comes. Just be sure to use the collar consistently and correctly and you will be very happy you decided to buy it.
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