How to Use a Bark Collar
When you invest in a bark collar for your dog, you can't just put it on and expect all barking to stop instantly. Specific training techniques are required for your dog to associate the stimulation from the bark collar with their barking, not with you or the collar.
The first thing to understand is the difference between a bark collar and a training collar.
The Difference Between a Bark & Training Collar
What is a bark collar?
A bark collar is a device worn by your dog that sends a stimulation when it detects barking. Depending on the type of bark collar, the correction could be a static shock, citronella spray, or vibration.
The main point is that it automatically corrects barking; you don’t need to press a button.
What is a training collar?
A training collar works differently; it provides stimulation when you activate it via remote control. This allows you to correct negative behaviour beyond just barking.
How To Use a Bark Collar
Follow these training tips to avoid overcorrection when starting with a bark collar.
1. Don’t Make A Fuss
Always put the bark collar on your dog without making a fuss. Treat it as a normal event. When you put the bark collar on the dog in a casual manner, your dog won’t associate it with the corrections the collar gives.
2. Keep it Turned Off
For the first 3 to 4 days, put the collar on your dog without turning it on. This allows your dog to get used to the collar without associating it with corrections.
3. Now, Turn the Bark Collar On
After a few days, once your dog is used to the collar, you can turn it on. Do not leave the bark collar on your dog for more than a few hours at a time to avoid neck irritation.
It’s best for you to be home while they wear it to ensure they react appropriately and avoid overcorrection. Do not keep the collar on your dog for more than 10 hours at a time.
Monitor your dog to ensure the collar is functioning correctly and not causing any neck issues.
You Won’t Need the Bark Collar for Long
If you use a static shock collar, your dog will likely only need it for a few weeks. Most dogs learn quickly and won’t need to wear the collar long-term.
With a citronella bark collar, your dog will learn fast unless they are very stubborn. In such cases, they might continue barking despite the citronella puffs.
Observing your dog’s reaction to the collar will help you gauge its effectiveness.
Don’t Stop Them From Stressing
Training can be stressful. Make sure to provide your dog with ways to manage that stress. Dogs like to lick and chew to relieve stress, so provide plenty of chew toys and treats to help them self-soothe.
Remember, Dogs Learn at Their Own Pace
Every dog learns differently. Some dogs will learn to stop excessive barking quickly, while others may need more time with the bark collar.
Set realistic expectations. An anti-bark collar will not stop your dog from barking at everything forever, but it will help reduce excessive barking.
What Happens When You Don’t Follow Bark Collar Advice
If you don’t follow these training steps, your dog may experience overcorrection.
What is Overcorrecting?
Overcorrecting is when we react too strongly to a perceived error. In dog training, our reactions can often be disproportionate compared to what our dog is actually doing.
How to Avoid Overcorrecting
Avoid overcorrection by ensuring your dog is corrected for the right behaviours at the right time. Immediate feedback, within 1-2 seconds after the desired behaviour, is crucial for association.
With a bark collar, being present to ensure the collar corrects as necessary and not excessively is key.
What Are Your Bark Collar Options?
You have a choice in bark collars, mainly in the type of correction. There are citronella bark collars and static shock bark collars.
Static Shock Collars
A static shock collar sends a static shock when it detects barking. We recommend these for stubborn dogs when all else has failed.
Despite their reputation, these collars are effective training tools, quickly curbing excessive barking and are more economical than constant professional training.
Use them for a few hours under supervision, and never leave them on your dog for over 10 hours at a time.
Your dog won’t need the shock collar for long, and they are humane. We recommend trying it on your hand first to understand how it feels.
Citronella Dog Collars
Citronella dog collars emit a puff of citronella spray when barking is detected. These collars provide enough distraction to stop barking.
Citronella bark collars are recommended for those who cannot use a static shock collar. They work for most dogs, though very stubborn dogs may need an alternative.
We suggest starting with a citronella collar to see how your dog responds to correction.
Our best-selling citronella dog collar is the Barktec BT-100 Outdoor/Indoor Ultrasonic Anti-Barking Device. It is effective and popular among our customers.
If you need help with excessive barking, browse our range of bark collars. For any questions, our customer service team is here to assist!
