Choosing an Anti-Bark Dog Collar

For this month's Trainer Tips, I would like to talk about Anti-Bark Dog Collars.  There are several options on the market.  Below are some of the options available.

Why use an Anti-Bark dog collar?

Many dogs can develop a barking problem.  Some dogs are very territorial or will bark at random noises near their space.  Whatever the reason your dog is barking, it is important that you use positive reinforcement training ALONG with any bark collar you may choose to help.  The best way to truly stop nuisance barking is to find the real root of the barking problem.  Why is your dog barking?  Once you know this answer, or have a good idea of the things that make your dog bark, you should be doing behavior modification training to address the problem.  Using an Anti-Bark collar can assist you in training your dog.

Wondering if your dog's barking is acceptable or not?  Visit our previous post.

What kinds of Anti-Bark dog collars are there?

There are three main types of anti-bark dog collars...

1.  Citronella Spray collar

2.  Ultrasonic collar

3.  Static Shock collar

Regardless of which option you choose, I would most recommend purchasing a unit that has dual sensors for barking.  This is important because model's with only one sensor may often sense noise from outside or that your dog is not involved in and emit it's spray, sound, or shock at that random sound (or at another dog barking outside your home).  This is unfair to your dog and will set back their training progress.  The point of using one of these tools is to help teach your dog that barking is not acceptable.  When the dog barks, the anti-bark collar releases it's chosen punishment.  If the dog is receiving punishment for not barking, the dog may become confused.  Marking that inappropriate barking behavior at the exact time it happens is very important.


1.  Citronella Spray Collar:

This collar releases a quick spray of citronella when barking is detected by the device.  Dogs do not like the smell of Citronella.  Therefore when the dog barks, the collar releases a spray the dog dislikes to mark that behavior as unwelcome.  Citronella spray is safe for your dog and the most recommended Anti-bark collar.  The spray is not only safe for your dog, but also humane.  It will not cause your dog any physical or psychological damage.  This is a very good thing.

This would be my number one recommendation for an Anti-Bark collar.  This type of collar is not only very popular, but has wonderful reviews on its effectiveness.  A study done by Cornell University found the Spray collar to be the most effective at stopping dog nuisance barking.  It was also the most popular among the pet owners within the study.

-->See also, "Selecting the Best Citronella bark collar."


2.  Ultrasonic Collar:

The Ultrasonic anti-bark collar works by transmitting a high-frequency sound when a bark is detected.  This is a sound is something dogs do not like, but can not usually be heard by humans.  Although this collar seems like a great idea, they tend not to work very well.  Because humans can not hear the sound the device emits, there is no way to see if it helping with training your dog.  Most people who have tried them have had little to no results with them and end up switching to another option.

3.  Static Shock Collar:

This collar works by giving your dog a static shock when barking is detected by the device.  These collars usually have levels of correction that are adjustable by the human, adjusted by the device, or sometimes both.  
This is a type of collar I would NOT recommend.  Shocking your dog is cruel, no matter how you phrase it.  Static shock, a light vibration.  I have seen many of these collars in person and put them on myself using the shocks available, starting with the lowest setting and seeing how high I could go without seriously jumping.  I never met a shock collar where I was not physically hurt nearing the top intensity.  Now think how much more painful those "simple" shocks would be around my neck.  
Shock collars are NEVER a good idea and I encourage you NOT to use them.



Also see our previous post on Shock Collars and Alternatives to Shock Collars.
Another fantastic article that may be helpful:  Why electric shock is not behavior modification. 
Also try an article by Victoria Stilwell called Barking.
You can also check out How to Train Your Dog Not to Bark by Rachel Sheppard.

Need even more information on how to curb your dog's barking behavior?  
Try Trainer Tips--Barking Dogs.

Trainer Tips--Things People do to Dogs that should be Banned: Part 1

As a trainer, I often see many things that people do to their dogs that is not good behavior.  Some of these things make me very sad for the dog, others make me down right angry.  Below are a few things that people do to dogs that should NEVER be allowed!

#1 - Debarking

This is a barbaric practice that should most definitely be banned!  Debarking, also called "bark softening," is a procedure in which the dog's vocal cords are cut to endure more of a whisper bark than a true bark.  Many people think that this is an acceptable solution to quieting a barking dog.  It is NOT!  This is one of those things that makes me furious.  This procedure is a very bloody and painful surgery for the dog.  People need to learn that this is NOT an acceptable option for getting your dog to stop barking.  Barking is a natural dog behavior, but that does not mean you cannot train your dog not to bark...you absolutely can.  Depending on how long your dog has been engaging in massive barking, the training may take a few weeks to a few months.  But with consistent, positive reinforcement training, you can teach your dog not to bark...a much better option than invasive, painful surgery!

#2 - Choke Chains/ Prong Collars

These are the tools of the past dog training methods.  Punishment-based dog training was all the rage for many years.  More recently we have learned that dogs learn faster and retain information longer when taught using positive reinforcement methods.  Using pain and/or punishment methods of training, such as these collars, can actually set back the learning process and create a relationship of mistrust between dog and owner.  Choke chains and prong collars are also often mis-used, however, even proper use of these items can cause trachea, neck, and throat damage in your dog.

Also see our previous article on Prong collars.
Also see our previous article Slip/ Choke collars

#3 - Electronic Collars

Although still widely used in various dog training, including competitive obedience, hunting and tracking, and police work, the Electronic or E-collars is a negative tool.  Dogs trained using adverse training methods such as shock collars, often end up with psychological damage.  Use of the E-collar can also increase the likelihood of aggressive tendencies in your dog.  

Many countries have already banned these collars.  It is time for the United States to follow suit!

Previous Post:  Shock Collars
Alternatives to Shock Collars

#4 - Invisible Fences

Many people were very excited when this product first came out.  It seemed to be a cheap and easy way to keep your dog confined without building an entire fence.  However, it is not.

In order to train your dog on how an Invisible Fence works, you must basically shock your dog over and over.  Repeated exposure to shocks can have many different adverse effects of your dog.  Besides this, these fences are not actually secure.  Many dogs will just run past the "shock zone" and out of the yard, especially if there is a large distraction outside the yard.  Obviously not what was intended.  The invisible fence also does not offer any protection from other animals coming INTO your yard, and possibly attacking your dog.  It offers no protections from someone stealing your dog.

Also see:  Things people do to dogs that should be banned:  Part 2.

Shock Collars

The term "shock collar" refers to many types of dog training collars including:  remote training collars, shock collars, Zap collars, Ecollars, or e-collars.  Using a remote, these devices deliver varying degrees of electronic shock to the dog's neck (some may also be used on other places of the dog's body).  Some collars may include a tone or vibration mode, or a GPS tracker to locate the dog.

Originally used to train hunting dogs in the 50s and 60s, the shock collar really gained popularity in the 1970s.  Early electronic collars were used to break dogs of unwanted behaviors like chasing livestock and not coming in with the party after the hunt.  These collars were very powerful and many dogs that were frequently jolted often became afraid to work and lost spirit.  The fear of doing something wrong and of being punished with pain made many dogs react to corrections with panic.

New versions of the shock collar are now widely available.  Today, shock collars are used for a large variety of things including:  military, police, and service training, obedience training, behavior modification, and pet containment.  Proponents of this method of training state that using the shock teaches dogs avoidance and eventually cessation of a behavior.  This tool "works" by instilling fear, distrust, and pain.  This method of training only marks the bad behavior, what the dog does wrong.  A dog will be punished for doing the wrong action, but he is never rewarded for doing something correct. Sensitivity to shock varies by each individual dog.  Dogs who are more sensitive to the shock will shut down sooner.  There is no current standard level of shock for the many brands of shock collars today.

Used appropriately, correctly, and with proper training, a shock collar can be a very effective and helpful tool.  However, it is a tool.  A shock collar should not be viewed as a "quick fix," and should never be used as the first method of training.  Many trainers today widely promote the use of shock collar training and even have their own brand of collar you can buy directly from them.  Be very careful of these so-called "trainers."  Many times these people have no formal training or background in other methods of dog training (such as positive reinforcement, energy balance, and dominance).

The decision to use this tool should not be taken lightly!  I am not a huge fan of the shock collar, but I do believe they can be useful in certain situations, if properly used and combined with positive reinforcement training.

Again...I like to look at it this way...
Think of your job, no matter what it is...
Would you rather go to work and work really hard to get rewarded?
Or
Would you rather work really hard to not get punished?

If using a shock collar is truly something you are thinking about, do your research.  Make sure you find a professional dog trainer that is trained in how to properly use the shock collar AND in positive reinforcement dog training.  Remember, no matter what your dog's behavioral issue may be, there are many other methods of dog training to try before using a shock collar.  It is very rare that positive reinforcement training will not work to improve your dog's behavior or issue.  This is why good professionals will tell you to only use an electronic collar after all other methods of training have been used.  It is much better to encourage our animals to enjoy their training so they will become more confident and-well adjusted members of society.

Studies have shown that misuse of shock collars in dog training can cause long-term damage that may make your pet less trusting and more reactive.  Aversive training such as the use of shock collars can add serious stress to the dog and may result in psychological damage.  Generally speaking, hurting an animal creates a barrier to learning and causes distrust.  People who train large animals such as lions, killer whales, bears, and walruses use positive reinforcement training.  Using pain/punishment training in these large animals is considered highly dangerous and foolish.  These are also wild animals, whereas dogs have been domesticated.  If all these professional trainers can train such large, un-domesticated animals without using pain, don't you think we should be able to do the same with our dog at home?

The real problem with the shock collar is that it is widely mis-used.  Again, this is not a "quick fix" answer to your current dog problem.  The real answer to your dog problem is training.  When we take an animal into our home, we take on the responsibility of caring for its needs.  Many behavior problems arise because the humans have not properly fulfilled the needs of the dog.  Lack of proper exercise and lack of proper leadership (by the owner) are the two main causes of behavioral issues in dogs.  So why are we punishing our dogs for something that is our fault?

There are a vast array of problems that can arise from improper use of shock collars.  A few of these include:  infliction of stress and pain, suppression or "shut down," escalation, redirected aggression, generalization, and unintended dog injury.

Pictures like these are well-known on-line.  But what about the damages you can't see.  Your dog may not show physical signs of pain, but that does not mean he is not experiencing any pain.  Stress is very harmful to humans and dogs alike.  Stress can affect our eating and sleeping habits, as well as over-all health.  Escalation can easily occur in many cases when pain is added.  The dog that used to growl will now bite without warning.  Or maybe your dog will just shut down.  A dog that does this is so terrified of being caused pain, he is unwilling to make any decision, for fear it will be the wrong one.

It's never too late!
Training can start today!

I don't care if your dog is 3 months old or 12 years old, it's never too late to change behavior.  You CAN teach an old dog new tricks!  Besides, did you forget why you got your dog in the first place?  You got a dog to have a buddy, a friend, a companion...someone to hang out with and play with, someone to love, and someone to love you back!

Don't forget all the many reasons you love your dog.  Yes I love my dog, but I also want him to behave...that's what you're thinking right?  Well guess what, it all starts with YOU, the owner!  If we give our dogs what they need, they will do what is asked of them.

So...what does my dog need?
First, dogs need Proper Leadership (see the full post)

Duties of the Leader:

1)  Establish the rules

2)  Enforce the rules

3)  Maintain social order

It is vitally important the owner takes the leadership role right away and maintains it!

Other important things your dog needs:
Proper exercise.  Dogs need regular amounts of daily physical and mental exercise.
Rules & Boundaries.  All dogs must be taught was is acceptable behavior and what is not.
Routine.  Dogs need a regular schedule of daily activities.
Consistency.  All members of the family should have all the same rules ALL the time.  Changing rules from person to person, or place to place is confusing for dogs and curbs their training progress.
Proper Motivation.  This is where that "positive" part of positive reinforcement comes in.  We all need motivation right?  You wouldn't go to work if they didn't pay you would you?  Our dog's need motivation too.  Motivators are different for each dog, so you must find what works best for your dog.  Common motivators include:  treats, toys, attention, praise, and petting.
Socialization.  Dogs must be properly socialized.  A dog that has been exposed to many different situations with many different people and other animals will remain calm and confident in new situations.  Dogs who are not properly socialized become overwhelmed when outside their normal environment and react in undesirable ways (barking, lunging, shying away, hiding).
Patience.  One of the biggest things our dogs need from us is our patience.  Dog training can be very stressful for both humans and dogs alike.  But if you remember to stay calm, it will help keep your dog calm and learning can continue.  Dogs will not follow a leader who is stressed, fearful, or angry.  Be sure to always be calm, but firm when training.  Remember, all good things take time and practice.

Start practicing Responsible Dog Ownership with your dog today!

{This post is part TWO of two.  Check out Part One on Shock Collars too!}
Also check out this fantastic article:  Why electric shock is not behavior modification.

Trainer Tips--Alternatives to shock collars

Although the shock collar has become a widely used "dog training" tool throughout the United States and elsewhere, there are many other alternative training tools that do not involve causing pain.

Next month I will have a very in-depth article on shock collars and all the information you have ever wanted to know about them.  But for this month's Trainer Tip, I would like to point out the many alternatives to using that very aversive method of training.

Just to be clear, I do not like shock collars (or E collars, or training collars, or any other name they go by).  As a positive reinforcement trainer, I do NOT condone the use of these devices nor recommend them to anyone.

I like to look at it this way...
Think of your current job, whatever it is you do to make money.  Whether or not you especially like your current job is not important.  Think of positive reinforcement training versus shock collar training like this...

Would you rather go to work and work really hard to get rewarded?
OR would you rather go to work and work really hard so you don't get punished?

I personally would rather work hard at my job to get rewarded.  If you have to work hard at a job to keep from getting punished, you probably won't keep that job for very long.  Think about it.  Say your job is trying to teach you something new, but instead of guiding you in the right direction and rewarding you when you figure it out, you are continuously shocked until you just figure it out, with no direction what-so-ever.  Sound like something you would like to try?  No?  Then why would you consider this option for your dog?

Still think maybe it doesn't really hurt?  Go to youtube.com and type in shock collars.  You can watch people trying these "tools" on themselves from all over the world.  They seem to think it hurts too!  Check out this video of a shock collar experiment.

Many people forget that training takes time and consistency, this is true of any type of training, positive or otherwise.  Knowing that, the e-collar option seems a little less appealing doesn't it?

So you might be thinking, well ok, I get what you're saying, but my dog is just so out of control.  That is why the wonderful world of dog products is constantly coming out with better and more efficient training tools.  And these tools do NOT cause your dog physical and mental pain and stress.

Have a dog that's hard to control on leash?  No problem.  Try one of these amazing tools to help!

Easy Walk Harness:

This is not a regular harness.  A regular harness clips on the back of the dog; this is designed for pulling.  The easy walk harness clips in the front, on the dog's chest.  This actually helps teach a dog to NOT pull on the walk.  When a dog pulls on the leash, he actually pulls himself around back towards the person holding the leash.  This product is amazing.  Not every tool is right for every dog, but I have personally seen this tool work wonders on many dogs.  Keep in mind, this is a tool to use, this is not a substitute for training.

Head Collars:

There are many types of head collars.  The most popular of these are the Gentle Leader (left) and the Halti (right).  Think about a horse, it's a very large animal that well outweighs any human, yet we are able to control the animal by controlling the head.  This is the same idea for dog head collars.  These tools are especially helpful for dogs who lunge and snap at things.

(Also see Such Good Dog's previous post for more information.)

Praise:

Good boy!  Good girl!  Good Dog!

Praise is by far the best training tool available today, and it's FREE!  As a positive reinforcement trainer, I always try to remind people to praise their dogs when they do something good.  It's much better to mark good behavior than bad behavior.  Again think of your job, it's good to know when you do something wrong so that you are able to fix it, or do it better the next time.  But being noticed and rewarded for doing something right is much more important.  The more we (and our dogs) are rewarded for doing something well, the more likely we are to that behavior again!

So every time your dog does what you are looking for, don't forget the "Good!" so he knows he did a good job.  The more you praise and reward the behavior you want, the more your dog will give it to you!

Good dog!

{This post is part ONE of two.  See post 2 of 2 on shock collars here.}