Pros and Cons of Anti Barking Devices
If your dog's barking has become a bit out of control, you may be wondering if anti barking devices are the best way to silence the obnoxious barking. As with many training systems, bark collars and devices certainly have their pros and cons. In this article we'll look at the pros and cons of using an anti barking device to stop the unwanted racket.
Pros of Using Anti Barking Devices
1.) Hands Free Solution
Anti barking devices are intended to be a hands free training solution to stop nuisance or excessive barking. Most bark control devices are collars, and they are used by simply placing the collar on your dog. The collar will react to the sound or vibration caused when your dog barks and automatically deliver a spray, static or ultrasonic correction. Therefore, these devices are often the easiest way to stop a bad habit.
2.) Work Quickly
Most anti bark collars work very quickly. Often, dog owners see an improvement within just a couple of days. Even the most stubborn of dogs tend to respond to bark control in a fairly short amount of time. This makes bark collars a popular choice for dog owners that need to control their dog's excessive barking quickly.
3.) Easy To Use
Most anti-barking devices only require that you insert a battery into the collar or unit - and it's ready to start working. With spray bark collars, the additional step of adding citronella or citrus spray to the collar will be necessary. Since the units work automatically once a battery is inserted, bark devices are extremely easy to use and require no further human intervention.
Cons of Using Anti Barking Devices
1.) Viewed As Punishment
Many dog owners, understandably, feel that using a barking device is punishment. Of all the bark collars available, bark shock collars tend to be viewed in the most critical light. All dogs bark, just as all humans breathe. It's a fact of life for our furry friends. By using a bark collar, a dog is corrected for doing something that comes naturally to him. For this reason, many owners and dog trainers prefer to use some other type of behavior modification training to curb unnecessary barking.
2.) Eliminates All Barking
While there are times when it seems that your dog is barking at absolutely nothing, there are other times when his barking would be considered appropriate. Take for example, if an intruder attempted to break into your home in the middle of the night. My guess is that you'd be happy to hear your dog barking and hopefully scaring off the intruder. Anti barking devices won't just stop excessive barking - they're designed to stop all barking. Critics argue that this is not the best way to deal with this annoying behavior.
While the cons are certainly valid points, and I respect the opinions of those who feel that bark collars aren't a good answer, I personally feel that anti barking devices, when used properly, are not only safe and effective, but very humane as well.
I've received countless emails from dog owners that were thrilled with the results achieved, and were even happier about the fact that they no longer had to face giving up their dog. Some dog owners even faced eviction as a result of their barking dog, and the bark collar saved them from having to go through this.
As with any training, it's important that the training be done in a kind, loving and consistent manner. When used according to the directions, bark collars are a great way to stop unnecessary barking.
There are certainly many things to consider before using anti barking devices to stop your dog's unwanted barking. If you're unsure whether using a bark collar or device would be best in your situation, it can be helpful to speak with your veterinarian or consult with a qualified dog trainer.
