Does your dog bark excessively? If so, you have options to correct this behavior. There are several types of training collars for this, known as bark or dog-training collars. Some use static shock to reprimand their dogs, while others use tones or vibrations.
That said, many dog owners are opposed to utilizing any type of static correction, so we set out to find the best citronella bark collars that encourage dogs to practice their best behavior.
Our Top Picks
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Best Overall: WWVVPET Citronella Dog Training Collar | WWVVPet’s lightweight collar won’t weigh your dog down. With 3 training modes and 3 spray levels, the 1,000-foot range is ideal for training one or multiple dogs in big outdoor areas. | Check Price |
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Best Remote: POIIOPY Citronella Dog Training Collar | POIIOPY’s ethical, non-automatic, static-shock-free citronella spray training collar is lightweight and comfortable. The low-battery indicator light ensures you’ll never miss a training session. | Check Price |
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Best For Small Dogs: Kaiertcat Citronella Spray Bark Collar | Kaiertcat’s completely waterproof citronella spray bark collar is ideal for water-loving dogs and adjusts to bark frequency to prevent false sprays. | Check Price |
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Best For Training Multiple Dogs: Connete Citronella Dog Spray Bark Collar | Need to train multiple dogs in a single session? Connete’s Citronella Dog Spray Bar Collar’s 1,000-foot range and battery life of 120 hours is a top choice. | Check Price |
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Best For Large Dogs: WWVVPET Citronella Spray Dog Training Collar |
WWVVPet’s Citronella Spray Dog Training Collar adapts to your dog’s behavior and lets you know when it needs a recharge with a low battery indicator light. | Check Price |
What is a Citronella Spray Collar?
Citronella spray collars fit your dog just like any conventional collar does, but it contains a cartridge of metered sprays of all-natural citronella oil. This oil is non-toxic and widely used as an insect deterrent as well as a perfume constituent and is popular in essential oil blends.
When the collar detects your dog is barking excessively, your dog will experience a rapid burst of citronella spray under his chin. The strong smell of citronella can be very effective at teaching dogs to avoid the smell of the spray, decreasing excessive barking.
We researched citronella spray collars and purchased the top 10 highly-rated collars. 5 of these spray collars made our list of top picks. In addition to reviews, we will give you the information you need to operate one of these collars, even if you’ve never considered it before.
How We Chose the Best Citronella Bark Collars
We researched many of the leading dog gear brands and their top-selling citronella collars to bring you the best citronella dog spray collars.
We narrowed our list to a few solid brands that continually deliver quality and price. Brands like WWVVPET, POIIOPY, and Kaiertcat are featured in our list based on their outstanding product reviews and ratings on dog-friendly shopping sites like Chewy, Amazon, Bark, and PetSmart.
We considered various features when choosing the best citronella spray dog collars for our list. We looked at adjustable straps for neck size, automatic vs. manual, remote range, rechargeable batteries, and bark sensor sensitivity.
We took other user reviews into consideration, but we also put these collars to the test. We’ll tell you what we like and don’t like about each collar to help you determine which citronella dog spray collar is best for you and your best friend.
Best Citronella Bark Collars
1. Best Overall: WWVVPET Citronella Dog Training Collar
Product Ratings
| Overall Rating | 4/5 |
| Value for Money | 5/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
| Remote Control | 5/5 |
| Easy to Use | 5/5 |
| Battery Life | 4/5 |
Material: ABS Plastic + Nylon | Brand: WWVVPET | Closure Type: Snap | Collar Length: 8”-27” | Dog Weight: 8+ lbs | Control Range: 1,000 ft | Features: 3 Modes, Rechargeable
What We Liked
- 3 training modes & 3 spray levels
- Slightly rainproof
- Can use it to train multiple dogs
- 1,000-foot remote control range
What We Didn’t Like
- Not an automatic collar
- Not fully waterproof
- As with any spray collar, your dog may be unresponsive or refuse to wear it
We understand that not all pet owners are comfortable using static shock to train their pets, which is where citronella spray collars come in. They are safe, humane, and surprisingly effective.
WWVVPET has a wide range of these items, but this is our personal favorite. By connecting extra collars to the base unit, you can train more than one dog, saving you money and eliminating the need to juggle remotes.
With a range of up to 1,000 feet, you can keep your dog under control when out in the open. You can even indoor train your dog from a different room. This offers a lot of flexibility to see what works best for you to prevent your dog from excessive barking.
For those who’ve never tried spray collars, be mindful that every dog is unique, so their response to this training method will vary. Unless you’re certain your dog will comply, consider buying a multifunctional dog training collar with several training modes.
The benefit of buying WWVVPET’s citronella spray collar is the multiple training modes and spray levels, allowing you to adjust for the type of training no matter where you are.
The built-in rechargeable battery design takes only 2-3 hours to get fully charged. Plus, the battery is long-lasting, so the collar lasts 11 days and 27 days for the remote. When the battery begins to run low on power, a low battery indicator flashes red on the collar.
Bottom Line: The WWVVPET spray collar is our top pick because it provides meaningful correction in multiple modes without the static shock.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON2. Best Remote: POIIOPY Citronella Dog Training Collar
Product Ratings
| Overall Rating | 4/5 |
| Value for Money | 5/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
| Remote Control | 5/5 |
| Easy to Use | 4/5 |
| Battery Life | 4/5 |
Material: ABS Plastic + Nylon | Brand: POIIOPY | Closure Type: Snap | Collar | Length: 8”-27” | Dog Weight: 8+ lbs | Control Range: 1,000 ft | Features: 3 Modes, 30-day remote charge
What We Liked
- 1,000-foot remote range
- Fully adjustable and suitable for dogs over 8 lbs
- 3 training modes & 3 spray levels
- Long-lasting rechargeable battery
- Low battery indicator light
What We Didn’t Like
- Not an automatic spray collar
- Only activated by the remote, so it is only suitable for in-person training
- Not completely waterproof
- A few concerns about flaws in the integrity of its build that have evolved over time
POIIOPY provides a pocketbook-friendly and adjustable spray collar that is definitely worth your consideration if you want a reliable citronella spray collar.
If your dog weighs more than 8 pounds and you want to do in-person bark training with your dog, you’ll love this lightweight spray collar.
There is no automatic bark detection, so you never have to worry about your dog being sprayed for no reason. The only way to release spray with this collar is by using the remote control. For some, this may be a deal-breaker, but it is the most humane way to train.
A little goes a long way, and for most dogs, the small burst of spray under the chin is just enough to grab his attention and redirect bad behavior. On the off chance that it doesn’t work, you can use another burst until the behavior is stopped.
Rest assured, these spray collars are ethical and effective. When it comes to POIIOPY, you can use it with confidence as this collar comes with 3 different training modes, 3 different spray levels, and a remote control range of 1,000 feet (330 yards).
The collar is adjustable to accommodate your pet’s neck size. That said, just like you would with any training collar, inspect the skin around the dog’s neck after wear to make sure there are no signs of irritation.
The long-lasting, built-in rechargeable battery takes 2 hours to charge and gives you 12 days of a charge for the collar and 30 days for the remote. We felt that this compact and lightweight collar is an excellent option for the price.
Bottom Line: This collar is a budget-friendly non-automatic collar with an impressive range of options for training. It is only activated by remote, so the dog will never experience unpleasant false sprays.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON3. Best for Small Dogs: Kaiertcat Citronella Spray Bark Collar
Product Ratings
| Overall Rating | 5/5 |
| Value for Money | 5/5 |
| Durability | 4/5 |
| Remote Control | 4/5 |
| Easy to Use | 5/5 |
| Battery Life | 4/5 |
Material: Nylon | Brand: Kaiertcat | Closure Type: Button | Collar Length: 8”-22” | Dog Weight: 8+ lbs | Control Range: 1,000 ft | Features: Adjustable Sensitivity, Waterproof
What We Liked
- Automatic spray that adapts to bark frequency
- Adjustable collar strap
- Suitable for dogs weighing between 8 to 120 lbs
- Easy-to-use remote for in-person training
- Waterproof
What We Didn’t Like
- The collar’s lifespan has received a few complaints, but it worked well for the duration of our testing
There’s no need to put up with your dog’s excessive barking if you don’t want to. Kaiertcat’s collar detects when barks become excessive and respond with a spray of citronella.
After a couple of weeks of using this collar, you’ll begin to see a noticeable difference in your dog’s behavior after a short amount of training.
If you’re concerned about the rising cost of citronella spray refills, a single can is estimated to provide 300 to 400 sprays. Although some feel this is a negative cost factor, we believe this value is worth the price.
This collar is lightweight and comfortable and powered by a built-in rechargeable battery that only takes 2 hours to charge fully and lasts up to 7 days with an extra built-in LED light feature that indicates the working status of the collar.
A bonus comes from the automatic anti-bark detection sensor that eliminates interference from other sounds. This leaves your dog doubt-free when his barking has become excessive.
Bottom Line: If your dog responds well to humane training methods, this spray collar is likely all you’ll need to correct an excessive barking behavior.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON4. Best for Training Multiple Dogs: Connete Citronella Dog Spray Bark Collar
Product Ratings
| Overall Rating | 4/5 |
| Value for Money | 4/5 |
| Durability | 4/5 |
| Remote Control | 5/5 |
| Easy to Use | 4/5 |
| Battery Life | 5/5 |
Material: Nylon | Brand: connete | Closure Type: Button | Collar Length: 8”-27” | Dog Weight: 8+ lbs | Control Range: 1,000 ft | Features: Train 2+ dogs, 3 modes |
What We Liked
- 1,000 ft remote range
- 3 training modes and 3 spray levels
- Collar is nylon and is easily replaceable if it wears out
- Waterproof
- Built-in rechargeable battery that lasts up to 120 hours
- Train multiple dogs at once with a collar switch on the remote
What We Didn’t Like
- Not an automatic spray bark collar
- May end up using more spray than anticipated
We love that the Conette collar has spray, beep, and vibration as correction modes, and each is activated by remote only, so there is no risk of false sprays.
With this lightweight and durable collar, you’ll have the ability to effectively correct excessive barking using whichever humane mode works best on your dog.
If you want to train more than one dog at a time, you can do so by using the remote to switch between collars. There is only one collar included, so you’ll have to buy a second collar to do this.
For dogs with a neck circumference between 8 and 27 inches, there’s no doubt your dog will be comfortable wearing this adjustable collar for greater lengths of time.
This collar’s built-in rechargeable battery can help you train for longer periods of time with a charge that lasts up to 120 hours. We love the extended battery life on this collar.
Even though this collar is remotely operated, if your dog’s barking cannot be controlled, you’ll wind up using a lot more than anticipated. On the bright side, remind yourself that this training method is far more pleasant than static shock.
Bottom Line: If your small dog is obsessed with barking, this remote-controlled collar with citronella spray is top-notch and budget-friendly.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON5. Best for Large Dogs: WWVVPET Citronella Spray Dog Training Collar
Product Ratings
| Overall Rating | 4/5 |
| Value for Money | 4/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
| Remote Control | 5/5 |
| Easy to Use | 4/5 |
| Battery Life | 4/5 |
Material: ABS Plastic + Nylon | Brand: WWVVPET | Closure Type: Snap | Collar Length: 8”-27” | Dog Weight: 8+ lbs | Control Range: 500 ft | Features: Adjustable Sensitivity, 3 Modes
What We Liked
- Low battery indicator light
- Battery life up to 11 days
- Rapid recharge time of 2 hours
- 3 training modes and 2 levels
- Customizes itself to your dog’s barking behavior, minimizing false triggers
What We Didn’t Like
- Not fully waterproof
- Factor in the cost of spray, as you’ll likely go through quite a bit of it
Another entry from WWVVPET’s outstanding line of citronella spray collars.
This collar is powered by a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts up to 11 days. If you forget to charge them, the low battery indicator light will flash red, and all you need is 2 hours of charge time before enjoying a bark-free walk with your furry friend.
In terms of dimensions, this versatile collar has an adjustable collar strap which makes it suitable for any dog that weighs more than 8 lbs, is over 6 months of age, and has a neck circumference of 27 inches or less.
As long as your dog finds a quick spray of citronella below the snout an unpleasant experience, you can’t go wrong with this collar. If the citronella spray is ineffective, you can step up training with vibration and warning beeps.
Bottom Line: We like that this simple, adjustable collar works for most dogs and has 3 forms of ethical correction including, spray, vibration, and warning beeps that can be used alone or together.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZONComparison Chart
| Product | Best Overall | Best Remote | Best for Small Dogs | Best for Training Multiple Dogs | Best for Large Dogs |
| Overall Rating | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Value for Money | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Remote Control | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy to Use | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Battery Life | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
The Winner
The WWVVPET Citronella Dog Training Collar features 3 training modes, ideal for training your dog. The collar adjusts from 8 to 27 inches in length and suits all dog breeds weighing more than 8 pounds.
This collar also has a spray sensitivity setting, which allows you to choose from low, high, and no spray. The spray settings, bark sensor, long-lasting rechargeable battery, and LCD display of battery power made this our favorite during testing.
READ MORE: Best Bark Collars for Small Dogs. We tested the best bark collars for small and extra-small dogs. Discover the various kinds of bark collars suitable for pocket-sized pets!
How to Choose the Best Citronella Bark Collars
There are 2 main types of citronella spray collars to choose from:
- Automatic
- Manual
Automatic collars are ideal if you leave your dog at home while you’re gone all day and are concerned about him barking excessively and upsetting the neighbors.
Once you put on an automatic collar, it does all the work for you by correcting your dog any time he spirals out of control.
Manual collars have a remote control that allows you to correct your dog when you see fit. Some of these collars have a range of up to 1000 feet, allowing you to keep your dog under control even in large open areas.
So, once you’ve decided on the style of collar that best suits you, what else should you look for when shopping?
Citronella Spray Collar Features
There are several parts involved when purchasing a citronella spray collar. While it may appear to be a basic piece of equipment, there are a few things to consider if you want a useful training tool rather than a waste of nylon and plastic.
Sensor Type
Spray collars will use different sensors depending on what the consumer is looking for. In general, they vary in how they can determine if your dog is barking.
The most common version employs a vibration sensor positioned on the vocal cords of your dog’s neck. Whenever this sensor detects motion in your dog’s throat, a quick burst of citronella spray is released.
Sound-based recognition is available with some sensors. Although they are on the pricier end, if you want an accurate and consistent sensor, you can purchase spray collars that include both of these mechanisms.
Cartridge Capacity
A refillable cartridge is included with the majority of spray collars. The cartridge is fitted over the collar and releases the citrus-scented spray in the event of excessive barking.
Check out our guide to the Best Bark Collars for more information on excessive barking and what you can do to train your dog to calm down.
Capacity is essential to making your life easier when it comes to refillable cartridges. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about refilling the citronella reservoir, but higher capacity is almost always better.
We preferred lower capacity on our smaller dogs, simply because of weight on the collar, but for most of our dogs we liked larger citronella cartridges. If you need to leave the dog home with the collar on to keep him from barking, you’ll know that the cartridge can last as long as it needs to.
Waterproof Material
Check to see if the collar you’re thinking about buying is waterproof. You’re the only one who can determine how important having a waterproof collar is to you. If you don’t walk your dog near a body of water or live in an area with a ton of rainfall, it’s unlikely you’d place a lot of weight on whether your collar is waterproof.
After considering your intended use, you should also determine if a waterproof collar will suffice or if a fully submersible collar is required. If you buy according to your needs, you should have no problems.
Weight
The collar’s weight is particularly relevant if you have a smaller dog. Because many small dogs are impressively vocal, you should look for a collar designed specifically for these breeds.
Check both the weight of the collar and the weight limit of the dog the collar is tailored to fit. You should also measure carefully to ensure your dog’s neck size falls within the specified range. Naturally, you should also ensure the collar is comfortable.
The goal is to train the dog while also helping him to feel comfortable and loved. If the collar is rubbing too heavy or seems to make the dog depressed, return the collar and try a different one.
Battery
Batteries for spray collars are either rechargeable or replaceable. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
Rechargeable batteries are less expensive and eliminate the trouble of replacing batteries. The disadvantage is that you’ll have to remember to charge them up.
Also, you may find yourself with dead batteries just as you’re about to go for a walk. Replaceable batteries can help you avoid running out of power, but the cost may start to add up over time.
How to Use a Citronella Bark Collar
Citronella bark collars are a type of spray collar that uses a non-toxic, 100% safe essential oil as a gentle deterrent to keep your dog from barking excessively. The point of the spray is to intervene by distracting your dog.
If the collar is automatic, the bark-detection sensor will trigger a short burst of citronella spray under the dog’s muzzle once the upper barking tolerance limit is exceeded.
As his mind is distracted by the strong smell of the spray, he’ll forget what he was barking about, and should calm down. Over time he will learn to associate excessive barking with the unpleasant experience, causing him to opt for remaining calm rather than barking.
When using a remote control for in-person training sessions, the sprays can be directly used as your dog disobeys commands or barks when it’s inappropriate. When your dog obeys your commands, reward him with a treat or hug to speed up training.
How to Refill a Citronella Bark Collar
Because every spray collar is a little different, double-check the directions to be sure you’re doing it correctly.
Here’s a quick rundown of how to refill a citronella collar:
You may need to squeeze a little harder if any spray starts to slip out. This temporarily breaks the seal allowing the refill fluid to flow into the citronella reservoir. So, how can you know when your collar cartridge is full?
- Purchase a refill canister of citronella spray that is compatible with the collar.
- Remove your dog’s collar and turn it off.
- With the refill port facing up, place the collar on a flat surface.
- Depress the nozzle of the refill bottle into the refill port while holding the spray can upright.
- Hold for 10 seconds and then let go to stop the refill spray.
- Turn the unit back on and you’re good to go.
How To Test A Citronella Bark Collar
We’ll start with the good news: you won’t be able to overfill your cartridge. You shouldn’t have any problems because all you have to do is top it up for around 10 seconds.
So, how do you test your collar if you have any issues? Your collar may start to act up from time to time. However, you can quickly check to see if the collar is working with two simple steps.
- Hold the device 2 to 3 inches from your lips.
- Blow into the microphone as if you’re trying to blow out a candle.
This should be sufficient to turn on the device and release a burst of spray. If this doesn’t work, contact customer service.
FAQ
Q: Is It Humane To Use A Citronella Bark Collar?
A: Citronella Bark Collars are considered safe to use. This degree of deterrent is similar to the nail paint that prevents you from chewing your nails, however instead of an unpleasant taste, your dog is presented with an unpleasant odor. There isn’t any static shock.
Q: Are There Any Negative Effects From Wearing Citronella Bark Collars?
A: Citronella bark collars have no known negative effects. The problem is that some more intelligent dogs will bark and then avoid the spray, turning the teaching tool into a game that negates the training.
This is, however, far from the norm. Even if the dog turns it into a game, you don’t need to worry about safety. Citronella is non-toxic and perfectly safe for use with animals. Speak with your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Q: Is it Possible for Other Dogs’ Barking to Set Off the Collar?
A: Some low-quality collars have this issue, but none of the ones we’re looking at today do. This is especially crucial if you have multiple pets at home, so when shopping for collars other than the ones we tested, be sure that no user reviews mention this problem.
Q: Can I Control A Spray Collar From Afar?
A: You can if you have a remote control. The collars that include a remote control allow you to train your dog at distances of up to 1000 feet while out and about. Some remotes do not work at that distance, so double-check this specification when shopping.
Conclusion
By now, you should have a good understanding of what the best citronella bark collars can do and why you should use one for your barking dog.
You should always emphasize positive reinforcement with all dog training by giving him lots of love and rewards. This is not only one of the most humane techniques to train your dog, but it also has long-term benefits.
Gentle behavior training helps your dog to develop his best personality, making him welcome wherever he goes. Positive reinforcement also strengthens the loving bond you have with your furry best friend.
