Can GPS dog collars keep dogs from barking?
There is nothing more frustrating than trying to get some peace when your dog won’t stop barking, or keeping your furry friend from disturbing your neighbors.
It can be especially challenging if you live in a neighborhood with strict noise ordinances.
Keep reading to see if you can use a GPS dog collar to stop the barking, or if you should invest in a shock collar.
Can GPS Dog Collars Keep Dogs From Barking?
While GPS collars alone cannot keep dogs from barking, some GPS dog collars can alert the owner when the dog is barking.
To prevent a dog from barking, a shock collar or a bark collar is a much better option for preventing unwanted barking.
How do dog shock collars work? These collars work by emitting a small, harmless shock when the dog barks excessively.
The shock is not enough to hurt the dog, but it is enough to startle them and train them to stop barking.
Shock collars are controversial, and there is debate about whether or not they are effective or humane.
If you are considering using a shock collar on your dog, it is important to do your research and speak with a qualified trainer before making a decision.
Read our related article, How Do GPS Dog Collars Work? to learn more about how to use GPS collars.
Disclaimer
Before opting for shock collar use, we suggest obedience training as your initial response to bad behavior.
Training your dog can prevent the potential stress of a shock collar, and is a more positive way of preventing unwanted behavior.
Shock collars should be a last resort and only considered if obedience training fails or if you have a stubborn, large, or aggressive dog.
While shock collars aren’t considered harmful, and have been used by trainers to get the attention of tough cases for decades, for some dogs they can cause emotional distress.
Brain training techniques are a science-backed way to improve your dog’s behavior without the use of force or dominance!
Shock Collars
Shock collars, a form of aversive training were first used on hunting dogs in the 1960s.
Shock collars are commonly used nowadays to correct problematic behaviors, such as barking too much or showing hostility toward food.
They can also be used to teach a dog to respect a boundary while off-leash or to stay close by at all times.
Dogs should never be punished with a shock collar, but rather trained to avoid dangerous situations.
Until your dog no longer needs the reminder, the idea is that he will identify and connect the undesirable behavior with mild discomfort and stop doing it.
An approved shock collar’s shock is harmless, so while it will be enough to attract your dog’s attention and stop certain actions, it won’t cause any actual harm.
Read More: Halo Collar VS Wagz. These activity trackers can keep tabs on your dog and keep them home – without the shock!
Before Buying a Shock Collar
If you’re thinking about getting a shock collar for your dog, here are some benefits and drawbacks to consider.
Benefits Of Dog Shock Collars
1. Adjustable Intensity
Shock collars have come a long way in recent years, with multiple modes, including a warning buzzer or vibration, and varying intensities of shock.
If you are on the fence about utilizing a shock collar, this may help ease your mind.
2. Immediate Outcomes
After a few shocks, some dog owners say the vibration or beep is enough as a warning to prevent the bad behavior from happening again.
3. Affordable
Shock collars aren’t usually expensive and can be a great solution for owners everywhere.
Drawbacks Of Dog Shock Collars
1. The Shock
Positive reinforcement (reward) is preferred by many dog trainers over negative feedback when it comes to shaping behavior.
2. Dog’s Fear
You should never train a fearful dog with a shock collar, as this could lead to trauma.
Some dogs may develop a conditioned response of terror toward the person, item, or circumstance that the dog’s shock collar is associated with.
3. Over-Correction
Bark collars have the potential to deliver shocks inadvertently or too frequently even when the dog isn’t barking.
This unneeded shock could confuse your dog by “fixing” an issue that was never even present, to begin with.
Watch this video for more do’s and don’ts when it comes to working with an anti-bark collar:
Read our related article, Can Shock Collars Cause Seizures in Dogs? See if shock collars can harm your dog in more ways than one.
Final Thoughts
While GPS dog collars can’t control barking, they can sometimes detect barking.
Shock collars are a better option to remedy unwanted barking, but it does have some drawbacks.
Weigh the pros and cons carefully to decide what’s right for your pup.
