Most dog owners are likely to find their precious furball barking too much from time to time.
While it’s perfectly natural for dogs to bark, there could come a time when you need to teach your hound not to bark excessively.
With so many options at your disposal, though, it’s easy to get confused with the terminology.
Today, then, we’ll be outlining what to expect from a dog bark collar and how these differ from dog training collars.
You can then easily establish which form of correction would most neatly solve the problem of your barking dog.
Disclaimer
While shock collars are discussed in this post, we highly recommend 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 deterring unwanted behavior in your dog.
Shock collars should only be considered if obedience training fails or if you have a particularly stubborn, large, or aggressive dog.
While shock collars have been used by trainers to get the attention of tough cases for decades, for certain dogs they can cause emotional distress.
Check out brain training techniques, a science-backed way to improve your dog’s behavior without the use of force or dominance!
I. What Is a Bark Collar?
A bark collar is also commonly known as a no-bark collar or an anti-bark device.
You attach the collar to your dog’s neck. In the event of excessive barking, he will be administered a different type of correction depending on which type of collar you choose.
Here are your main options for bark collars:
- Ultrasonic
- Vibration
- Spray
- Static shock
While all perform the same basic function – warning your dog to stop barking – the difference lies in the method of correction that’s doled out.
Ultrasonic
With ultrasonic collars, a high-frequency noise is emitted when your dog barks too much. The frequency is too high for humans to hear, but will be intensely annoying to your pup’s super-sensitive ears.
Completely humane, the only issue is whether the noise proves enough of a deterrent for your furball. Some dogs will carry on barking regardless, so this method is not a banker for all dog owners.
Vibration
Collars delivering a pulsing vibration when your dog starts barking too much can be highly effective, but again not for all dogs.
Spray
If you find that neither of the above humane methods of correction gets you any traction when you’re training your dog, you should perhaps consider a spray collar.
Each time your dog starts barking when he shouldn’t, he’ll receive a short metered spray of liquid, typically citronella. Dogs loathe that citrus smell and they also hate their noses getting wet, so for many pet owners, a spray collar can work where other humane methods of correction fall down.
Static shock
Static shock collars are arguably the most popular form of bark collar, but they polarize opinion.
If your dog is becoming a nuisance and barking too much, these collars will pick up on the sound and vibration from his vocal chords and will deliver a mild static shock in response. This should not be painful and is in line with the static shocks you receive yourself from time to time.
Collars come with varying degrees of correction, some boasting up to 99 progressive settings.
Regardless of the fact these collars are not supposed to be painful, many dog owners simply don’t feel comfortable using this form of correction. If this is how you feel, we would strongly recommend using any other type of correction. Never inflict anything on your dog you are not at ease with. You always have plenty of other options.
Read More: Radius Shock Collar for Dogs With Remote. We tried top-rated radius shock collars for dogs 10 pounds and up, and here’s what we thought!
How about training collars, then?
II. What Is a Training Collar?
A training collar is also often called an e-collar or a remote collar.
This form of training is more hands-on. You’ll attach the collar to your canine and then administer correction using a handheld device or remote control.
If you’re using a training collar that uses static shock, you’ll be the one controlling the frequency and the intensity of the shock. Most collars come with multiple levels of correction. We would advise starting at the very lowest setting then gradually working your way up.
Whether you’re using a training collar or a bark collar, bear in mind that static shocks rarely work with aggressive and stubborn dogs, even if you feel this type of pet needs firmer correction.
As with all forms of correction, there’s no guarantee a training collar will work on your dog, but with a little patience, you should experience positive results.
We’ll round out by clarifying the key difference between these approaches to teaching your dog not to bark round the clock.
III. What Is The Difference Between a Bark Collar and a Training Collar?
The primary difference between these two approaches to training your dog not to bark inappropriately is the method of delivery.
With bark collars, these are always-on. Note, though, that you shouldn’t leave these collars on your dog permanently. By always-on, we mean that you leave the collar in place and the correction is delivered automatically.
For this reason, bark collars are ideal if you spend lots of time away from home and you’re conscious that your dog barks too much and will disturb the neighbors. They also make effective overnight devices if your pooch is prone to excessive barking when you’re trying to sleep.
Training collars, by contrast, come with a handy remote control. You will be physically pushing a button to deliver the correction.
With this form of training collar, never underestimate the importance of positive reinforcement. Shower your doggie with hugs and treats when he complies. The carrot and stick approach only ever works in the long haul if you remember the carrot and don’t rely too heavily on the metaphorical stick.
IV. Conclusion
Well, if you started out today unsure of the difference between a bark collar and a training collar, you should now have a clear idea of how these training devices shape up. You should also have an indication of which type of collar would best solve the problem you’re facing with your pooch.
Before you head off today, take a moment to bookmark BarkVA. We have a very busy content calendar for the coming month so be sure to pop back regularly for more fresh ideas to help you get the most out of your life with your dog. We’ll see you soon!
