Anti-Bark Dog Collars:The Debate
I personally would much rather has a happy responsive dog that eagerly does what I ask. However, as much as dogs really are man’s best friend in many ways, they can still be stubborn creature. Some dogs are more stubborn than others just like kids.
Tempers can get heated up on the issue of anti-bark collars. People who do not believe in thier use strongly support that idea. Those who thinks they are acceptable can be just as strong in thier beliefs. Certainly I would use all other alternatives before using negative reinforcement..
Dogs are pack creatures and really want to please their pack. You can capitalize on this characteristic and possibly stop nuisance barking using rewards for quiet behavior. Teaching a dog to “speak” on command can also help decrease unwanted “speaking.”
Other steps you can try to stop nuisance barking vary in effectiveness depending on the dog and your commitment to being consistent. You can try squirting your dog in the face with water. Throwing a can of pennies close to him when he barks to distract him sometimes works also.
Size is no predictor of stubbornness when it comes to dogs. Small dogs can often be very stubborn and some large breeds are quiet by nature. You have to consider the individual nature of your dog.
If you have a serious yapper you may drive your neighbors to drink! I recall my friend who worked nights whoes neighbors dog barked under her windows all day. Other measure might of worked but an anti-bark collar saved her relationship with her neighbor.
If you are not exercising your dog, nothing may stop his barking. Dogs decend from wolves and are genetically programed to need exercise and time with thier pack. Daily exercise is a must. Small dogs can be exercised in the house chasing a ball but larger breeds need a daily walk.
When you’ve tried all the alternatives, a no bark collar is a reasonable choice in my opinion. Use good judgment when choosing which collar is right for your dog. The anti-bark collar I use occassionally for my dog decreases his barking greatly but by no means eliminates it. To be effective you must use the collar intermittently and be sure you dog get plenty of exercise. I’m thinking of buying my dog a treadmill!
