No Bark Dog Collars: Are They Harmful or Harmless?
September 29th, 2009 by KittyKitty
Today, there are three different methods that are used in no bark collars. All of them work, but there is some debate as to whether these collars are ethical to use. If you own a dog, you should know at least a bit about the type of no bark collar that you plan to use on your dog.
Spray Collars
Some no bark dog collars work by emitting a spray of citrus smell if the dog barks for a while. Because dogs really don’t like the smell of citrus, this can be very effective as a no bark collar. Some collars also give a warning “hiss” sound, so the dog can stop barking before the smell is sprayed on its muzzle if he listens and heeds the warning sound. Professional dog trainers and veterinarians consider the use of these collars ethical, since the dog feels no pain and can even avoid the discomfort.
Ultrasonic/Sonic Dog Collars
Ultrasonic or sonic dog collars will emit a high pitched tone if the dog barks. It sounds to the dog very similar to the sound a dog’s whistle makes. This sound can’t be perceived by humans, but it can be perceived by dogs, who learn to stop barking so as to avoid the sound. Is this considered ethical by the experts? Yes. All they do is create a bit of annoyance to the dog. To get better results, don’t use this collar for long periods of time, as dogs can get used to the sound and just ignore it.
Electric No Bark Collars
These collars give the dog a small electrical shock when it barks. The shock isn’t painful, it’s similar to what you feel when you handle fabrics or walk over a rug. Due to its name, people think that this type of collar is cruel and unethical and shouldn’t be used on animals. This one isn’t just an annoyance; it physically does something to the dog. And well, some people think that’s not ok. However, these collars are very effective for reducing excessive barking, so take them at least into consideration.
To deter a dog from barking excessively, you can choose from no bark collars that use citronella spray, sonic or ultrasonic sounds, or electronic shocking. Citronella spray and sonic or ultrasonic sounds are considered ethical, but electronic shock collars are sometimes considered unethical because of the shocking. None of these methods are considered dangerous for dogs.
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