How To Use Bark Control Systems Effectively
We're better off accepting the fact that dogs bark - and there's nothing you, I or anyone else can do about it.
Dogs bark for a huge variety of reasons and while it can be annoying to us, it's pretty important they do it.
Reasons dogs bark include:
The above reasons are all completely valid and really, shouldn't be discouraged. As owners, it's important to be aware of situations when our dogs are trying to tell us something, but sometimes dogs just love to bark for absolutely no reason at all! And that is annoying. Not just to us, but our family, visitors and in some cases the rest of your neighbourhood.
In situations like these, using a bark control system can be an incredibly effective tool in discouraging your dog from barking at inappropriate times.
Bark controllers are available in a variety of options. Let's take a look at these varieties now:
Spray bark control
Spray bark control systems mostly use citronella to deter dogs from barking which helps to distract dogs mid act. It's completely harmless and over time your dog will learn that refraining from barking will prevent that citronella spray spraying in their direction.
Static bark control
Static bark control systems react to a vibration that comes from a dog's throat when they bark. This vibration triggers a sensor to send a static pulse to your dog to put them off barking. Generally, you can control the level of the intensity of the pulse depending on how dedicated your pooch is to barking. Again, your dog will (hopefully) learn that by not barking - they won't be sent those pulses.
Ultrasonic bark control
Ultrasonic bark control systems are available as a collar or as a stand alone object. Collared version will work by sending out ultrasonic vibrations when barking is detected, while stand alone systems can work on a timer where a microphone picks up on barking and then omits a high pitched sound (don't worry you won't hear it) ceasing the dog to stop.
Dogs are very clever and you should find that even after a short while of using a bark control system, they will quickly stop their excessive barking habit. If you find that is not the case, then you may need to increase the intensity or choose a different type of barking system. Like people, some dogs can be more stubborn. You might find that once you stop using the barking system, they resume their old habits - at least this way you know your barking system is working!
Our advice is, like mentioned at the start of this article, a dog's barking is completely natural and generally shouldn't be discouraged, so to get the most out of your barking control system, you will need to target particular times or instances where you feel your dog's barking is unnecessary - for example, barking late at night, or obsessively barking at the neighbour's cat.
Choose set times that you want barking to stop between and everyday activate your barking system. You must be consistent and practice this everyday. After doing this for a month, you should notice a change in your dog's behaviour and you can remove the barking system.
If the excessive barking returns, then start again with your previous system except for a much longer period, around three months to make sure your dog has learnt the correct and desired behaviour. You'll have to be aware that some dog owners of very, very stubborn pooches will have their barking system in place permanently and will simply become a way of life.
Conclusion:
Dogs bark for a huge variety of reasons and while it can be annoying to us, it's pretty important they do it.
Reasons dogs bark include:
- Communicating with other dogs and animals.
- To warn others of dangers.
- To express excitement or fear.
- Joining in on occasions of high emotion.
- Trying to prompt a reaction.
- An expression of insecurity.
The above reasons are all completely valid and really, shouldn't be discouraged. As owners, it's important to be aware of situations when our dogs are trying to tell us something, but sometimes dogs just love to bark for absolutely no reason at all! And that is annoying. Not just to us, but our family, visitors and in some cases the rest of your neighbourhood.
In situations like these, using a bark control system can be an incredibly effective tool in discouraging your dog from barking at inappropriate times.
Bark controllers are available in a variety of options. Let's take a look at these varieties now:
Spray bark control
Spray bark control systems mostly use citronella to deter dogs from barking which helps to distract dogs mid act. It's completely harmless and over time your dog will learn that refraining from barking will prevent that citronella spray spraying in their direction.
Static bark control
Static bark control systems react to a vibration that comes from a dog's throat when they bark. This vibration triggers a sensor to send a static pulse to your dog to put them off barking. Generally, you can control the level of the intensity of the pulse depending on how dedicated your pooch is to barking. Again, your dog will (hopefully) learn that by not barking - they won't be sent those pulses.
Ultrasonic bark control systems are available as a collar or as a stand alone object. Collared version will work by sending out ultrasonic vibrations when barking is detected, while stand alone systems can work on a timer where a microphone picks up on barking and then omits a high pitched sound (don't worry you won't hear it) ceasing the dog to stop.
Dogs are very clever and you should find that even after a short while of using a bark control system, they will quickly stop their excessive barking habit. If you find that is not the case, then you may need to increase the intensity or choose a different type of barking system. Like people, some dogs can be more stubborn. You might find that once you stop using the barking system, they resume their old habits - at least this way you know your barking system is working!
Our advice is, like mentioned at the start of this article, a dog's barking is completely natural and generally shouldn't be discouraged, so to get the most out of your barking control system, you will need to target particular times or instances where you feel your dog's barking is unnecessary - for example, barking late at night, or obsessively barking at the neighbour's cat.
Choose set times that you want barking to stop between and everyday activate your barking system. You must be consistent and practice this everyday. After doing this for a month, you should notice a change in your dog's behaviour and you can remove the barking system.
If the excessive barking returns, then start again with your previous system except for a much longer period, around three months to make sure your dog has learnt the correct and desired behaviour. You'll have to be aware that some dog owners of very, very stubborn pooches will have their barking system in place permanently and will simply become a way of life.
Conclusion:
- Barking is a normal and natural thing for a dog to do and in many instances is an important communication skill that you should tap into.
- Identify times or triggers that cause your dog to excessively or inappropriately bark and use barking control systems at these times to prevent barking.
- Not all dogs will respond positively to particular types of bark control systems so you may need to either up the intensity or choose a different method.
- Implement your bark control systems at the same time every day for a month. If no luck, try again for three months and be aware that some dogs will require to use bark control systems for the rest of their life.
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