Dogs bark for a number of reasons, most of them legitimate. Some though dogs are very active or restless and tend to vocalize very often. Among the most common situations (and the hardest on neighbors) are dogs that suffer from separation anxiety and bark nearly constantly while alone.

Because there is no supervision whatsoever, it is difficult to control their behavior in this circumstance. At one time, this usually led to a difficult decision: have the dog de-barked, or send the dog away. These are not inspired decisions, but dog owners see no other solution.

Then came the no bark collar. Like most new technologies, there were some unforeseen complications. Older collars reacted at any type of bark, even the barking of foregin dogs or the barking that occured as a natural reaction to stimuli.

Since then, bark collars have evolved. For instance, you can find them in three different types – the citrus spray, ultrasonic and static collars. All three types are based on the same idea. When the collar detects barking of a certain range of frequencies and volume (both audibly and vibrationally) for a preset number of times, it will then be triggered. Requiring that both systems be activated prevents the collar from reacting to another dog barking. They are so evolved that they can distinguish between barking and other sounds produced due to fear or stress.

bark collars based on citrus spray release the substance when they’re triggered by barking; the sonic ones produce a sound that irritates the dog and static collars give the dog a mild shock. No mechanism included in dog collars can harm your dog. Many of the static bark collars have adjustable steps (and increasing levels of correction); and most have an automatic timed shutdown if the dog barks for an extended period without cease. They can also be switched to lower settings if the dog barks less often than before. This reduction reinforces the idea that being quiet has benefits.

Having a bark collar does not exclude proper dog training; these collars should be used only as adjuvants. You don’t need to let the collars on all the time. Use them only for as long as the dog needs them. It is important to monitor the first days when the dog wears the collar; if you cannot do it all the time, because you have to leave for work or school, you could ask a neighbor to help you. He will be more than glad to do it, since he’s the most affected by your dog’s behavior. Make sure it is someone the dog knows and is friendly with.

Monitoring your dog constantly can be very useful. As with other forms of training, praise and play for correct behavior, and exercise to reduce anxiety and restlessness help achieve the desired behavior.

Instead of resorting to extreme solutions, consider purchasing bark collars instead. These devices can prove to be very efficient in educating your dog. If you want to know more details about these devices and the mechanisms they use, read more about bark collars here.