Bark Collar

[Tara aka Harry & Wally's Mom]

Anyone ever use a Bark collar? Any reccomendations? I am considering using one on my 12 week old puppy that is very loud.

[Ali]

Have you tried using other methods first? Try using a distractor like spraying water on the puppy or using a can full of coins. Any time the dog barks, spray water on the dog or throw a can full of pennies close to the puppy, this should startle the dog and make it stop barking. Once the dog stops, praise your puppy. Make sure the puppy does not see you throw the can or spray them with water.

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

Bark collars are NOT reccommended for puppies! These are for adult dogs who have serious issues and to be used as a last resort as the effect can be dangerous. These collars have hurt and psychologically damaged many dogs.

If you have a puppy - in for a dime in for a dollar. The best tools you have in training is lots of patience, kindness, love and respect.

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

Never consider using a bark collar on a puppy, you can damage their throats if your not using it properly. I would first remove it from the distraction it is barking at, if that don't work, than try spraying it with water, if that don't work add a little vinegar to the water, if that dont work, try using a can or empty water bottle with small stones or loose change in it ...shake it at the pup and tell them No Bark or SHHHHH...whatever your command will be, but keep it always the same.

[Tara aka Harry & Wally's Mom]

I have tried most of these methods and none have worked. I will try the can with coin methos and see if that helps

[Adina P]

Tara because he's only 12 weeks old (a baby) and because you mentioned in another post that he seems to barking out of separation, I think a bark collar is wrong for this situation. Bark collars are not intended for such young pups and typically not for anxious barking.

I have no advice because I would do different things based on the situation. If he's home alone and barking out of anxiety it's a different issue than if he's barking AT YOU or barking at things out the window. Each one might need a different technique or plan.

[Carol Kidd]

I have a friend that uses a can of air. You know, the kind you buy at the office store to blow the dust out of your keyboard. Anyway, she sprays it at her dog when it barks, also saying a command, such as "no bark". It seems to work well, and if you use the command with it, then the pup will learn to obey the command without the air.

Honestly, though, we have never been able to break our doodle of barking. I am a HUGE dog whisperer fan and used the "be the pack leader" philosophy successfully. Our dog only wants to please us and is obedient, calm and sweet. But - he barks. He barks at us when we are playing with him. He doesn't bark at anything else, he isn't a yappy dog, he is just talking to us. We did try a collar on him as a last resort (he was 2 years old). It worked when he had it on. But he learned that he could bark if he wasn't wearing it. I have heard lots of stories about dogs learning how to get around the collars. So, I don't know about those...

[Adina P]

In this situation I would just leave it on him when you are home--why not?

[Debbie and Thomas]

Tara- I am no expert, but it seems like you are having a tough time with your puppy. Have you looked into training?? Even if you try to do it yourself from info from books and the internet, it will make your life and Harry's life a lot better. At his age-you will be surprised at how well he will do. Plus it is fun and you will bond so well. Raising a puppy is not easy-it takes a lot of hard work and patience. I have never heard of a 12 week old wearing a barking collar. Is he barking for attention??

[Tara aka Harry & Wally's Mom]

I was just wondering if anyone had ever used a bark collar because I have heard of them but never knew anything about them. Obviously from all the feedback it is not appropraite for puppies which is ok.

Harry barks in different situations. He barks for attention when we are not paying attention to him. He barks when we tell him no when he is doing something wrong. And he also barks if we leave him alone.

[Debbie and Thomas]

This is so hard isn't it? And let's face it, it is very annoying. When he barks for attention(puppies need a lot) and you react-then he got the attention didn't he-so his barking worked and he will continue to do it. However-if there is punishment involved like a squirt with the water bottle-not in the face though-try his backside-they are kind of shocked and look around their little butt to see what the heck just happened and while he is quiet-give him a treat and say good boy in a high pitched voice. In fact-give him lots of treats when he is quiet. Then the squirt again when he misbehaves-then a treat for being quiet-etc etc. Trust me-after a few weeks-he will "get it" Also-why not call and talk to a trainer and ask for a consultation about this problem. Trust me-we went thru all of the issues you have-and all will be better in a few weeks if you handle things. Good luck

[fergie11]

Sounds like he just likes to talk to you. Lucy likes to talk to us much more than Fergie. if she wants something you're going to know it. Fergie just looks at you - and looks at you - and looks at you. Harry is so little. I think the barking will slow down with time. I do agree with Debbie on the training thing - you'll love it and you won't believe how fast he'll respond.

[Janie]

I would not use a bark collar. I hope the advice you have been given will help you...good luck.