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Do dog barking collars actually work?

Everything you need to know. - by Lottie Dalziel
  • 05 Dec 2019
Do dog barking collars actually work?

Dog barking collars are commonly used to stop dogs from barking and as a form of training. The most popular collars work by emitting an electric shock which acts as a deterrent to stop dogs barking. This method is quite controversial as it is believed that the use of such devices is inhumane to the point where they are illegal in some states. 

Types of dog bark collars available in Australia:  

  1. Static Bark collars are collars that deliver an electric shock when the dog barks. 
  2. Citronella collars spray the dogs face with citronella when they bark. 
  3. Ultrasonic (noise emitting) collars emit a high pitched sound when the dog barks.
dogs

The RSPCA released the following statement in July 2019:

RSPCA Australia is opposed to the use of any electronically activated or other devices which deliver electric shocks, such as anti-barking collars and invisible boundaries. Such devices are inhumane as they inflict pain, involve punishment and can be used to abuse animals. RSPCA Australia is also opposed to the use of collars that deliver aversive stimuli such as sound or scent, including citronella collars and high-pitched sound-emitting devices.

Furthermore, it is illegal to use electronic dog collars in NSW, ACT and SA. Whilst you can legally use electronic collars in the rest of Australia strict conditions apply, read more here. Under no circumstances should a dog bark collar be used on a puppy. 

dog barks

Mitch Watson, dog behaviour specialist and founder of The Paw Professor recommends three methods to help stop your dog from barking. 

  1. Increase exercise and physical activity outdoors
  2. Provide alternative toys and distractions to keep the dog busy when you’re out of the house or at work
  3. Remove the stimulus that is causing your dog to bark

You might also like:

Top 10 dog harnesses in Australia

How to stop your dog from pulling on the lead

Make your home pet-friendly

Lottie Dalziel
Lottie Dalziel
Lottie Dalziel, is a 4AM riser and coffee-addict who loves reading up on the latest trends in sustainability or discovering ways to upcycle almost anything! You can find her by the beach, cooking up a storm or adding to her abundant (some would say out of control) plant collection.

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