Petsafe

Dogs bark for many different reasons but in most cases barking serves as a form of communication. Dog owners will generally recognise four different types of bark; warning, alarm, playful and need. For instance continuous fast barking is a warning, perhaps alerting that someone is entering their home territory, whereas long, drawn-out barks at a high pitch, with pauses between each one indicate that a dog is in need and is possibly lonely. It is important for dog owners to try to establish why their dog is barking. Some barking may be completely normal, such as when someone knocks at the front door, but other barking may be associated with behavioural problems such as separation anxiety. Bark Control systems should not be used on dogs whose barking is a consequence of an anxiety or stress related condition.

If your dog’s barking is normal but unacceptable then Bark Control may be your solution. Not only do barking dogs disturb their owners they also disturb neighbours, and tenants could face eviction by landlords if their dog’s barking is becoming a nuisance. Unfortunately behavioural therapy to manage barking can take a long time to be effective and sometimes it is necessary to find a solution very quickly.

PetSafe® Bark Control systems are behaviourally activated. They use an unpleasant stimulation to discourage a dog from barking. The stimulation is delivered automatically from a device on a collar when the dog barks. Many collars have sensors which detect both sound and vibration so that it is only your dog’s bark which will activate stimulation and not environmental noises. Some collars automatically increase the intensity of stimulation if barking continues until it is successfully interrupted. This ensures that the lowest intensity of stimulation necessary is delivered to interrupt the barking. This technology can also remember what intensity of stimulation had to be delivered to interrupt the barking and deliver stimulation at that level the next time that the dog barks. Ultimately dogs learn not to bark and avoid the stimulation completely.

There are essentially four Bark Control systems:

• Ultrasonic and sonic stimulation emits a harmless but annoying high frequency sound to distract the dog from barking.
• Spray stimulation uses an unscented or citronella scented mist which is sprayed forward to interrupt a dog’s barking.
• Vibration stimulation utilises low frequency vibration that the dog feels on the underside of the neck not far from the ‘voice-box’ to interrupt barking.
• Static stimulation is the most extensively researched system and uses a safe pulse of static electricity which passes between two skin contacts on the underside of the neck.

There are also two ultrasonic devices which are not attached to the dog’s collar and are independent of the dog. One is for use indoors and the other is for use outdoors. The Outdoor Bark Control unit not only deters your dog from barking but it also deters your neighbour’s dogs from barking too.

• They can deter nuisance barking, preventing stress for both owners and neighbours.
• They avoid uncomfortable situations between neighbours or tenants and landlords.
• They enable owners to keep their dogs rather than having to relinquish them because of nuisance barking.

Spray, ultrasonic, sonic and vibration systems can be used in any situation. However, there are situations where electronic collars that deliver static stimulation should not be used.

• In dogs under 6 months of age.
• Pregnant or nursing bitches.
• Dogs with health problems especially heart disease.
• Dogs that are unable to respond appropriately due to injury, illness, age or senility.
• Where dogs have aggressive tendencies. Dogs suffering from separation anxiety and similar anxiety related disorders.