Dog Information

Shock collars for dogs, what to do with a barking dog?

Do shock collars for dogs work? I was just wondering are there any alteratives to shock collars. I have called a few personal trainers, and one suggested this to me (collar) I would really hate to use it, but we are getting ready to move to an apartment and my dog has separation aniety and barks when we are gone. He is a pit bull 9 months old and his name is Scrappy. If you have any alteratives then please let me know, you can also e-mail me, my e-mail is in my profile~ Thanks

Public Comments

1. They work well on naughty boyfriends.
2. shock collars worked on my beagle
3. Worked on my wife, she stopped nagging so much.
4. u can have a surgery done to reduce the volume of their bark
5. i dont think thats the right way to do it, it seems quite cruel to me.
6. Shock collars are inhumane!! Please don't use one!!! Send your dog to training school...it will be about the price and be so much better for your dog!
7. If you really love him give him to a dog pound!!!!!!!!!
8. try the link down below, that was a best answer for a very similar question.
9. I'd get a shock collar for my 17 year old if I could, and everytime he started "yappin back" I'd send him a volt or two. Get a squirt gun, and everytime he barks at an inappropriate time, squirt him, and say "no" firmly. An aluminum can with pennies in it works too. Shake it a time or two when he does it. It will take time, for him to get it that you want him to stop BARKING when you say no. Sometimes closing your hand around the muzzle gently but firmly, looking him directly in the eyes, and firmly saying NO several times while he does it, will help too.
10. i believe there is some sorta oral stuff you can give a dog to stop the barking but I am not aware of the name. May try to see if a vet would know or look it up on the net.
11. They work really well on all dogs. If you live in an apt you will have people really close to you. The dog barking will create a problem. There is nothing wrong with an Electric collar. Look under my questions for a detailed explanation on them. All of my dogs wear them from time to time.
12. They make citroila bark collars, so when the dog barks they get a spray with it. Very humane, non toxic, safe and it smells good. It just does not work if there is more than one dog - the other dog barking will set if off. Foster and Smith sells them I believe as well as pet edge - I don't know about pet stores, but they can probably order it for you.
13. They make collars now that let out a very high pitched tone instead of a shock. I never tried one though. I have used a shock collar and a regular bark collar. They both work and dont seem to discomfort the dog to much. This web site sells both. http://www.petstreetmall.com/AllTrainingCollars.aspx
14. muzzle? nevermind that. thats horrible too. get him a friend? something to chew on? something to play with? this might not work well with a pit bull, but i do this fo my rotweiller while im gone, jst to keep him occupied... take your dog out of the room/house while he's out, hide doggy treats around the room/house- hard enough places to keep him occupied, but simple enough that he can get to them- or stumble on to them. do not!!! put them in or on a couch or bed unless you want him to eat the couch or bed... but anyway, let him outside untl you leave and then put him in, and let him have his fun sniffing out his treats:)
15. I don't personally like shock collars. Your pet store probably sells bark collars that reduce barking. Check it out.
16. well i think that shock collars are a form of abuse and all you really need care for as you do your life and call the dog whisperer
17. There is no way I'd use a shock collar on a pit bull with separation anxiety. They are inhumane to begin with but this will make your dog's anxiety much worse. I'm not sure its the right choice either, but an alternative is a citronella spray collar. It is effective and I'd sure as heck try it before resorting to a shock collar. I'd also work with a trainer on the separation anxiety - but not the one that suggested a shock collar. You can also use an herbal remedy called Rescue Remedy that works for some separation anxiety dogs. As a last recourse, I'd try medication from the vet during training to calm the dog before resorting to a shock collar.
18. Separation anziety can be dealt with w/ doggie prozac. See you DVM.It is much more humane than a shock collar. Good Luck
19. i really dont know but here is a link 2 one of my questions im beggin people for an answer http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AqnClTOINNLujv_yJBVGyaDsy6IX?qid=20070810105410AA8lQC3
20. You could purchase a spray collar that sprays a safe liquid upward when he barks. Good luck! hope i helped! :D
21. i'm always wary of those things because what if the switch broke and it became a continual shock? if he barks while you're with him, try making a very loud noise, like banging on a wall or banging pans together. it startles them out of barking, then when he stops, give him a lot of attention and a treat. dogs have like a 3 second association time limit, so if a bad thing happens when he barks he'll figure it out, and if good things happen immediately when he's quiet, he'll get that too. but, you have to be consistent. as far as when you're not home, i dunno what to do.
22. Many people feel different about Shock collars and you will hear that. If you have a personal trainer teach your dog with the shock collar you will have good results. There is another way, its called Dog Appeasing Pheromones (D.A.P.) these pheromones are recognized by dogs their entire life and send a signal that they are in a safe and comforting environment. I've seen them at local animal hospitals and petsmart. They are like glade plug-ins, I've heard they worked for many people. If that doesn't work leave a radio on for the dog and see how reacts when you leave. Maybe he needs to hear something, so he feels that he isn't alone. Hope this works out.
23. If indeed your dog has true separation anxiety, he is already stressed whe you are gone, so adding a shock will only deepen the stress. Think of it, your leaving = anxiety. Now you leave and not only does your dog get stressed but when he tries to bark to relieve the stress he gets shocked? The anxiety will worsen and he could become more destructive. Treat the separation anxiety. When worked with properly, the success rate of treating SA is very high. The trick is to find the right professional that will teach you how to treat it correctly. Visit www.ccpdt.org to find a trainer. I also advise checking out the book, "I'll be Home Soon" by Patricia McConnell, PhD.
24. Shock collars are extremely painful and after the shock, the dog might pee or run around damaging everything! I agree with the Cesar Milan (The Dog Whisperer) DVD's, call around to video stores and see if you can find them. You're pup is right at that awkward age and acts up. Lots of long walks help to make the dog tired and calm in the home. You might even find someone who will take the dog in, (like a babysitter or daycare service). Call all of the (no-kill) local animal rescue groups and see what advice they can offer, some of them will babysit your baby for you as well! I live in an apartment, and my dog barks. I am lucky so far, the neighbours have been patient. But it only takes one person to complain, I know what you're going through.
25. We use this ultrasonic bark control. It emits an ultrasonic noise when he barks. It is only a noise dogs can hear and it irritates them so they stop. http://petsafe-warehouse.com/bark_control_collars/ultrasonic_bark_control.htm
26. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110155834248&ssPageName=MERCOSI_VI_ROSI_PR4_PCN_BIX_Stores&refitem=110148932284&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&refwidgettype=osi_widget http://cgi.ebay.com/STOP-THAT-BARKING-DOG-COLLAR-Safe-HUMANE-No-Shock_W0QQitemZ260146887696QQihZ016QQcategoryZ146245QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem http://cgi.ebay.com/BARK-FREE-Training-STOP-Dog-Barking-DOGS-No-Collar-NEW_W0QQitemZ220137403314QQihZ012QQcategoryZ146244QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem These Are Items on ebay that are non shock. Shop around to get best price.. I just picked these as examples. Also seen these on ebay: http://petsafe-warehouse.com/bark_control_collars/ultrasonic_bark_control.htm
27. A shock collar should be a last resort. First, I would make sure that you're giving him a good 1-2 hours of exercise a day to help with energy. When you're gone, I would leave him in a crate - that may make him feel less stressed and more secure. Leave a toy or a bone with him. You can even drape the crate with a sheet if that helps. You should test all these methods with practice runs - pretending to leave and waiting outside for awhile. Also how do you know the dog barks when you are gone? Are neighbors complaining? Because usually, even if a dog barks when you are leaving, eventually it will become bored with it and lay down. Here's other things you can do that may help: - draw the curtains - darker is calmer for most dogs - leave the tv or radio on softly as background noise Another thing I would emphasize is obedience training. This makes an overall better dog, and strengthens its understanding of the dog-human relationship that you're the alpha boss. Buy a book on training or take him to classes - I use the clicker method. Also watch the dog wisperer on animal planet, he's pretty good. If he is suffering from separation anxiety you may need to also socialize him a little more, with other people and other dogs.
28. I too had this problem with my dog. I couldn't bring myself to get a shock collar, I just couldn't do it. I have heard that they work good, but then again, it would work on anyone if they were getting shocked. I bought this thing online that everytime it heard a dog bark, it would give a dog whistle.($30) It worked ok, but it only works with consistent barking, not a bark or two. I would most recommend researching separation anxiety in dogs and practice some training techniques and excercises. Good luck to you and Scrappy!
29. There are Bark Boxes they come attached to a collar and you just put it on when the dog barks it reduces the volume something like that go on line and research that. Don't do anything that will hurt the animal. You obviously care because you're asking MP
30. I have found a shock collar works very well.. Especially when it comes to barking.. Usually one or two corrections and they don't bark WHEN THEY ARE WEARING THE COLLAR... Read the booklet, watch the video you get with the collar and don't shock the dog to death.. If used properly, they are a great training tool.. I think a little shock here and there to correct is far more humane than yanking a dog all over the place, trying to teach him not to do something.. Or people who yell and scream at their dog... Or people who hit their dogs.. One little shock and they get the hint.. Put the collar on your hand and shock your self.. You'll see that it doesn't hurt but it definately gets your attention.. Once the shock stops, which is only a fraction of a second, the feeling goes away immediately there is no residual effect. Get a collar that also has a warning buzz.. You can press the warning buzzer and it will remind them not to bark, cause they will get a shock.. Even the bark only collar will give off a little beep reminding the dog that if they continue to bark, they will get a shock. SO while people might like to think it's mean, the dog themselves learn, the buzz means Shock is coming.. SO it's up to them to decide if they want to be shocked or not and keep barking or quit while they are ahead.. It is better to correct a behavior quick and easy then to spend weeks correcting something. The dog learns quicker and remembers better.. You should work on that separation anxiety tho.. Crate train him, maybe it's the size of the area that he needs to protect that is causing him anxiety.
31. I wouldn't use one FULL STOP. Try putting it round your neck and then shout and see what happens!!! If he suffers anxiety than this would cause more problems.. Get an aboistop collar it sprays compressed air under the chin and makes a HISS therefore discouraging the noise,you need to follow the instructions carefully or you'll get no results.. Bah humbug to all you who think these collars are great, i think you are cruel and should have it done to yourself
32. It's very simple and cost free....train the dog not to bark. Shock collars are inhumane and unnessecary if you have a good trainer and an owner who wants to work with the dog. Shock collars or any other training device are for lazy people or ones that don't have a clue as to how to train a dog or even treat a dog like a dog.
33. you can have his vocal cords removed surgically, but some people feel this is as cruel as having a cat de-clawed. the fact of the matter is though, sometimes it is necissary. there is also a collar that will spray the dog when barking, rather than shock.
34. buy a spray collar
35. No reason not to use it. I have only had a couple that got freaked out about it. Most of the time they learn real quick. 3 barks beep bark again you get shocked. I did have one that mastered the reset??
36. Shock collars are cruel and inhumane. I know several people who have tried the citronella collar with VERY good results. I don't know exactly how it works, but basically instead of shocking the dog when it barks, it sprays the dog in the chin with citronella. Here is a little more information about the citronella collar: http://www.news.cornell.edu/chronicle/96/6.6.96/barking.html http://www.shirleychong.com/keepers/archives/citronella.txt
37. .citronella collar. if sprays a citron scent when your dog barks. dont use shock collars!!!!!!!.
38. How they work: as the dog barks, the shock increases. when he stops the shock stops. My dog is an Akita-Lab mix. He is a sweetheart, but when I had him confined to the house he barked a lot. When he had the collar on, he yelped and was scared until he figured out he shouldn't bark. It was a quick learn. Get a good quality one from a pet store such as Petsmart. They have the kind that won't shock the dog if it is raining and the collar gets wet. Have them show you how to put it on. I brought Buddy to the store to be fitted and I am glad I did. After a while, the dollar did not need to have a battery in it and the dog would not bark. He will whine though. It is his nature to express himself. Best wishes to you and your beautiful companion
39. i have heared of this thing called "de-barking". its a cirgury that consists of something like making the vocal cords less efective or something. the results will be that ur dog will still bark, but almost no sound will come out. but u should ask ur vet about it and the risks of de-barking ur dog. i have never tried this or a shock collar, because i personally think that it is a bad thing to do. dogs are meant to bark as humans are meant to talk. but thats just my opinion. the most effective method i use is that, when he barks, hold his neck(not too hard though, remember that ur NOTtrying to make him feel pain, just to make him unconfortable) and put a little pressure and say"no". if he stops barking, release ur hand and give him a treat. this should help, any way, ur dog is still a puppy. he is young and will learn. hope this helps! :)
40. How long is he left alone? Is he getting sufficient exercise etc? If not maybe the humane thing would be to surrender him to a rescue if you don't have time for him. Shock collars are not the answer...it could backfire.
41. I would think shock collars are pretty cruel. But there is a different type of collar that will spray water on the dog, or something like that. It is just as effective and less cruel.
42. Train him NOT to bark! Watch Dog whisper!
43. There are several varieties of 'no-bark' collars. Some do emit an electric vibration and the levels are adjustable. While I agree at the highest levels it is probably painful for the dog and I wouldn't recommend that, but at the lower levels, it just feels like a vibration. I know, because I've felt them. They are an annoyance, not painful and are meant to distract and redirect the dogs attention. If you are not comfortable with that, they also make 'no-bark' collars that squirt a small amount of citronella or that emit high pitched frequencies. As with the 'shock' collars, the purpose is to redirect the dogs attention, not hurt them.
44. USE A MUZZLE
45. a muzzle
46. WOW, Shock Collars, 30 caliber, medicine to keep the dog quiet. What happened to humanity, doesn't anyone have any feelings about this animal? I feel if the owner of the SHOCK COLLAR can wear a collar and be shocked along with his pet then do it. Otherwise, I don't think you should keep this Dog, I know you probably care about him but, there are NO KILL shelters you can give him to, where big Dogs ARE MORE EASILY Adopted, and he may just get that big Yard all Dogs Deserve. This is my feelings toward cruelty to animals STOP IT!! This message is for all the people on this site with the cruel ideas. I really do wish you good luck. Although, I was wondering how can you shock your animal to be quiet if your away? You said,:WHEN YOUR AWAY HE HAS ANXIETY SEPARATION. He loves you that much that he has issues when your gone and you would consider shocking this little one? Yes he's little compare to Humans. Think this over AGAIN!
47. Such an aversive technique should only be used in situations where there is danger of someone or something getting hurt. If, for example, your pit bull is prey aggressive and hunting down bicyclists. If you use a shock collar improperly, you can really hurt a dog psychologically and end up with a fear aggressive pit bull. Your dog is a puppy and you have an opportunity to nip the problem in the bud. If you are short on time, a good vet can prescribe Prozac or other drug that can make it easier to modify his behavior. Exercise, crate training, food rewards for staying by himself, etc. will also make improvements faster. You need to teach him asap that being alone is not frightening but, is instead, pretty nice. Put him on a flat collar and a leash and tie him to something secure. Walk away from him and toss him some really tasty treats. Praise him, let him loose and play with him. Repeat until he looks foward to you leaving. :) He has negative associations with your leaving him so you need to make positive associations with your leaving him. Here are more suggestions for dealing with separation anxiety: http://www.metpet.com/Reference/Dogs/Training/separation_anxiety_in_dogs.htm
48. Maybe you could find a dog daycare? Or find someone willing to sit your dog while you're gone? Shock collars are effective, but very cruel. It will cause your dog considerable pain. Please try anything else first, short of surgery, before you resort to a shock collar.
49. They do work. I had my brothers dogs here for a while and they barked non stop. I tried everything to get them to stop barking and nothing worked. So we got the shock collars. Like you I was worried about hurting the dogs. I wouldn't put it on them until I tested it on myself first because I didn't want to be cruel to them. It gives a good little shock but no worse than shocking yourself on metal from static build up. So we put them on the dogs and as soon as the first one barked he got shocked and turned around with his tail tucked as if he were goosed on the butt. It was hilarious! But they quickly learned not to bark. After about three weeks we removed the collars and we had no barking. Occaosionally they had to be reminded so we put the collars back on for a couple of days and the barking stopped quickly. NOTE: We did not leave the collars on 24/7. They got a break from the collars during the day so that they had some bark time. We used it mainly at night.
50. don't use the shock collar. for one your dog will behave even worse. and for two, it could lead to some problems up the road from now.