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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Can anyone advise me on anti-bark collars?

18 replies

catinboots9 · 07/04/2018 11:56

Since we moved into our new house DDog3 has started going mad when someone knocks on the door, leaves the house or even walks past. He has taken to sitting in the low wide window ledge looking out the front.

The barking is driving us all potty and sets off the other 2 DDogs.

He is 10.

OP posts:
Pusheenicorn · 07/04/2018 12:02

They are mostly all cruel and don't work. Positive reinforcement when he doesn't bark and distraction when the trigger is present.

reachforthewine · 07/04/2018 12:13

You could buy window frosting and cover the lower half of the window with it.

missbattenburg · 07/04/2018 12:13

They 'work' by delivering a shock, noise or smell that the dog finds deeply unpleasant. It is not for sure that the dog ever associates the shock with barking. He could just as easily associate it with the doorbell going - making his fear much worse. They are a lazy gamble with the dog's welfare.

Sarah Whitehead talks about a similar case in her book, Clever Dog, in which a beep and electric shocks were delivered when a dog roamed outside the yard. The dog never associated the shock with roaming. Instead it associated all beeping with being hurt, couldn't figure out what caused it, suffered with anxiety and wouldn't leave the bed. Ever. They couldn't help the dog and rehomed it in the end to give it a shot at being happy in a new environment.

Firstly, cover that window up or use physical barriers to stop him sitting there looking. Allowing him to sit on guard is habit forming and he needs to break the habit. Window film, such as Purlfrost, is cheap, easy to apply and very effective at obscuring the view without cutting down the light.

The doorbell rings, have him sit somewhere safe and give him a treat. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Practise by ringing the bell yourself. Repeat some more. Assume it will take multiple attempts. If the dog cannot sit quietly because the bell is too exciting then start lower, such as just knocking on the door. Change the sound of the doorbell so he gets a chance to learn with a fresh, new sound if you think he is too reactive to the current sound.

Bubble2bubble · 07/04/2018 12:17

I think Nando Brown gives the best advice on this.

LexieLulu · 07/04/2018 12:19

I personally wouldn't.

My IL'a have a water spray bottle for their dogs, less cruel than a shock collar

Bubble2bubble · 07/04/2018 12:19

Also missbattenburg speaks a lot of sense :)

Chippyway · 07/04/2018 13:00

If you get an anti bark collar you don’t deserve the poor dog

Shock horror, dogs bark

Do what any other decent person would do, and invest in dog training!!!

catinboots9 · 07/04/2018 13:23

Thank you everyone for the advice. I had thought the spray ones were 'humane' but obviously not. I will get the frosted window stuff as I've been leaving the blinds shut. I've asked the DC not to shout and bang about when they come on/go out.

OP posts:
catinboots9 · 07/04/2018 13:23

No need to be snippy @Chippyway

OP posts:
lollipopjones · 07/04/2018 13:30

NO! Never use an anti bark collar! They're cruel!!

You need to get professional help with a dog trainer who will help you sort the problem out kindly.

SilverHairedCat · 07/04/2018 13:40

Have a look for information on reactive dogs. Glad you've changed your mind on the collar.

catinboots9 · 07/04/2018 18:32

If I get a professional dog trainer how does it work? Do they come for an hour or so at the time? And show me techniques? Or do they take the dog for intensive training?

I'm very fortunate to have never needed one up till now

OP posts:
LilCamper · 07/04/2018 20:17

They will come and show you how to manage your dog.

fessmess · 08/04/2018 09:57

Haven't these just been banned?

alterego1965 · 09/04/2018 00:59

We've had enormous success with window film to stop our dogs getting sold up by the outside world.

Find an accredited trainee, get in touch with your problem and they'll advise. We've had one come to the house, and attended courses and workshops as appropriate.

alterego1965 · 09/04/2018 01:00

Getting 'wound up'

BicycleHorn · 09/04/2018 01:43

Please do not get an electric collar, extremely cruel.

Invest in training classes or YouTube how to train them yourselves. Positive reinforcement is the only successful (and ethical) way. I.e giving them treats and attention for good behaviour and NOT punishing 'bad behaviour'. Good luck!

tabulahrasa · 09/04/2018 02:05

“I had thought the spray ones were 'humane' but obviously not“

I’ve seen one in use - once... it was one of the most upsetting things I’ve ever seen tbh.

The poor dog had no clue what was setting it off, I’ve honestly never seen a more distressed dog by the time it was removed.

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