Citronella Dog Collar

Is there an advantage to using citronellla dog collars?

Citronella dog collars have been gaining in popularity ever since studies were released showing the negative psychological effects of electric shock collars on dogs.  Furthermore, studies by the Animal Behavior Clinic at Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine suggest that citronella dog collars are even more effective than electric shock collars. 

How does a citronella dog collar work?

A citronella dog collar is a type of spray dog collar.  Spray dog collars work by spraying a substance (in this case citronella, but versions also exist that use water or lemon juice) in the dogs face when the collar senses (via a microphone) that your dog is barking.  The idea is that the dog, discomforted by the citronella spray, will learn to stop barking to avoid being sprayed in the face.  Pet owners consider the citronella dog collars to be more humane than the electric shock dog collars, and citronella collars have been proven to be more effective than shock collars (in some instances a dog given an electric collar would keep barking despite the shock, whereas with the citronella collar, the odor was so unpleasant that later a substitute could be used and the dog would still not bark, fearing the citronella spray).  

Are Citronella dog collars humane?

While there's no doubt citronella dog collars are more humane than electric shock collars, we should still consider the psychological impact of the spray collar on your dog.  There's even been instances reported where the spray collar's microphone sensitivity was such that it would pick up other dogs barking.  The problem here is obvious - your dog would be punished with a spray of citronella despite having done nothing.  Even more problematic, however, are the psychological implications of such punishment.  After all, a dog's barking is a natural function for any barking dog.  The barking can also provide protection for the owner.  It would be terribly ironic if, for example, your dog was about to save you from a burglar, but because of repeated citronella sprays to her face, she could do nothing to alarm you of the intruder.  That example aside, we feel it is simply wrong to impede or constrain such a natural function.  We feel that as the dog's owner it is your responsibility to train and take are of your dog.  After all, you get what you signed up for, and now you have a living being, a life, on your hands that deserves just as much care and nurturing as if it were your own child.