No Bark Dog Collar

What's a "no bark" dog collar?

No bark dog collars were made to control a dog's barking.  How do they work?  That depends on the type of no bark dog collar you're using.  Here are some of the more common types:

• shock collars for dogs
• citronella dog collar
• sonic dog collar

Check out each article to learn more about that type of no bark dog collar.  In general, a no bark dog collar is able to "detect" barking by sensing vibrations in the dog's vocal chords.  When this occurs, they provide a stimulus to the dog, warning him that this is the consequence for barking.  The shock collars for dogs provide an electric current, the citronella dog bark collars provide a spray of citrus, and the sonic dog collar produces a tone that only the dog can hear (is out of human hearing range).

How do no bark collars work?

Several variations of no bark collars exist on the market, most of which have multiple levels of stimulation based on how quickly the dog learns.  In other words, if the dog doesn't stop, the collar will continue to provide increasing levels of shock until the dog learns.  These are engaged in a manner which allows the dog to learn and recover, but the question we must ask ourselves is - how safe are these no bark collars?  Even if there's no evidence of physical damage, are dogs suffering unnecessary stress and anxiety through their use?

Are no bark dog collars safe?

While industry claims that no harm is done to the dog, obviously the stimulus, or sensation, provided by the no bark collar is not something the dog likes.  If it didn't hurt them, they wouldn't worry about barking freely despite the consequences.  That being said, we don't know of any severe injuries or deaths caused by no bark collars, and if the dog learns not to bark, it won't be shocked anymore.  We can't help but wonder how this is restraining some of their natural functions, however, or causing undue stress and anxiety.  Furthermore, consider the fact that in Europe, electric shock no bark collars are illegal.

The psychological impact of no bark dog collars

Some studies have been made that suggest that the electric current from the shock collars for dogs results in aggression, stress or persistent anxiety. How severe these effects of the no bark dog collar are depend on the trainer and the environment in which the collar is used. 

Matthijs B.H. Schilder and Joanne A.M. van der Borg studied behavioral effects of electric shock collars and came to the conclusion that shocked dogs showed more stress-related behavior than control dogs (dogs controlled via human discipline instead of no bark collars), they connected their handlers with getting shocks, and may even connect orders given by their handlers with getting shocked.  What does this mean?  Schilder and Borg conclude that, while they have not proven that the long-term welfare of the shocked dogs is hampered, it is clearly under serious threat.

Do no bark collars cause unnecessary suffering?

It's always important to consider the alternatives to no bark collars, such as traditional disciplinary measures, or other means which avoid inflicting physical or emotional pain or stress on the dog.  If it's possible do discipline dogs in this way, as I'm sure you've seen on various episodes of the Dog Whisperer, that it is - then to cause any suffering beyond this, for example by using a no bark dog collar, is to inflict unnecessary suffering. 

Have a barking dog?  Do you use a no bark collar?  Chime in on this debate below with your experiences.