Is your small dog’s constant barking driving you up the wall? Oh, buddy! You’re not alone!
Excessive barking can be a common problem among small dogs, but the good news is there’s a solution – bark collars! However, with so many options on the market, choosing the right one for your furry friend can take time and effort. Sometimes, dog owners hesitate to choose bark collars for safety reasons (especially electric ones).
That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate guide to bark collars for small dogs, which will answer all your hidden queries and leave you relieved. From safety considerations to different types of collars and how to choose the best one for your pup, we’ve got you covered.
So, get ready to say goodbye to sleepless nights and hello to a quieter, happier home!
Are bark Collars Safe for Small Dogs?
Bark collars can be safe for your small dogs when used properly and under the guidance of a veterinarian or professional dog trainer. Choosing a bark collar appropriate for the dog’s size and breed is important. And also, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Some types of bark collars, such as citronella spray collars or vibration collars, are considered safer for small dogs than shock collars. Additionally, it is essential to monitor your dog’s behaviour and adjust the use of the bark collar as needed.
But above all, it’s always recommended to consult with a professional before using any type of bark collar on your small dog. It’s important!
How Bark Collars for Small Dogs Work
Bark collars for small dogs are mainly designed to curb excessive barking by providing a mild and harmless correction to the dog when they bark. These collars work by detecting the sound or vibration of a dog’s bark, which triggers the collar to emit a warning beep or vibration. If the barking persists, the collar releases a static correction, which is similar to a static shock.
When used correctly, bark collars can be an effective tool to help train dogs to stop barking excessively. The collar provides a consistent and immediate consequence for the unwanted behaviour, which helps the dog learn to associate the barking with the correction. Over time, the dog learns to stop barking excessively to avoid the correction.
However, using bark collars for small dogs safely and responsibly is important. Remember to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and never leave the collar on for extended periods. Additionally, it’s essential to choose the right type of collar (which we’ll discuss later) for your dog’s size and temperament and to monitor their behaviour closely when using the collar.
Types of Bark Collars for Small Dogs
When searching for bark collars for small dogs online, you’ll find several types to choose from. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks, so choosing the right type of bark collar that suits your dog’s temperament and barking behavior is important. Even though you’ll find so many types of bark collars for small dogs (especially online), only 4 types of collars exist. And this is the list you should check out-
1. Static or Shock Bark Collars
Static or shock collars emit a mild electric shock to the dog’s neck when they bark excessively. They come with various intensity levels, and some models have an automatic shut-off feature to prevent overstimulation. The shock is harmless but can be unpleasant for the dog, which can help discourage excessive barking.
Pros
- Effective for training some dogs to stop barking excessively
- Can be adjusted to the appropriate level of intensity for the dog
- Some models have automatic shut-off features to prevent overstimulation
Cons
- It can be too harsh for some dogs, especially those with sensitive necks
- It may cause fear or anxiety in some dogs
2. Spray Bark Collars
These collars release a burst of citronella spray when the dog barks, which can help stop barking without causing discomfort. The scent is unpleasant to dogs and interrupts their barking. Even though the smell is artificial, it’s entirely harmless for adult and small dogs. But yes, buying spray bark collars from any renowned brand with good reviews is always recommended.
Pros
- Safe and humane
- Effective for most small dogs
- Can be more affordable than shock collars
Cons
- Some dogs may become accustomed to the smell and stop responding
- It may not work as effectively for some dogs who are extra sensitive to smell
3. Ultrasonic Collars
Ultrasonic collars use sound waves to distract your dog while barking. When they bark excessively, they emit a high-pitched noise that only dogs can hear (not humans). The noise is unpleasant to dogs, and they learn to associate their barking with the unpleasant noise.
Pros
- Safe and humane
- Effective for most dogs
- Easy to use and practical
Cons
- Some dogs may not respond to the ultrasonic noise
- It may not work as effectively for dogs with hearing problems
4. Vibration Bark Collars
These collars vibrate when the dog barks, which can be a gentler alternative to static shock collars. When the dog barks, these collars emit a vibration, usually through a small device attached to the collar. The vibration is designed to interrupt the dog’s barking behaviour and discourage them from barking excessively.
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Suitable for most dogs
- Don’t cause any harm to your dogs
Cons
- It may not work as effectively for dogs with thick coats
- Some dogs may not respond to vibration
Therefore, It’s important to note that no bark collar is suitable for all dogs, and choosing the right type of collar for your dog’s temperament and barking behaviour is extremely important.
How to Choose the Best Bark Collar for Small Dogs
As we’ve stated before, you’ll find several types of bark collars for small dogs. But from the extensive list, you should choose the appropriate one considering many aspects. Here we want to mention 7 factors enabling you to choose the suitable bark collar for your small dog.
- Determine the cause of your dog’s barking: Before choosing a bark collar, identify the reason why your dog barks excessively. It could be due to anxiety, boredom, fear, or territorial behaviour. Knowing the cause can help you choose the type of collar that addresses the root of the problem.
- Consider the type of collar: There are several types of bark collars available for small dogs, including citronella, electric, ultrasonic, and vibration collars (as we discussed). Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, so research them thoroughly to find the best fit for your dog.
- Evaluate the collar’s safety features: It’s essential to prioritize your dog’s safety when choosing a bark collar. Look for collars with safety features like automatic shut-off, adjustable intensity levels, protective rubber coating, etc.
- Check the collar’s size and fit: The collar should fit snugly around your dog’s neck without being too tight or loose. Make sure to measure your dog’s neck size before purchasing a collar, and read reviews to see if the sizing is accurate.
- Read reviews and compare prices: Look for reviews from other small dog owners to see if the collar worked for their pets. Additionally, compare prices from different brands to find the best value for your money.
- Consult with a professional: If you need clarification on which bark collar to choose, consult with a professional dog trainer or veterinarian for guidance. They have substantial expertise to help you determine the best solution for your dog’s barking behaviour.
- Brand Reputation: No matter what type of bark collar you choose for your small dogs, you should be sure that a reputed brand manufactures the product. Check for the customer reviews to know the feedback about the brand, and then make your purchasing decision.
5 Best Bark Collars for Small Dogs in 2023
Sometimes it gets tricky to determine which bark collar you should take (even after intense research). And you’re also no exception. Hence, we’ve decided to list some of the most renowned models of bark collars for small dogs that have attained decent popularity by providing quality service.
Here is the list you can check out-
1. PetSafe Elite Little Dog Spray Bark Collar
This no-bark collar is designed for small dogs and uses a burst of citronella spray to deter barking. It is adjustable for different sensitivity levels and can hold 30-40 sprays each refill. The collar is waterproof and has a low battery indicator, which is handy for day-to-day usage.
2. Dogtra YS300 Dog Collar
This no-bark collar is designed for small to medium-sized dogs. It uses a pager mode that vibrates to alert the dog to stop barking before a static correction is applied. It has 6 intensity levels and a non-stimulating high-performance pager. This no-bark collar is also waterproof.
3. DogRook Dog Bark Training Collar
This no-bark collar is designed for small to medium-sized dogs. It uses a combination of sound and vibration to distract your dog from barking. It has 5 sensitivity levels and is rechargeable. The collar is also adjustable to fit dogs with neck sizes from 9 to 22 inches.
4. SportDOG Brand NoBark SBC-R Rechargeable Bark Control Collar
This no-bark collar is designed for small to large-sized dogs and has 3 training modes (temperament learning, progressive correction, and user-selected mode). It is rechargeable and has 10 levels of static stimulation. It also has a built-in safety feature that automatically shuts off the collar if activated for 80 seconds or more.
5. PetSafe Rechargeable Bark Control Collar
This no-bark collar is designed for small to medium-sized dogs and uses a combination of sound and vibration to deter barking. It has 15 levels of static correction and is rechargeable. And the fast charging feature has enabled the device to be charged within 2 hours fully. The collar is also adjustable to fit dogs with neck sizes from 6 to 28 inches. The collar is also waterproof, making it suitable for dogs who enjoy playing in the water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Even though we’ve covered almost all the topics related to bark collars for small dogs, still, it is very natural for you to get some questions in your mind. Here we want to answer some of your queries-
What is the minimum age for a bark collar?
- The minimum age for a dog to use a bark collar varies by manufacturer and type. Some recommend waiting until the dog is at least 6 months old. So, it’s essential to follow guidelines and consult a veterinarian or professional dog trainer before using a bark collar on a young dog to avoid potential adverse side effects.
Are bark collars safe for small dogs?
- Using bark collars for small dogs is a controversial topic as there are valid logics for both “yes” and “no”. Hence, the answer will differ depending on your dog collar type. To ensure safety, you should choose a bark collar made especially for small dogs, which offers adjustable belts and is recommended by vets. Also, you can avoid eclectic bark collars if they produce strong electric shock.
Is it safe to leave a bark collar overnight?
- Dog collars are designed to be worn on your dog for 8 – 10 hours max. And most bark collars are designed to be used for short periods of time, such as during training sessions or when you’re away from home. Hence, leaving a bark collar on your small dog overnight could lead to discomfort, skin irritation, or other adverse side effects.
Can a bark collar damage a dog’s throat?
- Bark collars have the potential to cause harm to your small dog’s throat if not used properly or if the collar is too tight. However, if used correctly and with appropriate settings, bark collars are generally considered safe and effective for reducing excessive barking. So, choosing the right size collar and following instructions carefully is important to avoid any negative side effects.
What can I use instead of a bark collar?
- There are several alternatives to using a bark collar to discourage excessive barking in dogs, including positive reinforcement training, citronella collars, ultrasonic devices, anti-bark apps, etc. However, it is always important to consult a professional trainer or veterinarian to determine the best approach for your small dog and situation.
Final Verdict
Bark collars for small dogs can be a temporary solution for your dog to control his excessive barking habit. But it’s not the replacement for positive reinforcement training. You can choose bark collars as an effective tool for training small dogs to reduce excessive barking.
So, it is crucial to carefully select the suitable collar for your dog’s size, temperament, and individual needs, ensuring enhanced safety and convenience in the socializing process. Consider factors such as the type of collar, the level of correction, and additional features like rechargeable batteries or adjustable settings before choosing any bark collar.
After all, if you follow the instructions discussed in this discussion, using a dog collar on your small dog can act as part of a comprehensive behaviour modification plan.
