THE PET TEACHER
In-YOUR-Home Dog Training
248-232-3655
BARK COLLARS
Before you reach for a bark collar, determine why your dog is barking.  There are ELEVEN
different reasons (that we currently know of) that will cause a dog to use his/her bark:

1.          Territorial
2.          Fear
3.          Pain
4.          Protection
5.          Excitement/greeting
6.          Play
7.          Attention/Care-Seeking
8.          Separation Anxiety
9.          Defensive
10.         Frustration
11.          Group vocalizations

Knowing why your dog is barking is an absolute necessity before putting a bark collar on
your dog.  Using a shock correction can cause all kinds of other behavioral issues if you use
it on the wrong reason.  Using a bark collar on a dog with frustration can trigger
destruction or aggression.  Using it on a dog requiring care can result in anxiety.  Never
assume that a bark collar, whether it uses shock, citronella or air spray corrections, is the
answer.  If your dog is barking outdoors because he or she is bored, then it is up to you to
give the dog stimulation - not to give the dog a collar correction.  Never never never use a
bark collar, shock or citronella, for group barking.  Other dogs barking can trigger the
collar, and even if the collar can be set that only your dog can trigger the correction, it is
likely to cause your dog to become dog/dog aggressive or fearful.

If you cannot determine your dog’s reasons for barking, then read at good book on the
subject or seek the help of a professional positive reinforcement trainer.  Some book
suggestions are:

Help, I’m Barking And I Can’t Be Quiet by Suzanne Hetts
Barking, The Sound Of A Language by Turid Rugaas