Is It Ethical to Use Bark Collars on Dogs?

There are three different types of dog bark collars that are very popular at the moment among dog owners. These three versions of dog collars serve their purpose well, but some people wonder if they really do not hurt the animal at all. If you own a noisy dog, you need to get informed on the options you have available.

Citrus Spray Collars

These no bark collars use a strong citronella smell when the dog barks persistently. Dogs do not like the citrus smell, this is why they learn fast that they should stop barking. Some collars also give a warning “hiss” sound, so the dog can stop barking before the smell is sprayed on its muzzle if he listens and heeds the warning sound. The dog is not hurt at all by either the sound or the spray.

Ultrasonic/Sonic Dog Collars

The sound produced by sonic or ultrasonic devices is only heard by dogs. This tone is similar to the dog whistle sound. When dogs learn that if they stop barking, the annoying sound will stop, they cease making noise. Even though the sound annoys them, most people cannot hear it. Is this considered ethical by the experts? Yes. Once again, there is no pain involved – it’s just a bit annoying for the dog. Because dogs can easily adapt to many environments, they are likely to get used to the sound and learn to ignore it. This is why the sonic device is not as effective as its alternatives.

Electronic Bark Collars

Electronic devices can sense when the dog starts to bark and they react, sending the dog a mild shock. The shock does not threaten the health of the dog and produces a discomfort comparable to the static shocks felt by humans. Once again, mostly just an annoyance – but this is the type of no bark collar that some people believe is unethical. This one isn’t just an annoyance; it physically does something to the dog. Many condemn the use of such devices. However, the electronic dog collar does a great job in calming down your dog so, if you are a dog owner and your dog never ceases to bark, you may as well consider buying a bark collar.

As a dog owner, you can choose from three versions of no bark dog collars – the electronic one, the sonic or ultrasonic device or the citrus bark collar. Citronella spray and sonic or ultrasonic sounds are considered ethical, but electronic shock collars are sometimes considered unethical because of the shocking. Anyway, you can safely pick any of the three alternatives, as none is considered a real threat to your dog.

Resource Box

no bark collars have gained more and more popularity lately, because of their efficacy in teaching your dog how to behave. However, some people consider the electronic dog collar unethical, because it uses electronic shocks to calm the barking. It is up to you to choose the most proper method to educate your dog. You should know that no matter which dog collar you choose, it will not harm your dog, but merely annoy it. If you want to read more about no bark dog collars and why they are so safe for your dog’s health, click this link.

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