Dogs bark for many different reasons but in most cases barking serves as a form of communication. Dog owners will generally recognise four different types of bark; warning, alarm, playful and need. For instance continuous fast barking is a warning, perhaps alerting that someone is entering their home territory, whereas long, drawn-out barks at a high pitch, with pauses between each one indicate that a dog is in need and is possibly lonely. It is important for dog owners to try to establish why their dog is barking. Some barking may be completely normal, such as when someone knocks at the front door, but other barking may be associated with behavioural problems such as separation anxiety. Bark Control systems should not be used on dogs whose barking is a consequence of an anxiety or stress related condition.
The PetSafe Ultrasonic Bark Control collar effectively deters barking when it is worn. When the microphone picks up the sound of your dog’s bark, the unit emits an ultrasonic tone that can be heard by your dog, but is silent to most humans. Startled by the high-pitched tone, the dog should stop barking, as it will associate its bark with this unpleasant noise.
It is the ability of the stimulation to ‘interrupt’ a dog’s barking that makes these systems such valuable social tools. However, because of this response it is important that these systems are introduced slowly and carefully according to the instructions for each product.
Bark Control systems are behaviourally activated. This means that the dog can avoid unpleasant stimulation by adjusting his behaviour. The dog controls the stimulation - not the owner. Ultimately the dog learns not to bark and avoid stimulation completely.