As dog owners, we can’t help but get annoyed at times when our furry friend starts barking loudly as we relax or take a rest. Also, the idea of training your dog not to bark can be impossible, especially because there are some instances when a bark can be quite helpful.
Fortunately, bark collars were created to help you with that. By using the best bark collar, you can stop your dog’s incessant barking habit with ease. However, since there are plenty of bark collars on the market, we’ve made sure you can find the right one by reviewing the best products you could find.
Top Picks
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We also prepared a quick buying guide to help you make an informed buying decision.
What is a Bark Collar
If you haven’t heard of it yet, a bark collar is a device which transmits sound or signals to your dog every time he barks with no apparent reason. Basically, he’ll be educated to stop barking without any reason so you can stop him from disturbing you or even your neighbors. In spite of that, a bark collar is safe to use and won’t cause any harm to your dog.
You can find dog collars out there that deliver a small amount of electric shock which is enough to let your dog realize he’s done something work. Meanwhile, other barking collars emit an annoying sound which is only audible for your dog. This is actually effective considering that your dog will only hear the sound if he starts barking. This also means that in order for the sound to stop reappearing, he only has to stop barking. You can also find other collars that emit smell which annoys dogs.
But how exactly does this type of dog training collar work?
A barking collar has a microphone which can detect barks or any type of noise your dog makes. It’s also capable of associating vibrations in your dog’s body with his bark. If your dog barks, it will then get recognized by the collar.
After that, a negative stimulus (which may come in the form of a shock, sound, or smell) is triggered. This will help stop your dog from barking.
How to Choose the Best Bark Collar
Not all bark collars are created the same. Therefore, you have to consider certain factors when you go shopping for one. They are as follows:
Type
Barking collars are available in a number of types depending on you and your dog’s needs. These are the following types of collars you can find on the market.
Citronella collars
This type of barking collars triggers a Citronella spray to stop your dog from barking. Since dogs hate the smell of Citronella, this collar type is the ideal option if you want to train your dog without hurting him with an electric shock.
As a matter of fact, dogs will do anything they can to avoid this smell, and the moment they realize the smell was emitted due to their barking behavior, they will stop almost immediately. There are even studies indicating that dogs respond quickly to citronella collars.
Electric collars
An electric collar produces a slight electric shock if your dog barks. Collars that fall under this category are divided into different levels depending on the amount of shock they deliver. Basically, the shock level allows you to increase the intensity in the event the initial trigger wasn’t enough to stop your dog from barking.
Considering that the shock emitted is static shock, it will most likely feel like you’re rubbing your feet on a carpet then “shocking” someone with it. It won’t hurt your dog in any way except only when it’s incorrectly configured or a malfunction happens.
Ultrasonic collars
Ultrasonic collars produce an annoying sound which your dog can hear, thus causing him to abandon his barking activity. The high-pitched noise will then make your dog realize he should stop barking as soon as possible and will associate that noise with his behavior. Like the other collar types, an ultrasonic collar won’t harm your dog in any means. Also, the sound he hears is inaudible by humans.
Vibration collars
As the name implies, vibration collars produce a vibration each time they detect a bark from your dog. There’s also a remote variant which you can activate with the press of a button. The vibration produced is similar to that of smartphones and won’t necessarily hurt your dog.
Unfortunately, vibration collars aren’t as effective as the other types of collars, and they won’t even work on long-haired dogs as the device can’t touch their skin.
Weight of your dog
Most dog collars manufacturers designed their products based on a dog’s weight. There are those that put the minimum at 3 pounds and a maximum at 120 pounds, sometimes beyond that. However, your dog may weigh more than 100 pounds but have a neck circumference of that of a dog weighing only 50 pounds. Therefore, when you go buying a bark collar, you should take a look at its details regarding neck size to find the one which can suit your dog.
Your dog’s neck circumference
One of the most important factors you should consider is the neck circumference of your furry friend. Since this is fitted the same way a normal collar is, you should make sure to know the circumference of your dog’s neck to find the perfect fit.
You can do this by measuring the area where your dog’s neck meets his back. After that, compare the measurement with a barking collar’s length. A good idea is to go for one which is a bit longer and adjustable.
False-trigger proofing feature
This kind of feature prevents any false trigger, a common problem from most barking collars, from activating the device. This is actually a useful feature since those which are activated via sound may pick up any noise or sound which might not be coming from your dog.
For example, if your dog is at the yard with other dogs nearby, the device may pick up those noises and register them as coming from your dog. It will, therefore, deliver the negative stimulus on your dog who hasn’t even done anything. This will cause him to get confused as to what he did wrong to get the “punishment”.
9 Best Bark Collars
StopWoofer Anti-Bark Collar
Shock-free Collar To Help Barky Dogs Reign Their Voice In
Is your dog a bit of a barky boots? If so, the StopWoofer could be a good choice of product for you.
The StopWoofer anti-bark collar is designed to train dogs to stop barking with a combination of sound and vibration. The control levels increase to a level seven where if the dog barks past that point, the collar turns off for a minute. The bark recognition technology is very smart, with smart chip technology recognizing the wearers bark rather than outside sounds, cars and other dogs barking.
Owners who do not like shock collars will love that the StopWoofer is specifically designed to be shock-free, whilst still helping the pet know when to stop barking.
Why We Like It:
- Shock-free
- Bark recognition technology
- 7 Levels of intensity
- Switches off if dog does not stop barking to ensure dogs safety
What We Don’t Like:
- Contains non-rechargeable batteries
- Dogs who bark a lot may get through batteries quickly
Dogtra No Bark Dog Collar YS300
Unique and Feature-Packed Solution
If you want a bark collar that comes with convenient and useful features, then this one from Dogtra is for you. It includes 7 correction levels so you can adjust the intensity to suit your dog’s comfort. It can also charge quickly in just 2 hours which is way shorter than most electric bark collars.
Inside the device is a micro-processing system which can easily recognize your dog’s voice and differentiate it from any noise on the background, allowing your dog to receive a correction only when he barks. There’s even a non-electrical vibration which occurs before the shock so your dog can easily associate it to his barking behavior.
Why We Like It:
- Includes a micro-processing system that recognizes your dog’s voice
- Comes with several correction levels
What We Don’t Like:
- May result in anxiety and pain if set too high
DogRook Dog Bark Collar
Vibration Collar with Voice-Sensing Feature
The DogRook is yet another vibration type collar in this list. However, compared to the first vibration collar, this one comes with 7 vibration levels so you can pick the right setting for your dog. It also comes with a sensor chip to easily recognize your dog’s bark and prevent false triggers from happening.
Why We Like It:
- Comes with 7 levels to choose from
- Prevents false triggers with its barking sensor chip
- Waterproof and affordable
What We Don’t Like:
- Produces a very high-pitched buzz which can be annoying
SportDOG Brand NoBark 10R Rechargeable Bark Collar
An Excellent Quality Static Shock Collar
The SportDOG NoBark collar features a patented sensory system that can help detect barks with ease. Aside from that, it also has a unique method of filtering false triggers with its Silent Partner technology.
You can find 3 different modes to choose from and a built-in safety feature which will automatically deactivate the device in case your dog keeps on barking for more than 15 times within 50 seconds.
Why We Like It:
- Comes with 3 selectable modes and 10 correction levels
- Detects bark and vibration prior to shock stimulation
- Can stay charged for up to 200 hours
What We Don’t Like:
- More expensive than the ones on this list
- Its low settings might be too strong for some dogs
PetSafe Basic Bark Control Collar
An Affordable 6-Level Solution
The PetSafe is yet another shock collar that has 6 levels of stimulation at a really affordable price. The best part about this is that it automatically adjusts the levels in order to find the right stimulation for your dog. Therefore, if your dog doesn’t stop barking despite applying the lowest setting, the device will go up to another level until your dog no longer barks.
However, there’s no need to worry as the shock will stop by itself after 50 seconds with its automatic safety shutoff feature. It’s also waterproof and adjustable to fit your dog’s neck.
Why We Like It:
- Comes with an automatic level correction feature
- Can be used on any dog over 8 pounds
- Includes 6 stimulation levels
What We Don’t Like:
- You’ll have to purchase batteries exclusively manufactured by PetSafe for it to work
TBI Pro Rechargeable Bark Collar
Highly Effective and Long-Lasting Collar
The TBI Pro provides a humane static shock stimulation that comes with three different modes that ensure shock is only used as the final option. Aside from that, it also comes with a variety of features such as a rechargeable battery, an anti-false trigger mechanism, and 5 correction levels.
With its rechargeable battery, it can last for up to 14 days without even needing a single charge. Meanwhile, its correction levels make it possible for you to control the intensity of the stimulation to suit your dog’s preferences.
Why We Like It:
- Includes 3 different modes and five correction levels
- Features an anti-false trigger microprocessor which can recognize your dog’s bark
What We Don’t Like:
- Some dogs might not respond to the stimulation
SportDOG No Bark Collar
A Waterproof and Rechargeable Option
Another high-quality product from SportDOG, this one is a rechargeable and waterproof solution which also has a clicker for positive and negative reinforcement. With this, you can gain more control over the collar, although just make sure not to forget taking the collar off when you go out of your house for a long period of time. It also can emit a sound which is only audible by your dog.
Why We Like It:
- Uses both sound and electric shock for stimulation
- Waterproof and rechargeable
- Includes three different modes which you can interchange with ease
What We Don’t Like:
- Not recommended for dogs below 8 pounds
TUG Rechargeable Bark Collar
Easy To Use Bark Collar To Help Deter Your Pet From Barking
The easy-to-use waterproof TUG rechargeable bark collar is designed to help pooches understand when they need to stop barking. The TUG algorithm within the device ensures that no outside noise such as cars or other dogs barking trigger the training mode. Instead, the dog’s own bark triggers beeping, vibration or shock up to 7 levels of intensity. Once the dog stops barking, the training modes are inactive until the dog barks again.
Owners will find that the product is very easy to use with a large LED screen and easy-touch buttons that allow adjustments without having to remove the collar. There’s also a lock feature to ensure settings aren’t changed accidentally during use.
Why We Like It:
- Waterproof
- Easy to use
- Adjustable without removing the collar
- Beeps, vibration and shock in 7 levels of intensity
What We Don’t Like:
- Very sensitive to other noises
- Can become loose
PetSafe Remote Spray Trainer
A Gentler Alternative to Shocks or Static
This spray trainer uses citronella mists for its spray and comes with 2 stimulation levels: with and without warning. It includes back up batteries and two refill cans (citronella and unscented), each of which can last up to 35 sprays.
The collar is adjustable up to 27 inches, and it also features a quick charging function which only takes 2 hours using a USB charger that’s included when you purchase the item. The batteries can last up to 40 hours depending on your usage.
This collar is a gentler option compared to static or shock collars. However, others may say that its tone correction and citronella sprays may not be enough for difficult dogs to be trained.
Why We Like It:
- Comes with backup batteries and refill cans
- Features an adjustable collar
- Quick charging function
- Offers Two-Dog Training Option that enables you to train two dogs at once with the same remote
- PetSafe offers a Customer Care service (US-based) from pet products experts that can answer your concerns from Mondays to Saturdays
- Recognized as one of the best spray trainers for easily-startled dogs
What We Don’t Like:
- This collar’s remote is of limited range – 80 feet only (300 yards)
- Some users reported that the automatic version is oversensitive
- Not suitable for puppy dogs under 8 pounds
DOG CARE Bark Collar
Allows Easy Mode Switching
This bark collar provides 2 Humane Training Modes (vibration and shock modes) which are very easy to use. By simply pressing one button, you can switch from one mode to another. It also features 5 Sensitivity Levels which make this shock collar personalized for your dog’s needs.
This collar helps your furry friend stop barking with really low voltage so you don’t have to worry about accidentally shocking your dog. It also has a built-in safety protection system that would stop immediately when your dog does not react to it after 30 seconds. This product features strict control which releases shock if your dog’s barking exceeds 113 decibels and is within 0.8 inches of the collar.
Its batteries can last up to seven (7) days after charging as its power consumption is very low, but this can also depend on your usage. To see real-time working battery status, it also has a clear battery indicator which has 2 modes.
Why We Like It:
- Features 2 training modes
- Customizable with its 5 Sensitivity Levels
- No need for a remote control
- Free from accidental shock
- Long battery life
- The strap size is also adjustable
What We Don’t Like:
- Varied results when it comes to dogs with thicker fur
- The product may be a bit bulky
FAQs
Q: Are bark collars safe? Do they hurt the dog?
A: Bark collars are safe and won’t hurt your dog. However, he won’t like the stimulation mainly because it can get pretty annoying. Also, as a bark collar is designed to be a short-term product intended for correcting your dog’s behavior, you don’t have to worry about inflicting any damage in the long run.
Q: For how long can the dog wear a bark collar?
A: You only have to put on the collar on your dog for a short period of time. Once it’s done its job by correcting his barking behavior, you have to switch back to a regular collar. Keep in mind that a bark collar should be used as minimal as possible.
Q: Do bark collars help with howling or whining?
A: Considering that a whine has a different vocal pitch compared to a bark, the collar’s sensor won’t pick it up. In other words, bark collars won’t help with your dog’s whining or howling.
Conclusion
If you’re one of the many dog owners who’re tired of your dog barking most of the time without any reason, then you might want to consider getting the best bark collars on the market. With our list of the best products as well as the quick buying guide, you can easily find the right one that will suit your furry friend.
Also, you might want to check our reviews of the best dog harnesses on the market as well. Thanks for reading!