Shock/anti-barking collars for dogs

[safetyguy]

We live in a subdivision that is just a couple years old. We have houses on both sides of us, but they have been empty ever since they were built. The way the activity has picked up at the one house it makes me think that it's sold or close to it.

Our dog was a stray that we picked up a year and a half ago in our neighborhood. He is a a really good dog, but he likes to bark. Sometimes for no aparent reason. Since one of our friends in the neighborhood received a public nuisance complaint for their dog barking, we don't want to piss off our new neighbors whenever they move in.

Has anyone had any success with shock collars and/or anti-barking collars as a tool to teach their dog to chill out and not bark at every little thing.

Thanks

[dbacks fan]

quote:Originally posted by safetyguy

We live in a subdivision that is just a couple years old. We have houses on both sides of us, but they have been empty ever since they were built. The way the activity has picked up at the one house it makes me think that it's sold or close to it.

Our dog was a stray that we picked up a year and a half ago in our neighborhood. He is a a really good dog, but he likes to bark. Sometimes for no aparent reason. Since one of our friends in the neighborhood received a public nuisance complaint for their dog barking, we don't want to piss off our new neighbors whenever they move in.

Has anyone had any success with shock collars and/or anti-barking collars as a tool to teach their dog to chill out and not bark at every little thing.

Thanks

My wife owns her own dog walking and pet sitting business and has a couple of clients that use schock collars. The important thing to remember is that it is a training tool and you should also use voice reinforcement such as "No Bark" while using the collar. (Not yelling at the dog, but in a firm voice. Here is one that uses citronella spray instead of an electrical shock that appears to be very effective. Check with your vet or a dog trainer for other tips.

http://www.multivet.net/en/products/antibark/

My wife also read and uses some of the tips from Cesar Millan uses in his doggie boot camp.

[RecycleMichael]

I use the same technique on my dogs and my kids. I yell, they ignore, then I feed them and send them to the rooms.

[cannon_fodder]

Sometimes dogs bark because they are bored or frustrated.  Try getting him a new toy or something to chew on and see if that helps.  

At least that's what the dog whisperer said.  Makes sense to me, a social animal alone most the day and what not.

[NellieBly]

Cesar suggests walking dogs, A LOT, Giving them a new toy (dogs aren't children)won't do a thing, unless you play with them. You walk them to teach them you are the Alpha and to wear them out so they don't bark all day or act up in other ways. Dogs bark out of boredom, from being penned up in a yard all day with no contact with their pack (you), etc, etc.

[cannon_fodder]

I deleted the middle of my post for some reason above, I said that sometimes getting ANOTHER dog helps.  They have another thing to interact with.  

I'd also assert a toy may do something.  It isn't a cure, but it can be a help.  My girl dog loves to chew on kongs, a new kong and she's good for a couple hours. []

But I agree whole heartedly with the walking bit.  Wear those suckers out!

[dbacks fan]

quote:Originally posted by cannon_fodder

I deleted the middle of my post for some reason above, I said that sometimes getting ANOTHER dog helps.  They have another thing to interact with.  

I'd also assert a toy may do something.  It isn't a cure, but it can be a help.  My girl dog loves to chew on kongs, a new kong and she's good for a couple hours. []

But I agree whole heartedly with the walking bit.  Wear those suckers out!

Thats where the bulk of my wifes business comes from is daily walks. She has some that are twice a day and some that are once a day. It's great for people who work long hours. (It seems to be a thing here in Phoenix, alot of people work either four 10's or four 9's and one 4) I think right now she has seven daily dogs and is meeting with a future client tomorrow.

[safetyguy]

Yeah, I know that walking is good for him. We used to have a routine, but ever since our daughter was born (6 weeks ago) he has been kind of on the back burner when it comes to walks. I do play fetch with him and he loves doing that, but that doesn't tire him enough. He has a kong, but he doesn't care for it that much.

We have thought about getting another dog, but we think that our current dog would be too dominate. Plus, I am not sure that with a new baby, 3 cats and a dog I want another dog right now.