Managing your dog’s barking behaviour can be challenging without the right tools and skills. Fortunately, items like dog barking collars in Australia were created to assist many pet owners in their training concerns.
Anti-bark collars are accessories that can curb excessive barking in dogs. However, it is essential to understand how they work to ensure the well-being of your pet throughout the entire process. To help you maintain a safe and effective bark collar training routine, below is a list of dos and don’ts:
The Dos of Bark Collar Training
Start Slowly
Training with a bark collar needs a slow and gentle introduction to the device. Bark collars use stimulators – often in the form of vibrations or mild electric shocks – to distract a dog from barking. For beginners, this sensation can be unpleasant.
To avoid unnecessary stress on your dog, slowly introduce the collar. Allow your pet to wear it for several minutes a day on the lowest stimulation setting, gradually increasing the level and duration.
Use Positive Reinforcement
The bark collar alone is moderately efficient in breaking unwanted barking behaviour, but you can make training twice more successful with the help of positive reinforcement. For instance, if your dog stops barking after receiving stimulation from the collar, give your pet a treat.
Be Consistent
The key to successful bark collar training is consistency. Dedicate several minutes or hours a day to letting your pet wear and be trained by a bark collar until they understand what it is trying to teach.
Monitor Your Dog
Make it a habit to evaluate the progress of your dog’s bark collar training. Is the collar working as intended? Are there any changes in your pet’s barking cycle? Do you need to change something in your training methods?
Also, keep an eye on your dog’s reactions and make adjustments when necessary.
The Don’ts of Bark Collar Training
Avoid Misusing the Collar
It can be tempting to leave the bark collar on your dog for extended periods. However, this can cause stress to your pet, especially if the collar continues to induce stimulation. Always schedule a time for your dog to wear the accessory, such as the hours when your dog would bark most often.
The Collar is Not Punishment
Make it apparent to your dog that the bark collar is not a tool for punishment but is a helpful training aid.
Don’t Ignore Discomfort
If your dog is exhibiting symptoms of discomfort from the bark collar, discontinue usage immediately. Bark collars that administer stimulations like electric shocks and vibrations might not be recommended for nervous breeds.
Seeking Professional Assistance
Bark collars are powerful tools that can make training relatively easier; still, they need proper usage to maximise results while preserving your dog’s well-being. To learn more about bark collar training, visit Hidden Fence – a top supplier of quality, innovative bark collar accessories in Australia.