no-bark collars (Erica1989)

I can't help as I've had no experience with them. Just wanted to say "that sucks" that you have to go down this road. I know it was not an easy decision.

No experience there...I"m sorry that its come to this. I'm off to read your other post to see if there's something I can come up with.....

My ex uses an Innotek collar on one of his dogs with good results... Two problems. The dog KNOWS when the collar is off and resumes barking when it is off. In your situation it doesn't sound like that is a concern. The other issue is a different barking dog will set off the collar and correct the wearer. :( Not fair. Maybe keep his crate away from Benny and Dahlia in case they bark for a legit reason? Good luck... I lnow the choice is difficult. Can Casey have some sort of puzzle toy in his kennel to help keep himself occupied?

We've tried everything, pretty much, at this point. Covered the crate, music (we even tried putting a speaker right up to his crate), sedatives, moving the crate, out of the crate... short from a muzzle (which I will NOT do) and a no-bark collar - we're out of options. I've tried 'natural' remedies before with him for other issues, and they have no affect on him.

My only concern is with his history, we may do a bit of reverting in the trust department... I'm hoping just one buzz from collar and he'll stop. I've got his favorite training treats ready to go... just need to order a collar. I think we have a strong enough relationship at this point where we'll be able to work through any issues with the collar.

ETA: He has ZERO interest in bones, kongs, etc. If he has to work for it... forget it. lol. Benny is not here... he's with my parents. Dahlia's bark.... well... it sounds like an undeveloped 'squeak', so I hope we'll be ok on that front. I may be able to put their crates on opposite sides of the room, just in case. When I'm home - he doesn't bark, so barking without it on shouldn't be a problem... even if he starts - he stops as soon as I tell him to 'hush' (occasionally, he'll bark when BF gets home from work at 5am).

I just replied to your other post.

 

But, I'll sort of repeat here.

I'd suggest more exercise and more mental stimulation during the day or before you do go out.

How much time is he spending in a crate on average per day? And how much exercise is he getting? I know apartment living and hearing other noises can be tough for some dogs. My first and best advice is to adjust physical and mental activity EVERY day and create a balance there before doing any alternative methods. I find the root to a lot of these problems is lack of something as simple as an extra half hour of training or time outside.

But, of course, if that does not work, then you need to find an alternative method that works for you and Casey.

I touched on this in the other post... he gets MORE exercise now, than he did before at my parents house. He and Dahlia run around outside constantly, he gets walks, park trips with the BF, etc. As far as mental stimulation - BF loves to make him do his tricks, so I would say he gets more of that here too. I'm not a newbie to animal behavior, by any means. And if I thought there was an easy solution here, believe me, I would have jumped on it weeks ago. He's NOT an active dog (inside the house), he lounges around and sleeps a lot. Zooms outside, and it's back to nap time.

I truly believe this behavior is more guardian based - since we have no insulation, he can hear a LOT more than he's used to. And now that he's more comfortable here, he feels that our home is his to protect. He's not barking out of sheer boredom....if that were the case, it would be more consistent, and start sooner.

Like I said... this is not my first choice, and if I had an alternative, I'd use it... BF mentioned collars a while ago, and I was VERY resistant... but the possibility of having to give up my dog is NOT one that I want to even think about.

I have had personal application of this tool w/a dozen+ dogs, none of whom were my own (at the shelter & private use).  Given the choice I opt for training with a remote collar before the auto stim, but I realize people need options.  The rest of this post assume this to be a temporary tool used in conjunction with training/desensitation work, etc, etc.   You know the drill....

For electonic bark collars, I'd go with Tri-Tronics Bark Limiter - quick and clear - straight cause effect.  This one does NOT go off when another dog barks - it only initiates when the dog wearing it barks because it's placed over the vocal chords.  For that reason, it must sit snugly in the same position for the duration of use, so the care instructions remind you to check the dog for rubbing and not to keep it on indefintely. 

It has a counter so you can tell if the stim is working (too many blinks says the dog is continuing to bark through the stim, so you can adjust the application.  Only one or two says the dog got the message and stopped.  None and that says either the dog has learned self-control to not bark, or nothing was stimulating enough to bark AT.)

I realize we have some strong opponents to electronic collars, but most here know how and why I use them, and I will not enter into a debate when someone asked specifically for this information and it's not a philosophical discussion.

BF's parents use a bark collar on their dog, for overnight. Like you, they tried everything (well, they didn't try the increased exercise, but that's another thread :-p). As someone else noted, the dogs definitely learn what it means to have the collar on/off, but again, that doesn't really matter. I really hated the idea of the bark collar - especially since they just slapped it on the dog in his crate and went up to bed the first night (no supervision?!!) - but the dog honestly doesn't seem to mind much at all. Granted he is not a "soft" dog, but the collar solved their overnight barking problem, and the dog is none the worse for wear. Also, the dog wears a different electric collar for their electric fence, and has not seemed to equate the two, or have had any trouble with the electric fence. No additional fear, etc.

As far as types, I think they just got theirs at Walmart or Petco. Wherever it was, it was the only brand available. I have heard that some give a warning beep first, before the bark - I think that might be preferable. But the one they use is a straight shock. I am sure it is uncomfortable, but it does not seem to hurt him. Occasionally he will bark through it once or twice, but it keeps him from barking for hour upon hour upon hour, so it's clearly not easily ignorable.

Best of luck to you. Maybe best case scenario, when he is no longer inclined to bark at the outside noises, he will no longer feel he has to protect from them? And then eventually you might not need the collar?

 How long have you lived there? Maybe hes having a delayed reaction to his new living situation.

Thanks Paige - I'll look that one up! The counter sounds really interesting, and helpful!

Cita - I'm HOPING that once he's corrected and realizes that the behavior is not appropriate.... we wont have to use it any more....

You might try the dog section at a large hunting store.  They generally have a selection of remotes.  Occasionally  they have someone who knows something working in the area.

Good luck.

This is similar but different -- Luna has gotten EXTREMELY barky since Billy's gone and we are literally 2 blocks from the police dept (and my neighbors are NOT great).  And she *particularly* has a barkfest at night (this is when we're home and just has gone out for a potty break -- but I can *NOT* have her running the fence at 2 a.m. barking her brains out with David trying to chase her).

This is just a device you hang up outside -- human's can't hear it.  It's within our 7 foot privacy fence, but it has been pretty darned helpful.  It emits a sound she can hear when she barks.  I see no nervousness or anything -- it HAS lessened her barking a good deal.  And I can imagine if used indoors it would be even better. 

But it's not a collar -- it's just a device you hang up somewhere near her.

Link to device --

Could it possibly be some sort of separation anxiety? I haven't tried this myself, but have you heard of The Anxiety Wrap or the Thundershirt. They are supposed to work really well in treating SA, barking and fear related issues according to the site and the reviews I've read. I don't know if you've already looked into something like this, but I figure since you are trying anything I thought I'd mention it.

miranadobe

For electonic bark collars, I'd go with Tri-Tronics Bark Limiter - quick and clear - straight cause effect.  This one does NOT go off when another dog barks - it only initiates when the dog wearing it barks because it's placed over the vocal chords.  For that reason, it must sit snugly in the same position for the duration of use, so the care instructions remind you to check the dog for rubbing and not to keep it on indefintely. 

This is my suggestion also based on personal experience.