no-bark collars (Erica1989)

Cita

Anne, I'm truly glad that you have that luxury. I think NONE of us would shock our dogs if we had other options available. I agree that a lot of products and devices that can cause harm are still sold.

Word!

spiritdogs

This is a forum, and polite debate is not prohibited.  Your reasoning is bogus.  A lot of products and devices that cause harm are still sold in the marketplace.  This information is for others who might be reading this thread, and not just for you, since you have already decided on what you will do.  I have no problem with you expressing your interest in shocking your dog, but I reserve the right to say that I would never, ever, ever, shock one of my dogs for any reason.

http://www.hollysden.com/say-no-to-shock-collars.htm

http://www.itchmo.com/dog-injured-by-anti-bark-collar-at-kennel-2157

 From your link: "Phillip Marr, the owner of the boarding facility, said that Sutton was a rambunctious dog and that she barked constantly. He did admit that the collar probably was on for too long.

A veterinarian inspected Sutton’s injuries and said that the collar was probably on the dog for more than a day." http://www.itchmo.com/dog-injured-by-anti-bark-collar-at-kennel-2157

  Like Liesje said, one can't really judge a tool based on horrors resulting from incorrect use. I have seen buckle collars embedded in dog's necks and the resulting horrible infections and lifelong scarring which come from it. I wouldn't say that buckle collars are dangerous or harmful though. I know someone who's dog strangled to death because they left a leash on her 24/7, even when no one was home. Still wouldn't say leashes are dangerous or harmful. I have seen a handful of dogs with skin infections from e-collars (usually IF collars) being incorrectly used. Leaving them on for prolonged periods of time can cause rub sores which can then easily become infected. But that certainly doesn't qualify as proper use of the collar per the manufacturer's guidelines.  My personal experience, having used bark collars for years on multiple dogs has not shown any danger, harm or "unintended consequences" at all. My dogs are simply quiet when the collars are on. I have suggested them to others and they have all had the same experience. Bark collars are pretty easy to use properly.

This is my last post on this thread, as I'm sure none present really care about my opinion on this, so just for the lurkers...it isn't the tool that is the only issue, it's the use of primarily +P versus the use of +R and extinction, or putting a behavior on stimulus control in order to eliminate it that is the real issue.  I do get somewhat tired of people saying they've "tried everything" when, in reality, they've tried a few things for a short period of time and not completely understood either a technique, or such concepts as reinforcement rates, reinforcement schedules, fluency, duration, and other factors.  It's pretty hard to get most people to attempt lengthier training and behavior modification for these kinds of problems when the reality is that they just want the barking to stop, and they're already irritated because what they've tried they haven't employed fully enough to make it successful.  So, they "last resort" to a tool that, as you say, seems pretty easy to use.  Just me personally, but, I would want to know that I fully and completely exhausted all possible non-aversive techniques, with complete understanding of the how and why, before ever resorting to something that is aversive. 

spiritdogs

Just me personally, but, I would want to know that I fully and completely exhausted all possible non-aversive techniques, with complete understanding of the how and why, before ever resorting to something that is aversive. 

At what expense though?  Being evicted?  Having to turn over or re-home the dog?  Sometimes I think we over complicate things for the sake of our own emotions rather than what is practical and realistic for the dog.  Dogs like clear communication.  Sometimes that's +R, -R, +P, -P.  In this situation, who cares if the dog still barks when the collar is not on?  A dog is a dog, it should be able to bark sometimes, just not ad nauseum when the owner is out.  Sometimes the dog just needs to understand, "oh, don't bark with this collar on, ok!"  It's like using an Easy Walk to walk Coke.  I could spend months or years trying to train Coke to be perfectly responsive to my changes of pace while going on a walk, but I would bet my life that Coke really doesn't care if I use a corrective device like an Easy Walk or Gentle Leader because he just wants to go for a walk! 

spiritdogs

I would want to know that I fully and completely exhausted all possible non-aversive techniques, with complete understanding of the how and why, before ever resorting to something that is aversive. 

 Yes!!!!!!!!!!!! I bet your so relieved that it worked and had no adverse reactions. Way to go Casey! :)

erica1989

Thanks again to everyone for your help!

Great news Erica! I hope you have a good outcome with it, it's always best to try and be a good neighbor when one has pooches Saves MANY a headache.

  Glad to hear it's working! I really think it will be effective for you long term.

Success!! Thank goodness the neighors were patient while you tried to solve the issue.  Now he will know to be quiet while you are away.

:)