Bark Collar vs Shock Collar: Which One Should You Choose?

Last Updated on September, 2024

When dog owners buy something for their dogs, they’ll always want the very best. Getting the very best equipment out there is much easier said than done, though.

There are so many different options to choose from. Thanks to modern technology, all these options are diverse and excellent in their own way. An example of this is training collars.

Training collars are complicated devices that might first confuse the average dog owner. 

For example, most owners find choosing between a bark collar and a shock collar hard. If you’re also unsure which one to get, we can help out. Continue reading to learn more about the topic “Bark Collar vs Shock Collar”.

We’ll discuss the main difference between both devices and more information on which one is best for you.

What are Bark Collars?

Bark collars are convenient dog training devices meant for use with dogs that bark excessively. While some barking is tolerable, excessive barking behavior can be a bit too much to handle at times. (1)

That’s why bark collars are so popular. They help pet parents ensure that their dog never makes too much of a ruckus again.

Key Features

• The main feature in bark collars is the lack of remote control. To elaborate, these devices are entirely automatic. They pick up noise whenever dogs bark and correct their bad behavior accordingly.
• Depending on the model in question, bark collars use different correction modes. Some use controlled electric shocks or vibrations to deal with physical discomfort so that the dog stops barking. Some use other methods, such as ultrasonic sounds or citronella solution.
• They are great for dealing with dog barks, but nothing else.
• As the devices are automatic, they can train your dog even when you aren’t home. It’s a great way to check your dog’s behavior when you’re on an outing and don’t want the neighbors to be disturbed.

How Does a Bark Collar Work?

A bark collar features a sensor on it that is noise-sensitive. Just make sure that the device is charged and your dog is wearing it. Once that’s done, it’ll sense whenever the dog barks too much. Once that happens, the training collar will administer correction. 

The type of correction depends on the specific collar you bought. In most cases, bark collars come with a single training mode that can’t be switched between. Similarly, the intensity level of the correction usually can’t be changed either.

What Are Shock Collars?

Electronic collars are a specific kind of remote training collar that is entirely manual. This remote training collar is meant for behavior modification training.

As a result, they offer dog trainers the chance to get rid of any bad behavioral traits that a dog might have. (2)

They aren’t limited just to barking, and that’s because they don’t work automatically. Let’s get down to their most important features and how these devices work.

Key Features

• They are remote training collars. This means that they feature a remote control that trainers can manually administer corrections whenever they want.
• Most electric e-collars feature other correction options too. In most cases, this includes a beep mode and vibration mode. You can switch between these at any time with the transmitter’s help.
• There are usually many shock stimulation levels available for these devices. The remote also lets users change between these whenever they want. This makes it easier than ever to find the best settings possible that work with your dog’s skin without hurting him.
• As these devices are manual, they are limited by range. This means that you won’t be able to train the little guy or keep him in check if he’s left alone in the house.

Also read: E-Collar vs. Shock Collar

How Does A Shock Collar Work?

These remote collars work with the help of two main components. These include the transmitter and the receiver. The transmitter is the handheld device you’ll be using to input commands. 

As for the receiver, it’s a small device on the collar which picks up inputs and deals with behavior modification. The dog trainer decides everything. What kind of correction is used, how strong it is, and exactly when the correction is administered.

Some of these e-collars are so advanced that they have multiple tones. You can identify positive behavior and reward your dog accordingly with these tones. In contrast, the other tone indicates negative behavior.

Worth reading: How to Properly Train a Dog With a Shock Collar?

Which One is Better for You?

Before we get down to deciding which one is better, let’s compare both the devices and their features side by side:

So, which one is the better option? While an electronic collar is a more impressive option in terms of variety, the bark collar offers a lot of conveniences. In the end, the answer to this question depends on you and your pup. 

Conclusion

Now that we’ve given our view on what makes these two devices different and which one can be better for you, the next step is for you to make a decision. Use the bark collar if you aren’t home and noise is an issue with your pup.

Otherwise, it would help if you went for e-collars. They’re much better for dog training if you’re around the pup a lot and need to address problems other than just barking. Make sure to choose the right one and take some time to get your dog accustomed to the device as well.

We hope the information we shared was able to help and that you’re able to make the right decision for both your sake and your dog’s!

FAQs

REFERENCES:

1. https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-causes-dogs-to-bark-excessively/
2. https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-behavior-modification-definition-techniques-examples.html

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