Stop Your Dog From Barking
A hunting dog that barks at home needs to be dealt with, but a hunting dog that barks inappropriately in the field is a completely new ball game. A dog that barks uncontrollably while out hunting is definitely not going to bag you any game.
There are a lot of ways to train a dog not to bark: some better than others. The most common and usually most successful method is through using bark collars. These work by teaching through negative reinforcement.
You have a choice of two types of dog bark collars to teach your dog not to bark, or not to bark when it is not appropriate. They are safe to use and are effective for dogs, whether it is for your hunting dog or a pet at home.
Bear in mind that not all dogs respond to every collar out there. Do some research to ensure that the training collar will be effective for your dog before investing in a purchase.
These collars work by emitting a light jolt to your dog when he barks, surprising him and stopping the bad behavior. It sounds cruel, but the jolt is so light, it’s nothing compared to even the static jolt you might get by touching the doorknob in your stocking feet. It will not harm your dog.
The premise of the electronic bark collars is that the dog gets a ‘jolt’ when he barks (inappropriately) and by repeated reinforcement of this same pattern (i.e. a jolt when barking) the dog will realize that it’s not acceptable for him to be barking.
Most electronic bark collars come with a range of jolts from extremely mild (for smaller dogs) to higher velocity jolts for much larger dogs. When you first put the collar on your dog you should always start out with the very lowest setting until you determine which level works best to control your dog.
If you’re uncomfortable jolting your dog, a spray bark collar may be a better option over the electronic bark collar. Although electronic collars are harmless and humane, some people are unable to get used the idea of electrically jolting a dog. The spray collar utilizes citronella and is a good choice to control dog barking.
The citronella spray collar works similar to the electronic barking collar in that when the dog barks the collar produces a sensation that is not pleasant for the dog – in this case a spray of citronella into his face. Most dogs find this smell very unpleasant and will eventually stop barking (since the barking is what creates the citronella spray). These collars are effective for all size dogs up to 160 pounds.
Summary
As a hunter, you probably enjoy taking your dog when you go hunting, and your dog probably enjoys it as well. However, it’s very hardwhen your dog barks at every small movement or sound when you’re hunting. A dog bark collar may be helpful to you when you’re out hunting. When you invest in a bark collar, you don’t have to be concerned about incessant or untimely barking and actually have a good time out with your dog. Dog bark collars, whether citronella or electric, are great hunting dog supplies that are humane and effective so be assured that you’re doing the right thing.
Filed under: Dog Training
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