Bark collar or E-collar?

I often get asked this question and give a different answer each time. This primarily depends on the specific need of the customer and his/her dog(s).

The Bark Collar:

First let’s take a look at the bark collar. When fitted correctly on the dog it will detect barking and deliver stimulus to the dog. Most bark collars have several different levels of intensity and each dog is different in how they respond to it. Therefore it is important to find the right setting for your dog. If the level is too low you will under stimulate the dog resulting in continuous barking. If the level is too high the result is also non productive and will cause the dog pain. Whatever brand you decide to go with the first step is correctly fitting the dog with the collar. You should put it on as tight as possible and then back-out one notch. This is extremely important and also the number 1 cause of people complaining that it doesn’t work. If it’s too loose the collar will come up all around the dog’s neck when he/she shakes. The metal prongs must also fully make contact with the skin. If you have a very long haired dog you may want to consider order longer contact points if not included already.

The e-collar or Electronic Collar

Can serve multi-purposes ie. Bark control, obedience and general control of the dog. It works much the same way as the bark collar however is controlled with a remote control transmitter. If for example the user decides to go with an e-collar to control barking, the user must catch the dog in the act of barking and apply stimulus immediately. The timing must be perfect otherwise the dog will not know why they are being stimulated. Military studies have shown that you have exactly 1.3 seconds to correct a dog after the unwanted behavior, whether done with an e-collar, leash correction etc. The e-collar certainly gives you more options and flexibility but timing is important whereas with a bark collar it will do all the work for you pertaining to “barking” only. All other aspects remain the same as the bark collar ie. Fitting it, contact points etc.

Canadian Gun Dog Supply carries 2 major brands of e-collars and bark collars (Dogtra and Tri-tronics) These are the two best brands that we have had great results with. Both have great customer service and warranty and make solid products. If you are confused on what you need for your particular situation please call or email us and someone will answer your question(s).

Other tips/tricks:

If you must have an e-collar or bark collar on the dog for excessive periods of time you will find that the skin becomes scarred from the prongs. In this case you should try positioning the prongs off to one side of the neck giving the bad area time to heal.