Buying guide for best ultrasonic dog bark controllers
You love your dog, but its incessant barking can be annoying for you and any neighbors within earshot. Shock collars and spray collars can help can help control barking, but some people don’t like using these because they feel they’re inhumane. Fortunately, there is another, gentler option: an ultrasonic dog bark controller.
These devices are available in several styles, but they all work by emitting a high-pitched frequency that only dogs can hear. When your dog begins barking, the device will emit sound and then when your dog stops barking, it stops. Over time, it should train your dog not to bark.
But if you want the best results, you have to choose an ultrasonic bark collar that’s tailored for your needs. Here’s a brief guide to help walk you through the important considerations so you can find the one that’s right for you and your pup.
Key considerations
There are four types of ultrasonic dog bark controllers: outdoor, indoor, handheld, and collar.
Outdoor ultrasonic dog bark controllers
Outdoor ultrasonic dog bark controllers often resemble small birdhouses. They’re meant to blend in with your outdoor decor, and they’re waterproof so moisture won’t damage them. They’re a good choice if your dog has a problem with barking while outside, whether at neighbors, other dogs, or small animals like squirrels. You just place the bark controller in the area where your dog spends most of its time outside and then check it occasionally to be sure it’s still working correctly.
Indoor ultrasonic dog bark controllers
Indoor ultrasonic dog bark controllers are similar to outdoor models with two key differences. First, they usually aren’t waterproof because they don’t need to be. Second, they may resemble a smoke detector or something else that belongs indoors rather than a birdhouse. One of these may be a better fit if you want to stop your dog from barking while in the house.
Handheld ultrasonic dog bark controllers
Handheld dog bark controllers are compact, portable devices that you hold in the palm of your hand. When your dog starts barking, you press a button on the device and it will emit a high frequency noise that only your dog can hear. Then, when your dog stops barking, you can let up on the button. The downside to these devices is that they only work when you’re around your dog. There’s no way to stop them from barking when you’re not at home. However, they can be a useful tool for when you take your dog on a walk or to the dog park.
Ultrasonic dog bark collars
Ultrasonic dog bark collars are the best option for dogs with serious barking problems. It’s with your dog wherever it goes, indoor or out, so it can stop barking anywhere. If you go with one of these, you must be sure that the collar you choose will fit your dog snugly, yet comfortably, or else they may try to remove it. These collars contain a small microphone that detects when your dog barks, automatically emitting a noise to tell them to quiet down.
Did you know?
Outdoor ultrasonic dog bark controllers may be used indoors, but indoor controllers should not be used outdoors because they weren’t designed to withstand the elements.
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Features
Here are a few other factors to consider when choosing an ultrasonic dog bark collar.
Battery
Ultrasonic dog bark controllers operate off batteries, and most can go several months on a single set. But because you can’t hear the sound these devices emit, it’s easy to forget about them and to not realize when the batteries have died. For this reason, it’s usually best to go with a unit that has an LED low-battery indicator. That way, you can easily identify when the batteries need to be changed.
Range
Most ultrasonic dog bark controllers have a range of around 50 feet, but some go as far as 150 feet. Outdoor models usually have a larger range than indoor models. To choose the right size range for you, measure the area you want to cover. If you can’t find an ultrasonic bark controller with a large enough range, you may need to purchase two or more units to cover the full area. Some models have adjustable sensitivity levels, so you can limit the range if you don’t need it to cover a large area.
Sound levels
Ultrasonic dog bark controllers may have up to three sound levels. You can start on the lowest level and if that doesn’t seem to have an effect on your dog, you can move up to one of the higher levels. This is a smart choice for those who are concerned about the effects of the ultrasonic dog bark controller on their dog’s hearing.
Design
This is primarily a concern for indoor and outdoor ultrasonic dog bark controllers. These are usually out where they can be seen, so you’ll probably want something that blends well with the surrounding decor. Of course, this is secondary to how well the device actually works, but it may be a deciding factor if you’re torn between two comparable units.
Expert Tip
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Ultrasonic dog bark controller prices
Ultrasonic dog bark controllers range in price from about $20 to $40. Collars and handheld units fall on the lower end of the price range, with most costing $30 or less. You’ll pay a little more for an indoor or outdoor unit. Most of them cost about $35. If you choose a set that includes two or more units in a package, you could pay a little extra.
Tips
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Start on the lowest sound level and see how your dog reacts. If they don’t appear to respond, then you can move up to a higher level. If your dog seems distressed by the noise, it is either too high or this may not be the best bark-deterring method.
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Check the batteries in your ultrasonic dog bark controller at least once a month to be sure that the device is still working.
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If you’d like to keep your ultrasonic dog bark controller hidden, be sure to choose a device that has a small footprint or blends in naturally with your decor.
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Do your best to clear the area around the ultrasonic dog bark controller of obstructions and point it toward the center of the room or outdoor area.
- Don’t leave your ultrasonic dog bark controller in a place where your dog can access it. Otherwise, it may attempt to use it as a chew toy.
Other products we considered
The ELenest Anti-Barking Device is a compact outdoor ultrasonic dog bark controller with a 50-foot range. There are three sensor levels, so you can reduce the range if you’d like. The unit is durable and weatherproof, and it includes a small rope so you can suspend the controller from trees to keep it out of your dog’s reach.
The Lambow Anti-Barking Device resembles a sawed-off log, and it’s meant for use outdoors, though you could use it inside as well. There are three sensitivity levels, and on the highest one, the device can detect barking at a range of 50 feet. It’s waterproof, and users report that it holds up well over time, but if you run into any issues within the first 30 days, the manufacturer will refund your money.
FAQ
Q. Do ultrasonic dog bark controllers actually work?
A. They should work on most dogs, but it depends. Some controllers may not register the barks of some smaller dogs so they may not turn on when they should. Then, there are some stubborn dogs that will continue barking even while the unit is emitting its high-pitched sound. In that case, you may have to resort to some other method of bark control.
Q. Are ultrasonic dog bark controllers safe?
A. Yes, ultrasonic dog bark controllers should be safe to use as long as you choose a product from a reputable manufacturer and do not use a higher setting than necessary. But if you notice that your dog appears to have a strongly negative reaction or you believe it is harming your dog’s hearing, stop using it immediately.
Q. How do you use an ultrasonic dog bark controller?
A. Put batteries in the unit if it doesn’t already come with them. Then, place indoor or outdoor units around where your dog spends most of its time. Keep handheld units close at hand and place collars around your dog’s neck. Then, periodically check on them to be sure that the batteries haven’t died.
