We analyzed reviews for the most popular shock anti bark collars available on the market(read about our accurate unbiased method).
We compared them side-by-side, and scored them according to a range of factors including ease of use, functionality, safety and durability.
Below you will find top ranked collars (click on the product name to read the full review).
Top ranked shock bark collars | How We Test |
Our Ranking | #1 | #2 | #3 | ||||||
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Editors’ Awards | ![]() |
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Price | $25 Buy at Amazon |
$44 Buy at Amazon |
$37 Buy at Amazon |
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Editors’ Rating | [usr 5 img=”01.png” text=”false” max=”5″] | [usr 4.5 img=”01.png” text=”false” max=”5″] | [usr 4.5 img=”01.png” text=”false” max=”5″] | ||||||
User Rating | [usr 4.7 img=”02.png” text=”false” max=”5″] | [usr 4.7 img=”02.png” text=”false” max=”5″] | [usr 4 img=”02.png” text=”false” max=”5″] | ||||||
Date Reviewed | Feb 15, 2015 | Feb 15, 2015 | Feb 15, 2015 | ||||||
Scores | Petiner Advanced No Bark | Dogwidgets DW-3 | PetSafe Bark Collar PBC-102 | ||||||
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This article presents the relevant details that have been observed in the usage of electric shock collars and also the other necessary information (manufacturers, types, special indications) in order to help you pick the right one for your dog.
Definition
Basically, the electric shock collars are exactly what their name tells us: an electric device attached to the collar, which delivers a current of different intensities and duration through some contact points placed at the dog’s neck. The electric current, which can affect the dog either through a vibration or a physical discomfort caused by the shock, will make the dog associate a certain behavior with the pain felt in that moment.
If, in the past, electric shock collars were observed to cause physical and mental damage because the electric current was too powerful for the dog’s body, today, most manufacturers come with modern devices that allow you to set the power, duration, and frequency of the current in accordance with the physical characteristics of the dog. Being activated by a handheld device, microphone, a vibrations detector, or when they come in contact with a certain perimeter, the shock collar will help your dog understand that one behavior is not accepted.
Usage
Electric shock collars can be used in a wide variety of situations in which you think that your dog needs a fast and easy training. However, this device is most commonly utilized when you want:
- to stop your dog from barking (through a microphone, the collar detects the barks and delivers a physical stimulation as long as needed);
- to correct certain behavior problems (in this case, the device needs to be controlled through a remote by the owner, who delivers the shock whenever the animal repeats the unwanted actions);
- to keep the dog inside a certain area (in which case, the so-called “invisible fence” is created: a wire is placed as to delimitate the perimeter in which the dog is allowed and, whenever the animal approaches, the collar will activate thus causing the electric shock; it is the perfect method when you are not in the possibility of building a physical barrier);
- to keep them away from certain spaces, such as the furniture, counters and different rooms (a electric “mat” is placed near that space and whenever the dog steps on it, he feels the uncomfortable physical stimulation).
In most cases, the electric shock collar will prove its efficiency after the first days of usage. Observing that every time they have a certain behavior they experience physical pain, the dogs soon learn to avoid it by cutting completely any form of such behavior and, in many cases, they will continue like that even after you stop using the device.
The Pros and Cons of Using Electric Shock Collars
What no one can deny is the fact that some dogs are so stubborn that they will simply refuse to learn anything without a more convincing lesson. Thus, the electric shock collar is perfect in such a situation because it allows the owners to maintain a good relationship with their dog without making him associate the stimulating shocks with the persons that he cares the most for.
Then, this collar is extremely helpful because it functions even when you are not around. Another advantage would be the fact that, as previously mentioned, the modern electric collar allows you to control the amount of “pain” that your dog will feel, thus making sure that it is not too much nor too little for the size, skin and age of your dog.
Of course, there are also certain disadvantages when using the electric shock collar and you have to make sure that you are aware of them before using it. Inhibiting the natural behavior and making him anxious, increasing his aggression (because he would not know the exact source of the pain, so he might consider it necessary to take revenge on everyone surrounding him), or simply making him even want to leave the space in which he used to live are all possible effects. But, by understanding exactly how, when and for how long to use the electric shock collar, you will be able to control it.
Choosing Collar Suitable for Your Dog
After deciding that an electric shock collar is what your dog needs, you have to make the important decision of choosing the most appropriate type. Since there is no breed or age restriction, this type of collar can be used as much on small puppies, as on older dogs. However, because electric current is involved, you should avoid using it on more fragile animals that are not in the best health condition.
Most manufacturers have a wide range of these devices, creating them in different sizes, colors and fabrics, in order to make sure that you get to pick the one which is just perfect for your dog’s physical characteristics. And this is not an easy decision: while the color is only for the nice aspect, the size and material can influence the effect of the electric device.
If the collar is too tight, it produces an evident permanent discomfort, while if it is too loose, the electric current may not rich the skin. Also, the material from which the collar is made has a big importance because, while those using fabric or leather are more comfortable and guarantee the direct contact of the current with the dog’s body, the plastic ones are cheaper and more resistant.
The dog’s fur is also important when using such a device: if your dog has a heavy and thick fur, then you want to make sure that it won’t block the effect of the electric current; so you can either choose a more powerful one, or trim the excess fur.
In addition, before choosing the final collar, think about the usual activities of your pet. If he usually gets in contact with water, you might want to choose one resistant to water, rain and snow.
If the dog often plays with other animals, you should choose one with voice recognition in order to avoid accidental shocks. In accordance with the dog’s stubbornness, you can pick a collar with a progressive shock intensity and duration. Fortunately, if you know where to search, you can easily find the ideal collar.
Safety and Side Effects
There have always been voices that argued against the usage of electric shock collars trying to prove and to convince dog owners that it is not safe for the animal’s body and emotions.
The most common arguments against the safety of these collars are physical pain and injury caused by a possible malfunction, psychological stress, fear, anxiety and aggression. However, all these arguments remain merely speculative and it is up to you to come to a decision regarding the practice of this method.
As you have probably already observed, using electric shock collars is extremely controversial and the discussion upon the advantages and disadvantages of this device can last for hours and hours without getting to any conclusion.
This is why you have to read everything objectively and, by knowing the personality and health condition of your dogs, to decide for yourself which electric collar is the best to correct your animal’s behavior.
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