Are you searching for the best anti-barking device? Do you ever ask yourself in frustration, “How in the heck do I get my dog to shut up?” Most dog owners have asked that question at one time or another. Excessive barking is extremely annoying and can make your life a living hell. Even though it may be one of the most common problems among dog owners, it is also the most difficult to find a solution to.
Click here to see the best anti-bark control devices on Amazon.com.
Luckily, there is plenty of new technology available to help you out. Anti-barking devices have come a long way in the past twenty years. Today, there are much more options available so you don’t have to rely on an unreliable shock collar.
What is the best anti-barking device on the market? That depends on a lot of things including the reason for the barking, how the dog reacts to different training methods, and what type of device you are comfortable using on your dog. Below you can find reasons for dog barking, take a look at the different types of bark stopper devices available, and find anti-barking device reviews.
Click here to jump straight to the anti-barking device reviews.
Table of Contents
- Why Do Dogs Bark?
- What is an Anti-Bark Device?
- Are Anti-Bark Devices Humane?
- Do I Need Anti-Bark Products?
- Types of Stop Barking Devices
- Best Anti-Barking Device for Dogs – Reviews
- Best Outdoor Anti-Barking Devices
- Best Indoor Anti-Barking Devices
- Best Bark Deterrent for Dogs
- Top Rated Anti-Bark System
- Bark Off Reviews – Consumer Reports
Why Do Dogs Bark?
Dogs use barking as a way to communicate to other dogs, animals and humans. Different barks have different meanings depending on the situation. Here are a few different reasons why dogs bark:
Protecting Its Territory
If your dog loves to control the fence in the backyard or watch out the window during the day, he or she may begin to bark when someone comes too close to their territory. They may not like it when a squirrel comes into their yard or when the plumber comes into their house. The dog may bark to try to scare the person or animal out of their territory and they may even growl and show their teeth.
Loud Noises
Some dogs will bark when loud noises or unknown objects startle them. Maybe the ice maker on the fridge made a strange noise or a lightning storm hit in the middle of the night. They will bark to make sure it isn’t something that can harm them. This type of barking can happen anywhere, not just at home.
Boredom
Dogs like to be around other people and animals. When left alone for a long time, they don’t know what to do with themselves and may start barking just to show their unhappiness.
Saying Hello or Invitation to Play
Many dogs will bark happily when they greet another dog or human. Dogs will also bark when they want to play. My beagle will often bark at the cat when she wants the cat to play. Some dogs may come to you and bark when they want you to play.
Attention Seeking
This goes along with the reason above. Many dogs will bark at you when they want something – to eat, to go outside, to play or when their water bowl is dry.
Nervousness or Separation Anxiety
Dogs who get nervous or anxious will bark excessively when left alone. They may also display compulsive behaviors such as running in circles, barking excessively for no reason, or chewing on their paws. Medication may be available to help your dog to calm down and stop barking.
What is an Anti-Bark Device?
An anti-bark device is a device used to get your dog to stop barking. These devices can range from a color that shocks your dog every time it barks to a sound box that delivers a high-pitched noise when your hound starts howling. Anti-bark devices are designed to show your dog that negative things happen when he or she barks and the dog will, hopefully, stop barking.
Pictured above: First Alert Bark Genie – Amazon.com
Are Anti-Bark Devices Humane?
Some anti-bark devices may be considered abusive or inhumane without proper training. Shock collars should only be used with the guidance of a professional trainer and, even then, they are not right for every dog. Other types of anti-bark devices, such as sound boxes, ultrasonic collars, and citronella dog collars, will not harm your dog although they may be unpleasant to the dog.
Do I Need Anti-Bark Products?
There are a variety of anti-bark products on the market that are designed to stop barking quickly. I suggest that you first figure out why your dog is barking and remove the stimulant. If your dog is barking at the cat, try to keep the two animals separated. A couple of puzzle toys will keep bored dogs entertained.
If you cannot track down the reason for your dog barking and you are wondering how to get your dog to shut up, then, yes, an anti-bark product might be right for you. Not all products work for all dogs so it will take some trial and error to see what device works best for your hound.
Types of Stop Barking Devices
There are dozens of stop barking devices on the market but here are some of the more popular types available:
Ultrasonic Dog Bark Control
If you are looking for the best anti-barking device, then you must consider ultrasonic technology. When your dog barks, an unpleasant ultrasonic noise will be released that only the dog can hear. This technology usually comes in the form of an ultrasonic anti-bark dog collar.
Do ultrasonic bark collars work? Well, it depends on the dog. Some dogs learn to ignore the noise and keep on barking while other dogs will find it so unpleasant that they won’t make another peep. It is a good way to stop the neighbor’s dogs from barking as you can usually find ultrasonic dog repellent on the market. Just place it outside in your yard where the neighbor’s dog can hear it when it starts barking. Be sure to let your neighbor know before using the device as they may not want such a device used on their dog.
Pictured above: Auto Dog Barking Control Device – Amazon.com
Anti-Bark Shock Collars
Shock collars are the least effective and the least humane stop barking methods available. It can cause some dogs to become aggressive and should only be used by professional trainers who know how to use them and how they work.
Citronella Spraying Anti-Barking Dog Collars
Citronella anti-bark dog collars spray a citronella fragrance into the air whenever your dog barks. This spray will not harm the dog but is unpleasant enough that it will stop it from barking. Some dogs will quickly realize that once the citronella runs out, they can bark all they want with no spray.
One thing to be aware of when using one of these collars is that sometimes the citronella will get into the dog’s nose and mouth and the scent will linger. It’s like when you eat an onion or garlic and that taste lasts for hours. If that is unpleasant for you, then it is most likely unpleasant for the dog.
Pictured above: Citronella Bark Collar – Amazon.com
Anti-Barking Water Sprayers or Noisemakers
Just like the citronella dog barking collars, anti-barking water sprayers or noisemakers will startle the dog into not barking. Water or sound is a bit more humane than spraying citronella into the dog’s face. Some dogs are not scared of water or noise so this type of stop barking device will not be effective for every dog.
Best Anti-Barking Device for Dogs – Reviews
Now you understand why your dog is barking and which devices are available to stop your dog from barking. You are ready to start shopping for a bark stopper. Here are a few of the best anti-bark devices to stop dog barking on the market in 2024:
Best Outdoor Anti-Barking Devices
DOGTEK Sonic Bird House Outdoor Bark Control
At first glance, the DOGTEK Sonic Bird House looks just like an ordinary birdhouse. Upon closer look, you will realize that it is your ticket to peace in your backyard. This state-of-the-art bark control device uses an ultrasonic high-pitched sound to stop your dogs or your neighbor’s dogs from barking.
When a dog starts barking, the internal microphone located in this device will sense the barking and the ultrasonic sound will be triggered automatically. You will not be able to hear the sound, only your dog. Soon enough, the dog will begin to realize that it only hears the unpleasant sound when it starts barking and will stop. There are three levels of sensitivity, runs on 6 AA batteries, and works as far as 50 feet away from the barking.
Here are a few uses for the DOGTEK Sonic Bird House Outdoor Bark Control:
- Get your dog to stop barking outside
- Stop your neighbor’s dog from barking
- Train your puppy not to bark
- Stop dogs from barking at the campground
Gritin Anti Bark Device
The Gritin Anti Bark Device looks just like a traditional birdhouse that you would hang in the trees in your backyard, however, it works to prevent and control dog barking. Any dog barking within 50 feet of the internal microphone will hear an unpleasant ultrasonic high-pitched sound. Most dogs will stop barking as soon as they hear the sound. Over time, they will associate their barking with the noise.
This Gritin Anti Bark Device has 3 different settings so you can find the noise level that works best with your dog or the neighbor’s dog. The low range will work up to 15 feet, the mid-range will work up to 30 feet and the high range will work up to 50 feet. A test mode is also included. If your dog is deaf or hard of hearing, he or she may not benefit from this device. The Gritin Anti Bark Device is one of the best ultrasonic dog bark control devices on Amazon. It gets good reviews and ratings.
Best Indoor Anti-Barking Devices
The Company of Animals Pet Corrector
The Company of Animals Pet Corrector is one of the most humane and best bark stopper devices on the market in 2024. It is a simple can of air but it can be extremely effective at stopping dog barking. Just press the button on the can whenever your dog starts howling, barking, or whining and a hiss of air will be emitted. This sound is similar to the sound made by a cat or a snake. It will startle your dog and they will stop whatever they are doing.
Combined with reward-based training methods, The Company of Animals Pet Corrector can work great at not just bark prevention but also jumping, stealing food, and chasing. It is one of are top contenders for best anti-barking device.
First Alert Bark Genie Handheld Bark Control
If you are looking for an ultrasonic device that gives you a little more control, then consider the First Alert Bark Genie Handheld Bark Control. This is a handheld device that is a harmless and effective way to stop your dog from barking and can even be used to prevent other bad behaviors. It produces a sound that will distract your dog and stop them in their tracks. Luckily, it is a sound that you will not be able to hear. Don’t worry about the sound disturbing other animals in your home as it is only heard by dogs.
When your dog begins to bark, push the button on the device to emit the ultrasonic sound. It will get your dog’s attention within 15 feet away. Be sure to use a command such as “no” or “quiet” when you use the device so they soon learn to associate the unpleasant noise with the command. Eventually, you will not need the device and can just say, “Quiet” and your dog will stop barking. A free quick start guide is included and will give detailed instructions on how to use the First Alert Bark Genie Handheld Bark Control Device.
Best Bark Deterrent for Dogs
Premier Treat & Train Remote Reward Dog Trainer
If you are searching for the best dog barking deterrent, then check out the Premier Treat & Train Remote Reward Dog Trainer. This product is designed to distract your dog and reward him positively for quiet behavior. When a visitor comes to the door, use this tool to give your dog a treat before he or she starts barking. Soon the dog will learn that quiet behavior gets rewarded.
Of course, the device itself isn’t enough to stop your dog from barking. It requires time, patience, and a bit of training. It is meant as a bark deterrent rather than a bark stopper. The Premier Treat & Train Remote Reward Dog Trainer can be used for teaching your dog other things as well such as agility and obedience. It comes with a DVD that can help you learn how to use the tool to get the desired behavior from your dog.
Top Rated Anti-Bark System
DogRook Dog Bark Collar
Although I don’t normally recommend using a shock collar for your dog, the DogRook Dog Bark Collar stood out as something that is effective and will not harm your dog. Of course, you should be very careful with all shock collars but this is an anti-bark system that claims to not harm your pet.
It works by starting with a noise and a small shock. As your dog continues to bark, the noise gets louder and the shock gets more powerful. It isn’t a shock but a sensation that will disrupt your dog’s barking. You can easily adjust the sensitivity of the collar depending on how loud your dog barks or to prevent shock when your dog sneezes, moans, or coughs.
Before you use this collar, I highly recommend testing it on yourself so you know how powerful of a shock you are giving your pet. Never keep the collar on your dog when you are not around. The collar should be combined with appropriate training methods. The Bark Solution Bark Dog Collar Training System will come with an instruction manual along with tips for training your dog not to bark.
Bark Off Reviews – Consumer Reports
I just wanted to write a quick review of the seen-on-TV product called Bark Off. This product does not work and is not the best anti-barking device. According to the consumer reports I have seen online, it is not recommended. Dogs do not respond to the noise and tend to ignore it. You are better off purchasing one of the products reviewed above.
