Do sonic antibark devices work?

[fostr mama]

My dogs, 5 year old husky crosses, have the neigbors calling the police on us way too often. Both dogs are males, neutered, littermates, and we have had them since they were 6 weeks old. They are well trained, obedient, friendly dogs. They get plenty of exercise, at least a 45 minute walk every evening as well as several hours at the off leash dog park several times a week. When we are home they respond immediately to "no bark" but are very territorial of their fenced yard when we are gone, and apparently bark at everything that moves. I can't imagine using a shock collar or citronella spray collar, but was wondering if anyone has used the sonic devices. BTW, the dogs (and cats) have a dog door so have free access to the house and back yard. I hate to lock them in the house whenever we are gone, but we've had so many complaints (one neighbor) that I've been to court once in the past two months, and today got a bill for a "nuisance police call" for $150.

Any help or advice would be appreciated.:eek:

[DiggityDogs]

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[fostr mama]

I guess I have always had an issue with spraying any chemical anywhere, especially in the face. I'm pretty much anti-chemicals, additives, preservatives etc whenever I have an alternative. I know the cintronella is supposed to be safe, but the concept is gross. Have you used the spray and found it effective? It seems like we're stuck between denying the dogs freedom to be outside during the day vs paying out lots of fines or worse until the old grouch in the apartment building moves or dies. Makes me want to move to the country. Also, we do foster for a rescue group, often pups, and keeping the dog door locked is not friendly to house training them. And of course I need to keep the pups from barking too. So I thought the a single sonic device that I could put in the yard would be more cost effective than multiple collars. Does that make sense?

[DiggityDogs]

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[K9 Counselor]

I have to say - and yes, I know this may start a raging debate - that as a trainer and behaviorist, I prefer the static (shock) anti-bark collars to the spray ones.

Now, before anyone gets into an uproar...let me explain. My reason for this is very simple.

The static correction is quick, effective and OVER as soon as the dog stops barking. Most dogs figure this concept out in less than 5 minutes.

The citronella, once sprayed, is STILL on the dog's muzzle. Even after it stops barking. Now, c'mon, we all know how very sensitive a dog's nose is. So are we really being humane by allowing the correction to continue, even after the dog has stopped barking?

Furthermore, what about 'timing' as a training concept? With both collars, the timing is correct to begin with. The dog barks, the collar is activated. BUT...as stated above, with the static collar, the correction also stops in a timely matter as soon as the dog is quiet. The citronella collar continues the correction. That would be not only unpleasant for the dog, but also confusing.

Just this trainer's two cents.

[puppyprincess]

Having answered the door at 2am a couple of times from the police telling me my dog needs to hush I know where your coming from. Between my little dog with a big bark and my neighbors 2 big dogs we have tried everything. When given challenges with my dog we approach with the question, what would you do with a 2yr old? DISTRACTION, DISTRACTION, DISTRACTION! We took about 20 water bottles and put rocks in them, every time she barked we threw one outside. Followed with a "QUIET!!!". Now when she starts to bark, we say quiet and she thinks...go on a search. This did startle her a bit at first, but she learned quickly. Just be careful to not throw the bottle AT the dog. Good Luck