Updated: September 18th, 2023
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Does your dog bark constantly for no reason at all?
If your dog’s nuisance barking is the reason for another sleepless night or you are a step away from being kicked from your apartment by angry neighbors, it’s high time to invest in the best bark collars for dogs that money can buy.
There are many reasons for your dog’s excessive barking. It could be that your pooch is just being naughty, or something more serious might be afoot, like an injury or illness.
You’ll want to figure that out quickly with the help of your vet before assuming your dog is just behaving badly.
Choosing to do nothing about incessant barking could cause serious issues—chaotic days and nights, angry neighbors, a distressed dog. And all of that might just be the beginning!
Regardless of the reason, and as long as your dog is healthy, bark collars might just be what you need to stop this bad behavior once and for all!
With size, style, budget, functionality, and other features in mind, here are the six top bark collars for dogs your money can buy! Check them out below:
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SportDOG NoBark SBC-R Rechargeable Bark Control Dog Collar – BEST OVERALL
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Garmin BarkLimiter Deluxe Dog Training Collar – RUNNER UP
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Frisco Rechargeable Dog Dog Training Collar – BEST BUDGET
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PetSpy M86 Advanced Dog Training Collar – BEST BARK COLLAR WITH A REMOTE
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PetSafe Static Basic Waterproof Dog Bark Collar – BEST STATIC BARK CONTROL COLLAR
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PetSpy M86 Advanced Dog Training Collar – BEST REMOTE-CONTROLLED BARK COLLAR
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BEST SPRAY BARK COLLAR
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Best Bark Collar – Reviews
If you are looking for a safe and effective way to stop your dog’s nuisance barking, you are in the right place!
Below, you will find in-depth reviews of the six top-rated bark collars you can use for training and controlling your dog’s nuisance barking.
1. SportDOG NoBark SBC-R Rechargeable Bark Control Dog Collar – Best Overall
The SportDOG NoBark collar is an easy-to-use device and an effective training tool that can correct undesired behavior and help you stop your dog’s excessive barking.
The special thing about this bark control collar is the Silent Partner technology that detects your dog’s unique barking style and filters barks from other dogs.
This means that, even with other dogs in the vicinity, you can still train your golden retriever without worrying that they might be punished for the misdemeanors of other pooches.
Key Features
- Silent Partner technology
- Three programmable correction modes
- 10 static correction levels
- Waterproof and submersible
- Rechargeable lithium battery
Featuring three programmable correction modes and 10 levels of static correction, this waterproof bark collar comes with a safety shut-off.
This means the collar will automatically stop delivering static corrections for 30 seconds if your pooch barks 15 or more times within 80 seconds.
Thanks to this feature, you can rest knowing that your dog won’t be over-corrected or zapped unnecessarily.
For the best results, avoid leaving the collar on your dog more than 12 hours a day and, if possible, change the collar’s position on your dog’s neck every two hours.
Pros
- Starts working as soon as it’s charged
- Doesn’t need additional accessories like remote controls
- Can train two dogs with one collar
- Rechargeable battery can last up to 10 days
- Submersible in up to 10 feet in water and is waterproof as well
- Several correction levels and modes make it very adjustable to the dog’s needs
Cons
- You will need to reposition the collar every few hours for your dog’s comfort
SportDOG NoBark SBC-R Rechargeable Bark Control Dog Collar is no doubt an all-around great device and the best barking collar for just about any dog breed.
It comes with a manual that will be handy when working the correction modes and levels on the collar.
2. Garmin BarkLimiter Deluxe Dog Training Collar – Runner Up
Featuring a compact and lightweight design, the Germain BarkLimiter Deluxe Dog Training Collar has seven levels of static correction and a built-in bark counter.
Another great thing about this best barking collar is that you can adjust corrections to vibration or static stimulation.
Key Features
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Auto-adjustable correction levels
- Lightweight construction
- Compact design
The collar gives your dog a four-second window to respond to the stimuli before automatically increasing the intensity.
It is a great option for stubborn dogs that do not respond to the first corrective stimuli.
You will also love the built-in counter that measures your dog’s barks and records them so you can see what your pooch was up to when you return home, not to mention the intuitive bark technology that eliminates chances of your dog getting corrected when the neighbor’s dog is barking.
Pros
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery holds a charge for up to three months
- Increased intensity of correction levels until the dog complies
- Lightweight and comfortable for dogs of all breeds and sizes
- Ability to track your dog’s behavioral progress with the built-in counter
- Precise detection of your dog’s unique barking thanks to intuitive bark technology
Cons
- Can leave burn marks when not used according to the instructions
A good number of pet owners have reported success with this collar on their dogs, especially those with thick necks.
This should be reassuring, particularly if you are looking for the most effective bark collar for large dogs.
3. Frisco Rechargeable Dog Training Collar – Best Budget
Frisco Rechargeable Dog Training Collar is designed to help you curb problem behaviors such as constant barking or train your golden retriever to stop jumping on people.
The beauty of this bark collar is that it has tone, vibration, and static stimulus modes that you can choose from and pick the type of correction that works best on your dog.
Key Features
- 100 levels of vibration or static stimulus to choose from
- 320-yard range
- Comes with a remote transmitter
Unlike other collars from this review, the Frisco Rechargeable Dog Training Collar can help you address all sorts of problem behaviors besides barking issues.
This collar has a 320-yard range and a remote you can use anytime and anywhere to train your pooch.
This collar is waterproof and can be submerged in the water for up to one meter for 30 minutes, so it’s safe to use in wet conditions.
To ensure your pup’s comfort and safety, don’t leave the collar on for more than 12 hours per day, and reposition it on your dog’s neck every two hours.
Pros
- Safe for dogs over six weeks old weighing more than eight pounds
- 100 different levels of vibration and static corrections to choose from
- Corrections always start from the lowest level to ensure your dog’s safety
- Can be used as a training collar to address different behavioral problems
Cons
- Can cause skin irritation or sores if left on a dog for too long
Overall, the Frisco Rechargeable Dog Training Collar is a great choice if you are on a tight budget.
This is a great dog bark collar if you are on the hunt for a versatile product that you can also use for training your dog.
4. PetSpy M86 Advanced Dog Training Collar – Best Remote – Controlled Bark Collar
The PetSpy M86 Advanced Dog Training Collar is designed for all doggy parents who need help addressing and stopping several undesired behaviors.
Truth be told, not many collars can effectively address nuisance barking and a list of other bad behaviors simultaneously.
Key Features
- Three training modes
- Eight adjustable correction levels
- Waterproof bark collar
- Rechargeable remote
- Can correct multiple behaviors, in addition to barking
The collar is designed for dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes and gives you a chance to control and correct your dog’s behavior remotely.
With a range of up to 1,100 yards, the PetSpy e-collar helps you to remotely stop your dog from digging, barking issues, approaching bystanders, and pulling on a leash.
Unlike the majority of conventional ‘shock collars’, e-collars utilize a form of electronic stimulus that targets the neck muscles of your dog.
Pros
- Eight adjustable levels of vibration and shock for varied (but measured) corrections
- Remote control has an excellent range, allowing you to control your dog’s behavior from up to a mile away
- Rechargeable; does not need batteries
- Has a sound and vibration for warning before the shock is delivered
Cons
- Sometimes the remote and the collar fail to sync, resulting in no signal to the dog
PetSpy M86 Advanced Dog Training Collar is a multi-purpose device that can help you correct incessant barking and a host of other unwanted behaviors in dogs.
5. PetSafe Static Basic Waterproof Dog Bark Collar – Best Static Bark Control Collar
The PetSafe Static Basic Waterproof Dog Bark Collar is designed for dogs weighing more than eight pounds and features progressive corrections.
This means if your pooch continues to bark, the static corrections automatically increase to the next level until the dog stops barking.
Key Features
- Six levels of progressive static correction
- Automatic safety shut-off
- Vibration sensor
Designed to be a safe and effective tool to stop inappropriate barking, this bark collar has six levels of progressive static corrections.
To prevent over-correcting or hurting your pooch, this device has an automatic safety shut-off and will stop delivering corrections after 50 seconds.
This collar uses both vibration and sound sensors to detect your dog’s bark that ensure your dog doesn’t get corrected for other dogs’ barking.
Pros
- The battery can last from three to six months, depending on how often your pup barks
- Uses both vibration and sound to detect your dog’s bark
- Has an automatic off switch to prevent overcorrecting
- The device’s light and waterproof bark collar design makes it great for everyday use
Cons
- This collar works only on specific PetSafe batteries that aren’t rechargeable
Overall, the PetSafe Static Basic Waterproof Dog Bar Collar is the most effective bark collar when it comes to bark detection, and it won’t zap your pooch whenever some other dog in the vicinity starts to bark.
6. PetSafe Elite Little Dog Waterproof Spray Dog Bark Collar – Best Spray Bark Collar
The PetSafe Elite Little Dog Waterproof Spray Dog Bark Collar uses citronella spray to discourage dogs from inappropriate barking.
If you aren’t a fan of static corrections, then this might just be the most effective dog bark collar for you and your pooch.
Key Features
- Patented Perfect Bark Control
- Comes with a can of citronella spray
- The adjustable strap is made from nylon
Thanks to its Patented Perfect Bark Control system, this spray bark collar senses sound and vibration and delivers corrections only when your dog is barking.
This means your pooch won’t be sprayed with citronella any time your neighbor’s dog starts barking.
Although it is unpleasant, the spray is completely safe and won’t actually harm your dog in any way.
Pros
- Uses spray instead of static shocks to stop barking problems
- Adjustable nylon collar can easily fit neck sizes up to 20 inches
- Comes with a spray can and PetSafe battery
- The spray creates a very fine mist that is completely harmless to dogs
Cons
- There is no indication when you need to refill the spray
Overall, the PetSafe Elite Little Dog Waterproof Spray Dog Bark Collar is the most effective bark collar that uses citronella spray to stop dogs from nuisance barking.
If you are looking for a more humane way to stop your pup’s nuisance barking, give this collar a try!
A Guide To Buying The Best Anti – Bark Collar
Buying a dog bark collar can be challenging considering how many different types of bark collars are available on the market.
Therefore, consider the following features and factors to make sure you are getting the best and most suitable bark collar for your pup.
Size
Make sure you measure the girth of your dog’s neck to find the correct size of the collar. Some brands provide sizing charts that are downloadable online.
Take advantage of such tools before buying so you know you’re getting the right size.
Also, most dog bark collars have the weight of the dog on the packaging, so you can also weigh your dog to get the right collar.
The best way to avoid getting the wrong size for your pooch is to buy a collar that is adjustable to different neck sizes, especially if you have a growing dog.
Material
A collar with uncomfortable material may end up making your dog bark even more than usual due to discomfort.
Make sure the collar is made of breathable material like cotton or nylon or something soft like leather that becomes even more comfortable with continual use.
Adjustable Correction Level
Every dog has a different pain threshold, so ensure the correction level is adjustable to suit your pup.
Also, make sure the collar has an effective bark control system that won’t get triggered when other dogs in the vicinity bark.
Budget
A great bark collar will cost you a pretty penny, but it will be far more efficient and reliable than a more cheaply made collar.
The price is dictated by the various features and functions on the collar. Essentially, the more features the collar has, the more you are likely to spend.
The trick is to look for a collar with only the features you need as opposed to the one with the most features.
Style
Just because it is a dog bark collar doesn’t mean it has to be hideous!
There are several different sleek and fun styles to choose from, not to mention the assortment of colors that various brands offer.
You can choose a collar that matches your pooch’s personality and body shape.
False-Trigger Feature
A false trigger could come from other dogs or noise that the bark collar perceives as incessant barking.
Picture a situation where your dog is out there playing with its fellow canines and constantly getting false triggers. The negative stimulation can lead to confusion and destructive behavior.
Therefore, while shopping, check to see that the collar you’re interested in is designed with a feature that accurately detects the barking and limits it to your dog.
Material
Comfort aside, the collar’s material should be able to last a long time and stand up to plenty of wear and tear, especially if your pooch is the playful type.
Golden retrievers, French bulldogs, boxers, poodles, and English Springer Spaniels top the list of the most playful and active dogs.
In situations where your dog plays rough or decides to splash around in water, the collar should not suffer damage.
Your Dog’s Personality
Some bark collars have adjustable settings that you can adapt to the specific personality traits of your dog.
This helps to avoid instances of overcorrection. Another alternative to handling this is to note your dog’s personality first before you go shopping.
For example, a sensitive or fearful dog is better off with a more mild spray collar. Learning will be quick, and the distraction will generally be enough to bring out the desired action.
But if your pup is the especially stubborn kind, then a sonic, static, or vibration collar will likely be a more suitable option for them.
Bark Collars Explained
A dog bark collar is a tool used to interrupt a dog’s bark, deterring it from continuous barking behavior.
Ultimately, you are training your dog to bark only when there is a need for barking, like alerting you of impending danger.
Bark collars work by producing a sound, vibration, static shock, or tactile signal to your pooch when they embark on a barking rampage.
As a correction device, the signals used are very safe and easy to use.
However, you should never use them on puppies under a certain age or weight (the collar’s packaging should have a recommendation).
Pups below eight pounds must never be subjected to bark collars because they may not be able to handle the corrective stimulus.
Most bark collars are either automatic or handheld. An automatic collar continues working and delivering corrections to your dog even when you are not around.
On the other hand, handheld collars that use a remote control system require you to be near the dog to administer the correction.
Making The Bark Collar Safe For Your Dog
Generally, the best anti-bark collar for your dog is one that’s safe, suits your pup’s personality type, and has passed through several quality assurance checks.
However, it is understandable that some doggie parents have protested against using the shock collar.
If you do not prefer to use a shock collar, you have the option of a vibration collar or citronella bark collars that spray foul-smelling citronella right in front of your pup’s nose whenever they start to bark.
Another option is the ultrasonic collar that produces a high-pitched sound that is irritating to a dog but inaudible to humans.
Some dog trainers and industry experts believe that dog bark collars should be used only in advanced training or with problematic doggies. Plus, for the best results, the collar should only be used together with other positive reinforcement methods. This includes treats and praise to keep the dog motivated and to eliminate the feeling of punishment.
Remember, anti-bark collars are strictly training and behavioral change devices which you need to stop using once the dog stops barking excessively.
Most bark collars come with detailed instructions for use, so be sure to read and follow those directions.
How Bark Collars Work
To understand how these collars work, let’s take a look at the three most common types available today:
Sonic Collars
These collars target the hearing of a dog. As soon as your dog begins to bark unnecessarily, the collar produces a high-pitched sonic sound that distracts them from incessant barking.
The sound is not discernible by the human ear; only dogs can hear it.
Of the three types of collars designed to curb problematic barking, this is considered the most humane way to discipline a barking dog.
The sonic collars can be bought as a full collar, a remote-controlled unit, or a unit stationed in a central location like in your home.
Some collars have vibration added as a warning mechanism. With the remote control unit, the dog doesn’t have to wear the collar.
The stationary unit in the central area can control several dogs at once, making it an ideal choice if you have several dogs that tend to bark more than necessary.
Static Collars
These collars emit a shock that jolts your dog into stopping the incessant barking.
Not to worry–the shock is not strong enough to harm the dog, but it does register and get the message across.
The jolt will surprise your dog at first, but with time, they will learn to control their barking tendencies.
This type of bark collar is very effective and provides fast results, although many dog parents tend to shy away from it.
The static collar comes with multiple levels of adjustability to cater to the learning curve of your dog.
This means you can adjust the correction level to the lowest setting as your dog learns to stop barking.
Some models will give your pooch a warning like beeps or vibrations before the actual shock is ever administered.
Spray Collars
While citronella’s fragrance is used in perfume and soap manufacturing for humans, dogs find the scent extremely irritating.
Spray collars release a burst of the scent into the dog’s nostrils every time it barks, causing the dog to quiet down.
Ultimately, your pooch stops the unnecessary barking by having a healthy fear of an unwanted dose of citronella.
These particular dog collars usually come fitted with a spray device and a can of citronella along with a six-volt battery to power them.
Vibration Collars
These collars send a pulse to interrupt your dog’s barking. A vibration collar can be a great option for dogs that are just starting to show signs of inappropriate barking.
Vibration collars are preferred to static collars because no matter how great the vibration pulse is, there is no pain associated with it.
Unfortunately, there are few models available that use only vibration.
It is important to understand that these correction mechanisms are triggered when the dog’s barking gets across a certain threshold.
Benefits Of Using Bark Collars For Dogs
To understand the benefits of using a dog bark collar, you must understand why excessive barking is bad for your doggie pal.
First, it is an exhausting behavior not just for the dog owner but also for the canine itself. The more the dog barks, the more tired it becomes, and its heart rate spikes.
Second, excessive barkers are generally anxious dogs who cannot function normally when in their natural settings.
For example, a hunting dog that is an excessive barker cannot hunt effectively because it will scare away the prey, and usually, it cannot stay still when required to.
Not only does the barking affect the dog, but it also affects other hunting dogs in the party, quickly ruining the hunt.
Alternatively, if your excessive barker is in a busy neighborhood, it will likely trigger other dogs in the neighboring homes to begin barking as well.
There are several reasons why a dog bark collar is your best option if this is your predicament:
It Is Cheaper Than A Dog Trainer
Even the best barking collar does not cost as much as professional dog training services.
Plus, all you have to do is purchase one unit as opposed to the several sessions your dog will need with a trainer to overcome their incessant barking.
Training your dog on your own also allows you and your pooch to form an even closer bond.
Your Dog Learns In A Safe Environment
For any correction to be effective, your dog needs to feel safe.
Using a dog bark collar takes some getting used to, and wearing it in more familiar surroundings can help your dog adjust better to wearing it.
The process of training your dog may be long and rocky, but having you place the collar around your dog’s neck and rewarding good behavior may result in more rapid progress.
In addition, using a bark collar helps your dog learn self-control whether you are there or not.
Your pooch will quickly learn that it won’t get corrected as long as it doesn’t engage in inappropriate barking.
As your dog learns to control its barking, it will become less anxious and easier to control in general.
Faster Results
With the collar, your dog learns quickly that unnecessary barking results in negative stimuli. To avoid that, they will avoid barking unless it is absolutely necessary.
Soon, your dog will bark only for valid reasons. Once the barking is under control, you can remove the collar.
Combine the collar with positive reinforcement, like treats, for faster and better results.
Efficient For Multiple Dogs
If you have several dogs and they are all excessive barkers, you can use different collars at different adjustability levels to help your dogs beat the behavior.
Or you can use a stationary unit to control multiple collars, all of which are set according to the specific needs of each individual dog.
How To Use Anti Bark Collars Properly
It’s not enough to know which bark collars to buy and how to go about it; you also need to learn how to use these devices correctly so as to experience their maximum value.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1
Check the manual for instructions on how to place the collar around the dog’s neck.
Even though the standard position is beneath the jawline, it’s important to still check the collar’s user manual just to be sure you are doing it right.
Step 2
Learn how the bark collar operates.
Earlier, I took you through how each main type of collar operates. You probably noticed that each uses a different mechanism to correct your dog’s barking.
For more details on how your specific model operates, read the manual or get more info directly from the device’s manufacturer.
Step 3
Test the collar on your dog to see how they respond to it. It’s a good idea to start with the lowest level of stimulation or correction mode and work your way up if needed.
Monitor your dog’s reaction and adjust the collar to the level that brings out the desired response without harming the dog.
Step 4
This step requires that you first identify what triggers the nuisance barking.
Once you identy those triggers, expose your pooch to them for about one or two weeks, and then monitor her to see if she understands the collar’s role.
You can even go the extra step to reward them when they behave well. Positive reinforcement can significantly improve the collar’s results and overall efficacy.
As soon as your dog fully understands the collar’s function, you can stop keeping tabs on her.
FAQs About Dog Anti Barking Collar
Do dog barking collars really work?
Truth be told, whether a bark collar will work on a dog or not depends solely on that particular dog and the underlying cause of their barking issues.
According to studies done on anti-barking devices, most owners reported that citronella spray collars were most effective at controlling or reducing their dogs’ nuisance barking.
However, there is no guarantee that a spray collar will work on your dog or prove effective for stopping their nuisance barking.
Are barking collars cruel to dogs?
Many people believe that a shock collar is inhumane and uncomfortable for dogs to wear.
However, bark collars that use citronella spray, sound, or vibration are completely harmless and can be effective training tools when used appropriately.
Where to buy bark collars?
Bark collars are sold at a variety of pet shops and online retailers. You could walk into the nearest chain pet store in your neighborhood or city and shop for bark collars.
You can also order for one from reputable online-based pet stores, which I find to be more convenient.
All the products on our list can be found on Chewy. Just click the link, and you will be directed to the corresponding product.
How much are bark collars?
Bark collars range in prices from as low as $35 to well over $100 depending on the type, features, and brand, among other factors.
Keep in mind, though, that higher prices don’t always translate to good quality!
You can still find a great bark collar for $30 that does its job well. Always check the reviews and ratings to learn more about the product and its suitability for your dog.
What is a no-bark collar?
Some people refer to these bark collars as “no-bark” dog collars. Both names refer to the same type of device.
Last Word About The Best Dog Barking Collar
In addition to having correction levels and modes that are easy to adjust and switch, the best dog bark collar is also designed to strengthen the bond between you and your pet.
The right bark collar can help your dog become better at obeying commands and dealing with anxiety, and most importantly, be part of a happy household or hunting party.
While all bark collars reviewed above are effective at stopping excessive barking, the SportDOG NoBark SBC-R Rechargeable Bark Control Dog Collar is the best overall!
It’s versatile when it comes to correction levels and modes, has special bark detection technology, and it can fit dogs of different sizes.
But that doesn’t mean the rest of the collars aren’t worth a try! As you’ve probably noticed, each is special in its own way and designed to fit specific needs.
Make sure you’ve established what matters to you and your dog before making a choice.
As a dog owner, the most crucial thing to learn when using an anti-bark collar is to keep it on your dog only when necessary and combine it with positive reinforcement for a winning combination.
Remember, when used correctly, a no-bark collar is a safe and effective training tool, not a punishment for your dog.
If you want to learn more about other anti-barking devices, check out our review of the Best Anti-Barking Devices To Control Excessive Barking.