10 Best Anti Barking Devices To Control Excessive Barking

Updated: September 18th, 2023

When your canine companion wants to communicate their feelings – joy, excitement, anxiety, anger, and everything in between – they will often bark.

It’s completely normal for your pooch to bark every so often, but when the barking becomes excessive, it might be time for an anti-barking device.

Barking is how dogs communicate with each other and us, and it would be unusual if your dog didn’t bark on occasion.

So, while dog barks can be irritating, the important thing is to make a distinction between an excessive barker and a normal barker.

In this article, I’ll take a close look at some of the best dog bark control collars and anti-barking deterrents on the market and how to use them. But first, let’s talk (you guessed it!) barking.

Our favorite anti barking devices in 2022

What Is The Best Dog Barking Deterrent?- Reviews

1. SportDOG NoBark SBC-R Rechargeable Bark Control Dog Collar

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The SportDOG NoBark is a well-rated tool famous for effectively deterring dogs from incessant barking.

It’s designed to detect your pooch’s unique barking style but filter all other noise and deliver corrections only when your dog is barking too much.

This means your pooch won’t get a correction when another dog in the vicinity is barking incessantly.

Key Features

• A silent partner technology that identifies your dog’s unique barking style
• The collar is rechargeable
• Three programmable correction modes
• 10 levels of static stimulation
• Waterproof
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Built-in safety feature

The lithium-ion batteries take two hours to charge but will last up to 200 hours per charge.

A special feature worth mentioning is the three programmable correction modes and multiple levels of stimulation.

They give you a chance to adjust this anti-dog barking device to just about any correction level that works for your dog.

SportDOG NoBark SBC-R Rechargeable Dog Bark Control Collar takes pride in being almost 100% effective at stopping insistent barking thanks to its versatile correction modes. Also, it lasts a relatively long time and is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a simple, functional collar.

2. PetSafe Spray Shield Animal Deterrent Spray

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If your dog tends to bark when you’re home, this unique dog barking deterrent gives you a simple way to get your dog’s attention, stop their barking immediately, and help you begin the process of redirecting to a more positive activity.

Be sure to use positive reinforcement training methods and reward your dog after they stop barking.

This method is the best way to let them know when they should be quiet.

Key Features

• Portable – easy to keep with you for immediate use as needed
• Pain-free; compatible with positive training methods
• Citronella spray won’t harm you or your barking dog

Besides stopping barking, the PetSafe Spray Shield is useful for correcting other unwanted behaviors, including excessive jumping, chasing other pets, begging, and more.

A training guide is included with helpful tips for getting the best results from this device.

This isn’t a traditional anti bark device, but when your dog’s annoying barking is directed at you, your guests, or things happening outside, it puts you in complete control of stopping your dog’s barking, redirecting them, and rewarding them once they’re quiet.

If your dog exhibits other unwanted behaviors, you can use this citronella spray to correct those, too.

I’d like to remind you to be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and remember to positively reinforce the desired behavior!

3. Petrainer 998DRB Remote Dog Training Collar

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This is a versatile dog bark control collar training system that allows you access to several corrective modes to choose from. They include light, vibrations, sound, beeps, and static shock.

If you think that’s impressive, your jaw will drop at the fact that this dog barking deterrent gives you the option to work with 100 intensity levels across all its stimulation modes.

This way, you can customize your training to what works best for your pooch.

Key Features

• Made with an adjustable nylon collar strap
• Compact and water-resistant receiver
• Has a range of up to 330 yards
• Rechargeable and rainproof transmitter and receiver
• Three types of stimulation
• Four different stimulation modes
• 100 levels of intensity

One special thing about this collar that you’ll love is it’s accommodative to all kinds of weather conditions. This means you don’t need to worry if your dog gets caught out in the rain.

Plus, since the transmitter has a range of up to 900 feet, you can easily grab the attention of your dog to stop them from digging, bolting, or any unusual barking behavior.

You can easily do this with a programmable remote.

Despite it looking complex, once you learn how to use it properly, the Petrainer 998DRB will eventually end up being the best dog barking deterrent in your efforts to manage your dog’s behavior once and for all.

4. The Company Of Animals Pet Corrector Dog Training Aid

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The Company of Animals Pet Corrector Dog Training Aid isn’t only a dog barking deterrent  – you can use it to correct a variety of different undesired behaviors.

From barking to jumping on people or furniture, this device can stop your dog’s bad behavior in a completely harmless way!

Key Features

• Emits a harmless hissing sound
• Comes with a training guide
• Effective at interrupting barking

This stop dog barking device is designed to distract your dog and interrupt bad behavior using a hissing noise.

The thing I like the most about this training aid is that it’s completely harmless and can’t hurt a dog in any way, but at the same time, it’s a highly effective tool for curbing incessant barking.

Overall, the Company of Animals Pet Corrector Dog Training Aid is an inexpensive yet effective way to stop compulsive barking and other bad behaviors.

5. Garmin BarkLimiter Deluxe Dog Training Collar

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The Garmin BarkLimiter Deluxe Dog Training Collar is designed to stop barking whether your golden is at home, in the park, or playing in the backyard.

This is one of the best anti-barking devices, as it has an innovative technology that helps it filter out other noises and only deliver corrections when your pooch is barking.

Key Features

• Built-in bark counter
• Has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Corrections can be set on stimulation or vibration

This dog bark control collar has seven levels of corrections, and you can choose continuous or momentary stimulation or a tone and vibration setting.

Using innovative technology, this collar can distinguish your dog’s bark from other noises, thus preventing unnecessary corrections.

When used according to instructions, the Garmin BarkLimiter Deluxe Dog Training Collar is an effective and safe bark control device for golden retrievers.

6. PetSafe Static Basic Bark Control Collar

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PetSafe Static Basic Collar sets itself apart from other dog barking control devices by using the famous RFA-67 PetSafe battery to power its system.

That aside, it’s one of the few reliable stop bark devices that comprises a vibration sensor able to detect your dog’s barking and consequently dispense a static correction.

Key Features

• Six levels of progressive static correction
• An automatic safety shut-off
• Has a vibration sensor to detect when your dog’s vocal cords are moving
• Waterproof receiver collar

With this collar, there is no programming required. However, it’s important to note that the device is calibrated incrementally. So, if your pooch continues to bark through the first static correction, the following corrections will get stronger until your dog submits to the correction and stops barking.

As for the correction, once it is triggered by your pooch’s vocal cords, it will last for 50 seconds.

Also worth mentioning is that all six correctional levels are completely safe and can’t harm your golden retriever when the dog bark control collar is properly adjusted.

If you’re not wowed by its versatility in dealing with behavioral issues, the other thing that will effortlessly draw you to this collar is its precision when dealing with barking anomalies.

7. Sunbeam Little Sonic Egg Handheld Bark Control Device

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The design of this gadget is pretty cool, and no one would know just by looking at it that you are carrying an ultrasonic anti-barking deterrent for your pooch.

Thanks to the nice and slim egg shape and wrist strap, this dog barking deterrent can easily be mistaken for car keys or a key holder.

What’s more, this gadget is fairly versatile, as it can be used indoors, outdoors, and even from up to 15 feet away when walking your dog.

Key Features

• Features a lightweight, sleek, handheld design
• The gadget is battery-powered, running on four AAA batteries
• Comes with an adjustable wrist strap
• It has a 15-foot range
• Uses ultrasonic sounds

Should your golden engage in lots of unnecessary barking, pointing the gadget at them and holding down the button will cause the gadget to emit an ultrasonic sound only audible to your pooch, which is enough to quieten them down effectively.

When holding the button down, the gadget’s light turns green to indicate that it is working correctly.

After 10 seconds, the ultrasonic sound will automatically switch off. The sound has been calibrated to ensure it remains within a safe level for your pooch.

But please note that, when in use, this ultrasonic dog bark device must be at least 12 inches away from human ears, including your own, because of the potential negative health impact ultrasonic noise has on humans.

If you really care about portability and functionality, the Sunbeam Little Sonic Egg Handheld Bark Control Device is a perfect combination of both.

You’ll be getting great value for a fair price.

8. PetSafe Collarless Ultrasonic Remote Trainer System

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The PetSafe Collarless Ultrasonic Remote Trainer System differs from other ultrasonic dog barking control devices and allows you to stop bad behavior and reward good behavior.

This device is capable of emitting two different ultrasonic sounds.

An unpleasant tone tells your barking dog to stop what they are doing, and a pleasant tone is there to encourage and reinforce good behavior.

Key Features

• Has a range of up to 30 feet
• Comes with a battery indicator
• Uses alkaline batteries

This bark control device is designed to correct your dog’s bad behavior in a painless and completely safe way.

With a simple push of a button, the device will emit a harmless ultrasonic tone that will tell your dog to stop what they are doing.

This device can also produce a pleasant tone to reward good behavior.

Overall, the PetSafe Collarless Ultrasonic Remote Trainer System is a great device if you are looking for an effective way to stop barking without using static shocks.

9. PetSafe Outdoor Ultrasonic Bark Control Deterrent

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Whenever your dog is barking excessively and then manages to get the neighbor’s dogs in on the barking act too, the aftermath is usually chaotic, to say the least!

But fear not! The PetSafe Outdoor Ultrasonic Bark Control is what you need to firmly remind your pooch and others the barking is over and that they need to tone it down a notch.

The beauty of this best device is that you don’t need to press any buttons because this outdoor bark deterrent has a bark sensor that triggers the emission of ultrasonic sound to silence your pooch when they are barking excessively.

Key Features

• Has a 50-foot range
• Three range settings to manipulate sensitivity
• Uses high-frequency ultrasonic sound
• Can project the sound in a cone shape (up to 150 degrees)
• It’s weatherproof

The fact that this anti-barking device has a 50-foot range and can project the ultrasonic sound at a 150-degree angle means it can probably cover your compound and the neighbor’s.

Also, the design is discrete and looks like a birdhouse.

What’s more, it has a tough exterior build to withstand the weather elements.

All you would have to do is check the battery power level every so often just to be sure your device is still active.

Overall, this gadget makes for a great barking solution, especially if you want to house train your pooch without using an anti-bark shock collar.

10. PetSafe Elite Little Dog Spray Bark Control Collar

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Like most dog bark control collars, the PetSafe Elite Little Dog Spray Bark Control Collar is designed to stop uncontrolled barking.

Whereas some dogs will quickly get the lessons and not require this device for the long term, some will get used to only controlling their barking when they have the collar on.

Key Features

• Utilizes citronella spray to manage barking
• Uses a patented system that prevents false corrections
• Each spray can hold 400-500 sprays
• Adjustable nylon neck strap
• Waterproof
• Rechargeable PetSafe RFA-188 battery
• Spray cartridge refill/recyclable spray cartridges

Thanks to PetSafe’s patented perfect bark dual detection technology, no other sounds, including the barking of other dogs, will set off this collar.

This means that even if you have several dogs, each of them can wear this anti-bark device, and none of their barks will trigger the other’s collar.

What’s more, the collar can stay waterproof when submerged up to five feet for up to 30 minutes.

However, it’s important to note that this collar should only be worn when you want your dog to stop barking.

Other than being simple to use and able to achieve immediate results, the PetSafe Elite Little Dog Spray Collar’s ability to fit just about any dog and thwart any false corrections make it competitive and worth a try for the pet owner who’s curious to try something beyond dog barking control devices that use sound and shock corrections.

How Does An Anti Dog Barking Device Work?

Even after reading our device reviews, you may still have questions about how anti-barking products actually work, so let’s take a closer look.

These dog barking control devices work by sending your dog negative feedback when they bark excessively, discouraging them from doing it again in the future.

That feedback generally comes in the form of a sound emission in a frequency that only dogs can hear and is designed to irritate your barking dog without hurting them.

The alternative is a collar that gives them a mild electric shock in response to continuous barking.

There are also other methods that involve spraying your dog when they bark inappropriately.

Barking control devices can be manual, automatic, or both. Manual devices are devices that you control.

Essentially, you press a button to issue the warning that gets your dog to stop barking.

Automatic systems are designed to detect when your dog is barking and administer the deterrent independently but safely.

Some systems will also let you toggle between the two settings so you can control the system when you are around and automate it when you are out.

Let’s take a closer look at the different methods below.

Sound Emitters

These devices can come in the form of a dog bark control collar or a remote device with the ability to emit an unpleasant sound every time your dog barks excessively.

Such a device is able to detect your dog barking and thus trigger the emission of a high-pitched ultrasonic sound that is only audible to doggy ears.

This sound is quite unpleasant to your pooch and is enough to get them to stop barking.

The idea behind the ultrasonic dog bark deterrent is to discourage dogs from barking excessively by emitting unpleasant sounds.

Since dogs have a different threshold for noise irritation, the device is set in a manner that causes its sound to increase as your pooch keeps barking and to a level where it can stop your pooch from barking without causing them any real harm.

So, despite the variance in different tolerance levels for different pooches, an ultrasonic dog bark deterrent will help teach your pooch to bark less.

Anti-Bark Collars

This device works in a similar fashion as the sound emitter.

The only difference is that instead of the device emitting a high-pitched ultrasonic sound when your dog barks, this device will deliver a gentle but firm electric shock to your dog.

While shock collars are subjects of much controversy, the electric current in newer models is at a safe level, enough to shock your pooch to submission without causing them any harm.

However, you should still research the manufacturer and talk with your vet before buying a shock collar for your pooch.

Shock collars are recommended only when nothing else works, so they should only be used as a last resort.

This is mainly because if you fail to use it correctly, a shock collar can cause your pooch to become fearful or aggressive.

One of the best ways to go about this is to opt for a collar with dual sensors (sound and throat vibration sensors). This prevents it from being activated by other sounds.

Also, it would be better if the device has multiple levels of corrections and a warning signal that alerts the dog of an impending shock.

Check out our latest review of the Top Bark Collars.

Water Sprays

Offering one of the best solutions in bark control, water sprays can be incredibly effective in disrupting dog barks before they get started.

This type of dog barking control device utilizes ingredients such as citronella that have a powerful odor that dogs aren’t too crazy about.

Basically, when your dog barks with the device on, the collar will spray and shock your pooch right out of their bark, making them question whether persisting with the yapping is actually worth it.

There are other milder yet effective anti-bark sprays with gentler ingredients in case you feel that citronella is a bit too pungent for your buddy’s liking.

Distraction Toys

A bored dog that resorts to incessant barking could benefit a lot from toys.

The market today is filled with a variety of them, some of which are designed to distract your canine friend from their barking triggers.

How these toys work varies from toy to toy. Most of them are designed to offer mental stimulation and help your doggie fight boredom.

I particularly like toys that creatively hide treats or other related foods, leaving your pup to figure out how to get access to it (and thus keeping them occupied so they don’t engage in excessive barking).

Ideally, your pup will be so involved in this that the trigger will go unnoticed.

Also, she’ll be busy enough not to be bothered by your absence or presence of objects that set off the never-ending barking.

You should be providing your dog with this toy right before the trigger(s) compel your dog to bark, meaning you’ll have to learn what sparks off the nuisance barking.

Vibration Collars

This kind of collar is designed to detect nuisance barking and then send vibrations to your dog’s throat.

The device is clever enough to only be activated by your dog’s barking, so you don’t have to worry about outside noises activating the vibration collar.

I would advise that you first speak to a professional trainer on how to best use the vibration collar device on your barking dog.

Also, remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use it and get it properly fitted to your dog’s neck.

The basic rule with these dog barking control devices is to make sure the collar is neither too tight nor too loose around the dog’s neck.

Also equally important is to make sure the vibrating unit sits right at the center of the dog’s throat for the best response.

What About Positive Reinforcement?

We always encourage you to use positive reinforcement rather than punishment to teach your dog expected behaviors.

However, most anti-barking devices and products use negative reinforcement.

Ideally, you should train your dog from a young age when it is and is not appropriate to bark, using positive reinforcement by rewarding them when they cease barking on command or let the neighbor’s cat pass without raising a fuss.

It is important to note, though, that this type of training does not work for all animals, and your dog may develop barking problems for unknown reasons.

Anti-barking deterrents should be considered as an alternative when this kind of training has already failed. It can be a lifeline when incessant barking is causing major problems.

You can read our guides to training golden retrievers here.

Other Alternative Methods

Barking control devices and positive reinforcement aside, the other main way to fix your pooch’s incessant barking is to keep them mentally and physically stimulated via regular exercise.

However, this will require you to first figure out what’s causing the unusual barking.

Causes for excessive barking could range from boredom, anxiety, frustration, and poor training to strange people and smells.

Sometimes, you may not be able to discern the reason. Nevertheless, you can exercise your barking dog in the following ways. It may just be what you need to fix this.

• Regular walks
• Workouts on the dog treadmill
• Playing fetch
• Have them climb the stairs
• Hide and seek

Such activities will keep your dog busy and less focused on triggers or destructive habits.

You can also choose not to do anything about the barking. In many cases, if your dog realizes you are giving little to no attention to their barking, they may eventually stop doing it.

How To Tell If Your Dog Needs An Anti Barking Device

How can you tell the difference between normal barking and excessive barking?

Dogs use vocalization to communicate with their owners, so it’s important that you understand canine behavior and communication.

Barking that’s meant to communicate with you, tell you something’s happening, or warn you of an intruder is completely normal.

It is also completely normal for dogs to bark while playing, when they see something that excites them or worries them, if someone accidentally stands on their tail, and so on.

However, these instances are usually short bursts of barking, and the reason for their barking is generally obvious.

This type of normal barking only becomes problematic in certain situations, for example, if you live in a busy apartment complex and your dog tends to bark when strangers walk past the door.

In this kind of situation, your dog can benefit from anti-bark training.

Then there are also the times that your dog seems to be barking for no discernible reason. There can be a variety of causes for this seemingly mysterious barking.

For example, your dog may be able to smell or hear something that you can’t. It can also be a response to boredom, anxiety, or frustration.

So, if your dog does start barking for no reason, you should speak to your vet to see if you can get to the bottom of the problem and treat the underlying cause rather than the effect.

Finally, some dogs are just more vocal than others or get into the habit of barking because they haven’t been properly trained or socialized.

These dogs are also great candidates for anti-bark training.

For that, you’ll first need an effective anti-barking gadget, so let’s take a look at some of the best options on the market.

Don’t forget to also arm yourself with relevant dog training methods that will help you put these gadgets to good use.

What To Look Out For When Selecting The Best Anti Barking Device

When choosing a dog barking control device, the first thing you need to consider is the specific kind of deterrent you want to use.

While devices that utilize an electric shock are typically the most effective, not everyone is comfortable with this approach, and a sound emitter or spray can be a much gentler method.

Once you have made this decision, there are a few other things to consider.

1. Design

The design of an anti-bark device does not necessarily affect its functionality.

However, a bark control system that is best for indoors needs to be aesthetically appealing, keeping with your interior decor.

They usually come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a good bark control device that will go hand-in-hand with your internal furnishings.

For outside versions, they need to look discreet, appealing, and in some cases, inconspicuous, just in case you are silencing your neighbor’s dogs.

A birdhouse design, for instance, works quite well and blends in perfectly with the outdoor environment.

But before you decide to use an anti-bark device on a neighbor’s dog, check the municipal codes, local laws, homeowner’s association agreements, and apartment leases just to be sure your action is within your area’s legal boundaries.

2. Safety

Safety is paramount. If you are opting for a dog barking deterrent that emits sound as a response to barking, then you want reassurance from the manufacturer that the sound emitted is just annoying enough to stop the barking but is not harmful to your pooch.

This is important because you as the doggie parent are not able to hear the inaudible high-pitched ultrasonic anti-barking control sound.

For collars that respond to barking with a jolt, you want to make sure the highest setting is not harmful to your dog.

If you do decide to get an anti-bark collar that uses static shock, check to see if you can adjust the level of correction based on your needs.

3. Features

Look out for additional features that will work for you and your dog. Such features range from:

• Indoor, outdoor, or multi-area use
• Can be hung on a wall or placed on a counter
• Extended handle
• Sound and sensory levels
• LED light that indicates battery level
• Range – This is a vital feature that will determine how effective your bark control device will be for your needs.

4. Carry Out Research

This is not negotiable. It may be tempting to just walk into a pet store and pick the first barking control device you see, but this would be a high-risk approach.

You could easily end up with the wrong product for your dog.

So, before you go shopping, find out what fellow pet parents are saying about the device you’re thinking of buying.

Examine both the positive and negative feedback and also the ratings.

Check forums online as well for more information and tips on how to best use the different anti-barking devices you are considering.

Brand reputation equally matters, too. I recommend you work with manufacturers who have built their reputation over time and earned the trust of dog owners.

5. Adaptive Modes

You might have noticed that some anti-barking devices have programmable correction modes, different levels of static stimulation, and other adjustable settings that can help you get the best response from your dog.

Even better, some units are made to automatically adapt the strength to the best response your dog will give.

This is actually a clever feature because resilience levels vary from dog to dog.

Some will ignore the shock, sound, or vibration and continue to bark until you double up the response from your anti-bark device.

6. Dog’s Size

Anti-barking deterrents, specifically the collars, are available in different sizes. Always check to see that you are buying the right fit for your dog.

Most products actually have a sizing chart to guide you. The perfect collar should fit properly and not prevent your dog from consuming food or limiting their natural neck movement.

7. Your Dog’s Personality Traits

Each dog breed has its own unique personality. For example, Labradors and golden retrievers are known to be more sensitive.

On the other hand, Akitas, bulldogs, and dachshunds are notoriously stubborn and difficult to handle.

Soft bark collars that use spray deterrents typically work well with sensitive breeds, while the sound emitters and anti-bark collars that utilize shocks are more suitable for more aggressive dogs.

FAQs About Stop Barking Devices

Do anti-barking devices really work?

When used appropriately, most anti-barking products work and are an effective way to stop excessive barking.

However, not all dogs are the same, and for some dogs, bark control devices simply don’t work.

Keep in mind that barking control devices should be used as training tools that can get your dog’s barking under control in time.

What device stops dogs from barking?

There are many different types of bark control devices that are designed to stop incessant barking.

When it comes to anti-bark collars, you can choose from spray collars that use water or citronella or shock collars.

There are also ultrasonic bark control devices such as collars and indoor, outdoor, and handheld ultrasonic devices.

Are ultrasonic bark devices cruel?

Some ultrasonic dog bark deterrent devices have evidently inflicted pain and suffering on dogs, causing them to be stressed, aggressive, or fearful.

But there’s an equally great number of these barking control devices that are carefully designed not to cause any of these negative outcomes.

SportDOG NoBark SBC-R Rechargeable Bark Control Dog Collar, for example, has programmable corrections modes that you can adjust to a level that is friendly and works well for your dog.

Consult your vet on what ultrasonic dog bark deterrent to buy and how to best use it.

What is the best anti-barking device to stop dog barking?

Each of the barking control devices on our list spread out across the different categories (sound emitters, ultrasonic sound collars, vibration, distraction toys, and water sprays) has the potential to help your dog stop nuisance barking.

You only have to figure out which one is best suited for your pup’s personality and specific barking triggers.

Do bark collars hurt the dog?

Most manufacturers claim their static shock bark collars are completely safe and aren’t strong enough to injure or harm a dog.

However, you should consider using a shock collar only after you’ve tried everything else to stop your dog’s unwanted barking.

And even in that case, it’s best to consult with your vet and a canine behavioral expert before deciding to get a shock collar for your pup.

Final Thoughts About Anti Barking Devices

All dogs bark; it’s what dogs are meant to do.

However, if your dog’s barking is so bad that you are afraid that neighbors will rally to kick you out of the building, it’s time to take control and stop it.

Don’t forget that dogs use vocalization to communicate, so there is a big chance your pooch is simply trying to tell you something.

To get to the bottom of your dog’s problem with barking, you should first try to figure out the underlying reason for this behavior and use an anti-barking gadget as a training tool to stop barking for good.

While any one of the products listed above can be a great fit for your golden, the SportDOG NoBark SBC-R Rechargeable Bark Control Dog Collar stopped my dog’s issues with barking.

Its simple design, versatile modes, ability to last longer, and water-resistant design set this device apart from the rest.

Remember, when using an anti-barking device, please be sure to follow the product’s safety guidelines to ensure the safety of your pet, yourself, and those around you.

Also, bear in mind that corrective gadgets are not supposed to be used all the time but only in moderation and only for dog training purposes.

Do you use an anti-barking deterrent with your dog?

Do you have any advice or recommendations?

Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below.