Should I use a citronella collar?
Excessive barking is stressful for both dogs and owners. In highly urbanised areas, the problem is exacerbated by tighter living spaces. One dog’s barking can set off a chain reaction throughout the entire neighbourhood.
It’s an uncomfortable situation for everyone, so it’s important to get a dog’s barking under control. In the past, owners would train their dogs with shock collars that send pulses when it detects loud barking. Recently, more and more people have been using citronella bark collars as an alternative.
They are growing in popularity because they are a much safer alternative for dogs of all pedigrees and backgrounds. But how do citronella bark collars work precisely, and what makes them a better bark control option for your dog?
How do citronella bark collars work?
Citronella bark collars are fitted with a mic to detect barking, yelping or any excessive noise from dogs. When the sound activates the system, the collar releases a small puff or spray of citronella.
Citronella is a natural essential oil obtained from leaves and stems of different lemongrass, and it has a citrus-like aroma that most dogs don’t like. Fortunately, citronella is completely safe for dogs.
If you aren’t a fan of the scent yourself, don’t worry. The collars spray just enough to deter your dog from unwanted behaviour. The unpleasant smell acts as a light stimulant that teaches your dog what good or bad behaviour is.
You can compare it to painting a nail biter’s nails with something safe to digest that tastes extremely bitter.
Most owners find they can train their dogs out of excessive barking using electronic collars that use static or vibration stimulation. The static these collars emit is no different to the sensation you feel touching your car on a windy day, and is proven to be safe for your dog, as well as effective.
However, many people are afraid of shock and other stimulation collars, which can be detrimental to smaller breeds of dogs. In comparison, citronella collars emit a scent that doesn’t cause any pain or harm.
Moreover, for dogs with lower motivation that aren’t receptive to static or vibration stimulation or in places where e-collars are not permitted, there is the option of citronella collars and products.
Benefits of using a citronella collar
In summary, these are the benefits of using a citronella collar:
- Entirely safe and painless.
- Effective for most dogs.
- Great for training dogs with low motivation.
- Effective for all kinds of training and prevents excessive barking.
- Allowed in most — if not all — places.
- Easy to maintain and care for.
- Can last a long time to use with more than one dog with proper care.
Citronella bark collars have been proven to work well, but you might be wondering next, “Which ones should I buy?”
Choosing the right citronella collar
When it comes to bark control, owners have a few different collar types to choose from at DogMaster Trainers.
Citronella collars such as the BarkMate Deluxe Spray Anti Bark Collar or the BarkMate Supreme Citronella Spray Bark and Train System are designed specifically for bark control.
They both work by automatically detecting barking using a microphone sensor that provides reliable bark detection. The microcomputer chips in the collar can help discriminate barking from other external noises, and from this, the collar emits a small puff to distract the dog with the smell of the spray to deter barking.
There is also a warning tone prior to spray correction. These collars spray trace amounts of citronella oil at a time, ensuring the dog can merely smell the scent, and will not cause any harm to the dog.
These handy collars are also rechargeable and have detection systems suitable for small and larger dog breeds. The BarkMate Deluxe Spray Anti Bark Collar is straightforward and simple to use. It’s also easy to refill with a built-in bark and spray counter, so you can keep track.
However, the BarkMate Supreme Citronella Spray Bark and Train System Collar has all that and far more features, making it great for training one or more dogs on etiquette beyond barking.
It has a remote control that can be used on two collars simultaneously, perfect for dog owners with more than one pup. Even better, the microphone receiver has low, medium and high bark sensitivity settings you can change according to your dog’s temperament or tendencies.
Ultimately, the collar you choose would depend on your specific training goals and the breed of your dog.
Training your dog with a citronella collar
There are a couple of things to consider when using a citronella collar for training and controlling excessive barking:
1. What are your goals, and do citronella bark collars work effectively to attain them?
Remember that bark collars are simply tools. They will work well if you use them properly to discourage bad behaviour. You have to remember to use positive reinforcement along with deterring bad behaviour.
It’s important to understand your dog’s behaviour to train them properly with a collar and encourage them to express their needs and wants in a healthy and pleasant manner. Excessive barking is usually caused by high anxiety, stress or a dog simply wanting more attention.
For the most effective training, we suggest taking these steps when using a bark collar:
- Be casual — Your dog should think the collar is just like any other collar. Make sure to fit it snugly.
- Don’t turn the collar on right away — Let them wear it for a few days, so they acclimate without any issues.
- Give your dog time to get used to the collar — When you do turn the collar on, expose your dog to the stimulus, starting from the lowest setting, and observe their reaction.
- Correctly identify triggers — You want your dog to stop barking during inappropriate circumstances, let’s say when a car passes. Those are the only times you should correct them with the stimulus.
- Turn the collar off after training sessions — This will teach your dogs how to keep from barking even with the collar off.
2. Do citronella bark collars work well, considering your dog’s build and personality?
Dog collars are usually built with certain dog sizes in mind, so make sure your collar can accommodate your dog. Some dogs aren’t compatible with any kind of collar at all and might respond to other training methods better, especially if they are highly motivated by positive reinforcement.
If you are still unsure if your dog is fit for a citronella collar, we suggest contacting the collar’s manufacturer or a professional dog trainer before using a bark collar.
Cleaning and maintaining citronella bark collars
Cleaning the collar regularly and storing them properly when not in use will ensure it lasts longer and remains in good condition.
- Check for any physical damage and tighten any loose screws to ensure water doesn’t seep into the device.
- Power off the device.
- Separate the collar strap from the device and clean the collar strap with a gentle cleaning detergent, water and a soft brush. For the device, wipe off any stains and spray residue with a damp cloth.
- Wipe both pieces clean with a towel, making sure they are free of debris, detergent and completely dry.
Be sure to check the product’s manual for any further instructions regarding the device’s maintenance. And if the device sustains any damage, we recommend contacting the manufacturer or warranty provider for assistance.
Stay informed on other dog training tips with DogMaster Trainers
Training your dog involves a lot of work and requires a lot of effort and patience. Citronella bark collars work as wonderful and safe tools to supplement dog training and prevent excessive barking, so long as the dog owner is well-informed.
For any other questions you may have about citronella products, don’t hesitate to call us on 1800 300 364, or visit our Blog and Resource Centre to learn about our products!