While our four-legged friends are an absolute joy to be around and offer unconditional love and companionship, that’s not to say they don’t come with their own set of challenges. Of course, having a pet is more than just occasional walks in the park and cuddly moments – it needs dedication, care, and patience.
One common issue faced by pet owners is excessive barking. While it’s natural for dogs to bark, a non-stop cacophony of woofs can be a nuisance to both the pet owners and their neighbours. It doesn’t matter if they’re just hanging around your yard or acting up during a road trip, their behaviour can be extremely disruptive and downright unpleasant. Fortunately, there is a solution to excessive barking – a practical and pet-safe dog barking citronella collar.
Do Citronella Dog Collars Really Work?
The short answer is yes – these devices are based on a simple and effective concept. The collars contain a small container of citronella oil that’s released in the form of an odorous spray when your dog barks. Dogs have an innate aversion to this particular scent, so it should be enough to make them stop barking.
Now, the nature of this particular solution means that it can be used more as a training device to help your pet learn better behaviour rather than an outright punishment. As such, it’s important to understand how this technology works and the considerations you need to think about when using these anti-bark collars.
Major Considerations When Using a Citronella Dog Collar
Before you start using a dog barking citronella collar as part of your training regimen, it’s a wise idea to take some important points into consideration. Oftentimes, pet owners overlook the importance of these variables, but they can make a huge difference to your dog’s comfort and safety.
Frequency of Use
Citronella collars are meant to be used as a training device, not an all-day solution. Although the burst of the carrier oil is harmless to your pet, it’s not something you should rely on for long periods of time.
If you overdo it in terms of frequency, it can have an adverse effect on your pet’s behaviour and overall wellbeing, so make sure to use the collar sparingly and in moderation. This includes both the number of times you use it and the duration of each session. Don’t go over 12 hours of daily use, as this could over-stimulate your pooch and potentially cause harm.
Dog Breed and Size
The exact type of collar you get also has to take the size and breed of your pup into consideration. Smaller dogs usually require a small collar, while larger dogs need something more robust. Of course, this seems like common sense but the more you know about your pup’s body type, the better you’ll be able to tailor the collar to their needs.
For instance, smaller breeds may not require as much citronella coverage due to their size. On the other hand, larger breeds would require a collar with stronger scent coverage to ensure proper effectiveness. This inherently means that you’ll need to pay attention to the specs of each collar and ensure that it’s suitable for your pup.
Age and Sensitivity
As with humans, canine’s sense of smell can also vary depending on their age and sensitivity. Puppies are usually more sensitive to the smell of citronella, so you may need to adjust your collar’s settings accordingly. On the other hand, older dogs may not respond to citronella as well, so you may have to switch up your approach or use a combination of positive reinforcement and scented collars. This is because older breeds may need some extra coaxing to learn new behaviours.
Health and Safety Precautions
Whenever you use a citronella collar, it’s important to take health and safety precautions into account. This is especially true if your pup has any medical issues or skin problems. Also, make sure to properly secure the collar on your dog and keep an eye out for any kind of irritation. If you notice any signs of discomfort, remove the collar immediately and speak with your vet about any further steps you may need to take.
Tips and Tricks for Using Citronella Dog Collars
Once you determine the exact routine and the collar you want to use, it’s time to start training. There are some specific tips and tricks you can employ to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Use Consistent Commands
While using a citronella collar may help train your pup, it’s important to combine this technique with consistent verbal commands. For instance, every time your dog barks and the collar releases its citronella scent, you should also give a “no barking” command. This will help them associate the odour of the oil with their own behaviour more quickly.
Don’t Rely Solely On the Collar
Ultimately, using this device should help you switch up your pup’s behaviour in the short term. But it shouldn’t be relied on as the only solution for excessive barking. You should also employ other forms of positive reinforcement and keep track of their progress. This will help you determine when they’re ready to move on from the scented collar as well as how to handle any further issues that may arise.
Practice Gradual Introduction
Before you start using the collar, make sure to practice a gradual introduction with your pup. This may involve taking the collar off every few minutes and replacing it with a treat or verbal praise. Doing this will help them get used to the device in a more comfortable manner, while also providing an opportunity for positive reinforcement.
Monitor Your Dog’s Reaction
This is particularly true for the initial introduction stage. During this time, keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort or distress from your pup. If they seem to be experiencing problems with the collar, it’s best to stop using it immediately and opt for a different training method.
While this method is generally a safe and effective solution for controlling your pup’s excessive barking, it’s still important to understand the implications and considerations before you get started. With the right approach and a bit of patience, citronella collars could be just what you need to restore some peace and quiet in your home.
