I have been toying with the idea of getting a bark collar for my dog for a while now. I had been advised to look into a shock collar, but with my dog being 4.5 pounds, I didn't like the idea of shocking such a small, thin skinned animal. When I came across the opportunity to obtain a shock free collar, I was immediately interested.
The Our K9 Bark Collar comes in a handy storage case and instructions are emailed as well as included for correct use. Purchasers receive multiple email messages with very explicit video instructions on use of the product.
The case comes with 2 batteries, a collar and the bark control.
This set is made for tiny dogs. The collar was much too large for my dog, but is made with many tiny breeds in mind. Video instructions clearly show you how to assemble and trim the collar to prevent fraying. I easily put it together in minutes.
Users are directed to allow and adjustment period of 24-48 hours for the dog to get used to wearing the collar before installing the battery and introducing bark correction. When the battery installation stage comes, it is easily done by removing the collar and sliding the strap aside to access the battery door.
The back of the bark control has two prongs that sit on either side of the dog's windpipe. There is also a small air sensor that triggers the collar when the dog barks by sensing air movement.
The control itself is small and comfortable fits on the dog's neck. It is a bit bigger than I anticipated for a tiny dog like mine, but she still has room on her neck for her regular collar as well, so it's not too much of a hindrance.
Once assembled and the adjustment period has passed, the collar is placed on with the battery in place and training begins. There are 8 levels of correction with this collar before it resets. The dog gets a free bark before the collar starts to offer correction, beginning with a beep at bark two, a longer beep at bark three, the beep with a short vibration at bark four and then increasing in length of beep and vibration until bark 8. Then it shuts down for 1 minute to allow the dog a break.
My dog was intimidated by the collar itself, with out any battery or correction. She spent the first 24 hours barely moving when it was on, and still cowers some when called and is less active if she is wearing it. The collar definitely needs to be on tight. I was surprised how tight. My brain tells me 2 fingers is safe for mobility, but with this collar 1 finger is all that should fit. I had to re-adjust a few times, but I could tell that it was not tight enough during the adjustment phase because it would move is she scratched, even when I thought it was already tight.
Usually by step three, my dog has ceased barking because if the beeps don't get her attention the vibration surely does. I have been using this complete with battery for about 4 days now and notice a marked difference when she wears the collar vs. when she doesn't. Things like the doorbell, visitors, people walking by, etc. would set her off before, now she is hesitant to bark or only does once or twice instead of incessantly if she is wearing the collar.
As directed, each time she barks and the collar corrects, I issue her a command to be quiet. I am hopeful that with a few weeks of this repeated behavior she will be able to go collar free and understand my command in place of the collar correction.
I am very pleased with how gentle and effective this collar is. There is no pain or discomfort beyond sound and a vibration (which I tested on myself and found it little more than a tickle). It is doing amazing things for my yapping Yorkie and I am one happy customer.
With collars in 9 different sizes, you can find one for your dog
here
* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.
