It's a dog blog, a cat blog, a cat and dog blog. Fun, reviews, dog training tips . . .

Showing posts with label barking dogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label barking dogs. Show all posts

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Dog Fence Fighting 101

Do you love to fight? Is dog aggression your thing? Do you relish the sound of your own bark? Don't you just love a safe dog fight? Are you of the opinion that all dogs should be allowed a bit of fence fighting time each day? Then, fellow barking dogs,  you've come to the right blog.  I am here to share with you the best kept fence fighting secrets in the world!

I am going to use our spotted demo dog, Linguini; the one in the red dog collar.

Always bring with you a worthy accomplice or more. 
(Brindle dogs are useful accomplices because they blend in.)

Look carefully for the target of your dog fence fighting.

Look closer.

Nobody to fight, huh?

Graciously retreat with your tail up!

Tip: Fence fighting is way better if you have an opponent. 

Twinkie

Friday, June 18, 2010

Ultrasonic Bark Control Systems | Stop Barking Dogs Safely


We recently posted a product review for the PetZoom. We were amazed at how effective this handheld device was, yet, it was used sparingly in our home until we became certain about certain issues, especially its safety. So how do ultrasonic bark control systems really work? How do you stop barking dogs safely?

An ultrasonic pet trainer emits an ultrasonic pitch audible to dogs and cats, but not to humans. Dogs and cats are able to hear frequencies the human ear cannot pick up.They are recommended for all dog and cats and their owners, but can also be used by innocent bikers and hikers since they claim to keep unknown animals away. Their effectiveness is generally debatable, but in our case it worked from day one. Do not forget that the best alternative to any bark control device is proper training along with daily exercise.


There are several types of ultrasonic bark control devices, but this post deals mostly with the inexpensive handheld ones because we've tested those. We were so satisfied that we're going to step this up by adding an outdoor ultrasonic bark control unit. In brief, the alternatives include the most common and readily available dog collar mounted type which, just like the other types, is activated by the sound of the bark. Some of the collar types provide a remote control unit leaving it up to the dog owner to trigger the correction. Another type of ultrasonic bark control is designed to work indoors. Those too can either be automatically triggered or controlled by the owner and they have variable  radius.

We hear all the time about mass recalls on products previously considered safe. Take spot-on dog flea treatment, for example. Many generations of canines were treated by their loving owners with this type of flea control treatment, and it wasn't until recently when the FDA announced that the majority is killing and injuring tens of thousands of dogs each year. While we can't predict what the future will bring, we still wanted to do a thorough research as to the safety of ultrasonic bark control systems. 

For starters, ultrasonic technology is FDA approved. The manufacturers and experts all concur that this type of product hasn't been around long enough, but based on it's short history in the market, it is considered safe, pet friendly, and humane. It is considered "natural" and painless. Ultrasonic pet trainers are favored over shock collars and other training devices because they are considered both harmless and effective. 

These are the only caution statements we found during our research: Never place the ultrasonic pet trainer directly next to any pet's ear or even any human's. The high intensity sound could be harmful in the same manner as any loud audible sound would when held against an ear. Never push the correction button for more than a second or two maximum. 

Wide range Outdoor Ultrasonic Dog Bark Control Product considerations:


 
Dog Silencer Pro                                  Bark Free

Now that we have witnessed the miracle of the affordable PetZoom, confirmed how it works and that it is indeed safe and humane, we're considering purchasing the Dog Silencer Pro, a unit that has a 300 foot range and that comes equipped with a remote control unit and can be used both indoors and outdoors. The unit has a built-in sensor with a 75 ft sound sensor range. Because the Dog Silencer Pro costs between $80-100, we're also considering the less expensive Bark Free unit that sells for under $50. The Bark Free unit has a range of 25 feet and does not come with a remote control but it gets good reviews. Stay tuned.

Twinkie

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Product Review: Ultrasonic Bark Control

Stop Barking Dogs

All dogs are irritating when they bark, but small dogs are notoriously annoying. Because we were looking for ultrasonic pet trainer to suit all breeds, small and large, we decided to try a hand held, inexpensive, bark control device. We ordered the PetZoom Sonic Pet Trainer that costs $20 plus shipping and handling. You get a bonus nail groomer with your order (which they claim is valued at $19.95). Your other option is to buy PetZoom from Amazon for $16.98 a small saving that does not include the nail groomer, but if you're a Prime member you also don't pay shipping. 

The PetZoom Sonic Pet Trainer claims to be safe, harmless, and effective, a 20 ft. range, and to work on all dogs and cats. 

We tested it on the dogs. The word miracle comes to mind. As with all sonic pet trainers, this one is inaudible by the human ear, so it's really shocking to push a button and have all your dogs instantly stop barking, especially because you don't hear a thing. Our dalmatian-shorthaired pointer mix, stops barking, bows her head slightly, and then resumes what she was doing. The little chiweenie only stops barking showing no other signs of acknowledgment, and the tiny teacup chihuahua instantly stops barking and stares quizzically at the person handling the pet training device. 

This ultrasonic bark control device is a bit bulky, yet still small enough to fit in a pocket. We're trying to come up with a smart contraption to keep it on us at all times (perhaps some super glue and sting so that it can be worn over the neck at all times). 



In brief, ultrasonic bark control devices are intended to halt trying barking by emitting an annoying tone that only your dog can hear. The tone is the deterrent. The effectiveness, based on the reviews we read, debatable for some. 

We checked around and discovered one more ultrasonic bark control device similar to the PetZoom and that is the As Seen on TV BarkOff training aid. The BarkOff costs only $10 plus shipping and handling, half the price of the PetZoom. I should also mention, that you can get BarkOff from Amazon for $9.99 plus shipping. Similarly with the PetZoom, the BarkOff gets both raving reviews and disappointment. We lucked out, all our barking dogs instantly seized, but apparently it does not work on all dogs. For the price, I recommend you give it a shot. It's better than losing your mind or upsetting your neighborhood with your barking dogs when there are dog bark control devices such as these in the market.


We love the fact that this type of sonic pet trainers work on all breeds and were terribly relieved to eliminate the high pitched bark small dogs make, as were our neighbors. We will continue our research and we will test our PetZoom on the cats too. Meanwhile, I suggest you don't wait. You don't have much to lose but you have potentially a lot to gain, as it was in our case. Stop barking dogs. 

Twinkie


Related Posts with Thumbnails