Hi,

I'm just trying to see if anyone has used an anti-barking collar before, I believe they sell citronella ones. Is it used as a training tool for a short period, or something which is worn throughout their life?

My beagle is extremely vocal, we knew this would be the case but I'm concerned my neighbours are going to complain! He barks at everything, from his food, his toys and a lot at us!

Any advice would be extremely appreciated...

Thanks

Hi
I am not completely sure but I am sure they are more of a temporary measure have you tried the air spray can? They hate the noise and it is not something that sprays in the face. I own a beagle myself so I know they can be quite stubborn but perseverance is the key. Good luck you will get loads of good advice on here.

Things like this should only really be used under the supervision of experienced trainers/behavourists as there is a very fine line between getting it right and scareing the dog for life

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Sray cans must be used correctly or these can cause them to become scared. Alot is down to timing and under proper training . Have you thought of asking a dog trainer for advice. I must admit im not a fan of the spray can myself but i suppose its what your dogs like and everyone knows there own dogs personaility.
The anti bark collar can work if used correctly but it is more short term its better if you can do it with the help of trainer. Do you go to pup classes at all.

Why get a Beagle if you don't want a dog that makes noise?

I have not, and would never use a spray collar on mine or anyone elses dog.

If you use them to stop barking, whatever was causing the barking will still be there, but the dog will simply be quiet. That isn't a good thing. Of course, if yuo're dog is simply barking for the sake of it, it is easy to teach him to be quiet. It will require a lot of time and effort though.

I am not really keen on those sorts of collars personally.

I heard that some of them can be set off by other sounds etc. other than your dog barking, so the dog would receive the punishment for the wrong reason that completely puts me off them because I think that would mess a doggies head up.

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xx Liz xx

Our new little puppy is a beautiful cross between a Springer and a Cocker, who was born on 18th June 2008. She is a bundle of joy and we want to give her a happy life. Any advice always appreciated :0)

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"Properly trained, a man can be a dog's best friend."
Corey Ford

Thanks everyone, yeah we went to puppy class for 12 weeks then unfortunately he caught kennel cough. He is very good at sitting, waiting, leaving, coming, rolling over etc. I think to be honest we are frustrated and want to understand him more. I have contacted a dog training today about arranging a home visit.

Alfie will hide a bone then bark at the spot he buried it. He picks up each biscuit individually out of his breakfast bowl in the morning, puts it on the sofa and barks at it. If he doesn't get his way or you tell him NO he barks. He doesn't bark at the usual things, post person, door knocker etc.

This evening after an afternoon of destroying the only plant we had left, we went for a walk where he played with another puppy. We then went on a run and then finally we took him to our local field where we all played hide and seek... he still scratched us like anything when we got home and sat down for dinner.

I won't be purchasing a Collar or spray, we love him to bits and I don't want to scare him. There isn't anything he could do which would make us get rid of him. Fingers crossed this dog trainer will help enlighten us! She said rather than concentrating our efforts on wearing him out so much we should try and teach him to 'relax'.

Hollie x

p.s he's curled up between us now asleep.. sssh!!!