Looking for a way to reduce excessive barking? Learn how shock collars and non-shock bark collars work so you can choose the right training approach for your dog.
If your dog barks at every knock, passing car, squirrel, delivery driver, or sound outside, you’ve probably started looking for ways to bring the volume down.
That’s when you’ll encounter terms like bark collar, shock collar, vibration collar, ultrasonic collar, and training collar.
But these products don’t all work the same way.
One of the biggest differences is how the collar gets your dog’s attention. Some collars use an electrical stimulus, while non-shock alternatives can use sound and vibration.
Here’s what you should know before deciding what’s right for your dog.
What Is a Shock Collar?
A shock collar, sometimes called an electronic or e-collar, uses electrical stimulation delivered through contact points touching the dog’s neck.
Depending on the collar, the stimulation may be activated manually with a remote or automatically in response to a behavior such as barking.
The intensity and operation vary considerably between products.
What Is a Non-Shock Bark Collar?
A non-shock bark collar is designed to interrupt unwanted barking without electrical stimulation.
Different products accomplish this in different ways. Some use vibration, audible tones, ultrasonic sound, or combinations of these.
Good Life’s BarkWise Complete uses ultrasonic sound and vibration and has no metal shock prongs or static correction. It can detect barking automatically or be manually activated with its included remote.
Shock Collar vs. BarkWise Complete
| BarkWise Complete | Typical Shock Collar | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical shock | No | Yes |
| Ultrasonic sound | Yes | Varies |
| Vibration | Yes | Varies |
| Automatic bark detection | Yes | Varies |
| Manual remote | Yes | Varies |
| Rechargeable | Yes | Varies |
| Designed specifically for no-shock training | Yes | No |
How Does BarkWise Complete Work?
When your dog barks, BarkWise Complete detects the bark and responds with ultrasonic sound and vibration to interrupt the behavior.
The idea is simple: interrupt the unwanted barking at the moment it happens, then reinforce calm behavior.
BarkWise can operate automatically, which is particularly helpful when you aren’t standing next to your dog every time barking starts.
It also includes a remote control with a range of up to 75 feet, giving you the option to activate BarkWise manually during training.
When Can BarkWise Help?
The Doorbell Goes Off
One knock and the barking begins.
BarkWise can automatically respond when your dog starts barking, helping interrupt the behavior so you can reinforce being calm and quiet.
Your Dog Barks Out the Window
Cars, pedestrians, squirrels, delivery drivers and neighborhood dogs can all become triggers.
Consistent feedback at the moment your dog begins barking can become part of your training routine.
Barking in the Backyard
If your dog patrols the fence line or reacts to every movement outside, BarkWise can be worn during the times when that barking is most likely to occur.
Barking When You Aren’t Standing Nearby
Because BarkWise has automatic bark detection, training doesn’t depend entirely on you being there with the remote every time your dog barks.
Barking Is Normal. Excessive Barking Is the Problem.
Dogs bark.
They may bark because they’re excited, frightened, bored, territorial, seeking attention or trying to alert you to something.
The goal of bark training shouldn’t necessarily be to create a dog that never makes a sound. Instead, focus on reducing unnecessary or excessive barking and teaching your dog when it’s time to settle.
Pairing a training device with praise, treats, exercise and consistent training can help reinforce the behavior you want.
What Else Can You Train With BarkWise?
BarkWise isn’t limited to automatic bark detection.
The included remote lets you manually activate the collar, which means you can incorporate it into training for other unwanted behaviors such as jumping, digging or getting onto furniture.
The collar adjusts from approximately 6–24 inches, weighs about 2.2 oz, is rechargeable and is IPX4 splash resistant.
How Long Does Bark Training Take?
Every dog is different.
Some dogs respond quickly, while others need consistent training over several days or weeks. Your dog’s temperament, barking habits, triggers and consistency of training can all affect the process.
Don’t just put the collar on and forget about training.
When your dog responds appropriately and settles down, reinforce the behavior with praise or a treat. BarkWise should be one part of the training process rather than a replacement for interaction with your dog.
What If It’s My Neighbor’s Dog Barking?
If the barking dog isn’t yours, a collar probably isn’t the appropriate solution because you don’t have access to the dog.
That’s where a stationary ultrasonic bark-control device such as the Dog Silencer MAX may make more sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does BarkWise shock my dog?
No. BarkWise Complete doesn’t use static shock and doesn’t have metal shock prongs. It uses ultrasonic sound and vibration.
Can BarkWise work automatically?
Yes. BarkWise can automatically detect your dog’s barking and respond without you having to press the remote. It can also be operated manually with the included remote.
Can I use BarkWise with a deaf dog?
Good Life says the vibration setting can be used for a deaf dog because the training cue doesn’t depend entirely on sound.
Is BarkWise waterproof?
It’s rated IPX4 splash resistant, but it isn’t designed for swimming. Remove the collar before your dog swims.
Can I use BarkWise on a puppy?
Good Life recommends consulting your veterinarian before using BarkWise with a puppy under one year old.
A No-Shock Approach to Excessive Barking
You shouldn’t have to choose between living with constant barking and using a training method you aren’t comfortable with.
BarkWise Complete provides another option.
It combines automatic bark detection, ultrasonic sound, vibration and manual remote control in a rechargeable collar designed specifically for no-shock training.
Visit the Ultimate Bark Control blog to learn more about the benefits of bark collars over shock collars for dogs.
