Citronella Dog Barking Collars
I am not a huge fan of these collars but the have become fairly popular for people who just cannot stand the whole “shock” process. I have written several articles about why bark collars are not inhumane but some people still just cannot do it.
The citronella bark collar works a little bit different and for some dog owners may be a little more palatable. This particular spray works on four out of the five important senses: the dogs hear it, see it, feel it, and smell it.
Basically the premise behind this training device is to spray a burst of citronella spay into the dogs face every time he barks. Some people think that releasing a spritz of this very powerful fragrance under a dog’s chin is more effective than a collar that releases an electric shock. I beg to differ but I think this device does work as well and can be used as a successful alternative.
Dogs hate citronella and its no wonder why. Citronella oil is a type of plant based, non toxic, inspect repellent that is used to repel mosquitoes.
The make up is from cymbopogon, a mixture of grasses that are commonly found in warm tropical regions. It has been checked by the EPA extensively and it has been found to be safe for the environment and its safe for humans and animals. What is interesting about citronella is that it is a substance that is used for several applications, not just dog training collars. The citronella chemicals are utilized to make perfumery soap, big repellent candles, repel body and head lice, and of course the excessive “barking dog” problem.
The substance is really strong smelling and I believe this is why dogs cannot stand it. A canine’s noise is very sensitive and that strong of an odor so close is really bothersome.
So when you have a dog that is barking so much he or she is causing a nuisance to yourself or your neighbors this device can really help you.
Again, to clarify, the way it works is this way. There is a little microphone which picks up or senses loud barks and sets off a spray of citronella under the dog’s chin. Some people think it sprays it into his or her eyes but this is not true. The smell of the fragrance is not pleasant and really annoying to the dogs. I repeat that it is absolutely not harmful in anyway. But dogs HATE it and will do anything not to trigger that scent. There is something about this smell that creates a very negative stimulus in them. Whoever came up with it is a genius because of all the smells dogs do not like this is in the top five.
Some negative comments I heard was the collar going off even when the dog did not bark (which is very bad and can send the wrong message) and some dogs getting used to the smell.
These citronella bark collars are expensive, costing over $100 for the good ones but, from what I have seen and heard, extremely useful and worth the costs. Like I have with my anti barking collars I would suggest a group of friends going in on the purchase together and taking turns using it.
