Hello, dog lovers! We’re the Hidden Fence Team, coming to you from Australia with some insights on a topic we often get asked about: bark collar training. As animal lovers and experts in pet care, we want to share our thoughts on whether bark collar training is appropriate for young dogs.
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand that young dogs, particularly those under 4-6 months old, are still in their formative stages. During this time, their understanding of the world and their place in it is still developing. That’s why we at Hidden Fence firmly believe that bark collar training should not be the first line of training for puppies and young dogs.
However, it’s not all black and white. With our BT7 bark collar, we’ve seen how adjustable settings can make bark collar training a gradual and safe approach. When used correctly and as an adjunct to other training methods, this bark collar can indeed be a useful training aid. It helps teach young dogs the parameters of acceptable barking levels, but it’s crucial to use it responsibly.
In young dogs above 6 months old, it’s important to choose a bark collar with adjustable settings, progressive levels and bark forgiveness.
Understanding the routine of your household is vital for a young dog. We always emphasise the importance of teaching them what is considered socially acceptable behaviour. This includes rewarding good behaviour, providing enough stimuli like exercise, toys, and treats, and most importantly, spending quality time with your new puppy or young dog. This helps them see your home as a safe and loving place, even when you’re not around.
The Bark Collar Training
Now, let’s talk about the bark collar training itself. If your young dog shows a tendency towards excessive barking, a bark collar, such as our BT7 model, can act as a stimulus, reminder, distraction, or prompt to curb this behaviour. It’s essential to remember that this should be done under close supervision, especially with very young dogs. The goal is to help them understand the cues and acceptable levels of behaviour, not to frighten or harm them.
Using the bark collar training method requires a careful and sensitive approach. Start with the lowest settings and only for short periods. Observe how your dog responds and adjust accordingly. The idea is to use the bark collar as a gentle reminder, not as a punishment. Your dog should always feel safe and loved, even during training.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while bark collar training can be a valuable tool in teaching young dogs about acceptable barking levels, it should be used with caution in very young dogs and always in conjunction with other positive training methods. Hidden Fence does not recommend bark collar training in dogs under 4-6 months old. Remember, the ultimate goal is to create a harmonious and loving environment for your new furry family member, where they feel secure and understood.
Thank you for trusting the Hidden Fence Team to be part of your journey in responsible pet ownership!
