It’s no secret that excessive barking is annoying, especially if it’s loud or high pitched. The constant noise can cause headaches and stress, and since the sound carries, it can annoy your neighbors, too, potentially leading to conflict between even the friendliest neighbors. So how do you put a stop to it? That’s where ultrasonic bark control devices and other anti-bark deterrents come in. You can easily use these tools to train your dog to stop barking.
We reviewed dozens of bark control devices and anti-bark deterrents to identify the best of the best. We looked at all types of deterrents, examining where they can be used, the different modes that they employ, and the range at which they’re effective to find the best ultrasonic bark control devices and anti-bark deterrents for any situation.
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Our top pick and the clear winner out of all of the anti-bark deterrents that we looked at is the Nest 9 Anti-Barking Device. This highly-effective handheld ultrasonic bark control device is easy-to-use, battery operated, portable, and compact. You can start using it straight away without needing to set anything up, making it one of the most convenient and high-performing choices on the market.
The 5 Top-Rated Ultrasonic Bark Control Devices and Anti-Bark Deterrents
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Nest 9 Anti-Barking Device | 4.5 |
| Best Bark Control Collar | Trulrox No-Bark Collar | 4.2 |
| Best Budget Buy | YapHalt Anti-Bark Collar | 4.3 |
| Best Outdoor Ultrasonic Bark Control Device | Zomma Anti-Barking Device | 4.5 |
| Best Handheld Ultrasonic Bark Control Device | PETSON Ultrasonic Dog Bark Deterrent | 4.5 |
Our Top Pick: Nest 9 Anti-Barking Device
Our favorite anti-bark deterrent is the Nest 9 Anti-Barking Device, an ultrasonic bark control device that can be used straightaway once you put batteries in it. You don’t need to worry about installing it, affixing it to your dog’s collar, or learning complex instructions to get started. All you need to do is hold the ergonomic device in your hand, and press the button on it when your dog starts barking. That’s it!
So what exactly does the button do when you press it? It emits an ultrasonic sound that only your dog can hear. Don’t worry; the sound is totally safe for both humans and dogs! It lets your dog know that their barking is undesirable, so they quickly learn to stop barking excessively.
The Nest 9 Anti-Barking Device is really that simple to use, so it’s perfect for any dog owners looking for a quick, easy, and affordable solution to their dog’s excessive barking. And yes, according to customer reviews, it really does work! What more could you want in an anti-bark deterrent?
Nest 9 Anti-Barking Device Key Features:
- No need to install or affix anything
- Ultrasonic sound
- Lightweight
- Easy-to-use handheld device
- Battery-operated
Best Bark Control Collar: Trulrox No-Bark Collar
Are you after a bark control collar to curb your dog’s barking problems? The Trulrox No-Bark Collar is without a doubt the best bark control collar on the market. This collar is durable, lightweight, and waterproof, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It comes with vibration and shock modes, both of which have levels that range from 1 to 5.
The Trulrox No-Bark Collar even features a reflective tape on the collar, so you can easily find your dog at night. Plus it also has a test mode that allows you to ensure that the device is functioning properly. Whether you have a small, medium-sized, or large dog, you’ll find this collar a great investment, especially as it’s fully adjustable to ensure it fits your dog just right. Need more convincing? Just read the rave reviews on Amazon, and you’ll be quickly convinced that this collar is worth buying.
Trulrox No-Bark Collar Key Features:
- Lightweight design
- Adjustable size
- Waterproof
- Comfortable to wear
Best Budget Pick: YapHalt Anti-Bark Collar
For a budget conscious choice, check out the YapHalt Anti-Bark Collar. After looking at a range of budget options, we’re confident that you won’t find a better option at such a low price. But don’t mistake low cost for meaning low quality. This anti-bark collar might not be the flashiest option around, but it does the job, and it does it well.
Unlike some anti-bark collars, this one doesn’t include a shock mode. Instead, it relies on both sounds and vibrations to let you dog know what behavior you want them to curb. It includes a total of 7 sensitivity levels, so as your dog’s behavior improves—and it likely will—you can adjust the alerts accordingly. It can be used on a variety of dogs, from 5kg to 50kg.
YapHalt Anti-Bark Collar Key Features:
- Two modes: sounds and vibrations
- No shock mode
- 7 sensitivity levels
- Reflective strip
Best Outdoor Ultrasonic Bark Control Device: Zomma Anti-Barking Device
If you want an ultrasonic bark control device for outdoor use, then look no further than the Zomma Anti-Barking Device. This durable, weatherproof anti-barking device was specially designed for outdoor use and can be mounted to a tree, fence, or wall or hung somewhere in your yard. Regardless of where you place the device, its attractive, house-style design makes it seem more like a decorative accent than a training tool. Dog parents have certainly been pleased with it, as it has a high average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 10,000 customers.
The device has three range settings, which detect barking from 15, 30, and 50 feet away respectively. Rain and other bad weather doesn’t interfere with the sensitivity of the device. This bark stopper also has a test setting and an LED battery power level indicator. The battery is powered by a single 9-volt battery.
Zomma Anti-Barking Device Key Features:
- Designed specifically for outdoor use
- Can be mounted or hung
- 50-foot range
- Powered by a standard 9-volt battery (not included)
Best Handheld Ultrasonic Bark Control Device: PETSON Ultrasonic Dog Bark Deterrent
For a bark stopping device that you can take on the go, the PETSON Ultrasonic Dog Bark Deterrent is an excellent choice. This nifty device is great for stopping barking on walks or while otherwise away from home, training dogs to stop bad behaviors other than barking, and repelling aggressive animals while you’re out and about.
Its compact size and ergonomic shape makes it comfortable and easy to use and carry with you. Plus, you don’t need to affix anything to your dog to get it to work its magic. So with the PETSON Ultrasonic Dog Bark Deterrent, you can forget about being weighed down or causing discomfort to your dog. Instead, you can concentrate on addressing your dog’s barking problems… which are likely to become a thing of the past!
PETSON Ultrasonic Dog Bark Deterrent Key Features:
- Compact and portable
- Lightweight
- Suitable for dogs of all sizes
- USB rechargeable
Who Should Buy an Ultrasonic Bark Control Device or Anti-Bark Deterrent
Dogs bark for a wide variety of reasons. Sometimes it’s to protect their territory or alert you to what they consider intruders, while others it’s intended as a greeting or to prompt play time. Other times dogs bark because they’re bored or lonely, to get your attention, or because they’re afraid or alarmed. Some dogs even bark compulsively. In conjunction with training, such as teaching a “quiet” command, anti-bark deterrents can be a useful way to teach your dog to bark less.
You may also see outdoor anti-bark deterrents placed near the edge of your property recommended for dealing with a neighbor’s dog that barks excessively. However, before you try using an anti-bark deterrent, be neighborly and discuss the issue with the dog’s owner so that they have a chance to try to resolve the issue. They may not be around to realize that their dog is barking so much or they might not be aware that it’s loud enough to disturb you.
Finally, please note that anti-bark deterrents can only worsen anxiety or fear, so they shouldn’t be used to respond to excessive barking that’s in response to these emotions. (Check out our review of the best dog anxiety vests to calm an anxious dog.) Excessive barking can also be due to a wide variety of medical conditions, so any dog that displays this behavior should first be taken to a vet before you assume that it’s strictly a behavior issue. Ultrasonic bark control devices can damage sensitive hearing, so they shouldn’t be used for puppies under six months of age or for adult dogs with hearing impairments. In the latter situation, ultrasonic devices generally aren’t very useful anyway. Lastly, ultrasonic bark control devices are not helpful for multi-dog homes since the sound cannot selectively target only the dog that barked.
Important Features to Consider
A bark control device or anti-bark deterrent should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a bark control device or anti-bark deterrent:
- Type of deterrent. Almost all of the anti-bark deterrents on this list are ultrasonic, meaning that they put out a high pitch frequency, too high for human hearing to detect, in order to distract your dog from its barking and provide negative feedback to your dog. Some ultrasonic devices detect sound and automatically put out the frequency in response, while others allow you to control when the frequency is emitted. Non-ultrasonic anti-bark deterrents, like sprays, are also available.
- Where it can be used. Some bark deterrents aren’t weather-proof and can therefore only be used indoors. Others are portable and handheld, which is great for training on the go. Make sure your choice in bark deterrent works where you need it to. If you want to use an ultrasonic bark control device, you also need to make sure that its range is sufficient to detect problem barking wherever it occurs.
- Sound modes. Ultrasonic bark control devices typically have multiple volume settings. While numerous settings aren’t essential, it is ideal to have at least a few so that you can choose the one that’s most effective for your dog without causing undue stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ultrasonic bark control device and how does it work?
An ultrasonic bark control device is intended to stop a dog from barking by emitting an ultrasonic frequency, meaning a sound that is too high pitched for human ears to detect but can be detected by dogs, in response to barking. Some ultrasonic bark control devices detect barking and automatically make the sound in response, while others allow the owner to trigger the sound.
The tone is intended to interrupt the barking and distract the dog, while also providing negative feedback to the dog because the tone is uncomfortable for them. Eventually, the dog should stop barking to avoid hearing the uncomfortable sound.
Are ultrasonic bark devices safe?
Ultrasonic bark devices will not hurt your adult dog’s hearing. However, there is a risk of unintended consequences. For one, some devices emit the noise in response to far more noises than just barking. This is not only ineffective in preventing barking since your dog can’t connect the sound to their behavior but can also cause place avoidance and anxiety. For dogs that are already barking due to anxiety or fear, ultrasonic devices can often worsen these feelings. Instead of punishing an anxious or fearful dog, you should try to make them feel more calm and secure using environmental and behavioral strategies and tools such as dog calming collars.
Ultrasonic bark devices also aren’t recommended for use for dogs under six months old because of their sensitive hearing, nor for dogs with existing hearing issues.
How do I stop my dog barking at every noise?
Ultrasonic bark devices can be useful for controlling barking, but it’s important to exercise caution when using automatic ones to deal with noise-related barking since, if the noise is loud enough, the device may go off when the noise occurs, providing your dog with even more negative associations with noise. Using a device where you control when the tone is emitted allows you to make sure the tone only goes off in response to barking.
You can also train your dog not to bark in response to noises by desensitizing them to the sound in the first place, which is particularly effective for dogs that are afraid of the noise that they’re barking at. First, identify the sound the triggers the barking, then find recordings of that sound. Play the recording at a volume low enough that your dog does not bark and give your dog treats to create positive associations. Over time, increase the volume, only enough that your dog is still comfortable and continue to give treats. Eventually, your dog will be used to the sound in the real world.
What is considered excessive barking?
For general purposes, excessive barking could simply be considered barking that is loud and persistent enough that it interferes with the peace and comfort of those around it. However, most places also have a legal definition of excessive barking for the purposes of noise ordinances. In some places, barking must meet certain volume and timespan requirements to be considered excessive, while in others the definition is more subjective. If you’re not sure how your local government defines excessive barking, your local police department or animal control office should be able to help you.
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