Are you at your wit’s end trying to stop your Dachshund’s excessive barking? A bark collar may seem like the perfect solution. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one?
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the best bark collar for your Doxie.
A Quick Overview of Bark Collars
A dog bark collar is a training device that delivers a stimulus when it detects barking. This is intended to distract and deter the dog from barking excessively.
The main types of bark collars include:
- Citronella spray – Emits a burst of citronella when the microphone picks up barking. The strong odor serves as a deterrent.
- Vibration – Delivers a vibrating sensation when barking is detected. The sensation distracts and interrupts the barking.
- Static/shock – Administers a mild static correction on the dog’s neck when barking is picked up.
- Ultrasonic – Emits a high-pitched sound only audible to dogs whenever barking occurs. The noise startles and deters barking.
- Spray – Sprays a jet of water on the dog’s muzzle to interrupt barking.
Bark collars should only be used as a temporary training tool and must be used correctly to be safe and effective. Proper training and addressing the root cause of barking is ideal.
Now let’s dive into the factors to consider when choosing a bark collar specifically tailored for your Dachshund.
7 Key Factors When Selecting a Bark Collar for Your Dachshund
1. Your Dachshund’s Size
Dachshunds come in two different sizes: standard and miniature.
Standard Dachshunds weigh 16-32 lbs while minis weigh 11 lbs or less.
It’s critical to choose a bark collar designed for your Doxie’s specific size and weight. Using one too large or heavy can cause discomfort.
Look for a lightweight collar made for small breed dogs under 15 lbs for minis. Standard Dachshunds need one sized for medium dogs 15-40 lbs.
The collar should fit snugly without restricting breathing or movement. Make sure you can fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck.
2. Type of Stimulus Your Dog Responds To
Dachshunds have unique temperaments and sensitivities. The type of negative stimulus that deters one dog from barking excessively may not faze another.
Citronella spray – The strong odor works well for most dogs but some may be indifferent or enjoy the smell. It can also irritate eyes.
Vibration – A good option for noise-sensitive Dachshunds. May not deter more pain-tolerant dogs.
Static/shock – Highly effective but too harsh for some dogs. Miniature Dachshunds often find even the mildest shock unpleasant.
Ultrasonic – Inaudible to humans so doesn’t disturb owners. But many Dachshunds seem unbothered by the high-pitched sound.
Spray – The sensation of being sprayed interrupts barking for most dogs. But doesn’t deter every Dachshund.
Try different stimuli to see which your Doxie responds to best. Also consider your own comfort level with each method.
3. Number of Stimulus Levels
Look for a collar with multiple adjustable levels for the stimulus.
This allows you to find the right deterrent level for your Dachshund without going overboard. Start on the lowest setting and work up as needed.
The more levels, the more control you have over the intensity of the deterrent. Top models have 6 or more levels.
Ideally, your dog should respond to the lowest effective level. Miniature Dachshunds especially only need a mild stimulus.
4. Safety Features
The following safety features minimize risks when using a bark collar:
- Automatic shut-off – Stops administering deterrents after a set time, such as 15 stimuli in 1 minute or 30 stimuli in 5 minutes.
- Temperament test – Assesses your dog’s tolerance by automatically starting on the lowest level then escalating if needed.
- Indicator lights – Allow you to easily check the intensity level set.
- Progressive correction – Starts with a warning beep before applying the deterrent stimulus.
- Anti-false trigger – Uses vibration sensors to avoid false triggers from external noises.
Prioritize collars offering multiple built-in safety features to prevent over-correction.
5. Waterproof Rating
Dachshunds love splashing in puddles and playing in wet grass. So the collar must be waterproof.
Look for a waterproof rating of IPX-7 or IPX-8, allowing submersion in water. This ensures it holds up to your Doxie’s active lifestyle.
Avoid bark collars that are only water-resistant. These can malfunction if exposed to moisture while your dog is swimming or in the rain.
6. Rechargeable Battery
Constant barking means the battery needs to have long battery life. Rechargeable lithium ion batteries work best.
Aim for at least 15 days of use per charge. Quick recharge time (2 hours or less) is also useful.
Disposable battery collars drain quickly and aren’t cost effective. Rechargeable models are more convenient and eco-friendly.
7. Warranty
Look for a warranty of 1 year or more. This ensures you’re covered if the product is defective or stops functioning properly while training your Dachshund.
Carefully review what’s covered under the warranty before purchasing. Prioritize collars with warranties covering the battery and full replacement.
Are Bark Collars Safe for Dachshunds?
This is a controversial question without a definitive yes or no answer. Lots of factors determine whether a bark collar can be used safely and humanely with your individual Dachshund.
Here are some risks and precautions to consider:
- Risk of over-correction – Using too high a stimulus level or leaving the collar on an unsupervised dog for extended periods risks over-correcting and harming your Dachshund. Carefully monitor use.
- Fear and distress – Harsher deterrents like shock can cause emotional distress. Some sensitive Dachshunds may develop anxiety or aggressive behavior.
- Skin irritation – The electrical contacts or citronella spray may irritate some dogs’ skin. Monitor your Doxie’s neck for signs of redness or rashes.
- Incorrect use – Bark collars must be sized, positioned and used properly to work effectively and safely. Follow all manufacturer directions.
- Doesn’t address root cause – Bark collars only suppress the symptom, not the underlying reason for excessive vocalization like anxiety or boredom.
With precautions, close supervision and correct use, many Dachshund owners find bark collars can safely and effectively reduce nuisance barking. But they do carry risks to be aware of.
Always consult your veterinarian before using a bark collar with your Doxie, especially if they have any health conditions. And discontinue use if you observe any signs of distress.
Top 4 Bark Collars for Dachshunds
With the buying considerations covered, here are my top recommended bark collars perfectly suited for Dachshunds:
1. Patpet No Shock Bark Collar
Key Features:
- Ultrasonic, vibration & beep deterrents
- IPX7 waterproof
- Rechargeable battery
- Automatic safety shut-off
- 6 levels
This versatile collar from Patpet provides three different humane deterrents to stop excessive barking – ultrasonic sound, vibration, and a warning beep.
It’s completely shock-free and waterproof for safe use with Dachshunds. The progressive correction starts with a beep, then vibrates before using ultrasonic sound.
I like that it has an automatic safety shut-off after 15 corrections to prevent over-stimulation. And the battery lasts 15-20 days per 2 hour charge.
For Doxies needing a multifaceted but gentle bark training solution, the Patpet No Shock Collar is a great fit. It offers more flexibility to find what sensory input best deters your pup’s barking without using any pain or fear.
2. Casfuy Bark Collar for Small Dogs
Key Features:
- Automatic temperament test
- Warning beep & vibration
- 8 sensitivity levels
- Water resistant
- Rechargeable battery
Specifically designed for tiny pups under 15 lbs like miniature Dachshunds, this highly adjustable collar from Casfuy uses progressive behavior modification.
It starts with an audible beep when barking is detected, followed by vibration if the barking continues.
The temperament test feature automatically determines the stimulation level needed for your individual Doxie. And there are 8 sensitivity levels to choose from to prevent over-correction.
While not fully waterproof, it is water resistant for use in wet conditions. And the battery lasts 14 days on a 2 hour charge.
For a customizable, gentle bark training solution tailored for small breed Dachshunds, this is an excellent collar. The progressive beep and vibration system works well for Doxies needing a low level of deterrent.
3. SportDOG NoBark SBC-R Rechargeable Bark Control Collar
Key Features:
- Progressive static stimulation
- 10 levels of static correction
- Waterproof
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Automatic safety shutoff
SportDOG is a trusted brand known for making high quality training collars. Their NoBark collar uses proprietary Progressive Static Stimulation that automatically increases the static level the longer a dog barks.
This allows the correction to match your Doxie’s response, providing the right amount of deterrent. There are also 10 levels you can manually set to control the intensity.
The lithium-ion battery lasts for 50-70 hours per 2 hour charge. And it has an automatic safety shutoff after 80 static corrections in a 24 hour period.
While using static correction requires caution, SportDOG’s collar has the features to make it safer and more customized to your Dachshund’s needs. This is a good option for standard Dachshunds who are undeterred by other methods.
4. Mockins Ultrasonic Dog Bark Collar
Key Features:
- Ultrasonic deterrent
- Vibration warning
- Water resistant
- Rechargeable battery
- Temperament test
For a deterrent that won’t startle nearby humans, the ultrasonic sound on this collar from Mockins is ideal. It emits high frequency sound waves whenever barking is detected to curb excessive vocalization.
To give your dog warning before the ultrasonic stimulus, it starts with a few vibrations. This is a good feature for Dachshunds who are sensitive to new collars.
It automatically tests your dog’s temperament and adjusts the deterrent level accordingly. And it is water resistant for use during all your Doxie’s adventures.
The ultrasonic stimulation works well for many Dachshunds without the risks of citronella or shock. And the collar is designed for small breed dogs.
Bark Collar Precautions for Dachshunds
While bark collars can be effective training tools, they do come with some risks. Here are some key precautions to keep in mind:
- Never leave a bark collar on your unsupervised Dachshund for extended periods, as this risks over-correction.
- Carefully monitor your dog’s skin for any signs of irritation from the electrical contacts.
- Avoid using bark collars with Dachshunds under 6 months old, as their necks are still developing.
- Never attach a bark collar to your Doxie’s leash or combine it with a slip lead, as this can constrict breathing when pulling.
- Don’t use a bark collar on a Dachshund with a medical condition without first consulting your veterinarian.
- Work on also addressing the root cause of your dog’s barking through training, exercise, reducing anxiety triggers, etc.
- Frequently check that the bark collar is positioned properly high on your dog’s neck below the ears.
- Remove your Dachshund’s bark collar when crated or sleeping to avoid over-correcting.
- Ensure your Doxie has a escape route if shocked or sprayed by the collar when first introducing it.
With proper precautions, you can minimize risks from bark collars. But they require close monitoring and should not be used as the sole training strategy for excessive vocalization.
Bark Collar Frequently Asked Questions
Are bark collars safe for Dachshunds?
Bark collars do carry some risks if used improperly or on the wrong dog. But when introduced carefully, the major types can be used safely with most Dachshunds for short term training.
Avoid shock collars with miniature Dachshunds and dogs under 6 months old. And monitor your dog closely for signs of distress or irritation.
How tight should a bark collar be on a Dachshund?
Fit the collar snugly so that it doesn’t slide around but you can still fit two fingers between the band and your dog’s neck. It should not restrict breathing or movement.
Check the tightness each time you put it on your Doxie. It may need adjustment as hair length changes through the seasons.
Where should a bark collar be placed on a Dachshund’s neck?
Position the bark collar high on your Dachshund’s neck right under their ears. It should never be down around the throat area.
Dachshunds have long, slender necks so it’s important to avoid restricting their airways by placing any collar too low.
Can bark collars make dogs aggressive?
For some dogs, the negative stimulus from a bark collar can potentially cause fear, anxiety, or redirected aggression. Carefully monitor your Dachshund’s behavior when using one.
Aggression is more likely if the deterrent level is too high for your dog’s sensitivity. If you notice any concerning behavior changes, discontinue use.
How long should a Dachshund wear a bark collar for?
Only leave a bark collar on your supervised Dachshund for 1-2 hours at a time, with periodic breaks. Don’t use it as an set-and-forget training method.
When introducing your Doxie to the collar, start with even shorter 5-10 sessions so you can monitor their response.
Can Dachshund puppies wear bark collars?
Bark collars are not recommended for Dachshund puppies under 6 months old, as their necks are still developing. Use positive reinforcement training instead while they are very young.
If you need to use a bark collar temporarily with an older puppy, size it carefully and stick to the gentlest vibration or beep deterrents. Never use a shock collar.
Conclusion
The best bark collar for your Dachshund depends on your dog’s size, temperament, and what sensory deterrent they respond to.
Make safety the top priority by choosing a collar with multiple stimulus levels and automatic shut-off features. Supervise use closely.
With the right collar matched to your Doxie along with proper precautions, a bark collar can help control nuisance barking. But always address the root cause of excessive vocalization through training and meeting your dog’s needs as well.
Comparing options like the AirTag and Tile can also help you find the best tracking solution for keeping tabs on your precious pup.
