Dog Owners: Is this a Humane Device?

[Anonymous]

Hi there. First, let me say I am an animal lover, and I've been a dog parent (he died last year, and we are waiting until the spring to adopt another). However, I am getting increasingly fed up with the dogs next door and behind my house who bark constantly. I've spoken to the owners who all say they're sorry and they'll deal with it, but nothing happens. I found this online: http://www.ultimatebarkcontrol.com/a/how-to-stop-dog-barking.htm?gclid=CMu00-eSzroCFdGe4AodKzQAzQ#page=Main-Tab&pk_campaign=Adwords-Bark-USA-ENG&pk_kwd=how%20to%20stop%20barking and while it sounds great in theory, I am hesitant to buy it in case it's harmful/scary to dogs. I remember when we adopted our rescue dog that the rescue was adamant about not using invisible fences, choke collars, etc. etc. and I agreed. Is this product in that same vein, or is this something that you think would be safe to use? It's hard to imagine a) that this really works that well, and b) that it wouldn't be harmful in some way. But I wanted to ask on the off chance that it is ok to use b/c it feels like it would be the answer to my problem.

[Anonymous]

I'm sure it's fine, but does it work? Google for reviews and ask a vet about any risks.

[Anonymous]

OP here, just thought of another question: If I do buy this, do I have an ethical responsibility to tell my neighbors that I'm using it?

[Anonymous]

I bought my dog the collar version to help with his barking and it not only went off when he barked but when other dogs he was near barked. That wasn't fair so I stopped using it.

This device is being circulated in my HOA blog (not for mine but another dog). And I am asking the same question what does it do for the dogs who are not barking. (the question
we never asked about second hand smoke until it was too late)

[Anonymous]

It's obviously going to emit an unpleasant sound, so no, I wouldn't use it. I would also worry about dogs who aren't barking, cats, etc.

[Anonymous]

If the neighbors are leaving their dogs outside all the time call animal control.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's obviously going to emit an unpleasant sound, so no, I wouldn't use it. I would also worry about dogs who aren't barking, cats, etc.

+1

[Anonymous]

An unpleasant sound won't hurt the dog.

[Anonymous]

This device would train the dog to NEVER bark. What if the neighbors like having the dogs to alert them to trespassers or visitors?

Also, I think for it to be effective, it would have to be incredibly unpleasant, or more likely painful. So, say you get those dogs to stop barking (great for your sanity), but every time another nearby dog barks, the neighbor dogs would have to endure the "unpleasant" sound, even though they're not the ones barking. It would be like your dog getting shocked every time some other dog went through the invisible fence.