Shock Bark Collars for Large Dogs - Effective but Risky

Are Shock Bark Collars Effective and Safe for Large Breed Dogs?

Many owners of larger, more exuberant breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds struggle with excessive barking. Frustrated neighbors and family members make finding a solution urgent. This leads some to consider shock bark collars for large dogs. But are they truly effective and how safe are they for your pet?

Understanding How Shock Collars Work

Shock bark collars use an electric current to startle and deter dogs from nuisance barking. The shock intensity varies but is unpleasant enough to curb the behavior. These collars come in three types:

• Citronella spray collar - Emits a spray of citronella near the dog's face when barking is detected.
• Vibration collar - Activates a vibrating mechanism against the dog's throat when barking begins.
• Electric shock collar - Applies an electric shock via metal contact points on the collar when triggered by barking sounds.

All operate using a microphone to sense barking. When sounds reach a pre-set volume or pitch, the deterrent mechanism engages automatically.

Potential Benefits of Shock Collars

Advocates believe shock bark collars offer these benefits for excessive barkers:

• Quickly stops nuisance barking
• Allows remote correction without owner presence
• Works for stubborn barking behaviors
• Small and portable for use anywhere
• Can be activated manually or automatically
• Multiple sensitivity and shock level settings

For large, noisy dogs, the ability to halt barking even when away from home underlies much of the motivation to utilize shock techniques. The convenience and fast action make them popular.

Risks of Using Shock Collars on Large Dog Breeds

However effective shock approaches may be, significant risks and negatives exist including:

• Pain and stress for dogs during shocking
• Potential damage of throat tissues or voice box
• Association of collar with fear and anxiety
• Aggression redirected toward people or animals
• Ongoing barking without the collar present

The pain and distress caused by shock techniques often lead to other behavioral issues over both the short and long term. The collars do not address underlying causes for excessive vocalization. And reliance upon the collars means dogs only refrain from barking while wearing them.

Other Considerations for Large Breeds

Additional factors make using shock collars riskier for bigger dogs including:

• More muscle mass absorbs shocks unevenly
• Thicker coats require longer contact points
• Higher energy and exuberance increase reactivity
• Sheer size and strength make behavioral risks greater

Employing painful aversives on stronger, excitable big dogs often increases aggressive responses due to fear and poor application of shocks through fur and tissue.

Are There Safe Alternatives for Stopping Barking?

Thankfully, many alternatives exist beyond shock approaches to treat excessive vocalization in large breed dogs. Humane yet effective methods include:

• Identifying and addressing underlying causes for barking such as fear, separation anxiety, territorialness, boredom or seeking attention.
• Providing sufficient physical and mental exercise daily.
• Crating or confining dogs when left alone to prevent reactive barking.
• Allowing reasonable periods of barking as normal communication rather than demanding constant silence.
• Using positive reinforcement training to reward quiet behavior.

Positive Reinforcement Bark Training

This humane approach relies on rewarding voluntary quiet behavior instead of punishing barking. Following four simple steps leads to significant bark reduction without pain or coercion:

1. Put the reward (treat, toy) in sight but out of reach. The instant the dog stops barking even briefly, deliver the reward. Repeat many times.
2. Once the dog starts looking to you expectantly when quiet, introduce the quiet cue - a hand signal or word. Say "quiet" then reward quiet.
3. Practice daily, rewarding longer silent periods before giving the cue and treat. Vary locations and distraction levels to proof the skill.
4. If barking resumes, interrupt with a diversion like a toy shake or scatter treats to re-engage quiet. Never yell or shock.

With this method, being quiet and looking at the owner becomes rewarding, while excessive barking is redirected. Nearly all dogs master "quiet" reliably without pain using positive strategies.

Other Safe Tools to Stop Barking

Some additional humane tools to help large dogs bark less include:

• Diffusers with calming pheromones to reduce anxiety barking
• Soothing music, audio books or white noise to minimize reactions to outside noises
• Verbal interrupts and redirects when barking starts like " toys!" then engaging in play
• "Do Not Bark" Ultrasonic devices sensing barks and emitting distracting high pitched noises

used along with positive reinforcement and exercise, these gentle tools safely reduce most barking issues without shock methods or punishment.

Precautions When Bark Collars Seem Necessary

For those who decide to attempt bark collars as a last resort, experts strongly recommend:

• Trying citronella spray first as the least aversive option
• Working closely with a certified trainer for proper introduction, fitting and monitoring
• Using the lowest effective setting to prevent excessive corrections
• Never leaving the dog unsupervised while wearing the collar
• Applying intermittent collar use to avoid dependency
• Removing and replacing if skin irritation from contact points occurs

Proper fitting, control of settings, and limited use help reduce risks if an owner deems a shock collar truly essential for controlling their larger, noisy dog.

The Takeaway

Excessive barking by big breeds becomes frustrating for families and neighbors over time if not addressed. And while the speed and convenience of shock collars seems appealing, significant cruelty concerns and potential behavior fallout cannot get ignored.

In nearly all cases, investing the time into positive reinforcement quiet training, meeting dogs' needs, and creating a calmer environment proves safer and more effective long-term. Reserve shock approaches only for the most extreme cases under strict supervision. And rely on them temporarily while pursuing kinder alternatives.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.