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Anti-Barking Devices: Do They Work, and Are They Safe?

Updated October 31, 2026 · General information, not veterinary advice

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The main types

What the research says

There's surprisingly little good research on bark devices.

• A small 1996 Cornell study had nine nuisance-barking dogs try both a citronella collar and an electric collar. All eight owners who finished found the citronella collar effective, and most preferred it. Four of the eight said the shock collar had no effect.
• A 2012 study of the Aboistop citronella collar followed seven dogs. Barking stopped or dropped in three of them. Some effects faded with continued use, and the collar sometimes ran out of spray during heavy barking. The authors said the sample was too small to be conclusive.
• The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends reward-based training for all behavior problems and says there's no evidence that aversive methods work better.

What the ASPCA and PetMD say about deterrents

• The ASPCA says anti-bark collars are punishment devices and are not recommended as a first choice, especially for barking that comes from fear, anxiety or compulsion.
• It also says collars that only make a loud noise are ineffective with most dogs, and that virtually all dogs become "collar-wise": they stop barking while wearing the collar and go back to barking when it is off.
• Collars that listen for a bark with a microphone should not be used in a home with more than one dog, because any dog's bark can set the collar off.
• PetMD's reviewed advice goes further. It calls anti-barking devices a short-term fix that can cause long-term problems, because a dog may become more frustrated, scared or anxious, and you lose a way to read how your dog feels.
• The ASPCA's advice for barking at the root: work out why your dog barks, aim to cut barking down rather than end it, and expect it to take time. It says there is no realistic quick fix.

When a device might make sense

• As a short-term aid while you also train, for example if a landlord or neighbor complaint means you need fast relief.
• For alert or habit barking in a dog that's otherwise relaxed.

Looking for walking or training gear instead? See humane training collars.

When not to use one

• If your dog barks from fear, separation anxiety or reactivity. Adding an unpleasant surprise can make the fear worse.
• On puppies, or when you can't supervise at first.
• Around other dogs who could be set off, or set off the device.

Gentler tools that help

• A white noise machine or fan to mask outside sounds
• Window film to block the view
• Puzzle feeders and long-lasting chews
• A pet camera to see what's really triggering the barking

Browse PetSafe bark control

Common questions

Do ultrasonic bark deterrents work?

Results vary. Some dogs startle and stop at first, and others ignore the sound or get used to it. Ultrasonic boxes can also affect other dogs nearby and can't tell your dog's bark from the neighbor's. Treat them as a short-term aid, not a fix.

Are citronella bark collars humane?

The AKC describes citronella collars as a more humane alternative to shock collars. Even so, they're still an unpleasant surprise, and PetMD's vet reviewer advises against anti-bark devices because they may cause anxiety and don't address the cause.

Are shock bark collars legal?

In the US they're legal to sell. Some other countries, including Wales, have banned them. Many vet and behavior organizations advise against them.

Related guides

• Humane dog training collars
• Brain Training for Dogs review
• Stop barking fast: what works
• Barking dog and neighbors