One of the questions asked most frequently of Dog Training Professionals is "How do I stop my dog from barking?"

The three key components in how-to train a dog are timing, consistency, and negative motivation. Most of the time, barking is a problem when the owner is not home. The solution to the problem then is to replace the owner with a tool that stops barking in their absence. Our recommendation is an anti-bark device or a bark control collar.

The anti-bark device detects the sound of your dog barking and emits an ultra sonic sound that dogs don't like. It is important to remember that the devices ultra sonic sound does not go through solid objects such as walls, fences, or buildings. If you think of the ultra sonic response as something similar to a beam of light, it is easier to understand where the signal will be projected. Read the instruction manual for your device to ensure optimal performance.

An even more effective option is a bark control collar. Bark collars are worn around the dog's neck to immediately detect barking and deliver a corrective response by spraying with a chemical deterrent, emitting an ultra sonic sound, or by administering the dog a static electric shock. In our experience the electric or static shock type collars are the most effective in deterring a dog from barking. A dog will usually learn to stop barking within a week or two of using the device. Once trained, the dog will no longer need to wear the collar and many dogs will quit barking when the collar is shown to them by the owner.

Bark control collars are available in a variety of styles and sizes suitable for any breed of dog. The buyer should be aware however of unreliable, substandard pet products imported into the United States and European markets. These cheap imports offer no warranty, little or no customer service, and can be poorly made and unreliable. Be sure to invest in a name branded product such as PetSafe, DT Systems, or Koolatron Bark Free that will ensure effectiveness and the safety of your dog and be sure to always carefully read the manual and follow the manufacturers' instructions.

Both anti-bark devices and the more effective bark control collars that administer a spray, a sound, or a static electric shock utilize the three key components to effectively training your dog or dogs:

• Timing: correction occurs at the moment the dog barks
• Consistency: correction occurs every time the dog barks whether the owner is present or not
• Negative Motivation: Dogs do not like the sound, or the physical response to their bark

Using the key components of dog training a dog owner can train their pet to be the well behaved member of the family they want them to be. By choosing to use one of these products, reading the manual, and following the directions, the dog owner should be well on their way to a quieter and maybe even more peaceful and stress free home life with their dog.