Excessive barking in dogs, often termed “nuisance barking,” is a common behavioral problem that can lead to complaints and distress for both owners and neighbors. While training and behavior modification are primary solutions, some owners find these methods insufficient or impractical, especially when barking occurs in their absence. A study conducted by the Animal Behavior Clinic at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine explored alternative methods for managing nuisance barking, comparing the effectiveness and humaneness of citronella spray collars versus electric shock collars.
The research, published in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, involved volunteer dog owners who tested both types of anti-barking collars. The findings indicate a strong preference for citronella spray collars over shock collars, both in terms of effectiveness and the perceived welfare of the pets.
Understanding Nuisance Barking
Nuisance barking can stem from various reasons, including territorial instincts, learned attention-seeking behavior, or simply reacting to external stimuli like other dogs barking. While barking can serve as a warning signal, persistent and unprovoked barking is classified as a nuisance behavior, accounting for a significant percentage of behavior-related complaints from dog owners. For owners unable to consistently correct the behavior in real-time, anti-barking collars offer a potential solution.
Citronella vs. Shock Collars: A Comparative Study
The study recruited owners of nine dogs exhibiting true nuisance barking. Each dog underwent a two-week trial with an electric shock collar and a subsequent two-week trial with a citronella spray collar. Electric collars function by delivering a shock when a sensor detects barking, with adjustable intensity levels. Citronella collars, on the other hand, release a spray of citronella fragrance, a natural plant-based scent, when a microphone senses barking. While citronella collars were relatively new to the US market in 1995, they had been used for years in Europe, where shock collars are prohibited for pets.
Key Findings and Owner Preferences
Out of the eight dogs that completed both collar trials, owners reported that the citronella collar was effective in reducing or stopping nuisance barking. The majority of owners also expressed a preference for the citronella spray. Notably, four out of eight owners found that the electric shocks had no discernible effect on their dogs’ barking. One owner, however, reported that both collar types were effective but preferred the electric shock collar for their Doberman Pinscher.
The study’s veterinarians speculated that the effectiveness of citronella might be linked to a dog’s sensitive sense of smell, suggesting that an unfamiliar odor could be more deterrent than a painful stimulus. They also noted the potential for a placebo effect, where a non-functional “dummy” collar might work just as well once the dog learns that barking triggers a response.
Potential Issues and Considerations
Despite the positive findings, the citronella collars were not without their drawbacks. Improper adjustment of the microphone’s sensitivity could lead to the collar reacting to sounds from other dogs, resulting in unfair punishment for the dog. This highlights the importance of ensuring the punishment is directly linked to the dog’s own misbehavior. Additionally, one owner reported that the citronella oil stained upholstery when their dog barked while lounging on the couch. However, no owners complained about the scent of the citronella itself, with one even finding it preferable to their dog’s natural body odor.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The Cornell study suggests that citronella spray collars are a more effective and humane alternative to electric shock collars for managing nuisance barking in dogs. While behavior modification remains the ideal approach, these collars can serve as a valuable tool for owners facing persistent barking issues. Proper adjustment and understanding of how the collar functions are crucial for its effectiveness and fairness to the pet. Owners considering such devices should weigh the benefits against potential drawbacks and ensure the chosen method aligns with humane animal training principles. For comprehensive guidance on addressing behavioral issues in dogs, consulting with a veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist is always recommended.
