Best Bark Collar for Small Dogs [year]
Dog owners love their pets but sometimes, particularly with small dogs, barking intrudes on even the best of relationships. That said, most pet owners are skittish about behavior modification tools, such as collars. This is normal! We do not want to harm their dogs, physically, emotionally, or mentally.
Fortunately, there are several safe bark collars for small dogs on the market that do not harm the animal, are easy to use, and, most importantly, modify behavior to stop excessive barking.
No time? Here are the best.
Here is a summary of the best bark collars for small dogs as well as some tips on figuring out what collar works best for your pet.
Pet Resolve Anti-Bark Training Collar
It is being polite to say that small dogs constantly barking is a pain in the neck. Distracting, jarring, and shrill, a small dog that barks incessantly annoys its caretaker, visitors, neighbors, and other pets. The Pet Resolve Anti Bark Training Collar addresses the barrage of pointless barking from the moment its anti-bark system is engaged.
The system works on the concept of increasing penalties for unwanted behavior. The receiver will issue a warning beep if the dark starts barking. If it continues for more than 2 seconds after the warning, a static shock is delivered.
The Pet Resolve anti bark collar shock and vibration have 10 levels of delivery, LED lighting for after-dark walking, and prongs of different lengths to work with all levels of fur. The system also allows for up to 3 receivers to be operated on one remote, which makes controlling multiple dogs much easier. The system is waterproof and backed by a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- Auto bark detection
- Durable construction
- Multiple prong lengths
Cons
- Reports of battery issues
- A lengthy replacement process if the warranty is used
PetSafe Remote Bark Training Collar
The key feature of this anti-bark collar is a lightweight, digital remote control that lets you effectively modify barking behavior without going over the top. It is perfect for smaller, timid dogs that bark because they view just about everything as threatening.
The PetSafe model also has dual channels for training more than one dog. It has a 600-yard range, making it perfect for training at:
- Dog parks
- People park
- Neighborhood walks
- In your home or backyard
This collar has a vibration, sound, and static shock (with 15 different shock levels to help dial in the most effective level for your pet.) The battery is also superb with over 40 hours of life with each charge (we found roughly this timing to be true, closer to 35) and a quick charge adapter is a standard feature.
In terms of functionality, the collar is waterproof and made of coated nylon for strength. This collar is rated for dogs up to 8 pounds. Small dog focus.
Pros
- 40-hour battery life is one of the best on the market
- Strong US-based customer support
- PetSafe’s reputation
- Collar is lightweight
Cons
- The collar is not suited for extremely small puppies
- Remote can be difficult to operate
TBI Professional Anti-Bark Collar with Dual Vibration
The TBI Professional Anti-Bark Collar with Dual Vibration does not use a shock to modify behavior. It has a combination approach of vibration and noise to prompt a dog to stop barking. It is ideal for smaller dogs as sometimes shocking a small dog can cause injury.
The TBI approach takes a little more time but is just as effective.
You control the power of the vibration and loudness of the sound. The collar has a bark detector that activates before a dog starts barking, nipping it in the bud. The collar is water-resistant and works best on dogs smaller than 10 pounds.
It will not work well with dogs determined to bark or on very large dogs.
Pros
- No shock means no injuring the dog
- Two motors allow high-speed vibration
- Detects when a dog barks and when it is about to bark
- Runs up to 15 days with no charging needs
Cons
- No shock means it probably will not work on particular energetic barkers
Authen No Harm Bark Collar with Beep and Vibration Mode
Authen’s No Harm Bark Collar employs sound and vibration to control barking. It only uses static shock when a dog barks louder than 80 decibels. It only reacts to higher frequency barks as well, which ensures your dog is not penalized for other dogs’ barks.
The collar also has a unique feature that only activates the collar after 2 barks within 30 seconds.
The No Harm Bark Collar is waterproof. Its battery lasts about 12 days and takes 2 hours to recharge. Best of all, it is a safe, harmless way to reinforce to your dog that inappropriate barking is not acceptable.
Pros
- Tiered response to barking, including a delayed activation based on number of barks
- Will not trigger when other dogs bark
- Two microprocessor functions that anticipate when a dog will bark and activate
Cons
- The shock part of the collar malfunctions occasionally. We saw it not always seem to deliver the correction. Could be a long hair issue with a doodle coat?
Tips for Picking the Perfect Small Dog Anti-Bark Training Collar
Before making any anti-barking collar purchases, make sure what you choose covers what you need. Here is some advice to help you pick the best collar for your small dog.
Size
Not all anti-bark collars work with smaller dogs. Before buying, verify the collar you pick is rated to work with medium to small dogs or exclusively with small dogs.
Multiple Correction Levels
Succeeding levels of punishment for inappropriate barking prevents your pet from becoming used to one static level of punishment.
Beep Warning
You want the collar to warn your dog and allow them to self-correct. Once your dog is used to the system, it may require only the beep to stop any barking.
Rechargeable Battery
Depending on how often your dog needs correcting, the batteries in your shock collar can drain quickly. It is expensive to have to replace batteries all the time. That makes rechargeable batteries indispensable.
Night Light
When walking your dog at night, a light around their neck is helpful, even if the range of the light is limited.
Avoid Standby Mode
Standby requires “ramp up,” which can mean the collar is inoperable when the dog is barking and operable after they stop barking. You want correction while the activity is occurring for it to be the most effective.
Waterproof
Your dog runs through wet grass, puddles, streams if you live in the country and all of it adds up to their collar becoming drenched. None of that includes getting caught in a downpour while you are out walking your pet. An anti-bark collar that is not waterproof is asking for trouble.
Make sure your anti-bark collar is waterproof.
Remote Control
Remote control is vital, especially as you train your dog not to bark unnecessarily. It gives the pet a little space to roam but lets you control bad behavior. You also can override the punitive function when it is appropriate.
Final Thoughts
A small dog that barks excessively is highly annoying and disruptive. Anti-bark collars teach your pet to bark sparingly. You want a collar that will teach your dog without hurting them mentally, emotionally, or physically.
Additionally, a collar that does not break the bank is helpful.
Any bark collar for small dogs covered in this list will provide you with what you need. Every model is reliable, consistent corrective actions that help modify your dog’s behavior without going too far.