Training your puppy has never been easier with the evolution of smart gadgets. There are tools to help you potty training, stop an annoying bark or encourage safe behaviors outside. Let’s take a look at a few examples.
1. Invisible Fences
Keep your pet safe outdoors by installing an underground fence. A wire is buried around the area in which you want to contain your dog. When the dog wears the collar, it sends a radio signal if he gets too close to the fence line. Most collars make a warning signal first and if the pet doesn’t retreat, they receive a harmless shock.
Wireless fences are also available. After you determine the radius you want your pet to travel, the collar will emit the radio signal if he goes beyond that predetermined area.
Most collars have different levels of correction, depending on the individual dog. For hearing impaired dogs, the vibration setting will work in the same way as an audio warning signal.
2. Potty Training Pads
If you have a dog that won’t stop barking, anti-bark collars are often an effective solution. While there is no perfect method to discourage your dog from barking, electronic collars that are used in tandem with your voice commands can be successful.
There are several types of anti-bark collars, including:
- Shock collar – This type of collar is the most intrusive. A shock is emitted with metal prongs when your dog barks. The intensity of the shock can be selected, depending on the size and temperament of your dog. While not harmful to your pet, some people feel uncomfortable with this type of deterrent.
- Vibrating collar – The vibration collar works in the same way as the shock collar, but instead of emitting a shock it sends a vibration to your dog’s neck. The strength of the vibration is usually adjustable.
- Ultrasonic collar – The ultrasonic collar is controlled by a remote rather than by the sound of the bark. The dog’s owner presses a button when the pet barks, which releases a tone in a frequency too high for humans to hear. The sound is unpleasant for a dog and discourages the behavior.
- Spraying device – When the dog barks, a spray of citronella is released from the collar. The smell deters the dog from barking. This is an excellent choice for a hearing-impaired dog.
- Combination collar – If you aren’t sure which collar will be most effective, select one that offers a couple techniques. Start with the technique that is least intrusive, and work up to a stronger discipline when needed.