Barking is as normal to dogs as talking is to humans. Trying to altogether would be like trying to stop someone to talk forever! Besides it being impossible, it's just plain wrong. But we have to admit, excessive barking (much like excessive talking) is a major nuisance-not just to you but to your family, your hot neighbor, the children at play, the mailman, and every one else who can hear it.

Even if barking shouldn't be stopped-after all, it's handy when your dog uses it for proper reasons like warning you, warding off trespassers, or telling you something of importance-it must be controlled. If you want to keep peace in the neighborhood and between your neighbors, controlling your dog's barking habits is important.

A lot of people-even dog owners-aren't too aware that there are many ways to try and stop your dog from barking at whim.

These days, busy dog owners tend to run to these things called anti-barking collars. They're convenient as they don't seem to require much time from the owner. The great thing about collars is that they can supervise a dog's barking habits even when the owner is not around. So far, there are generally three different kinds of anti-barking collars available in the market.

One is the sonar collar. Sonar collars are discreet things. When the dog barks, it gives off a sound with a frequency that humans can't hear but dogs find irritating. This in turn will get them to think that the irritable sound is a punishment to their barking and will (hopefully) get them to stop.

Another one is the citronella collar. The citronella collar sprays a scent that's pungent for dogs. When the dog barks, they spray so that, just like the sonar collar, the dog would assume they're being punished for their non-stop barking. Although the device sounds promising, anecdotal reports state that a lot of dogs have already found a way to get around this collar.

One anecdotal report states that their dog would just keep on barking until the collar runs out of citronella. Afterwards, he will go on barking the whole day without having to deal with the citronella smell. Other dogs would bark and then sort of hold their breaths to avoid the smell and then bark again.

The third one is called the shock collar. This collar is very controversial. It stops dog barking with electric shock. Intensity of the current can usually be changed.

People contast that shock collars are inhuman. After all, no sane person would do that to another person so why even think of doing it to their own pet? A lot of people reasonably avoid the sonar collar.

Though collars seem very convenient, they're merely supplements to help you control your dog's barking habit.

The best thing is still training-find out first why your dog barks the way it does. Take your dog to a veterinarian behaviorist. A veterian behaviorist basically observes a dog's environment and circumstances to figure out what exactly triggers their socially unacceptable behavior. Then they find solutions to eliminate the behavior with proper training methods based on their findings.

Some reasons as to why a dog would bark are things like the lack of things to do (they might have too much time in their paws with nothing to spend it with) or frustration (are they being bullied by dogs or other people?) to name two.

You can always call a vet behaviorist to help you find out your dog's behavior problems. He or she can also give you a solution. In extreme cases, they might suggest an anti-barking collar but that should be used side by side with proper training techniques.

If your is always left at home with nothing to do, it would have so much pent-up energy, that it'd really end up barking just to release some energy. Provide them with physical activities like walks, catch, and play time with other dogs. If you don't have time, then hire a dog walker or take it to a doggie day care. When left alone with nothing to do, dogs feel bored and lonely just like humans do and they will do just about anything to release some energy or catch your attention.

You can also use other tricks like the "QUIET" command, which you will have to implement whenever he barks senselessly. You wouldn't have much trouble teaching the "QUIET" command if you've already established yourself as the alpha of the pack. If the barking is much of a nuisance and is already getting in the way of your chances with the neighborhood hottie, then using an anti-bark collar might be acceptable, but only temporarily or only as a training supplement.

The sonar collar is most recommended as it is not just humane, but more efficient than the two as well. Always follw-up anti-barking collars with proper obedience training. Training your dog to respond to obedience signals is still the best and lasting way to eliminate dog barking behavior but still maintain his freedom to do what he naturally does.