The 6 Best Dog Barking Collars Australia: Tested & Evaluated 2024
Written By Olivia De Santos | Canine Coach, Professional Writer & Video Content Creator.
Edited & Fact Checked By Renae Soppe | B.A Journalism & Science.
Last Updated: 16th January 2024
I don’t know about you, but my dog is the most annoying voice in the village. If any unlucky being passes our estate, Pip, the man of the house, goes into a wild yapping frenzy.
And to a degree, I understand. He is a sighthound, after all, so he is fulfilling his role in the family. Who am I to rob him of his destiny? But it becomes a groaning irritation that upsets us, our other dogs, and the neighbours near and far. Dog barking collars are different to regular dog collars, and are seemingly the perfect solution for a pooch that just won’t be told (1).
But how do you find the perfect dog barking collar for your precious pup? Luckily, all you have to do is read this guide! We teamed up with an expert panel that includes veterinarians to discover the best dog barking collars Australia offers. After months of research and thousands of hours of testing, we've compiled this list. Check it out and discover a collar that will calm your dog and bring sweet, sweet relief to your ears.
Quick Picks - The Top 3
Our Number 1 Pick -
The Dog Line Barking Dog Training Collar
- 3-year warranty
- Small, compact and lightweight
- Completely waterproof
- 6 Automatic Progressive Stimulation Levels
- No False Activation - Coated with Protective Rubber
- Hundreds of 5 star reviews
- Lightning fast free shipping
Runner Up -
My Pet Command
- 1-year warranty
- 4 training modes
- Long battery life
- Long remote control range of 800 metres
Third Choice -
DOG HERO Dog bark Collar
- Extra-long battery life
- Sleek design
- Two training modes
- Satisfaction guarantee
Australia's Best Dog Barking Collars Reviewed
Before we get into the reviews, I want to add a small disclaimer. When it comes to anti-bark collars, it is quite natural for the reviews to be mixed. This is because not all anti-bark techniques work for every dog.
It all depends on your dog and how they take to the collar. So, read into the reviews with that nuance in mind.
#1: Best Overall: The Dog Line Barking Dog Training Collar
What sets this product apart from the rest?
Dr Kathryn Rosalie Dench - M.A VetMB MRCVS.
Gentle Dog Trainers Expert Reviewer
"The Dog Line Bark Collar is a great choice for the number 1 spot. We've tested this one for a few years now, generally the lowest setting is used, however all are gentle. Importantly for these types of collars, it's also incredibly reliable. We haven't experienced any issues and this is backed up by our research where we found hundreds of 5 star reviews from the Australian public. A good and safe choice."
This bark collar option from the Dog Line is the top choice for a multitude of reasons. Our team notes that it uses a humane correction option that includes 6 gentle levels of vibration at the front of your dog's neck to help redirect them.
However, what makes this collar stand out from the rest is its reliability. It combines a 3 year warranty with a completely waterproof casing and a replaceable battery that lasts up to 6 months. All of this is then backed up with hundreds of 5 star reviews from happy customers. Impressive!
The collar has a sleek, slim design - only 5.5cm in width, 3cm in height and weighing 80 grams.
The Dog Line states that this collar is suitable for extra-small to extra-large dogs with a minimum weight of 3.6kg, meaning it's going to be suitable for pretty much all breeds. Unlike our number two choice that uses scent, this collar definitely seemed effective in the different range of dog breeds our team tested it with.
Another huge pro this collar, and we touched on it earlier, is the waterproof ability. We finally have an option that can be used freely in rain and puddles. In theory, your dog could also swim with this, but we wouldn’t recommend it anyway. Your dog shouldn’t swim with any anti-bark collars on at all.
The kit comes with a training guide written by a professional dog trainer to help steer you in the right direction. This is one of those aspects that puts this collar at the top of our list.
If you are in the market for a bark collar for yappy dogs of all sizes, this is a prime choice!
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Cell | |
Cell | |
Cell |
#2: Runner Up: My Pet Command
What sets this product apart from the rest?
My Pet Command is a 4-in-1 master in the training collar category. It is rare to find a non-shock collar that has so many interchangeable modes, so this is a real find!
The collar has 4 distinct training modes: citronella spray, light, vibrations, and sound. This means I was able to tailor my training regimen to whatever type my dog best responded to. Training is only effective if your dog is listening so you can experiment to find the modes that work for them and at what level.
Within each training mode, there are different levels and sensitivities to further customise the experience for your dog. Versatility is king!
Related: Dog Training Collars.
Our research panel also loved that this collar is remote-controlled. The remote range is a whopping 800 metres so we were able to use this collar with great effect no matter how far away our dogs were when being a nuisance.
Unlike most other collars on this list, the remote can be in command of up to three collars at one time. If you have an entire fleet of nuisance barkers, My Pet Command has you completely covered.
As for sizing, we are super impressed with the size parameters that one collar can cover. It can be as small as 15cm and as wide as 65cm. Small dogs and extra-large dogs will be fully catered for.
The in-built battery will last you a long time when fully charged. My Pet Command claims it will last up to 7 days on standby and recharges easily in just 2 hours. You won't be using the collar on continuously, so this means it shouldn’t run out of juice for some time.
If you prefer the citronella settings, it can hold up to 42 sprays before it needs refilling. This collar doesn’t come with a refill spray, so you’ll need to purchase one separately.
To top it off, My Pet Command offers a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty for the ultimate peace of mind. We hope you enjoy this multifaceted collar as much as we do!
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Cell | |
Cell | |
Cell |
#3: Budget-Friendly Pick: DOG HERO Dog bark Collar
As our research team quickly discovered, anti-bark collars can be a little pricey. Particularly ones with more than one mode or extremely far-reaching remote control ranges. If you would like a cheaper alternative with simpler functionality, we recommend the Dog Hero Dog Bark Collar.
This is an automatic ultrasonic vibration collar. It also has a sound mode to it if you want the added flexibility. Two modes aren’t as advanced as four, like with our last two options, but for the price point, we think it’s a good compromise. Both modes can be adjusted by sensitivity level for extra personalisation.
Now, we don’t love automatic bark collars because they can be triggered accidentally. This collar, however, has smart integrated technology that filters out the distant barks of neighbourhood dogs and environmental noise.
The Dog Hero collar is fully rechargeable with the USB cable. Once fully charged, it should last up to 12 days of regular use. That is a much longer battery life than the average so kudos to them!
Something that also pips this collar as a cut above the rest is the sleek design. This is one of the better-looking bark collars for dogs I have seen. The LED touch-operated cartridge at the front is adaptable to low light conditions.
I also love that Dog Hero also offers a satisfaction guarantee. Having a free replacement should you have any issues with the product is always appreciated.
Sizing is pretty wonderful too, similar to our number two choice. This collar fits dogs anywhere from 5kg to 50kgs, measuring a maximum of 63.5cm in circumference. Many (though not all) extra-large dogs will be catered for here.
All in all, for the price, our experts think the Dog Hero bark collar really packs a punch. Definitely consider it for your anti-barking training!
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Cell | |
Cell | |
Cell |
#4: Best Citronella Collar: WWVVPET Spray dog barking collar
Citronella collars are popular and with good reason! We love how versatile citronella can be. It's also gentle for your dog. When your dog barks, you use the remote to manually release the spray around your dog’s snout to distract and deter them. Granted, it is not for everyone, but it does work for many as an effective anti-barking technique.
The WWVVPET Spray Dog Barking Collar is our choice for this category. It is far from a one-trick-pony. This collar uses both citronella spray and beeping for a more integrated approach to your training.
The WWVVPET Spray dog barking collar being tested by our independent expert team
The cartridge holds around 25-35 sprays at a time and, thankfully, the kit comes with a spray refill. This sets it apart from our number two choice that does not include a refill. The refill contains 300-400 sprays so it should last you a very long time.
This is a remote-controlled device which I love for its precision. It has a range of 152 metres and can control two collars at once if you are training two dogs at once, which was perfect for my doggy household.
The battery life should last you 5-7 days on standby and is easily rechargeable. There are handy low battery indicators on the collar to ensure you don’t get caught out without battery life while training.
As for sizing, the smallest size is 20cm and the largest is 50cm. This is a good average range but nothing spectacular. Our team of testers were dismayed that tiny and giant breeds are likely excluded.
The water resistance isn’t too great either. It will withstand some light rain and wet grass but anything heavier than that will surely ruin the product.
If you are in the market for an effective citronella collar, this is one to watch! (Just keep it dry.)
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Cell | |
Cell |
#5: Best Beep Collar: Anti-Fury Shut the Bark Up Collar
If you want a collar that primarily uses sound as a distraction technique, then look no further than the Shut The Bark Up Collar. Isn’t that the best name for a product you have ever heard??
Anti-Fury is a company based in Sydney, creating products on home turf. Whilst testing it out, I loved how this collar uses two main modes - sound and vibration. It allowed for a customisable training session with my pup. There are 7 integrated training levels that employ the sound and vibrations together in unique ways. You set the level of sensitivity before you put the collar on your dog for the best results.
The Anti-Fury Shut the Bark Up Collar being tested by our independent expert team.
This is an automatic anti-bark collar so it works by recognising your dog’s bark as they wear it. The smart microprocessor should be able to distinguish between your dog’s bark and ambient noise.
As for the fit, this collar is meant for small to medium dogs, measuring a minimum of 15cm and a maximum of 50cm. A little limiting, which limited the types of dogs are team could test it out with. A major difference between this beep collar and the others on this list is the customisable colours. The pack comes with an orange, blue, and green cover for the vibrating box. You can therefore personalise the collar to suit your pup’s style!
The battery life on this product is outstanding, lasting over two weeks on standby when fully charged. You can recharge it at any time with the USB cable it comes with.
The manufacturers offer a guarantee on the product, meaning you can ask for a replacement should anything happen to it. And unlike other collars on this list, a percentage of their proceeds are also donated to the RSPCA Australia.
All in all, this is a great beep collar for small to medium dogs with a naughty barking habit.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Cell | |
Cell |
#6: Best Anti-Barking Device: MODUS Bark Control Device
Perhaps you want to avoid the collars altogether? There are such things as bark control devices that can work in a myriad of ways. Most use sound at frequencies well above our own humble human hearing, to grab your dog’s attention whenever they are barking too much.
Some are large electronic devices that sit in your living room, ready and waiting to hear the offending noise. Others are handheld and put you in control of when the high pitched beeps are emitted.
The MODUS Bark Control Device being tested by our independent expert team.
The MODUS Bark Control Device is a handheld one, which we prefer for dog training. Small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, you can use this device at any time. You simply push the button to emit the sound when your dog is being a nuisance. You won’t be able to hear it but the device will tell you when it is working by glowing green. Hopefully, your dog will also stand to attention when it is letting out the high-frequency beeps.
Of course, a huge bonus of anti-bark devices is that it can be used on dogs of any size. While our number five choice is only suitable for small to medium-sized dogs, tiny dogs, giant dogs, and every loveable canine in between are fully catered for. Note that you still shouldn’t use this device on puppies younger than 6 months old.
When it comes to this device, I love how you also have less of a chance of the device being ruined if it is in your hands rather than around your dog’s neck.
The control range is around 5 metres which may be fine around the house but not nearly as effective on the go. If you have a large garden and your dog has a tendency to bark like a crazy person whenever a car roams past (like mine does) you may prefer the remote collars because of their long remote ranges.
This won’t be a good device for dogs with hearing issues, and different dog breeds react to ultrasonic beeping in different ways.
If you prefer a device that puts the control in your hands and keeps your dog free of anti-bark collars, the MODUS model may be for you!
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Cell | |
Cell |
When Do They Need A Dog Bark Collar?
When good old vocal training just wouldn’t suffice, an anti-barking collar that uses offers distractions like citronella and sound can help your pup calm down and quiet down. Within weeks, you may be able to instill better barking habits with your dog. This is what we discovered in my household, mercifully. Now we don’t even use the collar. We use a simple command and he knows the drill.
When trying to find the right anti-barking collar, our experts note that there is a myriad of factors at play. We highly recommend that you seek the professional advice of a dog behaviourist or trainer before purchasing one so that you can maximise your training together. (2) You should also consult a vet to make sure that your dog’s reasons for nuisance barking aren’t clinical.
In this article, we want to make the process as easy as possible to find the right collar for your dog’s needs. Ahead, we'll discuss reasons your dog may be barking excessively and what to know about dog barking collars before you begin shopping for one.
Why Is My Dog Barking Excessively?
Firstly, your aim shouldn’t be to stop your dog from barking completely. That is like stopping a bird from chirping. Fish gotta swim, cats gotta meow, dogs gotta bark. (3)
As I said in the intro, my dog uses barking as a territorial call to others. He is protecting the household by letting us know when someone is passing by. Perfect normal doggy behaviour and not one that goes unappreciated - I promise Pip! It’s only a problem when the barking spirals out of control that it becomes annoying and unnecessary.
Here are some other common reasons why dogs bark excessively (4):
By fixing the root of the problem, you can see excessive barking subside naturally. For example, if your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, they can act out in all sorts of ways.
Debra Horwitz, DVM, from VCA Animal Hospitals, writes about separation anxiety. “They become extremely anxious and show distress behaviours such as vocalization, destruction, or house soiling when separated from the owners. “(5)
Knowing the root of the anxiety could solve it all. That said, you may turn to anti-bark collars when the basis of training and keeping your dog entertained isn’t showing any improvement, as I did.
What To Consider Before You Buy a Bark Collar
1. Not every technique will work for your dog
Every dog is different. I mentioned the citronella obsession but some dogs even love the sensations of vibrations along their neck as if it were a friendly massage. Not so effective as an aversive tool. Likewise, sound collars are completely defunct when used with deaf or hard of hearing dogs.
If you are not entirely sure which type of collar will work, our experts suggest that you purchase a collar that uses many different techniques. You can personalise your training more effectively that way.
2. They should not be used on puppies
Most manufacturers will say this on their instructions, but I will reiterate anti-bark collars or devices of any kind should not be used on dogs younger than 6 months old.
3. They should fit like regular collars do
When looking to fit your dog for an anti-bark collar, you should use the same rules you would for a regular collar. That means that you should be able to slip your middle and index fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck comfortably. Most collars are “one size fits all” and you adjust the straps to fit your pooch. Be mindful of the size range, particularly if you're a parent to tiny or giant breeds like myself.
4. They shouldn’t be worn for long periods of time
No anti-bark collar should be used for a long period of time. They should be used in short bursts with active training and positive reinforcement to get the best results. A professional dog trainer will be in the best position to advise you exactly how to use the product you choose.
5. They should be safe and relevant for your dog
The right barking collar for your dog takes into account their unique needs and sensitivities. For these collars to be effective as training tools, they need to be stimulating and distracting to your dog. They also need to be safe.
If your dog has breathing difficulties, a citronella collar is not the best thing for them. Likewise, if your dog is deaf, a beep collar is not the best thing. A vibrating collar would be better for them.
Hopefully, the in-depth reviews in the next section will help you to select the right anti-barking collar for your Fido. Our expert team spent weeks putting dozens of options to the test, with this handful of choices rising to the top as the best of the best.
What Are the Different Types of Barking Collars?
We at Gentle Dog Trainers firmly believe in humane, gentle, training methods. Therefore, you will never catch us recommending shock or choke collars to you. (6) It's not part of our philosophy. There are anti-bark collars that use soft techniques that integrate well with consistent vocal training. Here is a round-up of them.
Sound barking collars
Sound collars use beeping to distract your dog from the source of their barking and keep them quiet. It's rare for anti-barking collars to use solely sound as a training technique. It's usually paired with vibration to impart the message to your dog. The sound can be at frequencies above our human hearing capacities or within them. It is up to you!
Vibrating barking collars
Vibrating bark collars are very common. They typically employ ultrasonic waves to gently vibrate on your dog’s neck. This is a distraction and correction technique used by many professional dog trainers. Vibrating collars are often integrated with other categories of collar like sound and citronella, but it isn’t hard to find a collar that only vibrates if that is what you prefer.
Citronella barking collars
Citronella bark collars use a small cartridge full of citronella to gently spritz below your dog’s snout when they bark. This is effective for many dogs. Be warned - some dogs love the taste of citronella so it’s a pretty useless tactic on them. You’ll only know if you try!
Light barking collars
This is the least common but some collars use LED lights to distract your dog when they bark. It is the least common because only so many dogs are actually sensitive to light. It also depends on your dog’s face shape. By that I mean, can they even see the light shining below them?
This is why it is rare to see a light collar that only uses light as an anti-bark technique. Usually, it is integrated with one of the previous three techniques that are somewhat stronger in their response.
Next, our panel of experts share what you need to know before you purchase an anti-bark collar. Their tips will help you make a more informed decision.
My Final Verdict
After months of research, our expert panel has decided that our overall winner has got to be the Dog Line collar. With a sleek, nimble design and protection from waterlogging, this is the ideal dog barking collar specifically made by a professional dog trainer. You can rest assured it's a product of quality that will work beautifully for your anti-bark training.
Second to that, My Pet Command Collar is an excellent choice. It is simply too good at all aspects of anti-bark training to ignore. Wonderful sizing, 4 training modes, and an extensive remote control range make it a fully rounded anti-bark product that you need in your life!
Want to learn more about dog collars? Check our our below guides:
FAQ
If you are following the four rules we discussed earlier and you are not using the collars to be cruel to your dogs, then yes, the collars are safe to use. Gentle training techniques should be used in conjunction with the collars to get the best results.
Eventually, you won’t need to use the collar at all - that’s the goal!
We are completely against shock and choke collars. Prong collars are just as damaging. Overextended use, these collars can completely demoralise your dog, leading to psychological and/or medical issues.
Anti-bark collars are still aversive collars to a degree, but they are far gentler and more humane.
References
- M, Brassfield. November 15, 2017. “Pros and Cons Of Bark Collars”. Everyday Health. Retrieved February 23, 2023. https://www.everydayhealth.com/pet-health/pros-cons-bark-collars/
- J, Stregowski. October 10, 2022. “Dog Trainers Versus Animal Behaviorists: Which is Right for Your Dog?”. The Spruce Pets. Retrieved February 23, 2023. https://www.thesprucepets.com/dog-trainers-versus-behaviorists-1118258
- “Solutions For Barking: How To Get A Dog To Stop Barking”. DogTime. Retrieved February 23, 2023. https://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/675-barking-aspca
- “5 Reasons Your Dog Won’t Stop Barking”. September 29, 2017. PetMD. Retrieved February 23, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/5-reasons-your-dog-wont-stop-barking
- D, Horwitz. “Separation Anxiety in Dogs”. VCA Animal Hospitals. Retrieved February 23, 2023. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/separation-anxiety-in-dogs
- L, Holmes. May 1, 2022. “Are Dog Shock Collars Harmful? E-Collar Training Dangers”. Petful. Retrieved February 23, 2023. https://pethelpful.com/pet-ownership/Are-Dog-Shock-Collars-Harmful-The-Dangers-of-E-Collar-Training