Gun Dog Forum

Hello everyone, first post here on the Forum...

I have a 3-1/2 month old Brittany (jake) that I'm sure is going to turn out to be a wonderful hunting buddy. He's a beautiful dog and wild as heck....

Anyway, my question is about anti-bark collars... He's had the kitchen as his day and night home when we are not at home or sleeping and it's working out well. Doesn't bark too much while in there, except just after being placed in for a while or when we come home and he's so excited to get out and play.
But now it's time for him to begin having the back yard as his domain during the day and at night, except when we are home obviously.
I know for a fact that he's going to bark and whine about if for a while especially the first few nights and days. and I don't want the neighbors all up in arms about it... I will diffinitely see how it goes but I'm wondering if the use of an electronic anti-bark collar is a good, bad, idea for a 3-1/2 month old brittany. I can tell you he is a Bold pup, doesn't cower down much at all. He weighs 23-24 pounds right now...

Thank in advance.

Hello KC, welcome!
My first comment is on allowing your pup free run of the back yard. I for one believe a kennel is the best place for a pup. My reasons are it is safer and having the the pup confined to a kennel and let out only with your supervision will prevent him from becoming to independent which seems to be the case with what you posted. As for a barking collar. My thoughs are, by all means use one if needed. At the age of your pup you might want to wait but if you nip the problem (barking) in the bud, early, it will make for happier living in the neighborhood.
Janet

Yea, I probably should get a kennel... My back yard slopes quite a bit so it's going to be a project to make a level surface where I feel the kennel should be.... Plus the expense!!!! But I agree with you....

Welcome KC.

I agree with BD here too! Kennel is the way to go. Wait till he starts to dig in your flower beds or garden!

Your pup is a little young for a bark collar at 3 months I feel. But remember get the best one you could afford. Cheap stuff isnt good & Good stuff isnt cheap!

Also remember not to leave it on for any length of time. Meaning not longer than three days in a row. It will wear marks on his neck if not holes in him.

There are other ways to go about keeping them quiet, but it requires you being around often in the begining and to reinforce during the day.

Phil
REO

I also don't see any problem in using the collar. I've had them on dogs as young as 4 months of age. They learn real quick (usually within 2 or 3 barks) not to do it anymore. They only get to be painful if they can't figure out to shut up. Usually by the 2nd time, they realize that they need to stop. But, like Phil said, don't leave it on for long periods of time. Once Jake learns what it's all about, you can also use a dummy on him in place of it.

I also agree on this.

birddog wrote:Hello KC, welcome!
My first comment is on allowing your pup free run of the back yard. I for one believe a kennel is the best place for a pup. My reasons are it is safer and having the the pup confined to a kennel and let out only with your supervision will prevent him from becoming to independent which seems to be the case with what you posted. As for a barking collar. My thoughs are, by all means use one if needed. At the age of your pup you might want to wait but if you nip the problem (barking) in the bud, early, it will make for happier living in the neighborhood.
Janet