Are citronella dog collars safe for dogs to prevent barking? Though we understand he is doing his job, our dog’s barking with delivery drivers, letter carriers, and even someone walking near our home has become excessive.
â Grace, North Massapequa, New York
Citronella collars deter dogs from barking by emitting a citronella scent that activates when the dog barks. It doesn’t hurt them, but it does startle them when it first activates, and they definitely don’t like the smell, which are two ways the collar discourages dogs from barking.
While your dog may bark less with the collar, if you are not addressing the triggers that lead to the barking, most dogs will resume barking when the collar is removed, or it runs out of citronella. Dogs may also become accustomed to the scent and activation, and bark despite the collar.
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If excessive barking is a concern, I understand why you want to try it. It may offer you and your neighbors some relief. But it also helps to address the triggers that lead to barking because that approach can be much more effective in creating a long-term solution to the problem.
Here are some suggestions:
First, determine the root cause of your dog’s barking: boredom, fear, territorial behavior, or separation anxiety. Addressing the underlying issue can help reduce excessive barking.
Second, ensure your dog receives enough mental and physical exercise to prevent boredom and pent-up energy, which can lead to excessive barking. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and regular walks or play sessions can help keep your dog stimulated and engaged.
Third, use positive reinforcement training techniques to teach your dog alternative behaviors and commands, such as “quiet” or “go to your bed” to redirect his focus and discourage barking.
Fourth, manage your dog’s environment, such as using curtains or barriers to block visual stimuli that trigger barking, or keeping your dog indoors during high activity or noise outside.
Next, minimize environmental triggers that may provoke barking, such as loud noises, unfamiliar people or animals, or changes in routine. Provide a safe and comfortable space for your dog to retreat when they feel anxious or overwhelmed, like a dog bed or a kennel.
Gradually expose your dog to triggering stimuli in a controlled manner, pairing it with positive experiences, such as treats or play, to change their emotional response. This can help reduce anxiety and reactivity, leading to less barking over time.
Finally, expose your dog to various people, animals, and environments to help them become more confident and less reactive. Proper socialization can reduce fear-based barking and promote positive interactions with others.
These suggestions will help you address your dog’s excessive barking safely and effectively.
Your column about picking up an elderly dog without causing pain prompted me to write to you. My 18-year-old Maltese mix had spinal surgery when he was 10. His pain was so bad that it was either put him down or do the surgery. We opted for the surgery. It was a smashing success. He has been mostly pain-free ever since.
When visiting him in the vet hospital after his surgery, the nurse brought him to see us on his bed instead of hand-lifting and carrying him. We’ve been doing that at home ever since. It was very easy to train him to walk onto his bed when he wanted to get up on the couch or on the bed at bedtime. He then looks at us to pick him up, which we do by picking up the bed instead. In the last eight years, I have only picked him up to go to the vet’s office.
I hope this suggestion helps others. It has worked wonderfully for us and him.
â Tom, Las Vegas, Nevada
Training your dog to go to a dog bed when he wants to be put on the couch or bed shows your ingenuity. While ramps are typically used for larger breeds, training a small dog to use a dog bed and lifting him while he is in the bed can be an effective way to help him access the furniture comfortably and without injury. Thanks for sharing your tip.
Pet tip for those with rabbits:
Do you have a rabbit? Unlike other pets, rabbits’ teeth continuously grow throughout their lives, and dental problems can arise if they don’t wear them down properly.
Chew toys, like untreated wooden blocks, can help wear down their teeth naturally and prevent overgrowth. If you notice your rabbit having difficulty eating, drooling excessively, or showing signs of pain while chewing, seek veterinary care promptly.
(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)