Like all behaviours, barking is a motor act. Although the capacity to vocalize is of genetic origin, these vocalizations are learned while the dog develops (from howling to barking). It is important to note that howling is a vocalization of juvenile nature in occidental races who have a larger range of vocalizations, whereas in the Nordic and Asiatic races, it constitutes the only vocalization.

Barking usually corresponds to a state of excitement which varies according to race, as well as age. It is reinforced by the master who communicates via language and sees an analogical pattern in the vocalizations. Thus, the dog imitates his master, and uses and abuses vocalization patterns learned from the latter. It is important to note that this is not a language, but rather the only way he has to signal his presence over long distances. For example, in a hunting situation, the dog's vocalizations are indispensable to their cooperation, as well as to defend the territory of the pack. On the other hand, in the presence of their master, it is used as a call to play, or as a threatening stance.

Excessive vocalization other than for territorial considerations are the most frequent, and they can be attributed to behaviour problems such as separation anxiety (from puppy to adolescence), the Hypersensitivity-Hyperactivity Syndrome (from birth to adulthood), posttraumatic and social phobias (at any age), restraint stereotypes, or rhythmic barking coupled with on-ground receptions, along with stationary jumping (specific to working dogs who have been retired, and dogs tied up or kept in restricted spaces), ritualistic anxiety, where the barking is sustained by jumps from the front paws, the syndrome of hyper-attachment to the adult, which signals chronic depression, as well as involution depression in an old dog, in which case howling and sharp cries can be heard upon awakening. These barks can occur either during the presence or the absence of the master, and their occurrence can be minor, as they constitute only 10% of behaviour problems, excluding separation anxiety. Separation anxiety represents 25% of all euthanasia cases in puppies, or abandonment; but in the case of behaviour problems, the occurrence is lower, at 20%. Between 10% and 20% of barking is caused by behaviour problems related to the dog's stage of development, and 80% are attributed to territorial barking. Such behaviour problems are treated by way of adequate chemotherapy, which is the responsibility of the veterinarian, followed by behaviour therapy which behoves the owners, either assisted by canine educators or behaviour specialists.

Excessive vocalizing in dogs constitutes auditory contamination for which there exists no costumbrism, but rather a decrease in auditory capacity, nervousness, head pains, neuralgia, neurosis, sleep disorders, as well as excitation of the neurovegetative system which translates into nausea, digestion problems, as well as an increase in the heart rate. Decibels produced by barking can vary between 60 and 110 decibels, whereas in a dwelling or an apartment, the human tolerance level is at 45 decibels. Excessive vocalization therefore represents a contamination problem, and consequently, a social problem which affects the owner and his neighbours. It is not rare to have neighbours complain about the noise, and they will do anything to make sure the owner finds a quick solution to the problem.

When a dog owner uses the ABS Anti-Barking Collar device to train a dog not to bark excessively, a disruptive stimulus is triggered by way of surprise or opposite direction in the stimulus, whereby the animal's four senses (sight, smell, touch and hearing) are affected, thus redirecting the dog towards another behaviour pattern as his attention shifts. As many authors have reported, the ABS Anti-Barking Collar device holds many advantages in that the device causes no anxiety for the animal. As it is not a punitive device, relapses are rated at 3.8% after three months of treatment, thus proving its durability and efficiency after said period, first by wearing the collar with no citronella inside, then by removing the collar altogether (we recommend, however, that the collar be used at regular intervals in order to reinforce the training of a barking dog). Its innocuousness is a sure sign of effectiveness, as no side effects occur, and more particularly, no signs of aggressiveness occur.

The device is especially recommended for territorial barking (that is, threatening vocalizing from dogs placed in closed spaces, where they are restricted in their movements, isolated...). It is also used to treat simple or social phobias. Using the device to treat behaviour problems where barking is only a symptom can significantly reduce excessive vocalization during the first few weeks. However, it is vital that each case be treated according to an established diagnosis by conducting adequate chemotherapy, as well as behavioural or cognitive therapies which are incumbent on the veterinarian who prescribes them. The molecules used to treat behaviour problems require on average from four to six weeks before a significant decrease in neurovegetative symptoms is detected, in order for behaviour therapy to begin. Using ABS Anti-Barking Collar during the first few weeks is an interesting way to counter barking and avoid nuisance.

Using ABS Anti-Barking Collar either on its own or combined with chemotherapy calls upon cognitive behavioural therapies in which the dog's attention is caught when he has stopped barking (either by playing with him or taking him outside for a stroll), and by showing indifference when he barks, or by rewarding silence.

References:

Dehasse, Joel (1998) "L'éducation du chien". Quebec, Canada : Le Jour Éditeur p.287

Dramard, V. (May 2000) " Conduite à tenir devant un chien fugueur " Le Point Vétérinaire, Vol. 31, no. 207 pp 247-254.

Juarbe-Diaz, S, Houpt, K. (May-June 1996) "Comparison of two antibarking collars for treatment of nuisance barking. J. Animal Hospital Association, vol. 32, no 3 pp.231-235.

Pageat, P. (1998) "Pathologie du comportement du chien". France : Maisons-Alfort, Éditions du Point Vétérinaire (382 p.)

Pageat, P., Tessier, Y. (1997) " Disruptive stimulus : definition and application in behaviour therapy ". Birmingham, U.K. : Proceedings of the first International Conference on Veterinary Behavioural Medicine, p. 187

Note: please do not hesitate to contact us at MULTIVET if you have any questions concerning the ABS Anti-Barking Collar device. We also encourage you to give our toll-free number Victoria: 03 9360 9382, Queensland: 07 54 28 3666 to any owners at grips with barking dogs, so that we may assist them with any technical problems which could arise after purchasing ABS Anti-Barking Collar.