i thought of using a spray collar to stop barking in the garden but would it work with my schnauzer that has a big beard? im wondering if the spray would even get near her nose? also if one barks will it go off on the wrong dog? or should i buy a remote one and only spray when i witness the barking?

It doesn't spray on the nose, it sprays under the chin -that's how it is designed. But yes, it will go off if another dog barks, and most dogs also quickly work out that they can either move the little box to the side of the neck (by scratching at it) so the spray goes past them, or if they bark for a period of time and put up with the spray the collar will soon empty and then they can bark as much as they want again without anything happening. I've tried it with 3 different dogs and had the same result with each one. Also very important to bear in mind is to not use it on a sensitive dog as some dogs can get totally freaked out by it.

I agree, I have tried the spray collars, and they do go off if another dog barks.
My youngest got so wise to the spray collar that she too managed to ever empty it with barking and just ignore the thing, and one time she managed to get the collar off and chew the device to bits!!! :)

Remote's better imo, the other type tend to malfunction to much, does depend on the brand though.

Some dogs will just ignore them as well, others freak out at the noise. Alot depends on her size. Is she a standard/minature?. I prefer static collars as they are more adjustable and the better brands will only be triggered by the vibration of the dogs throat when he barks.

I would also try and address the reason for the barking, e;g is the dog sufficently exercised, played with, occupied ect. However with this breed barking is very natural.

Adam

I prefer static collars

I think we ALL know that now, but do call a spade a spade -it's ELECTRIC SHOCK COLLAR. :(

The trouble is with spray and shock collars (would never even entertain the idea of the second one!) is that neither actually address the reason for barking. Some dogs bark out of boredom, some are being territorial, for some it is excitement, attention seeking etc. The best way to address the problem is to work out why they are barking and see if there is something you can do to change it. The spray collar will only get rid of the symptom not the cause. If for example the dog is barking because its bored and you stop it barking, its just as likely to go and start digging up the lawn instead. If however you provide lots of interactive toys and increase exercise/mental stimulation the dog is then satisfied and won't need to bark.

they arent bored, they bark at squirrels in the garden. i like to feed the birds so obv that encourages squirrels so we have a fenced off bit for the bird feeders- i can see them from the kitchen window but dogs cant see them as there is a screen up but they still go down and bark!
they are standards
any suggestions?

Might be too big for the spray (just my experience bigger dogs tend to shrug it off). Sounds like they are barking due to excitment at the sight of the animals. I assume they have plenty of play using toys ect as prey animals substitutes.

On the training front you could teach a no reward marker and everytime they bark use it and bring them in.

Adam 

I prefer static collars as they are more adjustable and the better brands will only be triggered by the vibration of the dogs throat when he barks.

You mean shock collars Adam.

I know of one dog who was terrified after wearing one of these, because when other dogs in the pound barked, he got a shock and he became terrified of other dogs barking, no matter what the context. He is still a wreck.

Absolutely cruel, abusive and horrible, yet those such as yourself still like to promote them. Don't tell me - that was clearly a cheap model and you would not dream of recommending them...

The trouble is with spray and shock collars (would never even entertain the idea of the second one!) is that neither actually address the reason for barking. Some dogs bark out of boredom, some are being territorial, for some it is excitement, attention seeking etc. The best way to address the problem is to work out why they are barking and see if there is something you can do to change it. The spray collar will only get rid of the symptom not the cause. If for example the dog is barking because its bored and you stop it barking, its just as likely to go and start digging up the lawn instead. If however you provide lots of interactive toys and increase exercise/mental stimulation the dog is then satisfied and won't need to bark.

Absolutely, it's never a good idea to just stop the dog.

Lindsay
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I can't stand the idea of shock collars either, but adam did (I think) make a good suggestion in every time they bark bring them in? If done every time surely they will catch on to the idea it isn't on.

I had my new rottie boy getting over excited when the neighbours dog was out, I kept a long line on him, every time he charged roughly at the fence he was brought in and put in a down position until he calmed. It didn't take long before he caught on that it wasn't going to work.

every time they bark bring them in? If done every time surely they will catch on to the idea it isn't on.

Yes, this is a standard suggestion and can work very well, I agree :)
It depends on why the dogs are barking and the motivation behind it, but generally it works well as long as the owner is consistent.

Lindsay
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