Itchmo: News For Dogs & Cats

We have all heard the expression “fences make good neighbors”, but can the same be said for PetSafe’s new ultrasonic faux bird house that emits an ultrasonic sound when dogs bark?

Here is what PetSafe has to say about their new product:

When the Outdoor Bark Control Birdhouse unit is placed within range of a constant barking dog, an internal microphone detects the barking sounds and the unit is activated. The PetSafe Outdoor Bark Control Birdhouse unit emits an ultrasonic sound to stop dogs barking. The ultrasonic sound can only be heard by the dog. When the dog is startled by the high-pitched sound, it should stop barking as it will associate its bark with this unpleasant noise. The PetSafe Outdoor Bark Control unit has 4 settings which includes 3 Sensitivity Levels and a Test Mode. This unit is effective for bark control up to 50 feet.

The PetSafe Outdoor Bark Control unit should be placed facing the barking dog and within fifty feet of the dog. This unit is designed with provisions for hanging or wall mounting and it should not be positioned any higher than 5 feet. For optimum bark control results, the area between where the Outdoor Bark Control unit is placed and where the dog is should be free of any large objects or obstacles.

On the surface it may seem like a relatively non invasive pet product. But is it, and more importantly, does it work?

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The first thing I teach all my students is how to get and keep their dog’s attention. After all, how can we expect our dogs to come to us, to stay, or obey any command if they are paying us no mind.

If you are thinking of trying clicker training, this is a great place to start.

All suggestions in this article are given using a clicker, a little plastic box that makes a click noise when pushed. However, you could substitute a very enthusiastic word “yes!” for the click. Using a clicker we mark the dog’s behavior that we want to reward. One click always equals one treat.

Charging the clicker
If you have never used a clicker before you first have to teach your dog what they are all about. You start by just clicking and treating several times. Never be stingy with you C/T’s (click then reward with a treat), and always use extra high value yummy food rewards. Small pieces of hot dogs work great.

To help your dog understand what clicking is all about usually only takes a few minutes. All you do is C/T several times in rapid succession. Be sure when your dog is first learning that you follow with a treat rapidly after the click. Over time as your dog learns what clicking is all about, a click will buy you time and you will have a bit longer to produce the treat. Keep in mind that when you are charging the clicker, your dog does not have to do anything, just eat! Resist the urge to say anything at all.

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