We set parameters of acceptable
behavior in the kennel by using the
bark collar as an aid to provide a
consistent, reinforcing stimulus for
undesirable barking. The dog learns
very quickly how to avoid activation
of the collar. It’s not only the collar
that will provide indicators to the dog
about what type of behavior is expected if the kennel is the only place
he wears the collar. The kennel itself
will symbolize a no-bark zone for the
dog. Of course, the presence of the
bark collar is the most significant
indicator for the dog to remain quiet.
So if we understand that we are
conditioning the dog to be quiet in the
kennel, we also should be assured that
we can condition the dog to bark
reliably during his training and in real-world deployments without thinking
he will be punished. The reason that
holds true is that dogs are capable of
relating specific environmental stimulants to how they should react and
how their behavior in or around those
stimulants will impact their life. Once
we have a clearer understanding of
how dogs learn, we can then better
advance our conditioning techniques
without fear of permanent regressions
in our dogs’ behaviors.
Wendell Nope replies: I have known
some officers who have had success
with resolving the problem with a bark
collar, and others who have not. I have
not heard of any cases where the bark
collar adversely affected the K- 9,
although there is probably somebody
out there who could tell a horror story.
There are at least two major issues to
be aware of whenever an electronic
collar is used in this manner. First,
there is almost always a period of time
when the dog overreacts to the collar
— at least until he figures out that it is
the bark itself that produces the stimulation. That can be unsettling to the
handler and, of course, to the dog, as it
may appear that the dog is experiencing some panic (some will jump
around as though being stung by
wasps). If the dog settles down in a
