Dog Silencers Buyer’s Guide
Now that we have reviewed the best dog silencers, let's move on to providing you with a comprehensive buyer's guide.
As with anything, buying a dog silencing device is not easy nowadays because we’re overwhelmed with the options available. Plus, you have to consider the safety factor because you want to keep your dog quiet without causing any harm to it.
Here are some helpful tips and hints on how to choose the best dog silencer for your needs, while making sure that’s it’s safe for dogs and humans.
How Do Dog Silencers Work?
Like most dog owners, you’re probably interested to find out how these devices work.
Most anti-barking dog silencer devices emit a high-pitched sound that’s only perceptible to dogs and it’s usually enough to keep them from barking. It works on a reactive approach. Only when your dogs bark, these devices will activate to emit the ultrasonic sound.
Most devices only produce the sound when they pick up barking from dogs and it is the most humane way of bark control.
Dogs generally dislike this sound so much that they’ll completely stop barking when they hear it, but the device won’t damage your dog’s hearing or anything like that. It’ll just stop them from barking every time they perceive the ultrasonic waves coming through.
Keep in mind that your dog might grow familiar to the sound to the point that they immediately start barking again when you turn the device off. That’s why it’s advisable to keep the dog silencer on when you’re home, especially at night when you want to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep. You can switch it off all day when you’re at work so your dogs can bark as much as they want when you’re not around.
Ultimately, dog silencers are not a long-term solution for stopping dogs from barking.
Features To Keep In Mind When Looking For A Dog Silencer
Anti-barking dog silencers nowadays come with a lot of various features, such as different mounting options, weatherproof construction, and unique power options.
Sensory Level
A majority of dog silencers allow you to switch between three sound levels and three sensory levels. The sensory range refers to the distance at which the device can perceive dog barking. Meanwhile, the different sound levels allow you to adjust the ultrasonic sound so that you always use the most effective level.
Range
On average, anti dog barking silencer devices can pick up dog barking sounds from as far as 50 feet away. But, the sensory range can be anything from 15 to 150 feet depending on the particular device. Ideally, you should decide on the sensory range you want based on your needs, whether you want to keep your dogs or the hounds in your neighborhood silent.
The specific design of the device will also affect its sensory range. Some devices are made for outdoor use while others are made for the outdoors. Be sure to place it in an optimal position that’ll increase its effectiveness, such as the center of a room or outdoor location that’ll make it easy for it to pick up sound waves.
Battery
Most anti-barking dog silencers are powered by long-lasting batteries that are designed to keep the device working for at least three to six months. A majority of dog silencer devices come with batteries included while others require you to purchase them separately.
To preserve and extend battery life, it’s recommended to keep the dog silencer switched off when it’s not in use. Of course, this is easier said than done if your dog is one of those that start barking as soon as they notice that the dog silencer has been switched off.
You’ll also appreciate the LED light included in most of these dog silencer devices, which is designed to indicate how much battery life you have left.
FAQs
What Is Ultrasonic Sound?
The ultrasonic wave frequency refers to sound above 20000 Hz and is extremely irritating to dogs, which is why it’s so effective at silencing them. But it’s completely imperceptible and safe for humans.
What About Audio Mode?
“Audio mode” refers to the device’s most active state. It’s recommended to use this mode if you’re dealing with an elderly pooch that has poor hearing and it works a bit differently from ultrasonic sound waves. This mode will also come in handy when you need to regulate bark sensitivity levels.
What Is The Use Of The High/Low Dial?
The “high-low dial” is there to help you regulate microphone sensitivity. For instance, when the dial is on “high” it works better for dogs that are far away, while the “low” setting is designed for indoor use and to silence dogs that are nearby.
Will The Dog Silencer Bother My Other Pets?
Yes, the ultrasonic waves emitted by your anti-barking device will most probably bother your cat and other pets because they have a similar hearing range to dogs.
Can A Dog Silencer Work Through Fences And Walls?
No, the sound emitted by dog silencers is unable to penetrate through walls, windows, and fences. It can go through wrought-iron fences, chain link fences and window screens, however.
