When it comes to keeping your dog safe and secure, citronella spray collars are a popular option. They are often used to train dogs to stop barking or other undesired behaviors, but how safe are they for your pet? In this blog post, we will take a look at the safety of these collars and explore whether or not they are a good choice for helping to modify behavior in your pup. We will investigate the potential risks associated with using citronella spray collars so you can make an informed decision about what is best for your pet. We will look at the effectiveness of these collars in helping to modify behavior, as well as the potential side effects for your dog. We’ll also discuss alternative training techniques and tips for dog owners to keep their four-legged friends safe.
How Does A Citronella Dog Collar Work?
A particular style of spray dog collar is the citronella collar. When a dog exhibits an undesirable behavior, a substance (in this case, citronella, though other variations use water or lemon juice) is sprayed in their face by a spray dog collar.
It is hoped that the dog will learn to quiet down after experiencing discomfort from the citronella spray in order to avoid being sprayed in the face. Citronella collars have been shown to be more effective than shock collars (in some cases, a dog given an electric collar would keep barking despite the shock, whereas with the citronella collar, the odor was so unpleasant that later a substitute could be used, and the dog would still not bark, fearing the smell of the citronella spray), and pet owners believe that citronella collars are more humane than electric shock collars.
Although citronella dog collars are undoubtedly more humane than electric shock collars, the psychological effects of the spray collar on your dog should still be taken into account.
Despite doing nothing wrong, your dog might still be given a citronella spray punishment. Another issue is the psychological implications of such punishment. For instance, barking is a common way for dogs to protect their owners and is a natural reaction for all dogs. It would be extremely ironic if, for instance, your dog was about to protect you from a burglar but failed to do so because you repeatedly sprayed her face with citronella.
Aside from that illustration, we believe it is wrong to prevent or limit such a natural function. We believe that it is your duty as the dog’s owner to socialize and care for your pet. You now possess a living being, a life, which demands the same level of adoration and care as if it were your own child.
Dog owners in the Ithaca area were thus attracted by newspaper articles and radio news reports about the animal behavior experts’ research. For two-week trials of each type, they chose nine dogs that were truly bothersome barkers and gave them electric shock and citronella spray collars.
Between 13 and 35 percent of dog owners’ complaints about behavior issues are related to obtrusive, inappropriate, or excessive barking, according to Houpt. She said that although owners may be able to control nuisance barking by altering their behavior, some are unwilling or unable to do so. “Or the barking might happen when the owners aren’t around, making it difficult for them to correct the behavior when it happens.” “.
“Either kind of collar can be used in addition to or instead of behavior modification. Citronella spray was deemed to be more efficient and kind than electric shock by the dog owners who tested these collars for our study, according to Soraya V. Juarbe-Díaz, D. V. M. , a trainee at the Cornell Animal Behavior Clinic who conducted the investigation with willing dog owners.
A test by the Animal Behavior Clinic at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine has revealed that a fragrance spritz under the chin is more effective than electric shock at calming “nuisance-barking” dogs.
Citronella spray was preferred over shock for dogs whose owners tried both types of anti-barking collars, according to a report in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (May-June 1996, Vol 32).
Asurion Tech Unlimited Protection Plan with Tech Support – breakdown coverage for desktops, TVs, gaming devices, and more plus accident protection for portable electronics like laptops, tablets, and headphones
| Pattern | Include a can of citronella spray |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Plastic |
| Brand | WWVVPET |
| Closure Type | Snap |
| Click to Purchase | Click to Purchase | Click to Purchase | Click to Purchase | Click to Purchase | Click to Purchase | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modes | Spray | Spray & Beep | Vibration & Beep & Spray & LED Light | Vibration & Beep & Spray | Vibration & Beep & Spray | Vibration & Beep & Spray |
| Remote Control | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Control Range | No Remote Control | 492ft | 2600ft | 984ft | 492ft | 984ft |
| Rechargeable | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Applicable Scene | Indoor & Outdoor | Indoor & Outdoor | Indoor & Outdoor | Indoor & Outdoor | Indoor & Outdoor | Indoor & Outdoor |
| Citronella Spray | 1 Bottle | X | 1 Bottle | 1 Bottle | 1 Bottle | 1 Bottle |
| Waterproof Level | IPX5, Cant Rainning | IPX5, Cant Rainning | IPX5, Cant Rainning | IPX5, Cant Rainning | IPX7, Cant Rainning | IPX5, Cant Rainning |
FAQ
Is citronella spray harmful to dogs?
Citronella Sprays Due to the possibility of negative side effects, Matejka advises against using citronella-based sprays on your dog. Citronella sprays are applied topically, so she warns that high concentrations may result in skin rashes or irritation.
Can dogs wear citronella collars?
The Cornell University study found that citronella collars were preferred by many dog owners over electric shock collars and were equally effective at reducing or stopping nuisance barking. Several stray and pet adoption organizations also employ citronella bark collars to help reduce excessive barking.
Are spray collars safe for dogs?
Because it does not shock or harm the animal in any way, this kind of collar is regarded as the most humane. However, you are still relying heavily on punishment to stop the barking, and fearful or anxious dogs may suffer as a result. It may also cause depression in some dogs.
Do vets recommend bark collars?
Anti-bark collars are punishment tools, so using them as a first line of defense against excessive barking is not advised. This is particularly true for barking that is prompted by phobias, anxieties, or compulsive behaviors.