Dogtra No Bark Collar Comparison: What Model Works Best for You and Your Dog
Fur parents know that raising a dog also means putting up with the dog’s barking. Barking is normal behavior for dogs. It is how they communicate.
However, when your dog goes on a barking frenzy, especially at night, this poses a problem for you and your neighbors. Don’t be surprised when your neighbor comes knocking at your door or someone hands you a noise complaint.
Prolonged barking can also cause health issues for your dogs, such as laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx) or sore throat. You don’t want that happening to your fur babies, right? That’s why no bark collars came into the picture.
What is a no bark collar?
A no bark collar is a kind of e-collar. They are also known as anti-bark collars or bark collars and are specifically designed to interrupt your dog’s excessive barking. The collar works by sending stimulation once the barking is detected. The plus side of these collars is that you don’t have to keep an eye on your dog constantly. Just let them wear the bark collar, and automatically, it would do its thing.
Different types of bark collars are available in the market today. Each type operates differently. Some use static stimulation (shock), other types utilize vibration, some collars employ spray (works by spraying citronella or lemon juice), and others emit ultrasonic sound. Some feature a combination of two or more types.
For this review, let’s explore the different bark collar models developed by the world’s leading brand for dog training devices - Dogtra.
Who is Dogtra?
For more than three (3) decades, the Dogtra brand has been true to its mission, “Make Every Dog Exceptional,” by creating top-level dog training tools. They have collaborated with professional dog trainers throughout the years to ensure their products are effective, convenient, and safe. They have excellent devices for remote training, GPS tracking, and e-fences.
Because of their patented, high-level products, it’s no wonder they sit atop the industry for dog training technologies.
Dogtra doesn’t just manufacture remote training collars. They also make some of the most popular and reliable dog bark collars in the market - the YS200, YS300, and YS600. Each model is designed to match individual preferences and differing dog needs.
Here’s a quick rundown of the three models.
One of your first considerations in choosing a no bark collar would be the model that matches your dog’s size. The Dogtra YS200 is one of the best bark collars for small dogs (10 lbs), YS300 is ideal for small- to medium-sized dogs (10 lbs and up), and the YS600 is the best bark collar for large dogs (35 lbs and up).
Each model has unique features that separate it from the other models. At the end of this article, you should know what type of bark collar to buy.
Feature: Bark Sensor
Dogtra bark collars utilize sensor-activated stimulations to train your dog to refrain from excessive barking. The built-in sensor will detect the dog’s barking and initiate the stimulation you have set.
- Dogtra YS200 - uses Vocal Cord Sensor
- Dogtra YS300 - uses Bark Sound Recognition Sensor
- Dogtra YS600 - uses Accelerometer Bark Sensor with Persistent Bark Indicator
The Dogtra YS200 operates with a Vocal Cord Sensor that detects the vibration of your dog’s voice box. The Dogtra YS300 is a microphone-activated collar. This means that the sensor also detects the barking sound of your dog. On the other hand, the YS600 offers the latest cutting-edge technology with its high-precision Accelerometer Bark Sensor.
What happens if the dog barks with surrounding ambient noises? Can the sensor detect the barking? What if the collar picks up the bark of other dogs and not your dog? Will the collar send a false correction to your dog? You can set your worries aside.
The YS300 uses a micro-processing sound analysis technology that recognizes your dog’s bark and responds to your dog alone. It also filters out external background noises to avoid false corrections.
The Dogtra YS600 works similarly to the YS300 but much better in terms of accuracy. The model also has a unique Persistent Bark Indicator that tracks the number of your dog’s barks. This helps you to decide if an increase (or decrease) in the correction level is needed.
If you want the model with the best precision, the YS600 should satisfy you. The YS300 is good to consider, too.
Feature: Stimulation Levels and Output
In terms of stimulation levels and output, both Dogtra YS200 and YS300 have 6 intensity levels with low to medium power stimulation. However, unlike Dogtra YS200 (1-6 levels), YS300 has stimulation levels from 2 (lowest) through 7 (highest). This caters to dog breeds with a wide variety of dispositions but not stubborn enough to need intensity levels higher than 7. Meanwhile, the Dogtra YS600 has a low to high power output and four more stimulation levels, with 10 as the highest.
The Dogtra YS200 and YS300 have lower levels since they are designed specifically for small and medium dogs. These dogs have sensitive, mild, or normal temperaments, by which the limited levels could suffice. For large, stubborn dogs, the Dogtra YS600 is the best choice.
Dogtra products also come with their patented, non-stimulating pager function. This enables the collar to send a warning (through vibration) before triggering any stimulation. Your dog may behave after the warning, so static stimulation won’t be needed. This mode is only present among the YS300 and YS600 models; Dogtra YS200 has none.
YS300 is a good option if you have a timid dog or you prefer using a vibration-only mode.
Feature: Battery Type
No bark collars are powered by batteries. Hence, this also needs to be considered when getting a collar. Unlike the YS300 and YS600 models that have rechargeable batteries, the YS200 has only replaceable coin lithium batteries.
If it’s a hassle for you to charge batteries, then you might like the YS200 model. Rechargeable batteries can save you additional costs in the long run.
Other Special Features
- IPX9K Waterproof Component - The two more expensive models are fully waterproof that can withstand close-range high-pressure liquid spray from various points. The YS200 is only water-resistant to a certain extent.
- LED Battery Life Indicator - All three models have this feature to tell you when the batteries need changing/charging.
Dogtra YS200
Price: $49.99
Features:
- 6 Low to Medium Stimulation Levels
- Vocal Cord Sensor
- Water-Resistant
- Ultra-Compact Receiver
- Replaceable Coin Lithium Batteries
- For Dogs as Small as 10 Pounds
Dogtra YS300
Price: $84.99
Features:
- 6 Low to Medium Intensity Levels (2 lowest - 7 highest)
- Bark Recognition Sensor
- Non-Stimulating Pager Vibration
- Fully Waterproof Receiver
- 2-Hour Rapid Charge Li-Polymer Batteries
- For Dogs 10 Pounds and Up
Dogtra YS600
Price: $89.99
Features:
- 10 Low to High Stimulation Levels
- Accelerometer Bark Sensor
- Persistent Bark Indicator
- Non-Stimulating High-Performance Pager
- Ultra-Compact Receiver
- Fully Waterproof Receiver
- 2-Hour Rapid Charge Li-Polymer Batteries
- For Dogs 35 Pounds and Up
Ultimately, the choice boils down to your dog’s needs and your preferences as a fur parent. This review is only a guide to help you narrow down your options. Whatever that may be, we can guarantee you get your money’s worth.
Are Dogtra Bark Collars Effective and Safe?
The simple answer is yes. Dogtra bark collars have proven to deliver impressive results in dog training over the years. Dogtra is the leading brand for a reason. Dogtra products are trusted by industry professionals because they are effective and safe for dogs.
Training your dog to bark less takes time and effort. You must be committed and consistent from day 1 since it won’t happen overnight. Proper techniques coupled with using Dogtra bark collars would help a great deal to reach that end.
However, a bark collar, a training tool, is only as good as the pet owner or handler using it. Make sure to follow the instructions in the Product Manual, as failure to simply fit and position the collar can hinder effectiveness.
When Not to Use a Bark Collar?
Bark collars must not be used for more than 12 consecutive hours to avoid skin irritation on dogs. These collars are also not recommended for puppies under six months old or dogs weighing under eight pounds. These shouldn’t be used while your dog is sleeping or during positive playtime activities.
Some dogs may suffer from canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) syndrome, which causes excessive barking. This usually happens to dogs at their senility stage. In this case, veterinarian help is highly advised.