Major veterinary behavior groups recommends against using ultrasonic bark deterrents.

When ultrasonic bark deterrents are used, faulty microphones punish dogs for barks they didn't make.

Risks of ultrasonic bark deterrents include chronic hyperarousal and harms to dog's hearing.

I get a steady stream of emails from people whose dogs have become anxious, reactive, or simply different since an ultrasonic bark deterrent entered the house. I wrote about these devices years ago. I've since spent a lot more time with the research, the manufacturers, and the product manuals—including as a consultant on a legal case—and I want to say something plainly that I only implied before:

We should stop using these devices on our own dogs.

Understanding Ultrasonic Bark Deterrents

Ultrasonic bark deterrents—fences, collars, and freestanding units—emit a sharp pulse of sound, usually around 24–25 kHz at 110–120 decibels, pitched above human hearing but well within a dog's range. A microphone detects barking and triggers the pulse. The theory is simple: Make barking unpleasant enough, often enough, and the dog stops.

No one can tell you these devices are safe. I called the companies that make them. Every representative told me their product was safe, but not one could produce a study. One rep at a bark-deterrent company thought safety testing might........

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