Dogs are loyal pets and some of the most affectionate animals in the world, but they can also test your patience. Like people, dogs have unique personalities; some pups are calm and quiet, and others only stop barking when they’re eating or drinking. Excessive barking is challenging to control, and if you live in an apartment, it can force you to find another home if your neighbors complain.
However, your dog can learn to bark only when necessary by using a bark collar. Some collars are bulky and too heavy for all breeds, but several manufacturers make devices for dogs of all sizes. In this article, we examined and ranked the best bark collars on the market and included detailed reviews to help you decide which collars to use with your small dog.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
SportDOG SBC-10 Bark Control Collar
Lightweight design
Automatic and manual controls
Ten levels of static correction
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Best Value
PATPET A01 Anti-Bark Dog Training Collar
Affordable
Features 7 shock levels
Can be set for vibration, sound, or shock
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Premium Choice
Petdiary Smart Bark Dog Bark Collar
Automatic and manual settings
LCD screen displays barking statistics
Ideal for dogs weighing 6.6 pounds or more
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Best for Puppies
Small Dog Bark Collar Rechargeable
Affordable
Uses sound to deter barking
Quick recharge rate
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PATPET Dog Training Collar
16 static settings
Remote can be used with two collars
2-hour quick charge battery
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The 10 Best Bark Collars
We selected the SportDog NoBark SBC-10 Bark Control Collar as our best overall bark collar for small dogs. When your pup barks, the collar delivers a static shock to correct the behavior. Unlike the competitors, the NoBark has an intelligent, progressive mode that increases the power of the charge with each bark. While this may seem scary for dog lovers who have not used a static collar before, the shock collar resets to the lowest setting after 30 seconds. It’s safe for your dog on each of the ten stages, and you can switch over to the user control mode to disable the automatic static charge.
Weight: 3.2 ounces
Color: Black
Correction type: Shock
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Dogs with thick fluffy coats may react differently to a specific charge level than canines with less fur. The user control mode lets you set the charge’s power according to your pet’s tolerances. If your dog keeps barking after a shock, you can increase the setting to deliver a more substantial correction. Several collars have sensitivity problems, but we did not find a customer comment about the NoBark that mentioned accidental shocks or malfunctioning sensitivity settings. We liked the collar’s lightweight design, fast charging rate (2 hours), and sturdy casing. It can function for approximately 8 days (200 hours) without recharging. We could not find any issues with NoBark’s performance, but it is a little pricey.
Pros
Lightweight design
Automatic and manual controls
Ten levels of static correction
Fast charging rate
Cons
Expensive
The PATPET AO1 Anti-Bark Dog Training Collar is an effective training tool for your canine, and it won the prize for the best bark collar for the money. We did not find any collars in its price range that matched its quality or performance. The PATPET emits a sound and vibration when your dog barks as a first warning. After another bark, the device vibrates and sends a light static charge, and finally, it emits a single shock if the barking continues. You can set it to react automatically or control it with the manual setting. It features seven shock levels and has a waterproof ring to protect the batteries.
Lightweight design
Automatic and manual controls
Ten levels of static correction
Fast charging rate
- Lightweight design
- Automatic and manual controls
- Ten levels of static correction
- Fast charging rate
Expensive
- Expensive
Weight: 6.34 ounces
Color: Gray
Correction type: Shock, sound, vibration
We were impressed by the collar’s warning system that tries to correct behavior with sound and vibration before resorting to static shocks. Dog owners were overwhelmingly satisfied with the PATPET’s performance, and it did not receive many comments complaining about the sensitivity levels or quality. Repositioning the device every 1 to 2 hours to prevent skin irritation is the collar’s only issue.
Pros
Affordable
Features 7 shock levels
Can be set for vibration, sound, or shock
Cons
Must reposition the collar every 1 to 2 hours to avoid irritation
The Petdiary Smart Bark Waterproof Dog Bark Collar has a durable nylon strap and a futuristic LCD screen that displays the current settings and tracks the number of barks. The Petdiary collar is waterproof and features three modes for correction: sound, vibration, and shock. You can customize the correction setting according to your dog’s tolerances and training level. The collar is designed for dogs weighing 6.6 pounds or more and includes two types of contacts for dogs with long or short hair.
Affordable
Features 7 shock levels
Can be set for vibration, sound, or shock
- Affordable
- Features 7 shock levels
- Can be set for vibration, sound, or shock
Must reposition the collar every 1 to 2 hours to avoid irritation
- Must reposition the collar every 1 to 2 hours to avoid irritation
Weight: Not listed
Color: Black, white
Correction type: Shock, sound, vibration
When you’re training your dog with the collar, the LCD screen helps keep track of the number of barks each session, and it’s simple to adjust the settings to intensify corrections. Although the product description displays the collar’s width (0.78 inches) and length (25.59 inches), it does not list the weight.
Pros
Automatic and manual settings
LCD screen displays barking statistics
Ideal for dogs weighing 6.6 pounds or more
Cons
The collar’s weight is not displayed
- Elecane Small Dog Bark Collar – Best for Puppies
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Weight: 2.89 ounces
Color: Black
Correction type: Sound, vibration
We selected the Elecane Small Dog Bark Collar as the best device for training puppies. At 2.89 ounces, it’s one of the lightest devices we reviewed, and it does not use a static charge for correction. The Elecane features seven intensity levels that you can adjust depending on your dog’s noise level. Levels 1 through 4 are for loud pups, and 5 through 7 are for moderate to quiet canines. The rechargeable collar holds its charge for up to 2 weeks, and it only takes 2 hours to recharge.
Automatic and manual settings
LCD screen displays barking statistics
Ideal for dogs weighing 6.6 pounds or more
- Automatic and manual settings
- LCD screen displays barking statistics
- Ideal for dogs weighing 6.6 pounds or more
The collar’s weight is not displayed
- The collar’s weight is not displayed
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Weight: 2.89 ounces
Color: Black
Correction type: Sound, vibration
The collar is resistant to mud, rain, and snow, and it’s ideal for puppies and smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas. It features a progressive correction system that begins with a dull sound and then increases intensity by adding vibration when the dog continues to bark. Bark collars with shock corrections are designed to be safe for dogs, but we respect Elecane’s reliance on sound and vibration. For most dog owners, it’s hard to imagine correcting a young dog with electricity. Although we like the humane alternative to static collars, some customers mentioned that their puppies did not respond to the sound or vibration.
Pros
Affordable
Uses sound to deter barking
Quick recharge rate
Cons
Not effective on all dogs
- PATPET Dog Training Collar with 3 Safe Training Modes
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Weight: 10.86 ounces (including remote)
Color: Silver/black
Correction type: Shock, sound, vibration
The PATPET Dog Training Collar corrects your dog’s bark with sound, vibration, and static shocks. The waterproof collar can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes, so your pup can play in the pool or rain while wearing the device. The collar has a 3,000-foot range, and you can control two dogs with the same remote. Unlike the PATPET A01 collar, our second pick, this device has 16 different static settings that allow you to increase the intensity for long-haired canines. The collar stays charged for up to 30 days, and the remote functions for 60 days on a charge. The collar and remote have battery-live indicators showing you when to recharge.
Affordable
Uses sound to deter barking
Quick recharge rate
- Affordable
- Uses sound to deter barking
- Quick recharge rate
Not effective on all dogs
- Not effective on all dogs
Weight: 10.86 ounces (including remote)
Color: Silver/black
Correction type: Shock, sound, vibration
PATPET’s advanced device has a longer range than most comparable units, and it has impressive battery life. However, it’s much heavier than the company’s A01 model, and several customers complained that the remote buttons are too sensitive. The remote has a safety lock but if you forget to engage it, you can accidentally shock your canine when you carry the remote in your pocket.
Pros
16 static settings
Remote can be used with two collars
2-hour quick charge battery
Cons
Remote buttons are too sensitive
May be too heavy for some dogs
- NBJU Bark Collar for Dogs, Rechargeable Anti Barking Training Collar
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Weight: 3.17 ounces
Color: Black, blue, orange, white, blackish-green
Correction type: Shock, sound, vibration
The NBJU Bark Collar for Dogs is a waterproof collar that uses shock, vibration, and sound to correct your pet’s behavior. It features seven static levels and seven vibration settings but only takes 30 minutes to charge. The NBJU is designed for dogs weighing 11 pounds or more, and its waterproof design lets you walk your dog in the rain without a reduction in performance. Some dog owners prefer collars like the NBJU because they do not require remotes to operate, but some of NBJU’s competitors have more user-friendly controls.
16 static settings
Remote can be used with two collars
2-hour quick charge battery
- 16 static settings
- Remote can be used with two collars
- 2-hour quick charge battery
Remote buttons are too sensitive
May be too heavy for some dogs
- Remote buttons are too sensitive
- May be too heavy for some dogs
Weight: 3.17 ounces
Color: Black, blue, orange, white, blackish-green
Correction type: Shock, sound, vibration
Several consumers complained that the device was difficult to set up with the two-button controls, but its most significant issue is the inconsistent performance. You cannot disable the beep sound, and sometimes the collar beeps unexpectedly when the dog is silent. The collar can be set off by other noises besides barking, which can be a problem if you’re trying to train your pet.
Pros
Charges in 30 minutes
Seven vibration and static shock settings
Cons
Collar sometimes beeps without barking
Challenging to change settings
- STOPWOOFER Dog Bark Collar
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Weight: 6.38 ounces
Color: Black
Correction type: Shock, sound, vibration
The STOPWOOFER Dog Bark Collar uses sound and vibration to reduce your pet’s barking. It has seven correction levels, and you can set it to vibrate or vibrate with sound. The collar is made to fit dogs of all sizes, and it can be used in the rain, mud, or snow. The rechargeable collar runs for 14 days on a single charge and only requires 2 hours to recharge.
Charges in 30 minutes
Seven vibration and static shock settings
- Charges in 30 minutes
- Seven vibration and static shock settings
Collar sometimes beeps without barking
Challenging to change settings
- Collar sometimes beeps without barking
- Challenging to change settings
Weight: 6.38 ounces
Color: Black
Correction type: Shock, sound, vibration
Although the STOPWOOFER has several positive reviews and high ratings, it’s not as sturdy as the competitors. Rechargeable batteries should last several years before needing replacements, but some dog owners had to replace the battery after only a few months. The collar is affordable, but it’s not very durable.
Pros
Affordable
Only uses sound and vibration
Cons
Poor quality battery
Short lifespan
- Enrivik Small Size Dog Training Collar with Remote
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Weight: 15.2 ounces (including remote)
Color: Black
Correction type: Sound, vibration
The Enrivik Small Size Dog Training Collar features seven vibration and shock settings to correct behavior. It’s one of the few devices in its price range that can control four dogs on one remote, and it has a 1,000-foot range with sound, vibration, and shock features. Enrivik’s collar comes with a handing training guide that gives tips on the best ways to use the collar with an unruly dog.
Affordable
Only uses sound and vibration
- Affordable
- Only uses sound and vibration
Poor quality battery
Short lifespan
- Poor quality battery
- Short lifespan
Weight: 15.2 ounces (including remote)
Color: Black
Correction type: Sound, vibration
It’s effective when the collar functions correctly, but it seems to have a few design issues. The on/off switch on the receiver is too easy for dogs to turn off; all it takes is a swipe with a paw. You have to be careful when you press the remote’s shock button. Unlike other models, the device will continue to deliver charges until you release your finger.
Pros
Seven settings for vibration and shock
Includes dog-training guide
Cons
Quality issues
Dogs can hit the off button
Battery lasts fewer days than manufacturer claims
- PetSafe Remote Spray Trainer
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Weight: 12.48 ounces (including remote)
Color: Navy
Correction type: Sound, vibration, spray
PetSafe Remote Spray Trainer uses sound, vibration, and a spray to train your barking pup. Using a spray to correct the dog’s barking is a clever approach that’s less aggressive than shock collars. The remote has a 300-yard range, and the battery functions for 40 hours without recharging.
Seven settings for vibration and shock
Includes dog-training guide
- Seven settings for vibration and shock
- Includes dog-training guide
Quality issues
Dogs can hit the off button
Battery lasts fewer days than manufacturer claims
- Quality issues
- Dogs can hit the off button
- Battery lasts fewer days than manufacturer claims
Weight: 12.48 ounces (including remote)
Color: Navy
Correction type: Sound, vibration, spray
Although the quick spray from the device can correct behavior, the cartridges do not last very long, and they’re not refillable. The remote’s buttons are not responsive enough to correct barking quickly, and the design’s biggest issue is accidental spraying. The collar does not have an automatic setting, but several dog owners complained that the device malfunctioned and released the spray. The PetSafe collar is one of the most expensive products on the market, but it’s not as reliable as the company’s previous models.
Pros
Uses vibration, sound, and spray
Cons
Sometimes sprays dogs unintentionally
Poor remote design
Expensive
The Garmin BarkLimiter Deluxe Dog Training Collar uses static shocks, sound, and vibration to reduce barking. It features 18 shock settings and stays charged for 3 months. The collar increases the intensity of the shocks when your dog continues to bark and does not reset to the lowest setting for 30 minutes.
Uses vibration, sound, and spray
- Uses vibration, sound, and spray
Sometimes sprays dogs unintentionally
Poor remote design
Expensive
- Sometimes sprays dogs unintentionally
- Poor remote design
- Expensive
Weight: 2.4 ounces
Color: Black
Correction type: Sound, vibration, shock
Although the highly rated collar performs well for most customers, its AI is not as advanced as the manufacturer claims. The collar is designed to learn the ideal level of static shocks to give your dog based on the barking frequency, but it sometimes malfunctions and shocks silent dogs. Although Garmin is well known for its GPA devices, its collars are not as advanced or reliable.
Pros
Stays charged for 3 months
Cons
Expensive
Poor quality battery
Can shock without warning
Stays charged for 3 months
- Stays charged for 3 months
Expensive
Poor quality battery
Can shock without warning
- Expensive
- Poor quality battery
- Can shock without warning
Buyer’s Guide – Purchasing the Best Bark Collars for Small Dogs
We hope you have an idea of which collar is perfect for your pet, but if not, you can examine some of the factors that may influence your decision.
Collar Type
Frequent barking from your dog can be irritating, but you have several options for training your pup to live a quieter life. Yelling at your pet and telling it to be silent are temporary solutions that seldom correct behavior, but bark collars have helped many dog owners with loud animals.
Shock Collars
The static shock collars are a controversial tool that some dog owners and charity organizations, such as the Humane Society, oppose. Our top pick, the SportDog NoBark collar, uses a progressive correction system that increases in intensity. Unlike some of its competitors, it does not have sensitivity or quality problems that contribute to accidental shocking. However, if you feel that static shocks are inhumane, you can use a vibration or spray collar.
Sound and Vibration Collars
Collars that emit sounds and vibrations can keep your dog from frequently barking, and they’re less frightening to some pups than shock collars. If you use a vibration model, be sure to check how strong the vibrations are when the collar is on your pet. Collars with weak vibrators may not keep your dog quiet, and if you have a long-haired beast, it’s less likely to react to a soft vibration.
Spray Collars
Spray collars are another milder alternative to shock collars, but they’re usually a bit more expensive than other models. You must buy replacement cartridges for the sprayer, and the costs can add up if your pet is a slow learner.
Price
Except for our last pick, most premium-level collars were more durable than the low-priced models. You can buy several models in the $40 to $100 that are quality products, but whichever collar you choose, you may not need it for very long. If you frequently use bark collars throughout the year and have several pets, we suggest buying a high-quality collar. For everyone else, a mid-range or discount collar should function long enough to train your dog. Bark collars should only be worn until your dog’s behavior improves. Bark collar companies claim to reduce barking in 10 to 14 days, so a cheap collar (if it’s safe) that only lasts a month may suit your needs.
Weight
Small canines require lighter collars, and some of the heavier units may be too much for tiny pups. We suggest using the Elecane Small Dog Bark Collar for puppies and smaller breeds. It’s the lightest model we reviewed, and puppy owners highly recommend it.
Durability
You may need to use a durable collar like one of our top five picks for wild dogs with endless energy. Cheaper models can be dismantled or destroyed by aggressive canines, and a damaged collar is unsafe for training.
Remote Design
Remote-controlled collars give you more freedom with training, and they usually prevent accidental shock or vibration corrections. However, some devices are more user-friendly than others. Remote buttons with poor response time can disrupt the training and confuse your dog, and some models that can control multiple dogs take several seconds to switch to other collars.
Conclusion
Finding the ideal collar for a small dog is difficult, but our reviews and guide should help you solve your pup’s barking issues. Our pick for the best overall collar is the SportDOG NoBark SBC-10 Bark Control Collar. It’s more durable than its competitors and features an intuitive correction system that resets to the lowest setting after 30 minutes. Our best value winner is the PATPET A01 Anti-Bark Dog Training Collar. We like the clever design that begins with sound and vibration and then adds static charges if the barking continues.
Featured Image Credit: EMpro, Shutterstock
