Does it Work?: 7 on Your Side Tests the Bark Buster/BarkOff

There are few things more frustrating than a dog that just won't stop barking.

The Bark Buster is a product that claims to curb those cries using ultrasonic sound.

Does it work?

Seven On Your Side puts it to the test.

Mary Deller is a dog lover, but she hates "constant barking."

The commercial for the Bark Buster, otherwise known as the BarkOff says "there are times you wish you could just turn off their barking."

It spoke to Deller, because it promised quiet.

The ad goes on to say, "when your dog does bark, it sets off an ultrasonic signal that's inaudible to human ears but instantly captures your dogs attention and interrupts the barking pattern."

After meeting her dogs, we could see why Deller could use some help. Her own dogs, Scooter and Lindsay are part of the Palmetto Obedience Training Club. But Deller recently took in two others who need housing, Holly and the big barker, Jessie.

Deller says normally the dogs, especially the gray haired Jessie will start barking non-stop soon after she leaves the room. But what happens when the device is activated.

Jessie's head turns quickly. Ands he stops, seven seconds later she tries again.

One bark, another head turn and she stops again. Aside from the whimpering, she and all the dogs remain quiet, at least for a while.

After a few minutes, Jessie's barking becomes more frequent, but Deller says it's not quite the same.

"She's barking and just whining a little, but she's not the constant that she used to be," said Deller.

Some relief for Deller but the Spartanburg Humane Society is concerned the bark buster doesn't practice "positive reinforcement."

"Generally I like to see tools and techniques that rely on reinforcing the correct behavior. So things like clicking for quiet, where we're saying, ok when you're doing this, when you're calm, you're quiet, this is what we like, keep doing that, you will keep getting a reward of some sort," said Erin James with the Spartanburg Humane Society.

Erin James an animal behavior and training coordinator says while the bark buster is not harming the dog. It's considered a method of negative reinforcement since the noise is possibly annoying to dogs.

The makers of the Bark Buster supports using the training device "in conjunction with positive reinforcement methods."

For Deller who needs it most while she's not in the room the Bark Buster may not be perfect but she said, "It's worth trying because there's some difference," she said.

TeleBrands, the company that makes the bark buster says it has since changed the name to the bark off. It's identical but if you're looking to get one you can find it online under that name. The cost is 10 dollars plus shipping and handling. They also say they offer a money back guarantee.

Here are TeleBrand's responses to our questions:

Like other bark control devices currently being marketed, the BarkOFF is to be used as a training device to prevent nuisance barking. When the unit is in the on position, it emits sound waves in the ultrasonic frequency to calm the dog and prevent nuisance barking.

The product should be turned on ONLY to prevent nuisance barking. It may take at least one week for certain dogs for the product to be effective. The product should still function the same even if there is more than one dog.

Personality of the dog comes into play as well and the product can effect different dogs differently.

TeleBrands always offers a money back guarantee.

These types of products have been on the market for ten years now.

The BarkOFF is to be used a training device and should also be used in conjunction with positive reinforcement methods used by dog owners.

No evidence that such devices have caused harm to either people or animals.

For BarkOFF to achieve the desired results, the product should be used within a 20-foot range. It is best suited for indoors as sound waves are less affected by outside influences (wind, cars, etc).

I am forwarding your contact information to OnTel Products for the Turbo Snake and IdeaVillage for the Point 'n Paint.

Thank you,

Andrea Pass

Vice President

Steinreich Communications