The NanoBark™ Collar for Small Dogs is a training device designed to help reduce and eliminate nuisance barking in small to medium-sized dogs. This bark collar utilizes a unique sensor for reliable bark detection, ensuring that corrections are only issued in response to your dog's barks and not external noises or other dogs' barking.
Function Description:
The primary function of the NanoBark™ Collar is to provide static correction to discourage excessive barking. It features 10 levels of static correction, specifically designed to be gentle for small to medium-sized dogs. The collar incorporates an intelligent learning system: after the first two to three barks, it begins to learn your dog's individual bark pattern and automatically adjusts the correction level based on your dog's personality and barking habits.
When your dog barks for the first time while wearing the collar, they will receive the lowest level of static correction. If barking continues, the correction intensity will gradually increase with each successive bark until the barking stops. This established correction level then becomes the starting point for subsequent barking incidents. As your dog learns to reduce their barking, the initial warning corrections are automatically decreased, promoting a more positive learning experience.
A key safety feature of the NanoBark™ Collar is its automatic timeout mechanism. If your dog barks 15 times or more within an 80-second period, the bark collar will automatically cease corrections for 30 seconds, preventing over-correction and ensuring your dog's well-being.
The bark sensor relies on vibration to detect your dog's vocal cords, which is crucial for accurate bark detection and to prevent corrections for external sounds. This ensures that the collar only responds to your dog's actual barks.
Usage Features:
- Charging: The bark collar is rechargeable. To charge, connect the charger to the magnetic charging port on the back of the collar and plug it in. A full charge takes approximately 2 hours. The LED on the bottom of the collar glows green during charging and turns off when fully charged. The average battery life is 24 hours, varying with the frequency of your dog's barking.
- Fitting the Collar: Proper fit is essential for both effectiveness and safety. The collar should be placed high around your dog's neck, close to their ears. The contact points must be centered directly under your dog's chin and touch their skin. For dogs with long hair, it may be necessary to trim (not shave) the hair around the contact points to ensure consistent contact. To check the tightness, insert one finger between the collar and your dog's neck; the fit should be snug but not constricting, and the collar should not move when your dog shakes their head. Regular rechecking of the fit is recommended as your dog becomes accustomed to wearing it.
- Turning On/Off: To turn the bark collar on, press and hold the power button until the collar emits a low-to-high beep and the LED on the bottom flashes green. The LED will then flash every 5 seconds (green or red) to indicate battery charge. To turn off the collar and maximize battery life when not in use, press and hold the power button until the collar beeps high-to-low and the LED flashes red before turning off.
- Initial Use and Training: When introducing the bark collar, stay with your dog during the first few times they wear it. Your dog might initially be startled by the correction and may even bark more. In such cases, speak to your dog in a calm, reassuring voice until they relax. They will soon learn that the correction stops when they are quiet. A reduction in barking is typically observed within the first couple of days. It's important to remember that the learning process is ongoing, and dogs may test the new experience, potentially increasing their barking attempts, especially during the second week. Consistency in use is key during this period; do not alter your use of the collar.
- Consistency: For optimal results, use the bark collar consistently in all situations where you want your dog to be quiet. If your dog realizes they are not wearing the collar, they may revert to old barking habits, delaying the learning process.
- Leash Attachment: If using a leash, always attach it to a separate, non-metallic collar or harness. Do not attach a leash to the bark collar, as this can put too much pressure on the contact points and interfere with its function.
- Test Mode: If the collar doesn't seem to be working despite proper fit, you can test it using the provided test light tool. While the bark collar is charging, press and hold the power button. Continue holding the button while disconnecting the charger. When the LED turns blue, release the power button and hold the test light tool to the collar's contact points. After a 2-second delay, the collar enters test mode, beeping and flashing the test light tool for each correction level (e.g., 1 beep and 1 flash for level 1). The test concludes with a high-to-low beep and the collar turning off, or you can stop it anytime by pressing the power button.
Maintenance Features:
- Skin Irritation Prevention: To prevent skin irritation, ensure the bark collar is not worn too tightly or for excessively long periods. Avoid leaving the bark collar on your dog for more than 12 hours a day. Regular rechecking of the fit is crucial.
- Age Restriction: The NanoBark™ Collar is not recommended for dogs younger than 6 months old.
- Cleaning: While not explicitly detailed in the provided text, general maintenance for such devices typically involves keeping the collar and contact points clean to ensure proper function and hygiene. Refer to the customer care guide for specific cleaning instructions.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides guidance on rechecking the fit and using the test light tool if the collar doesn't seem to be correcting your dog, which are key maintenance and troubleshooting steps.
The NanoBark™ Collar aims to transform your dog from "yappy to happy" by providing a gentle yet effective solution for managing nuisance barking, ultimately leading to a quieter and more harmonious environment.