Most bark collars make you choose: either you control it manually with a remote, or it works automatically on its own. This one does both — and you can switch between them depending on the situation.
Two modes, one collar
In remote mode, you trigger the response yourself — a short beep, a long beep, a short burst of spray, or a longer one — from up to 500ft away. It's precise, which is useful for training specific behaviours rather than just reacting to barking in general. You can also pair one remote with up to two collars, which is worth knowing if you have more than one dog.
If you leave the remote unused for one minute, the collar automatically shifts into anti-bark mode: the microphone detects barking and triggers a warning beep followed by a citronella spray without you doing anything. This makes it useful for periods when you're not in the room or can't actively supervise — though like any automatic collar, it works best as part of a broader training approach rather than as a permanent hands-off solution.
Sensitivity levels and spray
There are three sensitivity settings — low, medium, and high — which determine how easily the automatic mode detects a bark. Start on low and work up from there. A setting that's too high will trigger from background noise; too low and your dog's bark won't register. Most owners settle on the right level within a day or two.
One thing to be clear about upfront: citronella spray is not included and needs to be purchased separately. The collar takes a standard citronella canister and is also compatible with unscented spray if you'd prefer to start without the scent.
Battery, fit, and water resistance
The collar's built-in 250 mAh battery lasts 3–7 days depending on how much you're using the remote versus leaving it in automatic mode — remote use draws more power. The remote itself takes two AAA batteries, which are included. Charging the collar takes a couple of hours via the USB cable in the box.
The strap fits dogs weighing 8–55 lbs and aged six months and over — well suited to small and medium breeds. On water resistance: the collar is splashproof, not waterproof. It'll handle light rain without issue, but it should be removed before swimming or bathing. This is a meaningful difference from a fully IPX5-rated collar, so worth factoring in if your dog is a keen swimmer.
Fitting it correctly
The spray nozzle needs to point towards your dog's muzzle for it to work — this means the collar unit sits at the front of the throat, not to the side. Fit it snugly enough that the nozzle stays in position, but you should be able to slide one finger underneath the strap comfortably. Over-tightening causes discomfort and can affect how the microphone picks up the bark.
Why we stock this one
The dual-mode setup is what makes this collar different from the others in our range. The remote gives you precision when you're present and paying attention; the automatic mode means training doesn't stop the moment you leave the room. We get a lot of questions from customers with two dogs asking whether one remote can handle both — it can, which is not something every collar in this category offers. The battery life is shorter than our fully automatic model (3–7 days vs 60 days), so it's worth being aware of that trade-off if low maintenance is a priority for you.
Getting the best results
Start with the beep before using spray — many dogs respond to the tone alone, and it's always better to use the lightest effective correction. Don't exceed 12 hours of wear per day, and pair the collar with positive reinforcement rather than relying on the spray as the only tool. If the automatic mode seems to be triggering inconsistently, check the sensitivity setting and the nozzle position before assuming something is wrong with the collar itself — both are the most common causes.
Specifications
| Feature |
Detail |
| Modes |
Remote control · Automatic anti-bark (activates after 1 min remote inactivity) |
| Remote range |
Up to 500ft (approx. 150m) |
| Remote functions |
Short spray · Long spray · Low beep · High beep |
| Dogs per remote |
Up to 2 collars |
| Sensitivity levels |
3 (Low / Medium / High) |
| Collar battery |
250 mAh built-in · 3–7 days · charges via USB |
| Remote battery |
2x AAA (included) |
| Water resistance |
Splashproof only — remove before swimming or bathing |
| Suitable for |
Dogs aged 6 months+ · 8–55 lbs · small and medium breeds |
| Citronella spray |
Not included — purchase separately. Compatible with unscented spray too. |
| In the box |
Collar · Remote control · USB charging cable · 2x AAA batteries · User manual |
Common questions
Does the citronella spray come included?
No — citronella spray is not included and needs to be purchased separately. The collar is compatible with standard citronella canisters as well as unscented spray refills. We'd recommend having a spare canister on hand once you're using the collar regularly.
Can I use one remote for two dogs?
Yes. One remote can be paired with up to two collars simultaneously, with separate spray and sound controls for each. This makes it a practical option for households with two dogs that need training at the same time.
How does the automatic anti-bark mode activate?
If the remote isn't used for one minute after the collar is turned on, it switches automatically to anti-bark mode. In this mode, the built-in microphone detects barking and triggers a warning beep followed by a citronella spray. To return to remote control mode, simply press any button on the remote.
Is it waterproof?
No — the collar is splashproof, which means it can handle light rain and brief contact with water without damage. It should be removed before swimming, bathing, or any prolonged water exposure. If your dog swims regularly, our IPX5-rated citronella collar may be a better fit.
How long does the battery last?
The collar's built-in 250 mAh battery lasts 3–7 days depending on usage. Active remote use draws more power than automatic mode, so battery life will be shorter if you're using the remote frequently. The remote itself runs on two AAA batteries, included in the box.
What's the difference between this collar and the fully automatic citronella collar?
The main differences are the remote control and the battery life. This collar gives you manual control via remote from up to 500ft, which is useful for active training sessions. The fully automatic collar has no remote but lasts up to 60 days on a single charge — better suited to situations where low maintenance matters more than manual control. Both use citronella spray and have automatic bark detection.
How do I pair the remote with the collar?
Turn the collar on, then press and hold the pairing button on the remote until the collar beeps. Press the beep button on the remote to confirm — if the collar beeps in response, pairing is successful. If you're pairing a second collar, repeat the process using the Dog 2 button on the remote.