PetSafe of Knoxville, Tenn., has expanded its Animal Control Officer Bark Control Program nationally, the company reported.
Under the program, launched in Knox County in January 2005, animal control officers and shelters receive PetSafe Bark Control Collar kits to loan dog owners with nuisance barking problems.
The animal control officers can loan the collars to pet owners for a set period of time when they respond to barking dog complaints. The program also allows potential buyers to try the system before purchasing it themselves.
In its first six months in Knox County, participants reported a 92 percent reduction in barking calls from 25 to 2 per week, according to PetSafe.
PetSafe is also working with Suzanne Hetts, a behaviorist with Animal Behavior Associates, to develop two handouts for animal control officers: What To Do About Your Dogs Barking Before Trying an Anti-Bark Collar and Is an Anti-bark Collar Right for Your Barking Dog.
Organizations interested in participating in the program can register online at the PetSafe website.
Posted: Feb. 27, 2006, 3 p.m. EST