Pros: Humane practical cost effective method to control barking
Cons: Didn't work
The Bottom Line: This sounded like the best way to deal with a problem without confronting the dogs owner but after 30 days I've decided the device is either defective or ineffective.
walkerpkw's Full Review: Viatek BC16G Super Bark StopUltrasonic Barking Dog...
The Bark Stop Super-Ultrasonic Bark Stop Trainer by Viatek
How do you get the neighbor's dog to stop barking? I started with the #1 approach. I sent a kind anonymous letter explaining their pooch is barking obsessively while they're away and it's very loud, not to mention bothersome. Unfortunately this didn't work. I've got an ear piercing whistle that seems to get his attention but this only works temporarily. I needed a device that would transmit a sound such as a "dog whistle" but do it automatically. By googling "bark stop" the first result yields the product I'm reviewing.
Voilà, the electronic battery operated "Super Bark Stop" by ViaTeck:
After reading the overview this seemed to be the most humane and effective way to resolve a difficult problem. After considering the 50/50 rating consumers gave the product it was either going to work or not. It didn't work for me so I give it thumbs down. At a cost of $75 (including shipping) and a 60 day free trial I had nothing to lose.
About Super Bark Stop: (the manufacture claims)
1. Super Bark Stop will work on any size or breed of dog, yours or the neighbor's. 2. Deters barking through an ultrasonic 130db (decibel) tone only dogs can hear. 3. Wireless battery (4 D cells, not included) operation or a 120 ac to 6 volt dc adapter (optional) 4. Covers a 50-foot indoor/outdoor range and is water resistant for outdoor use. 5. Adjustable bark number (1,2,3 or 4) switch 6. Audible "Test" switch that humans can hear it too. (More about this later) 7. Humane technology won't inflict harm or pain such as a "shock collar" would do. 8. Easy to set up and can be mounted to a tree or wall.
After reading the instruction booklet and installing the 4 D cell batteries I placed the Super Bark Stopper within the 50 ft range (approximately 30 ft) from the source. I found an opening in my back fence which allowed the built in microphone to detect the offending noise and aim the "tweeter-like" weather resistant speaker towards the dog. More importantly no one would know it was there. Depending on which 2 settings the device supposedly can give out a sound only the dog will hear. After my initial settings I placed the (computer speaker) sized gadget on the back fence rail. As I was approaching the designated location the dog (Golden Retriever) instantly detected my presence. It was his "intruder alert" bark, very profound and a perfect test for the Super Bark Stopper. The device failed miserably. Once Fido calmed down a bit I started playing with the adjustments. No matter how many barks there was still no green LED light indicating if the device was activated or working. I even held the device overhead, aimed directly at him and still No green light.
Other than the red LED "Power On" light on top, the Super Bark Stop also has a "Test" mode which gives off an audible sound. It's much like one of those cheap little high pitched battery operated window/door alarms. This audible "test" mode sound apparently did have an effect but this isn't what I paid $75 for.
Durability rating (1 to 5): I give it a 1 because it's in a thin plastic housing. I know if this thing was accidentally dropped on my concrete patio it would break. I'm so tempted to do this but would rather have a refund. Should you purchase one and place it outdoors it should do fine. Although weather resistant it doesn't appear to be sealed. I would recommend placing it in a fake birdhouse or other similar enclosure.
In the 30 days I've owned the product I will say its automatic feature has been 100% ineffective. Ironically the "Test" mode actually seems to have an effect distracting the dog and prevents him from barking. The Super Bark Stopper has an "AUDIBLE" setting for both you and the dog(s) to hear but the problem is no matter what the "SENSITIVITY" setting is, the unit does not activate. As far as battery life goes, a good set of Duracells should last a year.
Summary:
This product may have received a passing grade but either I got a dud or their 50 ft claimed range is misleading and false. The only time the Super Bark Stop device activated on its own was while sitting on our backyard patio table I threw down a set of keys. I got a green light and earful of screech. On a few other occasions I was removing the plastic "Control Cover" to make adjustments and while unscrewing the cover screw it went off. Yes it's a little startling but not ear-piercing. The Super Bark Stop now sits on our back patio table and when barking occurs we activated it manually. This is the only way the device is effective.
Should the online merchant I purchased it from decide to offer a replacement I would be entertained by this and gladly accept. Of course I'll have to absorb the shipping costs.....
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