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BarxBuddy

BarxBuddy

Overall Rating

3.3

95 Customer Reviews

Summary

BarxBuddy’s Training Device implements sound and light cues to help you train your dog, but only owners who can devote time to intentional, consistent training will find the most worth from the device.

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BarxBuddy Review: Does It Really Work?

By HighYa Editorial Team

Published on: Nov 18, 2019

The BarxBuddy Training Device is an ultrasonic dog whistle that intends to be your solution for a dog that barks too much.

The device uses two settings to grab your dog’s attention, making it more versatile than a simple dog whistle.

In our review of this device, we’ll talk about how it works, tell you how effective dog whistles really are, provide the device’s pricing and return policy, then give you our conclusion about this device’s effectiveness and value.

How to Use the BarxBuddy Training Device

This device is a handheld whistle that runs on a 9-volt battery. It has two settings on it: sound, and sound and light. To activate these settings, you’ll press an “On” button that will emit an ultrasonic sound or sound and light up to around 49 feet away.

The sound setting is intended to be the first step in your training. Whenever your dog barks, press the on button and the whistle will emit a sound you can’t hear but your dog can.

This sound grabs their attention and makes them stop whatever they’re doing, in theory. If they don’t respond to the sound alone, you can switch to sound and light and try again.

If your dog stops his or her barking, experts recommend giving them a treat to affirm the behavior. Continue to use the BarxBuddy until you sense your dog has changed their barking behavior.

This device is a welcomed relief if you’re a dog owner with a pup that barks incessantly. If you have young children who take naps, roommates or easily annoyed neighbors, barking becomes even more of a problem.

A device like this one gives you a simple way to train your dog not to bark when they shouldn’t bark.

You also get the added benefit of a sound/light combination that stubborner dogs may require.

In addition to this, an ultrasonic device doesn’t cause your dog any pain, making it a gentler alternative to spanking your dog or using a bark collar that shocks them.

Will BarxBuddy Actually Work? The Science Behind Dog Whistles and How to Use Them

To understand how you can effectively use a whistle like BarxBuddy to bark train your pup, we reached out to Russell Hartstein, a certified dog behaviorist and owner of L.A.-based Fun Paw Care.

He sees three clear advantages to dog whistles as compared to using your voice or a clicking device to train your dog:

  • Humans can’t hear them
  • Higher frequencies can, at times, travel farther than other sounds
  • Dog whistles have a distinct sound

So, if you decide to use BarxBuddy, you have the assurance that it won’t disturb sleeping children or grouchy neighbors, you have more range than if you were using your voice or a clicker, and your dog won’t be confused by what the sound means.

However, using a dog whistle isn’t simply about the advantages. You can’t expect to take your BarxBuddy home, turn it on and stop your dog from barking.

“A whistle by itself is irrelevant,” Hartstein said. “It’s how it’s used, the methodology and whether or not the whistle actually emits the right sound. And, it’s a matter of if the end-user is skilled enough to use the whistle and not harm the dog.”

Training your dog not to bark is more than simply activating a whistle when he or she barks. You need to identify the situation that causes the dog to bark. Then, when that situation arises, activate the whistle and reward your dog with a treat if he or she doesn’t bark.

It goes deeper than this, too, Hartstein told us. If your dog barks whenever someone comes to the front door, then you need to implement proximity training. Start by having someone stand far enough away from the door so that your dog doesn’t bark. Use the whistle, then give them a treat (snack, belly rub, etc.).

Then, tell the person to come slightly closer to the door and repeat: whistle and treat.

Continue to do this until the person at the door can walk up and knock without causing barking. At this point, Hartstein said, your dog associates someone coming to the door with something good happening to them.

What makes a dog-whistle purchase more involved than you may think is not just the structure and consistency you need to use it well, but the commitment to rewarding your dog in the future when they don’t bark.

For this reason, BarxBuddy’s dog whistle won’t be worth the investment for most people.

“How many parents will train their dogs appropriately and efficaciously? The answer is: pretty low,” Hartstein said.

Pricing and Return Policy

You have four purchase options ranging from $39.95 for one device to $114.95 for four devices. Shipping is free and will take three to five days to arrive at your home via USPS.

BarxBuddy gives you a 30-day, money-back guarantee for your purchase. The fine print says you’ll need to call the company at (213) 337-8656 or email them at support@barxbuddy.com to initiate the return process.

The address to which you’ll send your return is: P.O. Box 521717, Phoenix, AZ, 85072-2171.

The Bottom Line: Is BarxBuddy the Right Choice to Bark Train Your Dog?

Because training your dog not to bark requires more than just a cue like a dog whistle that implements a light, too, the BarxBuddy offers no real advantage over other whistles.

In fact, the BarxBuddy is considerably more expensive than the top-rated dog whistles on pet marketplace Chewy.com.

Achieving success in training your dog not to bark isn’t a matter of finding the best whistle, either. It’s about devoting your time to systematically and methodically training your dog to see a bark trigger (mailman, trash truck, etc.) as a sign of good things to come rather than something to be afraid of or nervous about.

If you don’t have the time for a structured training program, buying the BarxBuddy Training Device or any other dog whistle will be irrelevant. Simply blowing your whistle when your dog barks won’t solve his or her barking issues, Hartstein said.

Should you realize that you don’t have the time to bark train your dog, Hartstein recommends finding a dog behaviorist to help you. A good source of local certified behaviorists, he said, is the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Other reputable certifications include Fear-Free Certified and Pet Protection Guild membership.

Customer Reviews

3.3 Stars out of 95 Reviews
5 Star:45% 4 Star:9% 3 Star:7% 2 Star:6% 1 Star:31%
60% Recommend This Product
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Posted on Dec 24, 2019

My Holy Grail!

By Cristyn S., Queensland, Australia, Verified Reviewer

Despite a lengthy duration of shipping and no shipping information to track, I am so incredibly happy with this product! I have a very territorial chihuahua who goes off at anything that moves. This product instantly shut him up! It's fantastic. As long as you're using the product with proper reinforcement this will definitely work for the long run.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 8 People Have Voted

Posted on Dec 27, 2019

It works!

By Valerie A., New Jersey, Verified Reviewer

My boy barks constantly at people passing through the hall and I am always yelling for him to get away from the door. Fortunately, everyone knows and loves him and it doesn't bother them ("Hi Oreo!"). When I saw BarxBuddy advertised on a site at work, I was thinking it wouldn't hurt to try it. The first day I got it, he barked at the door and I hit the button. He came running back and went under the bed. Too happy. Now when he barks, I hit the button from another room and he stops. The best investment I ever made. I'm thinking about buying a few and give them as gifts to friends who have dogs.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 6 People Have Voted

Posted on Feb 19, 2020

BarxBuddy

By Charlaine L., Canada, Verified Reviewer

I purchased a BarxBuddy and yes I was a little concerned too but the thing actually works. My dog barks at the TV non-stop, well, not anymore - point, aim, press button, he stops instantly! Wonderful little gadget!

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Feb 27, 2020

Performance

By Virinder S., Brooklyn, NY, Verified Reviewer

It works great and met my expectations. I think I will be recommending to other people. I have more control over my dog not only in barking but also training him in other behaviors as well like not destroying the furniture, and not to pick up garbage and hosts of other behavior patterns.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Feb 29, 2020

Love this item

By Michiele J., Colorado, Verified Reviewer

I have two chihuahua mixes and they bark at anything going past the house. And their bark is very high pitched. They are too small for bark collars and yelling at them didn't work. So when I saw this product I was hopeful. With the first time I used it they responded by stopping their barking. It works. Now all I have to do is pick it up. And it stopped the neighbor's dog from barking at me. Love this product.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Mar 6, 2020

Great response

By Darlene H., Kirkland, WA, Verified Reviewer

Really fast service, loved the comments from others that purchased. We haven't tried yet as the little monster has not barked or whined since the package was delivered! Hope we never need to use, but have it if we do.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Mar 6, 2020

BarxBuddy

By Linda J F., Indiana, Verified Reviewer

Yes, I like my BarxBuddy. Two of my dogs perked up instantly when I turned it on. So I know it is working.

I have to be careful as I had no instructions that came with it. I do not want the red laser to harm them, so I have to be careful to not to use it close to their eyes.

I will enjoy learning to use it to train all 3 of my dogs to stop barking when someone rings the doorbell.

And when my 2-year-old Australian Shepherd Husky tries to jump up on someone. I will see if that will help even though this product is supposed to stop barking! But I will try it on him!

Thank you again for the BarxBuddy.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Mar 7, 2020

So far, so good

By Ronda R., Oregon, Verified Reviewer

I received my BarxBuddy just a few days ago. I was surprised to see that it came with its own 9-volt battery. I installed it immediately. I have dogs and 3 of them are Chihuahuas and they bark a lot and very loud. I used it starting from the same day that I received it and they all stopped barking as soon as I pushed the button. And as they started barking again after a few seconds I pushed it again. I did that several times and each time they stopped and continued to remain quiet finally once they realized that that noise would begin again if they barked. It will take a while for them to be trained to not bark any more when company arrives and leaves.

Thank you.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Mar 7, 2020

Great tool

By Melinda M., Stephenville, TX, Verified Reviewer

I have a sweet dog that is very loving in nature, but she’s a barker. It can be for any reason, and I know she’s just trying to talk to me, so I try not to constantly yell at her. I’ve known for some time that I needed something to help me to reach her without being angry. I saw an advertisement on Facebook and it looked like an answer to my problem. I’m so excited that it has been absolutely wonderful. I just used it a couple of times and now all I need to do is pick it up and she stops barking. I also noticed she settles down and I’m able to talk to her. There’s no barking or yelling. It’s a win-win. Thank you so much for making this easily available and affordable.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Mar 7, 2020

This works

By Donna A., South Carolina, Verified Reviewer

We have an Aussie and a Chihuahua. When we take them outside they start barking. The barking is so nerve-racking so my husband would spank them to keep them from barking but that didn't work either. So I saw BarxBuddy on Facebook. I told my husband about it, he said order one, let's try it to see if it really works, so I ordered one and when we got it my husband used it on our dogs and it worked. We love BarxBuddy. I will recommend it to everyone. It really does work.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Mar 7, 2020

BarxBuddy - no more barking

By Judy S., Prior Lake, MN, Verified Reviewer

It was great when I would leave or when I came home he would bark nonstop at least 10 minutes or more. The day I got this I only had to use it twice and it was quick tap to the button with the light on, my dog stopped looked at me, he barked once more, I did the same. This is the last time I had any problems with him barking when I leave or come home. Wish I had this 12 years ago when he was a pup. I have tried other methods and nothing worked. Thanks for helping me solve this problem.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted
Showing 1-11 of 95

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