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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 Jan 22, 2023

Scam product!

By Robert J., Halifax, MA, Verified Reviewer

This thing appears to only be a flashlight and red dot light. There is no setting for “sound only.” I tested my theory on both of my dogs by holding it over their heads pointed toward their tails so that they cannot see the light. They only reacted to the click of the switch with no other reaction to any “sound,” even when I held it on for 10–20 seconds. This thing emits no sound unless they cannot hear it 2 inches from their ears. Fraud/scam.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

No “pros” were specified in this review

No effect when I held it so that the dogs couldn’t see the light.

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Jan 11, 2023

Want to return

By Julie E. , Biloxi, MS

Does not work on my dog. Want to return. Red light only makes her look at the light while barking. It is imperative that this item be returned and a refund issued as soon as possible. Your fast attention to this matter would be gratefully appreciated.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

No “pros” were specified in this review

Did not work

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Dec 14, 2022

Doesn't work. My dog does not notice the device.

By Robert D., San Luis Obispo, CA, Verified Reviewer

The email address for a return does not work. The phone number is a sales number. I tried this with my dog and no reaction. The cat played with the laser.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

No “pros” were specified in this review

It did not work

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Sep 20, 2022

Doesn't work

By Rico Y., Toronto, Canada, Verified Reviewer

Gave it one star because what I ended up with in the end was an expensive LED flash light with a built-in laser cat toy, 4 stars from the cat.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Good battery life

Bright LED walking at night

Easy battery change

My dogs ignore it

Overpriced for what it actually does

Helpful Review? 3 People Have Voted

Posted on Jul 10, 2022

Works!

By Carol M., Tilbury, Ontario, Canada, Verified Reviewer

It is a great tool. Tried many other products, none worked. This one really works! I would not recommend it if it didn't work.

Much happier now that there is no barking. I can come home now after being gone for a few hours and not be non-stop barked at.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

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

Pros and Cons

Ease of handling

It works

No “cons” were specified in this review

Helpful Review? 2 People Have Voted

Posted on Jan 31, 2022

Didn’t work and no refund

By Rochelle G., California, Verified Reviewer

I ordered two by mistake. I would have kept both if the device had an effect. I returned them both after ten days but never heard from them.

I bought them to contribute to excessive barking. I used them exactly as suggested but neither of my dogs responded in any way. They did not seem to recognize any difference and continued to bark.

Most disappointing is that I lost money on two devices since one was ordered by mistake.

I returned them with a letter, by priority mail. They did not respond and my attempts to reach them by phone failed.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

It is small

It has an attractive design

It produces no sound to a human ear

It didn't work on my digs

It is relatively expensive

No customer support

Helpful Review? 3 People Have Voted

Posted on Jun 17, 2021

Didn't work

By Deena G., Palm Springs, CA, Verified Reviewer

Tried to use the device according to directions. My Shephard Mix was not impressed in any way, with the so-called sound or light show. I have read the reviews and it seems to work better on small animals. Difficult to trust something I can't hear. I would love to see test results from a lab that can detect high-frequency sound. Otherwise, hard to say whether it's a hoax. Customer Service, however, was much more responsive than the device. Refunded the cost and the shipping I paid upfront (not the return) after I requested they do so. No arguments!

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Customer service quick refund

Didn't work as promised

Helpful Review? 2 People Have Voted

Posted on Apr 26, 2021

Do not purchase

By Laura H. , Virginia

This may work for limited in-house barking but does not work for barking at doorbells or dogs at the fence. Unfortunately, I was not able to return the item because the return policy is not posted to the website.

Length of Use: 3–6 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

No “pros” were specified in this review

It doesn't work

Difficult to return

Helpful Review? 2 People Have Voted

Posted on Apr 18, 2021

It is a hoax

By Gary B. , Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

I purchased a BarxBuddy about 2 weeks ago and have found that is absolutely a joke. If anyone says otherwise, they must be in on the scam!

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

No “pros” were specified in this review

It does not work

Helpful Review? 3 People Have Voted

Posted on Apr 2, 2021

Snake-bitten by BarxBuddy

By B N., Coupeville, Whidbey Island, WA, Verified Reviewer

We have a 2-year-old Pyrenees mix (100lbs). She was adopted and untrained. I've spent 12 solid days with her - and it never worked...not once! It had no, zero, nada effect on her...while she continued to bark at everything. Completely ineffective. She doesn't even acknowledge it. This device is nothing more than a flashlight.

Might work on a domestic rat, but not a big dog!

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Pretty bright LEDs, if you need a flashlight

Pretty bright red laser, if you ever get lost in the forest

Ineffective, period, does not work

Helpful Review? 4 People Have Voted

Posted on Oct 23, 2020

Does not work!

By Don M., Denton, TX, Verified Reviewer

When I use it my dog comes to and sticks his nose against it. Does not stop barking or change anything she does. The only use is to use the laser light to make my cat chase it around the floor. Do not buy this!

Length of Use: 3–6 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

No “pros” were specified in this review

Does't work

Helpful Review? 5 People Have Voted
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