I am looking for a device that automatically turns on when activated
by a dog's barking and then replays prerecorded messages by me.  The
quality of sound should be very good so that it is believable for the
dog.  I need this to train my dog.  Where can I find it?

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Clarification of Question by banner-ga on 11 Oct 2002 14:02 PDT

Yes, I would be interested in pre-made sound-activated
tape player not necessarily made for dogs.  For anyone interested in
why I think this could work for training a dog with separation
anxiety, check out the book "the dog who loved to much".

Hi there,

I can certainly understand needing a product to train your dog not to
bark – especially one that turns on automatically.  I’ve done some
looking on the internet and have found a few different types of
products that may work for you.  The tricky part of this search is
that I’m assuming you do not want a remote-controlled collar, because
those are generally activated by a person standing near the dog rather
than by the sound of the dog’s bark.  So I’ve weeded those products
out.

It looks like most of the products out there that use sound as a
training aid for dogs use some sort of high-frequency sound that
interrupts the dog’s barking pattern (and thus the barking).  If
you’re interested in one of these you can check out the different
brands at any pet store, including www.petsmart.com.

Another option, and the one I think will work best for you, is to
purchase a sound activated tape player (or the hardware to convert a
tape player to be sound-activated), tape your voice, and leave that
for the dog.  I think of this as being on the “clapper” model of dog
training.  They are also popular in children’s toys, like the Furby. 
It just doesn’t look like voice commands for anti-barking training are
very “in” right now, with tones and clicks being the apparent way to
go for dog training.

The sound-activated systems, if you buy one ready-made, can be rather
expensive.  Your other option may be to get a kit piece and retrofit
your system.  However, that requires that you know how to work with
electronics.  An example of a sound-operated switch is below.

Carl’s Electronic Hobby Kits Page
http://electronickits.com/kit/complete/elec/ck1607.htm

If you are interested in finding either a pre-made sound-activated
tape player (not designed specifically for dogs) or a kit, please let
me know and I will do my best to find one.  Since I haven’t really
answered your question I’m putting this info in a comment rather than
claiming it as an answer.

librariankt

I also could only find devices that emit an ultrasonic tone while your
dog is barking. I think librariankt's idea about the noise-activated
tape recorder is a great idea.

Sharper Image's Bark-Free Ultrasonic Trainer #LT161    	$49.95 
"Stop that barking!"
„h  Effective, humane way to stop a dog from barking incessantly. 
„h  Works indoors or out in a 25-foot range. 
„h  Senses barking and triggers ultrasonic tone that stops when
barking stops.
„h  Features status lights and a test button. Comes with a wall-mount
bracket.

http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/productview.jhtml?pid=37818000&pcatid=1&catid=110


Sky Mall's BARK FREE Item #T50010290 $69.95 	 
(The picture is the same as Sharper Image's Bark Free, but the color
is different. I'm not sure what difference, other than price, there is
between these two items.)
 
THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE WAY TO SOLVE YOUR BARKING DOG PROBLEM.
Whether it's your own dog or your neighbor's dog, Bark Free can help.
Using high-frequency ultrasonic sound waves, Bark Free automatically
turns on when barking begins and off when it stops. Has been proven to
be an environmentally safe and humane way to control barking.
Weatherproof design for indoor or outdoor use and covers up to 1,250
sq. ft. AC adapter with a 50-ft. extension power cord included.

http://www.skymall.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/Store.woa/wa/gotoPage?%400&page=detail&pid=27336444&dept=5227


Sky Mall's PET TRAINER ALARM Item #6740SOL $29.50 	 
 
Train your pet to stay off furniture. No scolding the dog for sleeping
on the sofa. No shooing the cat off your car hood. Pet Trainer works
around the clock -- even when you're away -- to change your pet's
behavior. With the slightest vibration, it emits a brief, two-second
alarm that sends your pet scurrying. Alarm resets and sounds again, as
long as motion continues. Uses one 9-volt battery (included). ABS
plastic 4-1/2" x 2" x 1-1/2". Made in USA.

http://www.skymall.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/Store.woa/wa/gotoPage?dept=94216115&%400&vid=7306226&page=detail&pid=41625243

This item records your voice, but is vibration- not noise-activated

Pet Peeve Ultrasonic Trainer #SI478GRY $24.95 

Keep pets off furniture ¡X even when you're not at home!
„h  Record a command to your pet ("Off the chair, Rover!") up to 10
seconds long.
„h  If your pet jumps on furniture, a motion/vibration sensor is
triggered.
„h  Sensor causes playback of your command and a safe ultrasonic
alert.
„h  Features adjustable sensor sensitivity and ultrasonic alert-only
option.

http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/productview.jhtml?pid=37818000&pcatid=1&catid=110

Good luck!

Hi banner:

Here are some options for you to look at:

Technical Solutions: Various Switches
http://www.tecsol.com.au/SwitchVarious.htm#SoundSwitch
These switches are designed to improve access to people with limited
mobility, but can be used for other purposes as well.  There are two
sound activated switches on this page, and the company also sells
specially adapted tape players that work with the switches.  However,
these materials are rather expensive (like $200).

Another option is to look for security products, since many of these
are sound operated.  I've found some that play a prerecorded message
when they sense motion, but these wouldn't work for you unless the dog
walked in front of the sensor (a long shot, possibly).  One such is
made by SoundTron and can be found all over the web, including at
http://www.pentagondefense.com/sounmotacmes.html.

There are also a LOT of kits out there - and they are much cheaper
than a premade item.  For instance, the sound activated switch by
Circuit Specialists (http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/4058)
is only $10 and runs off a 6 volt pack.  It doesn't look too
complicated, but there aren't directions on the website so it's hard
to tell.

Are any of these of interest to you?

librariankt

Well, there is a solution.

I am sure, you have a PC at home, so you can use this:
http://www.dogalone.com/about.php

You can record as many messages as you like.
The program creates activity reports, you will know when your dog
barked and what message was played, what message made him stop
barking, etc...

Mary

Use a product called the clapper to turn on a cassette tape recorder
that stops and auto rewinds with a 5 min tape in it!