Some dogs need a little help, and sometimes you need that help to work on its own — no remote in your pocket, no timing it manually, no standing at the window waiting for the right moment. That's what this collar is for. How the automatic bark detection works The collar's built-in sensor detects your dog's bark and releases a short burst of citronella mist automatically — no input from you required. The lemongrass scent is non-toxic and harmless; it works by briefly distracting your dog at the moment the barking starts, breaking the cycle without any shock, pain, or punishment. The sensor is calibrated primarily for higher-pitched barking, which is typical in small and medium-sized dogs. If you have a deeper-voiced breed, the collar may not trigger as consistently — something worth knowing before you buy. For those dogs, the sensitivity adjustment (more on that below) can help, though results may vary. Three sensitivity levels The collar has three sensitivity settings, which matters more than it sounds. Set it too high and it may trigger from background noise — another dog barking nearby, or a loud television. Set it too low and your dog's bark won't register at all. Most owners find the right level within the first day or two of use. A good starting point: set it to the lowest level first, then bark at the collar yourself a few times (yes, really) to test the trigger point before putting it on your dog. Battery and build The built-in lithium-ion battery lasts up to 60 days on a full charge — significantly longer than most collars in this category, and long enough that you're not thinking about it constantly. Charging takes around two to three hours via the standard charge cable included in the box. The strap is 30 inches long, fully adjustable, and made from a breathable polyester weave that holds up well with daily use. It fits dogs from 5 lbs to 60 lbs, which covers most small and medium breeds comfortably. The collar is IPX5 waterproof, so wet walks aren't a concern. How we got on with it Figo is a cocker spaniel with a well-developed opinion about most things, including strangers at the gate and dogs he spots from the upstairs window. We tried this collar when we wanted something that would work without us having to be in the room. The automatic detection took a session or two to get right — the sensitivity needed adjusting before it was catching his bark reliably without false triggers — but once dialled in, it worked consistently. The 60-day battery is genuinely useful; it's the kind of thing you put on and forget about rather than charge every week. Getting the best out of it Like any bark collar, this works best alongside training rather than instead of it. Use it during the periods when you can't actively supervise — not as an all-day solution. Don't leave it on for more than 12 hours at a stretch, and check the citronella canister regularly so you're not running on empty without realising. If you're unsure which sensitivity level to start on, or if the collar doesn't seem to be triggering correctly for your dog's bark, get in touch and we'll help you work through it. Specifications Feature Detail Detection Automatic bark sensor · calibrated for higher-pitched barking Sensitivity levels 3 adjustable levels Spray Citronella (lemongrass) · non-toxic Battery Built-in lithium-ion · up to 60 days · charges in 2–3 hours Waterproofing IPX5 (rain and splash resistant) Strap 30 inches · adjustable · breathable polyester weave Suitable for Dogs weighing 5–60 lbs · best suited to small and medium breeds In the box Collar · Citronella spray refill can · Charge cable · User manual Common questions Will the collar trigger from other dogs barking nearby? It can, depending on the sensitivity setting. The sensor picks up sound and vibration from your dog's throat as well as the bark itself, which helps filter out external noise — but no automatic bark collar is completely immune to false triggers. Starting on the lowest sensitivity setting and adjusting from there will help you find the right balance for your environment. My dog has a deep bark — will this collar work? The sensor is calibrated primarily for higher-pitched barking, which is most common in small and medium-sized dogs. If your dog has a deeper bark — common in larger breeds — the collar may not detect every bark reliably. If you're unsure, get in touch before ordering and we can help you decide if this is the right fit. How do I know when the citronella needs refilling? The collar will trigger but produce a weaker or dry spray when the canister is running low. Check the refill level every few days during active use. The collar comes with one citronella spray refill can, and replacement canisters are available separately from Calmshops. Is this collar safe to use every day? Yes, with sensible limits. Don't leave it on for more than 12 hours continuously, and give your dog a break from it when you're at home and can supervise directly. The citronella spray is non-toxic and safe for daily use within these guidelines. Does it work in the rain? Yes. The collar is rated IPX5, which means it handles rain and splashes without damage — suitable for everyday outdoor use in UK weather. How long does the battery last and how do I charge it? The built-in lithium-ion battery lasts up to 60 days on a full charge. Charging takes approximately 2–3 hours via the included charge cable. The collar fits all standard refill ports, so third-party citronella canisters are compatible too.