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What is the shape of the coverage area?
Ultrasonic sounds emit in a cone shape of 130° or 65° on each side. It is best to point the device directly at the dog(s) you wish to train to get the best results.
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What is ultrasonic sound?
Despite being above the hearing range of humans, ultrasonic sound is annoying and attention grabbing to dogs. A tool like this can be used for dog training in a safe and effective manner. The high-pitched sound takes your dog's attention away from barking.
Related Post: The Science of Sound Waves
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What is the Audio mode?
A sound will be heard when you use "Audio" mode. When first setting up the unit, it's recommended you use this mode to adjust bark sensitivity. As an alternative to ultrasonic sound training, you can also use the audio mode for older dogs or dogs with poor hearing.
Setting up the device in Audio mode will help you determine the microphone's sensitivity accurately. You will be able to tell if the device is activating too often or not often enough. As needed, adjust the dial up or down, and once the unit only activates when the dog barks, switch to ultrasonic mode.
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Will this bother my other pets?
In general, cats and dogs have very similar hearing ranges, so if your cat is close to the unit when it is activated, it is likely to bother him. However, the sound from the MAX does not travel through walls or around corners. Your cat should not be bothered by the sound if the device is in the backyard, and your cat is in the house or front yard. Cats and/or rodent pets should not be allowed in the room where the MAX is being used if you intend to use it indoors.
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Will this work for whining or howling?
You may be able to pick up howling or even whining if the Dog Silencer MAX is close to the dog. In the event that this does not work, you may want to consider our BarkWise™ no-shock training collar. Remember that dogs may be howling or whining because they are uncomfortable, afraid, or anxious. It is better to discuss these issues with a veterinarian before "punishing" them with a bark control system.
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Is there a volume dial?
Unfortunately, no. By design, there is no volume control. In order to keep the dog guessing, the device volume is pre-set to fluctuate on its own. In a clear line of sight, the training sounds will always travel up to 300 feet (90 meters).
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So then what is the Hi-Lo Dial?
You can think of the Sensor dial as a distance setting. If the dog is nearby, you'll want to keep it low. If he's farther away, you'll need to turn it up higher.
When the dial is turned up too high, it will detect other sounds nearby, activate too often, and won't train the dog to reduce barking. The barking can actually get worse if this dial is turned up too high!
Related Post: What's that Dial?
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Can I use it with a puppy?
It is not recommended to use the Dog Silencer MAX on puppies under 1 year old. Consult your veterinarian before making any decisions.
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Will this work through fences, walls, windows, or bushes?
Unfortunately, no. Our training devices emit high-pitched sounds that cannot penetrate solid objects such as wood fences, windows, walls, or thick shrubbery.
In contrast, sparse trees, window screens, chain link fences and wrought-iron fences are acceptable.
Related Post: What will ultrasonic sound go through?
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Can I use it with an invisible or electric fence?
Invisible fence systems should not be used in conjunction with ultrasonic bark control devices. The sound frequencies emitted by our bark control devices are very similar to those emitted by invisible fence collars. As a result, the dog's training may be hampered.
Related Post: Ultrasonic Bark Control and Electric Fences Don't Mix
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How does the remote control work?
The device comes with a keychain-sized remote control that can be used to manually activate it. For on-demand training, the remote can be used up to 75 feet (23m) away from the main unit.
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Should I use batteries or electricity? How long does the battery last?
You can either use batteries or electricity. In the early stages of training when the dog will bark more, we recommend using the included AC adapter for best results. Depending on the weather, the quality of the batteries used, as well as the frequency of activation, battery life will vary.
Rechargeable batteries are a great way to save money when you need to use batteries. As an additional option, we now offer Solar Panels!
Your product warranty will be voided if you use aftermarket AC adapters (not purchased from Good Life®).
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Will it hurt or harm the dog in any way?
No, it won't. All Good Life products are designed to reduce excess or nuisance barking, and they are all safe and humane. It is not painful or harmful for a dog to bark during the training sound, and if he really needs to bark, he will be allowed to do so. It won't reduce a dog from barking out of instinct (at an intruder, for example).
Despite not being harmful, the sounds emitted by our products may be too intense for puppies under one year of age, since their hearing is still developing. If you plan to use this product with puppies, please consult your veterinarian first.
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How long before I should expect results?
The effectiveness of this training device depends on how quickly the dog associates the sound with his barking although many customers see results within a few days. In the first few days, some customers report the dog barking at the unit or barking more than usual.
It is a normal part of learning. For best results, give the device two to three weeks to work.
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Does it have to be on all the time?
The unit should be on and in use near the dog at all times (it will go into standby mode when it is not barking). In order to achieve best results, you should leave the unit on so that it activates consistently whenever the dog barks.
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What is the range/angle/coverage area?
It will emit ultrasonic sounds in the form of a cone about 130° wide, or 65° on each side. It is most effective to direct the sound right at the dog(s) you want to train, since the sound is directional.