On wk −1, 24 healthy mixed breed kennel dogs were screened by physical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistry, and plasma cortisol measurement. Dogs were tested to ensure they barked at an unfamiliar dog. Dogs were randomly assigned to control, electronic bark collar or lemon spray bark collar groups (n = 8 per group). On wk 0 (acclimation baseline), dogs wore inactivated collars
... [Show full abstract] 30 min/day for 3 consecutive days. On wks 1 and 2, dogs wore an activated collar 30 min/day for 3 consecutive days. Controls wore an inactivated collar. The bark stimulus was an unfamiliar dog walked in front of the run, three times, 30 s per presentation. Plasma cortisol was measured wk −1, wk 0 d 3, wk 1 d 1, wk 1 d 3 and wk 2 d 3. ACTH was measured wk 0 d 3 and wk 1 d 1. Barking and activity were measured each session.
