This is a comparison guide of the different SportDOG bark collar models.
In this guide we’ve outlined the individual features, and similarities & differences between the SBC-R vs 10R vs 18 vs 10 vs 8 vs 6.
We’ve also linked you to individual reviews on each anti bark collar model within the guide.
One thing that is important to note is that (at the time of updating this guide) the SBC-10R is not available on the SportDOG site, but is still available on Amazon as of 2020.
Let’s jump into the guide!
(NOTE: this is a general information guide only, and is not professional advice, or a substitute for professional advice. A qualified vet or animal expert is the only person qualified to give you expert advice in regards to your pet/s)
(*Friendly Disclosure – links to retailers or brands on this page may include affiliate links, and we may receive a commission when you purchase through these links)
SportDOG SBC-R vs 10R vs vs 18 vs 10 vs 8 vs 6: NoBark Collar Comparison Guide
If you prefer, you can go straight to viewing each NoBark collar here:
SBC-R
- SportDOG NoBark SBC-R Rechargeable Bark Control Dog Collar (on Chewy)
- SportDOG SBC-R NoBark Collar (on Amazon)
10R
- SportDOG 10R NoBark Collar (on Amazon) (NOTE – no longer available on the SportDOG US site, but still available on Amazon as of 2020)
SBC-18
SBC-10
- SportDOG Rechargeable NoBark 10 Standard Bark Control Dog Collar (on Chewy)
- SportDOG NoBark SBC-10 (on Amazon)
SBC-8
SBC-6
- SportDOG SBC-6 NoBark 6 Standard Anti-Bark Dog Collar (on Chewy)
- SportDOG SBC-6 NoBark Collar (on Amazon)
Which SportDOG Bark Collar To Get?
The SBC-R probably has the most features and modes.
The SBC-R and SBC-10 both have rechargeable instead of replaceable batteries if that’s important to you.
Apart from that, you’ll have to pick the collar that best suit your needs and preferences.
SportDOG SBC-R vs 10R vs 18 vs 10 vs 8 vs 6: Similarities
The main similarities between all these collars are:
They all have a static stimulation training/anti bark mode
They all fit dogs 8 pounds or larger with neck sizes 5″ – 22″
None of the collars have vibration only or tone only training modes (although the SBC-6 has an audible beep with each change of correction level)
SportDOG SBC-R vs 10R vs 18 vs 10 vs 8 vs 6: Differences
The unique features and differences between the collars are:
Bark Detection Method
The NoBark SBC-R uses Silent Partner™ technology
The NoBark SBC-10R and SBC-18 have Perfect Bark Technology, (which senses both sound and vibration in your dog’s vocal cords)
The SBC-10 uses Silent Partner™ technology
The SBC-8 uses Silent Partner™ technology
The NoBark SBC-6 uses vibration sensor technology (delivers correction/static when it detects vibration in your dog’s vocal cords)
Training Modes Available
The SBC-R and SBC-10R have 3 modes of status stimulation available. Those are User Select, Temperament Learning, and Progressive Correction.
SBC-18 has a form of progressive and regressive stimulation
SBC-10 has 2 modes of static stimulation available. Those modes are User Select, and Progressive Correction
SBC-8 has one mode of static stimulation available. That is Progressive Correction.
SBC-18 has a form of progressive and regressive stimulation
Levels Of Static Stimulation
SBC-R and SBC-10R have 10 levels of static stimulation
SBC-18 has 3 ranges of stimulation – low, medium and high, and 6 levels of stimulation – for a total of 18 different levels of stimulation across the 3 ranges
The SBC-10 has 10 levels of static stimulation
The SBC-8 has 8 levels of static stimulation
SBC-6 has 6 levels of static stimulation
Waterproofing
The NoBark SBC-R is waterproof and submersible to 10 feet
The SBC-10 and SBC-8 are waterproof and submersible to 25 feet using DryTEK technology
The SBC-18 & SBC-6 are just waterproof
Battery
The SBC-R has rechargeable lithium ion batteries that charge in roughly 2 hours and lasts about 200 hours per charge
The SBC-10R has rechargeable NiMH battery that charge in 4 hours, and last 3-6 months per charge
The SBC-18 has replaceable lithium batteries that last about 3-6 months
The SBC-10 has rechargeable lithium ion batteries that charge in roughly 2 hours and lasts about 200 hours per charge
The SBC-8 has a Replaceable battery (4L R44) that lasts about 200 hours
The SBC-6 has replaceable lithium batteries that last about 3-6 months
Safety Features
The SBC-R has a safety feature where – if your dog barks 15 times or more within an 80 second period, the SBC-R will stop issuing static stimulation for 30 seconds, and then resume normal operation.
The SBC-10R, SBC-6 and SBC-18 have a safety features that will automatically shut off for 3 minutes if your dog barks 15 times or more within a 50-second period.
The SBC-10 and SBC-8 have an automatic shut off feature where correction stops after 80 seconds
Other Features
The NoBark SBC-R is the only collar that has an OLED screen which shows the mode of operation and the battery level/life
Availability
The SBC-10R is no longer available on the US version of the SportDOG website
SportDOG SBC-R vs 10R vs 18 vs 10 vs 8 vs 6: Review Of Features, & Other Information
SBC-R
– Features
A customisable NoBark training collar
An improvement on the SBC-6 and SBC-18 collars
Has newer technology than the SBC-10R
Choose from 3 programmable training modes: Temperament Learning, Progressive Correction, and User-Selected
Also choose from 10 levels of static stimulation
Collar uses Silent Partner™ technology that is supposed to identify your dog’s own unique bark, and only respond to that. It is supposed to filter out other dogs’ barks, and other external noise
Comes with both long and standard contact points – for long haired and short haired dogs respectively
Has an OLED display that shows the current mode of operation, as well as battery-life status
Has a built in safety feature for the most constant barkers – the corrections stops for 30 seconds if the collar detects 80 seconds of 15 barks or more
Collar is waterproof and submersible to 10 feet
Collar is for dogs 8 pounds or larger with neck sizes 5″ – 22″
Battery is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and charges in roughly 2 hours. It lasts about 200 hours per charge
– Potential Drawbacks
Overall, the SBC-R appears to work better than the SBC-6 and SBC-18, but perhaps not as good as the older SBC-10R which was quite popular
The Silent Partner technology while great in theory, can sometimes be unreliable and inconsistent if people don’t have the collar positioned properly on the dog’s neck
The SBC-R in particular appears to have strong static even on the lower levels. Make sure you start on the absolute lowest level and work your way up.
May be more a collar for medium to large dogs, rather than smaller dogs and sensitive dogs
Although there can be a few issues with this collar, SportDOG do seem to have great customer service and are usually quick to try to help out customers
– Summary
A likely improvement over the SBC-6 and SBC-18 collars.
– View Bark Training Collar
View the SportDOG SBC-R NoBark Collar on Amazon
– What This Bark Training Collar Designed Is For
To trigger a correction (static stimulation) on your dog’s unique bark only. It does this using Silent Partner™ technology.
For best use:
You should be able to place one finger between the contact point and your pet’s neck
The collar should not be able to shift, and should be placed on the front of the neck and in the center of the neck
Also, the contact points should be making skin contact
Contact SportDOG if you have any issues.
– How This Bark Training Collar Works
You turn the collar on and customise/set the mode
Temperament Learning mode – the correction starts at the lowest level and increases to the next level each time your dog barks within 30 seconds of the previous bark. The collar remembers the correction level needed to stop your dog’s barking. The next time your dog starts barking, the correction will start at the last/highest level used. The static stimulation level will be reduced 30 seconds after your dog stops barking.
Progressive Correction mode – the correction starts at the lowest level and increases to the next level each time your dog barks within 30 seconds of the previous bark. If your dog doesn’t bark again within 30 seconds, the correction will reset to the lowest level.
User-Selected mode – you manually choose the correction level. If your dog barks, the collar will correct him at the level you’ve selected until he stops barking.
Using the Silent Partner™ technology, the collar will automatically trigger ONLY to your dog’s unique bark, and not another dog’s bark, or external noises
There’s a built-in safety feature – if your dog barks 15 times or more within an 80 second period, the SBC-R will stop issuing static stimulation for 30 seconds, and then resume normal operation.
– Who Might This Bark Training Collar Be For?
Problem barkers and constant barkers
Medium to large sized dogs
Mild to harder temperament dogs
Dogs with neck sizes 5″ – 22″
– Who Might This Bark Training Collar NOT Be For?
People who want a more reliable and consistent bark collar
Dogs that bark only temporarily, or naturally to a particular situation
Small dogs
Sensitive and soft temperament dogs
Dogs with neck sizes outside of 5″ – 22″
– What Currently Come In The Kit
NoBark SBC-R Collar
3/4″ Black Collar Strap
Adaptor With Charging Cradle
Standard Contact Points
Long Contact Points
Operating Guide
SBC-10R
The 10R has been discontinued by SportDOG if you visit the product page on their site.
SportDOG have released their latest model, the SBC-R
SBC-18
– Features
An automatic functioning anti bark dog collar
Features Perfect Bark® technology, providing firm, fair, and consistent correction when it detects both vibration and sound from your dog’s vocal cords. This sets it apart from the SBC-6 for example that delivers correction only from vibration and not sound
External noise or another dog’s bark shouldn’t trigger a correction
Has 6 levels of static stimulation with low/medium/high stimulation ranges – you select the stimulation range and the collar does the rest
With the levels and ranges, you really get 18 different levels available (6 in each range)
Collar is waterproof
Has replaceable lithium batteries last about 3-6 months
For dogs 8 pounds or larger with neck sizes 5″ – 22″
– Potential Drawbacks
Like the SBC-6, the technology on this collar that triggers (or doesn’t trigger) the correction can be unreliable and inconsistent to your dog’s barking
The batteries can wear out quite quickly, or not work at all – could stand to be improved or upgraded
Overall, there are better no-bark collars on the market – you may want to look elsewhere
– Summary
– View Bark Training Collar
View the SportDOG SBC-18 NoBark Collar on Amazon
– What This Bark Training Collar Designed Is For
To train dogs not to bark by delivering static stimulation when it detects both vibration and sound from your dog’s vocal cords.
– How This Bark Training Collar Works
You turn on the collar and put it around your dog’s neck (high up on the neck, in the center, and with about 1 finger room between collar and neck – the collar should be reasonably tight)
In each stim range, the correction starts at the lowest level when it detects both vibration and sound from your dog’s vocal cords
It progresses to the next level (to a maximum of 6 levels) each time your dog barks within 30 seconds of the previous bark.
If your dog doesn’t bark again within 30 seconds, the correction will be reset to the lowest level in that mode.
As a built-in safety feature, if your dog barks 15 or more times in 50 seconds, the unit will automatically shut off for 3 minutes.
– Who Might This Bark Training Collar Be For?
Problem barkers and constant barkers
Dogs 8 pounds or larger with neck sizes 5″ – 22″
Overall though, there are better no-bark collars on the market – you may want to look elsewhere
– Who Might This Bark Training Collar NOT Be For?
Dogs that only bark temporarily or in a natural way
Dogs smaller than 8 lbs
Dog with a neck size outside of 5 to 22 inches
– What Currently Come In The Kit
NoBark 18 Collar
Black Collar Strap
Batteries
Test Light Tool
Operating Guide
SBC-10
– Features
Has 2 modes of operation – Progressive Correction and User Select
Progressive Correction starts at the lowest level of static stimulation and increases each time your dog barks. After 30 seconds of quiet, the collar will reset back to the lowest level
User Select allows you to choose a correction level manually
User Select is especially useful for dogs who only respond to higher levels of stimulation
There’s 10 levels of static stimulation
Has an automatic shut off safety feature – Correction stops after 80 seconds
Has Silent Partner technology which recognizes your dog’s unique bark
Uses a rechargeable lithium ion battery – has 2 hour quick charge, and last 200 hours per charge
Collar is Waterproof and submersible to 25 feet
Collar is designed for dogs 8 pounds or larger with neck sizes 5″ – 22″
Has a low battery indicator
– Potential Drawbacks
Not for dogs smaller than 8lbs
Not for dogs with neck sizes outside the 5″ – 22″ range
Not a cheap bark collar
– View Bark Training Collar
View the SportDOG NoBark SBC-10 (on Amazon)
– Who Might This Bark Training Collar Be For?
Those who want a bark collar with both Progressive and User Select stimulation training modes
Dogs over 8lbs
Dogs with neck sizes in the 5″ – 22″ range
Those who want a rechargeable battery bark collar
– Who Might This Bark Training Collar NOT Be For?
Those who want vibration only and tone only training modes
Dogs under 8lbs
Dogs with neck sizes outside the 5″ – 22″ range
SBC-8
– Features
Designed/created to be easy to use
Designed to be turned on and to be able to put on a dog
Has 8 levels of Progressive Correction (stimulation starts at the lowest level of static stimulation and increases each time your dog barks within 30 seconds. After 30 seconds of quiet, the collar will reset back to the lowest level)
Has an automatic shut off feature – correction stops after 80 seconds
Also has SportDOG’s Silent Partner Bark Technology – detects your dog’s unique barking style, and filters out other noise
Is waterproof and submersible to 25 ft
Designed for dogs 8 pounds or larger with neck sizes 5″ – 22″
Uses a replaceable 6V battery (4L R44) – and lasts 200 hours per battery
Has a low battery indicator
Comes with standard and long contact points
– Potential Drawbacks
Not for dogs under 8lbs
Not for dogs with necks outside the 5″ – 22″ size range
Doesn’t have rechargeable batteries
No vibration only or tone only training modes
No User Select/Manual Select mode for stimulation levels
– View Bark Training Collar
View the SportDOG NoBark SBC-8 (on Amazon)
– Who Might This Bark Training Collar Be For?
Those who want one of the more affordable SportDOG collars
Dogs over 8lbs
Dogs with 5″ – 22″ neck sizes
Those who want an easy to use bark collar
– Who Might This Bark Training Collar NOT Be For?
Dogs under 8lbs
Dogs with neck sizes outside the 5″ – 22″ range
Owners who want vibration and tone training modes
Those who want a rechargeable battery collar
Those who want a user select stimulation mode
SBC-6
– Features
Overall, the collar is cheap and affordable, but the technology, design, functionality and batteries of the collar could do with improvement. It may work for some dogs, and not for others
A no bark collar for dogs that bark constantly or problem barkers
Very easy to use – turn the collar on and put it on your dog’s neck – it will beep, and flash red before a correction/static stimulation is delivered
For best results – the collar should be worn high on the neck, just beneath the jaw. Additionally it should be in the center of the throat, and tight enough so that only one finger width fits between the strap and your dog’s neck
The collar includes 6 levels of static stimulation, with no programming required – the collar adjusts the static level automatically
Refer to the buyer’s guide below for a description of how the collar works in relation to your dog’s barking
Will fit dogs 8 pounds or larger with neck sizes 5″ – 22″
Has replaceable lithium batteries that last about 3-6 months
Has a low battery indicator to tell you when the battery is running low
The collar is waterproof
Comes with an operating guide you should read before you use the collar
SportDOG have pretty good customer service – if you have an issue with your collar, they are usually quick to get back to you and help out
– Potential Drawbacks
Despite the concept of this collar – it appears to have issues responding to the barking of all dogs automatically i.e. it is inconsistent, or sometimes doesn’t respond at all. This could be due to a number of things from the technology used in the collar, to the design of the collar and how the contact points sit on your dog
The batteries could do with a big upgrade – they either don’t seem to last very long, or the collar chews through them quite quickly
There are probably better and more reliable no bark collars on the market than this one
– View Bark Training Collar
View the SportDOG SBC-6 NoBark Collar on Amazon
– What This Bark Training Collar Designed Is For
To stop barking via static stimulation administered through the collar device.
– How This Bark Training Collar Works
The vibration of your dog’s bark triggers the Vibration Sensor Probe on the collar device
A static stimulation is then administered through the Contact Points on the collar device
The static stimulation will start at the lowest level of correction and then increases through 6 levels each time your dog barks within 30 seconds of the previous bark.
If your dog doesn’t bark again within 30 seconds, the NoBark SBC-6 will reset itself to the lowest level of correction.
Along with each correction, there will be an audible beep.
As an added safety feature, the NoBark SBC-6 will automatically shut off for 3 minutes if your dog barks 15 times or more within a 50-second period.
– Who Might This Bark Training Collar Be For?
People with dogs that bark constantly
Dogs 8 pounds or larger with neck sizes 5″ – 22″
– Who Might This Bark Training Collar NOT Be For?
People who’s dogs are not problem barkers or constant barkers
Dogs smaller than 8lbs
Dogs with neck sizes that fall outside the 5 to 22 inch range
– What Currently Come In The Kit
NoBark 6 Collar
Black Collar Strap
Batteries
Test Light Tool
Operating Guide
Other Bark Collar Options
If you want to look at some other bark collar options, you can read this best bark collars guide.
Buyer’s Guide & FAQ Guide For Bark Collars
We’ve put together a buyer’s guide and FAQ guide with some important information about bark collars.
In that guide, we discuss:
The effectiveness of bark collar, and how bark collars can work for some, but not others
What some of the best bark collars might be
Bark collar review guides
Factors to consider in deciding what bark collar to buy
What a bark collar is
Bark collars vs remote dog training collars
Types of bark collars
Why use a bark collar and when to use one
How a bark collar works, and how to use one
What size bark collar to get
Can a puppy use a bark collar
Alternatives to a bark collar for bark control training
Some safety considerations for using a bark collar
Some Safety Considerations For Using A Bark Collar
Safety is extremely important with a bark collar.
Always always get your vet’s advice or the advice of an animal health and/or training expert – nothing is a substitute for professional advice.
Some general safety guidelines for using a bark collar humanely and safely might be:
Buy from a reputable company who put proper use of the bark collar and the safety of the dog as a priority
Read and follow the operating guide, instruction/safety manual and training guide that comes with the bark collar system from the manufacturer for operation and safety instructions and guidelines
Pay attention to any warnings issued by the manufacturer
Monitor your dog’s response both mentally and physically to using a bark collar. Take the collar off immediately and discontinue use of the system if you notice any negative implications or reactions
A good bark collar that uses static stimulation should simply stimulate the muscle (to the point of reflex) to get the dog’s attention, but should not cause pain (it might be slightly annoying for the dog to act as a small deterrent – but shouldn’t cause pain or harm).
It certainly shouldn’t cause a ‘sharp pain’ to the muscle or body.
To get a safe stimulation level – it helps if the bark collar can be set to the lowest stimulation level, and increased as required manually up to a level that gets the dog’s attention (such as changing body language when a stimulation, vibration or tone is administered) without any visible sign of pain or harm (such as yelping, or showing signs of stress).
A good bark collar company should give you all the necessary safety, use and training instructions, and should have a dedicated customer service line to help when you being using the collar.
Good bark collars usually also come with a safety shut off features for static stimulation in case a dog keeps barking.
The static stimulation function does not need to be used either – tone and vibrate training modes can be used instead on bark collars that have them.
Some owners like to even use their bark collar as a temporary training tool, and may go back to using body or verbal bark training commands once behaviors are reinforced (if suitable).
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