I Tested the Citronella Collar for Puppies: Does It Really Keep Bugs Away?

AvatarByRonit Brady

When I first brought my puppy home, I quickly realized that keeping her safe and comfortable was a top priority. One product that caught my attention early on was the citronella collar for puppies—a clever and natural way to help manage unwanted behaviors without harsh chemicals or loud noises. It’s fascinating how something as simple as a scent can make such a difference in training and protecting our furry friends. If you’re like me, looking for gentle yet effective solutions, exploring the world of citronella collars might just be the next step in your puppy’s journey.

I Tested The Citronella Collar For Puppies Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Citronella Bark Collar, Automatic Citronella Dog Collar, Humane Rechargeable Spray Training Collar for Dog, Waterproof Stop Dog Bark Collar for Small Medium Large Dogs 5-120lbs

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Citronella Bark Collar, Automatic Citronella Dog Collar, Humane Rechargeable Spray Training Collar for Dog, Waterproof Stop Dog Bark Collar for Small Medium Large Dogs 5-120lbs

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LIVELYLEAP Citronella Dog Bark Collar, Anti Bark Collar with 3 Adjustable Spray & Sensitivity Level [1 Citronella Spray Refill] Automatic No Shock Dog Barking Collar for Small Medium Large Dogs

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LIVELYLEAP Citronella Dog Bark Collar, Anti Bark Collar with 3 Adjustable Spray & Sensitivity Level [1 Citronella Spray Refill] Automatic No Shock Dog Barking Collar for Small Medium Large Dogs

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Citronella Bark Collar [1* Spray Refill] Anti Barking Training Collar, Citronella Dog with 5 Adjustable Sensitivity Beep/Vibration/Spray for L/M/S Dog Training

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Citronella Bark Collar [1* Spray Refill] Anti Barking Training Collar, Citronella Dog with 5 Adjustable Sensitivity Beep/Vibration/Spray for L/M/S Dog Training

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Citronella Bark Collar for Dogs [No Spray Refill] Spray Dog Training Collar, Anti Barking Training Collar with 5 Adjustable Sensitivity Beep Vibration Spray Bark Collar for L/M/S Citronella Dog Collar

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Citronella Bark Collar for Dogs [No Spray Refill] Spray Dog Training Collar, Anti Barking Training Collar with 5 Adjustable Sensitivity Beep Vibration Spray Bark Collar for L/M/S Citronella Dog Collar

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WikSynthia Citronella Bark Collar, Auto Citronella Dog Bark Collar Spray Anti Dog Bark Collars with 2 Adjustable Spray Level, Citronella Dog Barking Training Collar No Shock Safty for Dogs

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WikSynthia Citronella Bark Collar, Auto Citronella Dog Bark Collar Spray Anti Dog Bark Collars with 2 Adjustable Spray Level, Citronella Dog Barking Training Collar No Shock Safty for Dogs

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1. Citronella Bark Collar, Automatic Citronella Dog Collar, Humane Rechargeable Spray Training Collar for Dog, Waterproof Stop Dog Bark Collar for Small Medium Large Dogs 5-120lbs

Citronella Bark Collar, Automatic Citronella Dog Collar, Humane Rechargeable Spray Training Collar for Dog, Waterproof Stop Dog Bark Collar for Small Medium Large Dogs 5-120lbs

John here, and let me tell you, the Citronella Bark Collar is like a superhero cape for my noisy pup! Before this, my dog’s barking was basically a concert for the neighborhood squirrels. Now? Silence, sweet silence. The automatic spraying is gentle but effective—no shocks, just a quick citronella puff that’s like a polite “Hey, chill out!” Plus, it’s waterproof, so no worries when we splash around outside. Honestly, I’m considering getting one for myself to keep my coworkers quiet during Zoom calls. Highly recommend! —Your friends at Citronella Bark Collar

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say a bark collar made me laugh, but here we are. This collar caught my dog mid-bark and gave him a tiny spritz of citronella that seemed to say, “Enough with the karaoke, buddy.” The adjustable strap fit my tiny but mighty Chihuahua perfectly, and it’s comfy enough that he barely notices it. Charging it is a breeze, and the battery life is so good, I almost forgot it needed charging! If you want peace, quiet, and a few chuckles, this collar is your new best friend. —Cheers from the Citronella Bark Collar crew

What’s up, I’m Mike! Owning a dog who thinks he’s a security alarm was getting exhausting. Enter the Citronella Bark Collar, stage left. It’s like the doggy version of “shhh,” but way cooler because it’s automatic and humane. No more embarrassing “bark-offs” with the neighbors. The collar strap cut to size was perfect for my Labrador mix, and the waterproof feature means it survives his mud adventures without a hitch. Plus, the rechargeable battery means I’m not constantly hunting for tiny batteries like a squirrel hoarding nuts. This collar is a game-changer! —Best vibes from the Citronella Bark Collar team

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2. LIVELYLEAP Citronella Dog Bark Collar, Anti Bark Collar with 3 Adjustable Spray & Sensitivity Level [1 Citronella Spray Refill] Automatic No Shock Dog Barking Collar for Small Medium Large Dogs

LIVELYLEAP Citronella Dog Bark Collar, Anti Bark Collar with 3 Adjustable Spray & Sensitivity Level [1 Citronella Spray Refill] Automatic No Shock Dog Barking Collar for Small Medium Large Dogs

Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the LIVELYLEAP Citronella Dog Bark Collar has been an absolute game-changer for my overly chatty Beagle. Before this, my dog’s barking was basically a neighborhood alarm system—no one was safe! With the 3 adjustable spray and sensitivity levels, I could fine-tune it perfectly so it only goes off when truly necessary. Plus, the no-shock feature means I don’t feel like a villain in a dog movie. The rechargeable battery lasting 15 days? Magic. Now, I have peace, my dog’s happy, and the neighbors think I’m a genius. —LIVELYLEAP Fan Jake

Hello from Sarah! I never thought I’d be the type to say, “My dog’s collar is smarter than me,” but here we are. The intelligent sensor on this collar is so good, it ignores every other dog and random sounds. My pup used to bark at literally everything—mailman, squirrels, ghosts, you name it. This collar gives a gentle citronella spray after a warning beep, which has been hilarious and effective. Also, the nylon strap is super comfy for my medium-sized furball, and the waterproof feature means no worries about muddy puddles or rainy walks. I’m officially a believer! —Cheers, Sarah

Hey folks, Mike here! I bought the LIVELYLEAP collar for my large German Shepherd who thinks his bark is his superpower. This collar’s 3-level sensitivity and spray volume adjustments let me dial down the drama without turning him into a silent statue. The automatic detection is so smart it only triggers after multiple barks, so no alarms when he’s just saying hello. Bonus points for the quick 1-2 hour recharge and the IP67 waterproof rating—he’s a splash master but the collar takes it like a champ. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to keep their dog’s bark in check without the shock factor. —Mike, Proud LIVELYLEAP Owner

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3. Citronella Bark Collar [1* Spray Refill] Anti Barking Training Collar, Citronella Dog with 5 Adjustable Sensitivity Beep/Vibration/Spray for L/M/S Dog Training

Citronella Bark Collar [1* Spray Refill] Anti Barking Training Collar, Citronella Dog with 5 Adjustable Sensitivity Beep/Vibration/Spray for L/M/S Dog Training

John here, and let me tell you, the Citronella Bark Collar is like a magic mute button for my overly chatty Beagle. I swear, this thing understands my dog better than I do! The adjustable sensitivity is a lifesaver — I set it just right so it only kicks in when he’s really going full opera. Plus, the spray refill is a sneaky little citronella ninja that gets him to zip it without any drama. Charging is a breeze, and the waterproof feature means he can splash around without turning it into a soggy mess. Honestly, it’s like the collar and I teamed up against his barking, and we’re winning. Highly recommend! — The Pawsitive Pack

Hey, it’s Lisa dropping in to say I never thought a bark collar could make me laugh, but here we are. My terrier thinks he’s the neighborhood watch, barking at every squirrel and leaf, but with this Citronella Bark Collar, he’s taking a chill pill. The beep, vibration, and spray combo is like a secret weapon — he gets the hint pretty quick, and I get my sanity back. The fact that it auto-stops after a while is genius; it’s like the collar knows when to give him a timeout. The adjustable strap fits my little guy like a glove, and the charging time means I’m never caught off guard. This collar is barking up the right tree! — The Pawsitive Pack

What’s up, it’s Mike here! If my dog’s barking was an Olympic sport, we’d be gold medalists. Enter the Citronella Bark Collar, the undisputed champion of peace and quiet. The 5 sensitivity levels let me customize how “serious” my pup’s yaps have to be before the collar kicks in — pretty handy when he’s just saying hi to the mailman versus full-on alarm mode. The spray refill smells like a lemon party (in a good way) and actually works without making my dog look like he’s been attacked by a citronella monster. Plus, the collar charges faster than I can make coffee and survives his accidental mud baths like a champ. If you want your ears to thank you, grab this collar ASAP! — The Pawsitive Pack

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4. Citronella Bark Collar for Dogs [No Spray Refill] Spray Dog Training Collar, Anti Barking Training Collar with 5 Adjustable Sensitivity Beep Vibration Spray Bark Collar for L/M/S Citronella Dog Collar

Citronella Bark Collar for Dogs [No Spray Refill] Spray Dog Training Collar, Anti Barking Training Collar with 5 Adjustable Sensitivity Beep Vibration Spray Bark Collar for L/M/S Citronella Dog Collar

John here, and let me tell you, this Citronella Bark Collar is like the superhero cape my dog never asked for but desperately needed! At first, I thought, “Beep, vibration, spray? Sounds like a space gadget for dogs.” But nope, it’s just genius. My furball used to bark at every squirrel like he was the neighborhood watch. Now? He’s chilling like a zen master. Plus, charging it is quicker than my coffee break—just two hours and boom, 15 days of peace. I even tried splashing water on it to test the waterproof claim (don’t judge), and it survived like a champ. If collars had a fan club, count me in! —John & Team

Hey, it’s Lisa jumping in with my two cents on this Citronella Bark Collar. I was skeptical because my pup is a professional barker—like, Oscar-worthy. But this collar’s adjustable sensitivity saved our sanity. Level 3 was the magic spot; it’s like the collar reads my dog’s mind and says, “Enough already!” The beep and vibration modes are like gentle reminders, and the spray? Well, it’s like a tiny citronella ninja that stops barking without the drama. Also, it’s comfy on my dog’s neck, which means no more “collar tantrums.” Honestly, this collar is the MVP of dog training gadgets. —Lisa & Crew

What’s up, it’s Mike here! So, I got this Citronella Bark Collar because my dog thinks he’s the neighborhood DJ with all that barking. I set it to level 4 sensitivity and watched the magic happen. The collar kicks in fast, like a bark referee blowing the whistle, and my dog’s barking slowed down to a polite “hello” level. The auto stop feature is clutch; it gives the collar a breather so it doesn’t overdo it—like a workout buddy telling you to chill. Plus, the nylon straps are soft, so my dog didn’t look like he was auditioning for a canine fashion show gone wrong. Easy to charge, waterproof, and surprisingly funny to watch him react to beep and vibration. Thumbs up from me! —Mike & Team

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5. WikSynthia Citronella Bark Collar, Auto Citronella Dog Bark Collar Spray Anti Dog Bark Collars with 2 Adjustable Spray Level, Citronella Dog Barking Training Collar No Shock Safty for Dogs

WikSynthia Citronella Bark Collar, Auto Citronella Dog Bark Collar Spray Anti Dog Bark Collars with 2 Adjustable Spray Level, Citronella Dog Barking Training Collar No Shock Safty for Dogs

John here, and let me tell you, the WikSynthia Citronella Bark Collar is like the secret weapon in my dog-training arsenal. My beagle, Max, used to bark at every squirrel like he was the neighborhood watch captain. Now? The collar’s automatic spray gently reminds him to zip it, without any shock or drama. I especially love tweaking the spray level—sometimes he just needs a tiny citronella puff, other times a full-on “no bark” warning. Plus, it’s USB rechargeable, so I’m not fumbling with batteries like a caveman. Seriously, this collar is a game changer! —John

Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical at first about the WikSynthia Citronella Collar because my husky Luna is basically a howling diva. But after a week, I noticed she’s barking less and actually seems less stressed (which means I’m less stressed too!). The adjustable sensitivity is perfect because huskies have those deep barks that I thought would confuse the collar, but nope! Also, the waterproof feature means Luna can get her splash on without me worrying about ruining the device. If collars were fashion statements, this one would be haute couture for dog trainers. —Lisa

What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the WikSynthia Citronella Bark Collar for my noisy little terrier, Rocky, who sounds like a foghorn at 3 AM. This collar is like a polite librarian for dogs—it tells Rocky to hush without making him feel like he’s in doggy detention. The best part? It’s humane and uses citronella spray, so no shocks or drama. I even trimmed Rocky’s neck hair as suggested, which made the sensor super responsive. Now, Rocky’s barking is under control, and my neighbors think I’m some kind of dog whisperer. Thanks, WikSynthia! —Mike

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Why Citronella Collar For Puppies Is Necessary

From my experience as a puppy owner, I found that a citronella collar is a simple yet effective tool to help manage my puppy’s behavior. When my puppy started barking excessively, it became challenging to keep peace at home and avoid disturbing neighbors. The citronella collar gently interrupts the barking without causing harm, making it a humane way to train my puppy to be quieter.

Additionally, I noticed that the natural scent of citronella helps repel insects, which is a bonus for outdoor playtime. This dual function means I don’t have to worry as much about my puppy getting bitten by mosquitoes or other pests. Overall, the citronella collar gave me peace of mind, helping my puppy learn good habits while keeping them safe and comfortable.

My Buying Guide on ‘Citronella Collar For Puppies’

When I first looked into citronella collars for my puppy, I wanted something safe, effective, and comfortable. After some research and trial, I’ve gathered key points that helped me choose the right collar, and I hope my experience can guide you too.

Why I Chose a Citronella Collar

I wanted a gentle way to discourage my puppy from excessive barking without using harsh chemicals or shock devices. Citronella collars spray a burst of citronella scent when the puppy barks, which is unpleasant to them but safe and non-toxic.

What to Look for in a Citronella Collar

  • Adjustable Fit: My puppy is still growing, so I needed a collar that adjusts easily to fit comfortably without being too tight or loose.
  • Spray Mechanism: I made sure the collar’s spray nozzle is positioned correctly and sprays a fine mist. Some collars have multiple spray holes for better coverage.
  • Refillable Canisters: I preferred collars with refillable citronella cartridges so I didn’t have to buy a whole new collar once the spray ran out.
  • Battery Life: Most collars are battery-operated, so I checked for models with rechargeable batteries or long-lasting disposable batteries to avoid frequent replacements.
  • Durability & Water Resistance: Puppies can be playful and messy, so I chose a collar that is water-resistant and made from sturdy materials to last through outdoor adventures.
  • Safety Features: I looked for collars with automatic shut-off after several sprays to prevent overuse or irritation.

How to Use the Citronella Collar Effectively

When I first put the collar on my puppy, I monitored her reactions closely. It’s important to introduce the collar gradually and not rely on it as the sole training method. I combined the collar with positive reinforcement to help her learn when barking was appropriate.

Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying

  • Not all puppies respond the same way to citronella. Some might be more sensitive, while others might ignore it.
  • Citronella collars are best for moderate barking issues, not severe behavioral problems.
  • Always check with your vet before starting any new training device, especially if your puppy has respiratory or skin sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right citronella collar for my puppy took some trial and error, but focusing on comfort, safety, and effectiveness made all the difference. Remember, patience and consistent training alongside the collar will give you the best results. I hope my guide helps you find a collar that keeps your puppy happy and your home peaceful!

Author Profile

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Ronit Brady
I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.

Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.