Are dog repellents really effective?

Are dog repellents really effective?

A dog repellent is a device that uses ultrasonic waves to keep dogs away. In China, it was first introduced to the market by an electronic technology company in Shenzhen through Alibaba (brand name: HUZAI), and was invented by Mr. Wu Zhongjie. At that time, the CCTV program "I Invented It" made several special reports on it. According to user feedback, the dog repellent effect is obvious. Later, many similar counterfeit products appeared on the market, and the effect was greatly reduced. There are many negative test evaluations on self-media platforms, which are mostly about these counterfeit products.

I. Core Working Principle of Dog Repellents

There are mainly three types of dog repellents on the market, with different core mechanisms of action:

Ultrasonic dog repellents:

This is the most common type. It emits ultrasonic waves above 20kHz, which humans cannot hear but dogs can (about 15Hz to 50kHz). High-frequency sound waves can stimulate dogs, making them feel annoyed and uncomfortable, and thus they will move away voluntarily. These dog repellents are usually portable and handheld, suitable for emergency use when encountering stray or aggressive dogs outdoors.

High-voltage electric shock dog repellents:

This type mainly uses the crackling sound and strong light of high-voltage discharge to scare away aggressive dogs. At close range, it can also deliver an electric shock to the dog. It can also be used against lawbreakers.

Fixed infrared dog repellents:

The machine can be fixed on the wall, and the direction of the emission can be adjusted through the universal joint of the installation bracket. When a dog or cat enters the warning area, the machine will sense the infrared rays emitted by the animal's body, triggering the machine to emit ultrasonic waves at 25kHz to drive the animal away. This type of machine is commonly placed in the courtyard or at the doorstep to prevent pets or stray dogs from defecating or urinating anywhere or entering the territory.

High-power dog repellents:

According to the author's knowledge, the most powerful ultrasonic dog repellent on the market is a portable one with 14 ultrasonic heads. It is also called a wild animal repellent, with a maximum effective distance of 25 meters.

II. Key Factors Limiting Effectiveness

The impact of usage scenarios on effectiveness: As a psychological deterrent device, the principle and actual effect of ultrasonic dog repellents are influenced by various factors. For example, when used on a dog that lives in the same household, a dog that is tied up or in a cage, or a dog that is being led by its owner, the dog's reaction may not be as strong. Why? A dog that lives in the same household does not believe that its owner will harm it. A dog in a cage or being led by its owner has its movement range restricted. Of course, these dogs are also unlikely to attack people. This type of machine is mainly used against unattended aggressive dogs.

The effective distance of ultrasonic dog repellents is usually within 10 meters. Beyond this range, the sound waves will weaken, and the effect will drop sharply. If there are obstacles such as walls or trees in the middle, they will also block the sound wave transmission.

Some low-quality counterfeit dog repellents have insufficient ultrasonic power, resulting in poor dog repellent effect. In contrast, the parameters of genuine products are more standard, and the effect is more stable.

It must be pointed out that ultrasonic dog repellents are used for self-defense when a dog attempts to attack a person and should not be used to provoke dogs without reason. Animals have unpredictable personalities, and provoking a dog without cause still poses a certain danger.