BarxBuddy Reviews

The BarxBuddy is a dog training device whose creators state work by using an ultrasonic whistle to allow users to teach their dogs to stop unwanted barking.

How Does BarxBuddy Work?

The handheld device is an ultrasonic dog whistle that has two settings and runs off of a 9-volt battery and comes with a remote. 

The device’s two settings are easy to operate - sound, as well as sound plus light. All you have to do to activate the settings is to click the “on” button.

Then, the device will emit an ultrasonic frequency of light and sound frequencies up to 49 feet away.  You are supposed to click the sound option first, clicking the “on” button whenever your dog barks.

This will emit a whistle that you can’t hear, but your dog can. It will instantly snap your dog’s attention and, in theory, make him stop barking.

And if that doesn't work, you can try the sound combined with the light.

This product is meant to be used as a holistic dog trainer - if your dog responds by stopping his or her barking, you should give them a treat.  If they don’t, try again. You will need to use the system until all of the barking behavior stops.

If you’re wondering, “Ok - but is BarxBuddy harmful to dogs?” Don’t worry, it’s not.

Since it’s an ultrasonic device, it will not hurt your dog. Therefore, it is actually less cruel than other methods of behavior modification, like a bark collar.

Cost and Price Plans

If you decide to purchase the product, you will have several purchase options.  You can buy one device for just $39.95 per device or you can buy in bulk, purchasing up to four devices for $114.95.

Shipping is free no matter what, taking just three to five days to arrive.

All purchases are backed by a 30-day guarantee that ensures your money back if you aren’t satisfied. You will need to call the company or email them in order to initiate a return.

Online Customer Reviews & Complaints

There are several advantages of BarxBuddy, according to independent reviews. First, since it utilizes an ultrasonic device, it is better than a whistle - as a human, you can’t hear it but your dog can.

Additionally, ultrasonic whistle noises tend to travel much further than other sounds. You won’t have to worry about disturbing your neighbors yet you’ll still have a much better range than just about any other device.

However, by itself, it’s not a super-effective device. Unlike a bark collar, which can simply be placed around your dog’s neck for almost instantaneous behavior modification, an ultrasonic whistle requires some work on your part.

You need to make sure you identify the situation that incites the bark and reward your dog with a treat if he or she does not bark.

This is where most of the complaints and negative reviews come in to play with the BarxBuddy - it’s a lot of work.

You need to have a good understanding of how your dog operates you also need to be committed to rewarding your dog when they don’t bark.

This can be really tough to control, especially if you’re away from home a lot.

Customer Service

You can get ahold of support at BarxBuddy by filling out the customer service form on the website.  There is no customer service phone number listed on the website.

The return policy is pretty straightforward - if you aren’t completely satisfied, you can return it for a full refund.

The customer service has been heavily criticized in real reviews.  Although the company’s website shows nothing but glowing comments, some users have speculated that this product might actually be a scam.

While there are several third-party reviewers that claim that this product is, in fact, legit, there are some reasons to be wary.

First, there are several different URLs for the BarxBuddy product and it’s unclear which is the official company webpage.

In addition, many customers complain that they took money out of their accounts for orders yet never shipped a device - and that customer service was not responsive.

The company is also not BBB accredited and does not have a rating or any reviews with the organization  - so proceed with caution.

Where to Buy?

Unlike other dog modification devices like Modus, BarxBuddy is not available in stores.

You can only purchase it from the online storefront and not from Amazon, WalMart, or Petco.

Competitors and Alternatives

When you are shopping for viable alternatives to BarxBuddy, you might notice Modus and Pet Gentle pop up in your search. Although these are both popular options, they work a bit differently.

When comparing BarxBuddy vs. Modus, the first thing you might notice is that they both work via ultrasonic frequencies.

Modus can also work to help your dog stop other unwanted behaviors, like fighting or digging.  It works well for all dogs and can be used outdoors.

It’s also powered by batteries and requires you to work directly with your dog to stop unwanted behavior.  It's less expensive than the BarxBuddy device.

PetGentle is about the same price as BB. However, when comparing BarxBuddy vs. PetGentle, keep in mind that shipping is not free with PetGentle.  Otherwise, the two are virtually identical.

If you’re in the market for an app, there are many products out there that can help you retrain your dog.

Some to consider include DOGO, TrainAway, and Puppr, all of which can be easier to use than an ultrasonic whistle - but still require some work on your part to implement.

The Bottom Line

Training your dog might not be as simple as clicking a device on and off - and BarxBuddy represents that challenge.

While the device can be helpful at getting your dog to quit barking, it presents no real advantage over using any other ultrasonic whistle.

In fact, it’s quite a bit more expensive than these other whistles, too - plus it involves a great deal of commitment and time on your part.

Consider finding another way to modify your dog’s barking - especially since BarxBuddy doesn’t seem to have the most golden reputation among reviewers online.

If you have any experience with BarxBuddy or their products, please leave your reviews below.