HANDS-ON REVIEW
BarxBuddy Trainer Gen 2 Ultrasonic Dog Training Device Review: Is It Worth It?
A handheld rechargeable device that emits an ultrasonic tone to interrupt barking and other unwanted behavior, with a 33-foot range and no shock.
Quick answer: BarxBuddy is a reasonable, low-risk tool for owners who want to interrupt barking without a shock, as long as you set expectations: it won't work on every dog, it works best with rewards, and it can't treat anxiety. At about $45 with a 30-day guarantee, it's cheap enough to try. Decline the monthly membership, treat humane and vet-reviewed as brand claims, and bring in a trainer if the behavior is serious.
The BarxBuddy Trainer Gen 2 in use outdoors. Photo: BarxBuddy.
Our verdict
BarxBuddy is a reasonable, low-risk tool for owners who want to interrupt barking without a shock, as long as you set expectations: it won't work on every dog, it works best with rewards, and it can't treat anxiety. At about $45 with a 30-day guarantee, it's cheap enough to try. Decline the monthly membership, treat humane and vet-reviewed as brand claims, and bring in a trainer if the behavior is serious.
The short version
The BarxBuddy Trainer Gen 2 is a handheld ultrasonic device. You point it at a dog that's barking, chewing or digging and press a button, and it emits a high-frequency tone meant to interrupt the behavior without shocking or hurting the dog. The brand lists a 33-foot range, multiple ultrasonic frequency modes, a rechargeable battery with up to 60 days of life, a strobe flashlight and haptic feedback. The promotional checkout showed $46.61 for one unit (the offer lists a $41.95 price for one) with a 30-day guarantee. The big caveats are that ultrasonic deterrents work on some dogs and not others, the brand's "humane" and "vet-reviewed" claims are its own, and its checkout pushes a $29.99 monthly membership you may not want.
Pros & cons
Pros
- No shock or pain, which many owners prefer to shock collars
- Handheld with a 33-foot range the brand lists
- Rechargeable battery that the brand says lasts up to 60 days
- Flashlight and haptic feedback add some versatility
- Works indoors and outdoors with no setup
- 30-day return window at the promotional checkout
Cons
- Ultrasonic deterrents don't work on every dog, and some dogs ignore them
- Humane, vet-reviewed and "works on every breed" are brand claims, not verified
- The checkout pushes a $29.99/month store-credit membership
- It interrupts behavior; it doesn't teach an alternative, so it works best alongside training
How it works
Point and press
Aim the device at the dog and press the button when the unwanted behavior starts. It emits an ultrasonic tone.
Reward the pause
When the dog stops, reward the quiet with a treat or praise so it learns what you want instead.
Recharge
A built-in rechargeable battery charges over USB; the brand says a charge lasts up to about 60 days.
Who it's for
- Owners with a dog that barks at windows, doors or visitors
- People who want to avoid shock collars
- Trainers or owners adding a tool to an existing training routine
- Households with neighbors who are complaining about barking
How ultrasonic dog trainers work, and where they fall short
Dogs can hear frequencies above human range, and an ultrasonic trainer takes advantage of that: it emits a tone most people can't hear, which many dogs find startling enough to pause. The pause is the useful part, because it gives you a moment to redirect the dog and reward the quiet.
The limits are real. Some dogs barely notice ultrasonic tones, some get used to them quickly, and a deterrent that only interrupts doesn't teach a dog what to do instead. Persistent barking is often a sign of boredom, fear or separation anxiety, and a device alone won't fix those. If aggression is part of the picture, talk to a veterinarian or a certified trainer.
BarxBuddy price, guarantee and the membership upsell
On the brand's order page when we looked, one BarxBuddy was $46.61 plus $9.99 shipping, with multi-unit bundles at lower per-unit prices. The page advertises a 30-day at-home guarantee with a full refund if you're not satisfied.
One thing to watch: the checkout offers a store-credit membership at $29.99 a month (with a monthly credit, surprise drops and a lifetime warranty on items you own). It's described as cancel-anytime, but it's a recurring charge you didn't come for, so decline it unless you want it, and check your cart total before paying.
BarxBuddy vs other options for a barking dog
For dogs whose barking comes from anxiety, a calming product aims at the cause rather than the symptom; our CalmiCollar review covers a pheromone collar. Bark collars that use citronella or static correction are more aggressive options that many owners avoid. A trainer is the most reliable fix for persistent problems.
If your problem is pet hair rather than barking, FurZapper handles laundry, and for play, see our PetsBoro Petball review.
Frequently asked questions
Does BarxBuddy work?
It works on some dogs, particularly as an interrupter paired with rewards. Others ignore ultrasonic tones. The brand's claim that it works on every breed isn't something we could verify.
Is BarxBuddy safe for dogs?
The brand says it is humane and shock-free and describes the device as vet-reviewed. We couldn't verify the review. Use it as directed, don't aim it at a dog's face from close range, and stop if your dog seems distressed.
How far does it reach?
The brand lists a range of up to 33 feet.
How long does the battery last?
The brand lists up to 60 days per charge. It recharges over USB.
What does BarxBuddy cost?
On the brand's order page, one unit was $46.61 plus $9.99 shipping when we looked, and the offer lists $41.95. Bundles lower the per-unit price.
What is the BarxBuddy guarantee, and what is the membership?
The page advertises a 30-day at-home guarantee. Separately, the checkout offers a $29.99/month store-credit membership that you can decline.
When you buy through links on this page, TopCrate may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Specifications are the manufacturer's claims and were not independently tested. This review is not veterinary advice; consult a veterinarian or certified trainer about serious behavior problems. Prices accurate as of publish time.
