Dog Silencer^® MAX

What is ultrasonic sound?

Ultrasonic sound is above the hearing range of humans, but is attention grabbing and irritating to dogs. This makes a safe and effective tool for dog training. It takes your dog's focus off of barking and towards the high-pitched sound.

What is Audio mode?

When using “Audio” mode, you will hear the Dog Silencer MAX activate. It's recommended you use this mode when adjusting the bark sensitivity when first setting up the unit. In addition, you can use the audio mode for older dogs or dogs with poor hearing as an alternative to the ultrasonic sound training.

Is the “High / Low” dial for volume?

The high-low dial on the side of the unit adjusts the microphone sensitivity. This is not a volume setting. You may adjust the sensitivity of the bark sensor between “High” (if the dog is far away) and “Low” (if the dog is near the unit, or if the unit is being used indoors).

We recommend you start with the unit on low and then increase the sensitivity as needed. There is no volume change necessary on the Dog Silencer MAX, as the ultrasonic frequencies can travel up to 300′ (91 m) in a clear, unobstructed path.

Will this bother my other pets?

Cats and dogs have very similar hearing ranges, so if your cat is near the unit when it's activated, yes, it will probably bother the cat. But, the sound from the Dog Silencer MAX does not go through walls or around corners. For example, if the Dog Silencer MAX is located in the back yard, and your cat is in the front yard or even in the house, the sound should not bother him at all. If the Dog Silencer MAX is being used indoors, you'll want to keep cats and / or rodent pets out of the area where that is being used.

Will this work for whining or howling?

If the Dog Silencer MAX is close to the dog, you may be able to adjust the microphone sensitivity higher to pick up howling or even whining. If this doesn't work, you might consider our BarkWise™ no-shock training collar for your dog. Also keep in mind that a dog might be howling or whining for reasons such as discomfort, fear, or anxiety. These issues should be discussed with a veterinarian instead of “punished” with any bark control system.

Can I use the Dog Silencer MAX with a puppy?

We do not recommend using the Dog Silencer MAX on puppies under 1-year of age. Please consult your veterinarian.

Will this work through fences, walls, windows, or bushes?

The high-pitched ultrasound emitted by the Dog Silencer MAX will not penetrate any solid objects such as wood fences, windows, walls or thick shrubbery.

Sparse trees, window screens, chain link and wrought-iron fences should be okay.

Can the Dog Silencer MAX be used with an invisible fence?

We recommend you do not use ultrasonic bark control devices in combination with invisible fence systems. This is because the sound frequencies emitted by our bark control devices are very similar to those emitted by the invisible fence collar. This may cause confusion and interfere with the dog's training.

How does the remote control work?

Even though the Dog Silencer MAX can “hear” barking up to 75′ (22.9 m) away, the sound emitted from the unit can travel up to 300′ (91 m) in a clear, straight path. If the dog is 100′ (30.5 m) away, for example, his barking alone probably won't activate the unit. But, pressing the remote control will activate the Dog Silencer MAX manually and the dog will still be able to hear the corrective sound.

In addition, you can turn the Dog Silencer MAX microphone sensitivity all the way down and activate your Dog Silencer MAX using only the remote control. Not only does this allow you to train dogs over 75′ away, but you can customize your own dog's training. This could include staying off furniture, away from the trash and anything else you want to teach your dog to do. The key chain remote works up to 75′ away from the main unit.

Should I use batteries or electricity? How long does the battery last?

You can use batteries or electricity — it's your choice. However, do not use aftermarket AC adapters ( those not purchased from Good Life® ) with the Dog Silencer MAX. This will void your warranty.

Battery life varies on the dog's barking habits since the device only turns on when the dog barks. When first using the Dog Silencer MAX, the dog will bark as usual since it has yet to associate it's barking with the sound frequencies. At first, the batteries may only last about a week. As the dog becomes trained and barks less, the batteries can last anywhere from 2–4 weeks. In addition, battery life will depend on the weather, the quality of the battery, and how often the unit is being activated. You may use rechargeable “AA” batteries if you wish.

Will it hurt or harm the dog in any way?

The Dog Silencer MAX uses a high-pitched ultrasound that is designed to “irritate” the dog. It is not designed to cause pain or harm to their ears (we compare it to someone dragging their fingernails on a blackboard). We do not recommend using the Dog Silencer MAX with puppies under one year of age as they are still developing their hearing. Please consult your veterinarian before using this product with puppies.

The sound from the Dog Silencer MAX, although irritating, is not designed to hinder 100% of your dog's barking. If your dog “needs” to bark, he can. The Dog Silencer MAX will not train the dog to stop barking out of instinct (at an intruder for example).

How long before I should expect results?

While many customers see the effects of the Dog Silencer MAX within a few days, this unit is a training device and will depend on how quickly the dog associates the sound with his barking. We strongly recommend you give the unit two to three weeks to see full results.

If within the first few days you notice your dog barking at the unit or barking more than usual, this is part of the learning process in which the dog associates its bark with the sounds emitting from the Dog Silencer MAX.

Does it have to be on all the time?

For best results, the unit needs to be “on” and in use near the dog at all times. This unit is a training device, so the dog needs to hear this activate every time he barks. The unit will go into “stand by” mode when it doesn't detect barking. During this standby time no power is being used, but the unit must stay “on.”

What is the range / coverage area?

The sound emitted from the Dog Silencer MAX expands in a “cone” shape totalling about 130°, or up to 65° on either side. This tone will be most powerful and have the best training results if the unit is pointed directly at the dog you wish to train. The ultrasonic tones will travel up to 300′ (91 m) in front of the unit. This range is up to 6× farther than the competition!