The Best Barking Dog Alarms

Deter possible home intruders and backyard pests with the best barking dog alarms, which mimic the sound of a ferocious watchdog.

By Jasmine Harding | Published Jun 13, 2022 11:55 AM

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The Best Barking Dog Alarms

Photo: amazon.com

Add an extra layer to home security and give intruders pause with a barking dog alarm. No burglar wants to take their chances with a big dog, and barking dog alarms take advantage of this idea. When these simple devices detect motion, they play audio of a dog barking to make it seem like a ferocious pooch is inside. Besides deterring people, they can also  keep pests such as raccoons, opossums, or deer away from the house or garden. A good barking dog alarm is easy to use, detects intruders reliably, and makes a realistic barking noise. Read on for the best barking dog alarm devices to deter home intruders.

  1. BEST OVERALL: STI Rex Plus Electronic Watchdog
  2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Waytronic MicroSound Voice Motion Sensor
  3. BEST SOUND OPTIONS: Towode Motion Sensor Alarm
  4. BEST LONG-RANGE: S Seldorauk Dog Barking Alarm Motion Detector
  5. BEST SECURITY BAR: U.S. Patrol Alarm Security Bar
  6. BEST FOR GARDENS: Careland Animal Repeller
  7. ALSO CONSIDER: Streetwise Virtual K9 Barking Dog Alarm
The Best Barking Dog Alarms

Photo: amazon.com

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Barking Dog Alarm

There are several features to consider when shopping for the best barking dog security devices for your home. To ensure the alarm will effectively detect and dissuade people, consider the alarm’s range and sensitivity, volume level, sound modes, installation and connectivity options, and any additional features.

Range and Sensitivity

The best barking dog alarm units have a reliable detection system, with a high-enough sensitivity and range to detect intruders. Many barking dog alarms are placed indoors and are able to detect movement through walls and doors to catch any intruders lurking around the home. A few units come in two pieces, with a separate sensor placed outdoors while the alarm system sits indoors.

Barking dog alarms usually have a range between 10 and 30 feet, but some devices with outdoor sensors have a much larger range of up to 1,000 feet. To choose a suitable range, consider the area that needs monitoring: Some homes need a much smaller range (for example, monitoring the front step of a townhouse), while others might require a larger range to signal any human or animal intruders wandering the yard.

An alarm that is too sensitive might disturb the household or neighbors, while one that is not sensitive enough won’t activate when it needs to. To offer more flexibility, it’s best to buy a unit with an adjustable range or sensitivity, which allows users to set their own preferences.

Volume

A good alarm is loud enough to scare away animal and human intruders—broadcasting the sound through walls, windows, and doors—but quiet enough to not disturb neighbors. Many alarms advertise their decibel level, and the ideal range is between 100 and 115 decibels. This decibel level is comparable to the maximum volume of most personal listening devices or a loud entertainment venue (such as a concert or bar).

Along with a loud-enough volume, the top barking dog alarm models also have decent sound quality. The best way to gauge the sound quality is by reading online reviews. The audio should sound realistic, and the speaker should not create any tinny, rattling, or artificial sounds.

Modes

The simplest barking dog alarm system options have one mode, playing an angry dog barking sound whenever they detect motion. There are also alarms that change the volume or frequency of the barking audio as people get closer to make it sound more realistic. Other alarms have several modes to suit different uses.

Common additional modes include a doorbell mode, siren mode, and other options, such as calming nature sounds. The sharp sound of a dog barking can be startling or irritating to approaching guests or to people inside the home, so having the option for other sounds is useful. A doorbell sound or nature noises can notify occupants of someone approaching without setting off the barking audio.

Installation and Connectivity 

A good barking dog alarm system is easy to install: Most units are just plug-and-place options that need to be plugged into an alternating current (AC) outlet and placed in a preferred location. Some options can also be wall-mounted. While most barking dog alarms are AC-powered, a few offer a battery-only mode or the option for a battery backup in case of a power outage.

Barking dog alarms come in all-in-one units, with the sensor and alarm in one piece, or in two-piece units, with a separate sensor and alarm system. Some two-piece units allow users to place the sensor outdoors, which allows for more accurate motion detection. If the alarm is being installed outdoors, look for a waterproof or water-resistant construction (depending on whether the installation location is fully or partially exposed).

Most barking dog alarms have onboard controls, but a few also come with a wireless remote to activate, silence, or adjust the alarm from afar.

Extra Features 

Additional features can make a barking dog security system even more safe and convenient. Some alarms allow users to use their own recording, which makes it easy to switch up the audio or add longer barking recording loops and less likely for intruders to catch on to the alarm system.

Other alarm security products can also take advantage of barking dog audio. Products such as security bars can play a barking dog noise when intruders attempt to twist a doorknob or open a door.

Although many barking dog alarms are designed to deter human intruders, a few are targeted toward pest animals. These alarms often are designed to be installed outdoors and can include additional features, such as ultrasonic repellers or flashing light-emitting diode (LED) lights to deter neighborhood cats and wandering raccoons or deer. Some of these outdoor devices harness solar power to make them even more low maintenance.

Our Top Picks

A barking dog alarm is an affordable and simple addition to any home security system. We’ve rounded up the best barking dog alarms ahead, which are reliable and easy to install to keep your home more protected.

Best Overall

The Best Barking Dog Alarms Option: STI Rex Plus Electronic Watchdog
Photo: amazon.com

With straightforward controls and realistic barking sounds, the Safety Technology International Rex Plus Electronic Watchdog is the best barking dog alarm for most homes. This alarm reliably detects people through walls, doors, and glass, sensing how close they are to the alarm.

When the alarm is in barking mode, it will increase the frequency of the barking sound as the intruder comes closer and decrease the sound as they back off. This feature makes the alarm sound more realistic to keep potential home intruders guessing.

Installation is simple since the unit just needs to be plugged into an AC outlet. Once the unit is plugged in, users can choose among four different modes: a warning siren, barking dog, barking dog and warning siren, or tranquil rainforest sounds. This unit has an adjustable detection range up to 26 feet, as well as adjustable volume control, both easily accessible on the back of the alarm.

Product Specs

  • Range: Up to 26 feet
  • Modes: 4
  • Remote control: No

Pros

  • Barking sound changes frequency as intruder gets closer
  • Adjustable range and volume
  • Easy-to-use controls

Cons

  • Lacks remote control

Get the STI Rex Plus barking dog alarm on Amazon or Grainger.

Best Bang For The Buck

The Best Barking Dog Alarms Option: Waytronic MicroSound Voice Motion Sensor
Photo: amazon.com

Looking for a cheap solution to deter neighborhood kids or racoons from the front porch? This multiuse, motion-activated audio player is an affordable option and is simpler than traditional barking dog alarms: It has a motion sensor that detects movement, which triggers it to play the chosen audio.

Users upload their own audio, making this unit more flexible than some models. Users can upload the sound of their own dog barking or a different audio altogether, such as alarm sounds or a clip of humans talking, to make intruders think someone is home. It can also be used for non-security purposes, such as for playing a greeting or music.

This unit can be plugged in or battery-powered and comes with wall-mounting hardware. One drawback is that it can’t detect sound through obstacles such as walls, windows, or doors. Since it needs to be installed within sight of the detection zone, it’s a better choice for alerting people inside or spooking pests rather than protecting against burglars.

Product Specs

  • Range: 13 feet
  • Modes: N/A
  • Remote control: No

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Users can upload any type of MP3 audio file
  • Includes wall-mounting hardware

Cons

  • Does not come with preloaded audio
  • Cannot detect through obstacles such as walls, windows, or doors

Get the Waytronic barking dog alarm on Amazon.

Best Sound Options

The Best Barking Dog Alarms Option: Towode Motion Sensor Alarm
Photo: amazon.com

With 17 audio options, the Towode Motion Sensor Alarm is one of the best barking dog home security devices for those looking for flexibility. This handy little device features three main modes: a welcome mode to set a welcome greeting, a smart mode to set any of the sounds (including the dog barking audio), and an alarm mode that blares an alarm siren.

A barking dog audio is just one of the 17 sounds this alarm offers. Others include 11 welcome greetings in different languages, a doorbell sound, two chime sounds, a calming bird chirping sound, and an alarm monitoring sound. The modes and sound options are simple to adjust from the included remote control.

Although this alarm can’t detect through obstacles such as walls, it does have a 26-foot motion-detection zone. Other features include flexible installation options (this unit can be plugged in or battery-powered) and an adjustable volume level up to 100 decibels.

Product Specs

  • Range: Up to 26 feet
  • Modes: 3
  • Remote control: Yes

Pros

  • 17 sound options
  • Can be plugged in or run on battery power
  • Includes remote control

Cons

  • Lacks adjustable sensing range

Get the Towode barking dog alarm on Amazon.

Best Long- Range

The Best Barking Dog Alarms Option: S Seldorauk Dog Barking Alarm Motion Detector
Photo: amazon.com

A long-range barking dog alarm can give homeowners advance notice when intruders step on their property and dissuade animals from coming closer. With a range of up to 1,000 feet, the S Seldorauk Dog Barking Alarm Motion Detector is the best barking dog alarm for monitoring a large property.

This device credits its long range to its two-piece design: It has a waterproof sensor that can be wall-mounted indoors or outdoors. The alarm system is best kept indoors, and both units can be plugged in or run on battery power.

Besides its excellent range, this device also offers flexible modes and settings, with three dog barking sound options, as well as a welcome greeting, doorbell sound, two chime options, and four volume levels up to 110 decibels. This alarm also has three modes that pair the alarm sound with a flashing light: a light-only mode, sound-only mode, and light-and-sound mode.

Product Specs

  • Range: Up to 1,000 feet
  • Modes: 8
  • Remote control: No

Pros

  • Extremely long range
  • 3 dog barking sound options
  • Can be plugged in or battery powered

Cons

  • Lacks remote control

Get the S Seldorauk barking dog alarm on Amazon.

Best Security Bar

The Best Barking Dog Alarms Option: U.S. Patrol Alarm Security Bar
Photo: amazon.com

Keep doors secure and give potential home intruders a big scare with this door security bar from U.S. Patrol. This security bar is different from traditional motion-sensing dog alarms. It goes beyond just scaring potential intruders and notifying residents of a potential break-in.

The security bar jams under the doorknob to prevent people from opening the door. It’s made of heavy-gauge steel and extends from 29 to 43 inches to fit under almost any standard doorknob. It’s relatively portable and is battery-powered, so it can be used in homes, dorms, offices, and hotels.

To add an extra layer of security, the bar can detect when the doorknob is turned and blares a startling dog barking noise or a siren alarm. The realistic audio works to both scare the potential intruder and warn those inside of an attempted entry.

Product Specs

  • Range: N/A
  • Modes: 2
  • Remote control: No

Pros

  • Prevents door from being opened
  • Sounds alarm when doorknob is touched
  • Durable steel construction

Cons

  • No motion detection—activates only as an intrusion is attempted

Get the U.S. Patrol barking dog alarm on Amazon or at Sears.

Best For Gardens

The Best Barking Dog Alarms Option: Careland Animal Repeller
Photo: amazon.com

The sound of a dog barking can also be an effective deterrent against other animals and pests, including deer, raccoons, and neighborhood cats. A garden dog barking alarm can help keep animals away from your property, whether to prevent them from munching on your garden or making a mess in the yard. The Careland Animal Repeller features several modes to deter animals, including a barking dog alarm. With a rechargeable solar-powered system, it’s a low-maintenance choice for an outdoor space.

This waterproof device is mounted on a stake and is designed to install right in the yard or garden. When it detects movement in its 26-foot range, it can draw from its many features to frighten animals away. An audio feature plays the sound of a dog barking, a gunshot, or an eagle calling, while an ultrasound repeller emits a high-frequency sound to deter pests. Users can also enable a flashing LED light mode, which is useful for frightening animals away after dark.

Product Specs

  • Range: 26 feet
  • Modes: 5
  • Remote control: No

Pros

  • Solar-powered
  • Audio and ultrasonic repeller
  • Waterproof

Cons

  • Range is not adjustable

Get the Careland barking dog alarm on Amazon.

Also Consider

The Best Barking Dog Alarms Option: Streetwise Virtual K9 Barking Dog Alarm
Photo: amazon.com

Attractive security features and straightforward controls make the Streetwise Virtual K9 Barking Dog Alarm a convenient alarm to add to a home security system. Detecting motion through obstacles from over 10 feet away, this alarm is an excellent choice to place near doors or windows. For user convenience, this plug-and-play device includes easy-to-access controls on the top of the unit and comes with a remote control to adjust its features.

The onboard controls allow users to adjust the volume (up to a loud 120 decibels) and select among three modes: barking dog, alarm, or doorbell. Using the remote, users can also select the mode or trigger a panic button, which blares the alarm at full volume in an emergency situation. The remote can work through obstacles, such as walls and doors, and from up to 50 feet away. A battery backup feature ensures the unit stays on alert during a power outage (batteries not included).

Product Specs

  • Range: 10 feet
  • Modes: 3
  • Remote control: Yes

Pros

  • Includes long-range remote
  • Very loud
  • Panic alarm feature
  • Battery backup feature

Cons

  • Relatively small detection range

Get the Streetwise barking dog alarm on Amazon.

Our Verdict

The STI Rex Plus barking dog alarm is the best barking dog alarm because of its detection system, which adjusts the barking sound according to the intruder’s proximity. Those looking for a more flexible and affordable option should consider the Waytronic barking dog alarm, which allows users to upload their own dog barking audio.

How We Chose the Best Barking Dog Alarms

Since it’s a matter of security and safety, reliability is the most important feature we considered when choosing the best barking dog alarms: Users need to depend on the alarm to detect possible intruders and sound off only when it’s needed, not too often or too little. We conducted thorough product research and considered consumer reviews to choose barking dog alarms with dependable detector systems.

Beyond reliable detection, dog alarms can include a range of features to better suit different users. When it comes to our list, the more adjustable features the better. We chose barking dog alarms with additional modes, adjustable range or sensitivity settings, flexible power options, volume controls, and multifunctional uses. We also included a few nontraditional barking dog alarm products, including a security bar and a garden pest repeller, to enable you to find the best barking dog home security device to protect your property.

FAQs

The best barking dog alarms offer a reliable extra security measure against home intruders. Affordable and easy to use, they’re also a beneficial add-on to an alarm system or smart security system. Wondering if these devices are a good fit for your home? Read on for answers to some frequently asked questions on barking dog alarms.

Q. What is a barking dog alarm?

A barking dog alarm is an alarm device that plays the audio of an angry dog barking when it detects motion. This sound gives the illusion that a dog is on the property and can help deter home intruders and animal pests.

Q. Do barking dog alarms work?

Yes, barking dog alarms can help deter potential home intruders as well as other animals.

Q. Can I use a barking dog alarm if I have dogs already?

Yes, if your dog is not much of a guard dog, it’s a good idea to use a barking dog alarm even if there is already a dog in the home.