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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 and put your mind at ease.
- BEST OVERALL: STI Rex Plus Electronic Watchdog
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Waytronic MicroSound Voice Motion Sensor
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SOUND OPTIONS: Towode Motion Sensor Alarm
↓ Jump to Review - BEST LONG-RANGE: S Seldorauk Dog Barking Alarm Motion Detector
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SECURITY BAR: U.S. Patrol Alarm Security Bar
↓ Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: Hulppre Solar Outdoor Motion Sensor Alarm
↓ Jump to Review
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 (which can happen if there are numerous false alarms) 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.
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. Each of our selected top picks comes with a thoroughly vetted list of pros and cons as well as notable product specs.
Best Overall
STI Rex Plus Electronic Watchdog
Product Specs
- Range: Up to 30 feet
- Modes: 4
- Remote control: No
What We Like
- The barking sound increases in frequency as the intruder gets closer; comes with 4 sound settings
- Adjustable range and volume with growl option and low-battery alert
- Easy-to-use controls are protected by a water-resistant flip-up lid
What We Don’t Like
- No remote control, batteries not included, and reduced range through solid objects
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 electrical outlet. Once the unit is plugged in, users can choose among four different modes: a warning siren, barking dog, barking dog and a warning siren, or tranquil rainforest sounds. This unit has variable detection sensitivity up to 30 feet, as well as adjustable volume control, both easily accessible on the back of the alarm.
Get the STI barking dog alarm at Amazon, Walmart, or Grainger.
Best Bang For The Buck
Waytronic MicroSound Voice Motion Sensor
Product Specs
- Range: 4 meters (13.12 feet)
- Modes: N/A
- Remote control: No
What We Like
- Compact, and very affordable unit can be used as an alarm or audio prompt/reminder
- Comes with USB cable so users can upload any type of MP3 audio file
- Includes straightforward wall-mounting hardware and has battery or USB power supply options
What We Don’t Like
- No preloaded audio; cannot detect through obstacles like walls, doors, or windows
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.
Get the Waytronic barking dog alarm at Amazon.
Best Sound Options
Towode Motion Sensor Alarm
Product Specs
- Range: 6 to 8 meters (19.68 to 26.25 feet)
- Modes: 3
- Remote control: Yes
What We Like
- 17 sound options with 4 volume settings up to 110 decibels (jackhammer level)
- Can be plugged into a USB source or run on battery power
- Detector adjusts through 180 degrees and can be mounted using an adhesive strip or screws
What We Don’t Like
- Neither the sensor nor the remote work through solid objects like walls or doors
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 motion-activated barking dog alarm can’t detect through obstacles such as walls, it does have a 26-foot detection zone. Other features include flexible installation options (this unit can be plugged in or be powered by a battery) and an adjustable volume level up to 110 decibels.
Get the Towode barking dog alarm at Amazon.
Best Long-range
S Seldorauk Dog Barking Alarm Motion Detector
Product Specs
- Range: Up to 1,000 feet
- Modes: 3
- Remote control: No
What We Like
- 2-part system operates over exceptionally long range, and can work with multiple sensors
- Signal can normally pass through several walls or floors (iron and steel reduce range)
- Numerous sound options, adjustable volume, and can be plugged in or battery-powered
What We Don’t Like
- Note that the motion sensor detection range is 7 meters (23 feet)
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. However, it’s important to note that while the sensor and receiver can be at a considerable distance from each other, the actual sensor detection range is 23 feet.
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.
Get the S Seldorauk barking dog alarm at Amazon.
Best Security Bar
U.S. Patrol Alarm Security Bar
Product Specs
- Range: N/A
- Modes: 2
- Remote control: No
What We Like
- Simple but effective deterrent that sounds alarm when door knob is touched
- Heavy-gauge steel construction also helps prevent door from being opened
- Can extend from 29 to 43 inches to suit almost any door
What We Don’t Like
- No motion detection or advanced warning—activates only when an intrusion is attempted
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.
Get the U.S. Patrol barking dog alarm at Amazon or Walmart.
Also Consider
Hulppre Solar Outdoor Motion Sensor Alarm
Product Specs
- Range: 16.4 feet
- Modes: 3
- Remote control: Yes
What We Like
- Deters human and animal intruders with dog bark and shotgun sound
- Adjustable volume control up to an extremely loud 130 decibels
- Free energy from solar panels with USB backup charging for cloudy days
What We Don’t Like
- Some buyers thought it was too sensitive, and breakdowns suggest quality control is inconsistent
You can probably guess from the name that a standout feature of the Hulppre solar outdoor motion sensor alarm are the panels on top that provide free solar energy. There’s no need to plug it in, and owners can take full advantage of the outdoor capability and place it wherever it will be most effective. On cloudy days, the unit can be charged using the included USB cable in around 2 hours.
The Hulppre is also unusual in that along with the barking dog there is a shotgun sound designed to deter animal pests. It also has the ability to record your own sounds or messages. Flashing lights accompany the alarm, and detection range is over 16 feet. Volume is adjustable, which in this case is important because the maximum level is an ear-splitting 130 decibels.
Get the Hulppre barking dog alarm at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a 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 but one that won’t continually give false alarms. 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, so it sounds like there’s a real dog behind the gate or door. 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, convenient, and help give you peace of mind. 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.
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.
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.
Yes, barking dog alarms do work. The threat of a dog in the house or one enclosed by a fence in the yard can help deter potential home intruders as well as other animals.
Yes, a barking dog alarm can be used in houses with dogs, especially if those dogs are small and perhaps not the greatest deterrent. If your dogs join in with the alarm it can only increase effectiveness.