Nothing quite alerts a burglar more than the sound of a barking dog.
In fact, according to the US Department of Justice, most burglars will avoid houses with dogs.
But not everyone has a big ferocious K-9 to watch their back. This is where technology can play its part. Adding a barking alarm is a unique way to add a little bite to your home security.
This guide will reveal the best barking dog alarms on the market—updated for 2023! Based on my own experience in the security industry, I’ve determined these are the seven-alarm systems worth the investment.
But if you want the quick and dirty answer, the overall best barking dog alarm is the Guardline Alert Security System. This alarm is affordable, loud, and has one of the more realistic dog barking modes of all the devices. Not to mention it's the most flexible device to use and is made by a company known for its reliable products.
If the Guardline doesn't fit your needs, fear not. I'll cover several other options in detail below.
Let's get to it!
What Are the Best Barking Dog Alarms?
Here are my top picks for the best locker locks to use this year!
- Guardline Alert System
- Streetwise Virtual K9 Barking Dog Alarm System
- S Seldorauk Dog Barking Alarm Motion Detector
- STI ED-50 Rex Plus Electronic Watchdog
- Towode Motion Sensor Alarm
- U.S. Patrol Alarm Security Bar
- STI EWD-1 Barking Secure Watch Dog
1. Guardline Alert System
Hands down, the best barking dog alarm you can get is the Guardline Longrange Alert System. Guardline’s been in business a long time, and you can definitely tell they take their products seriously.
This top-tier alarm is extremely reliable, has amazing range, and boy, is it loud. Originally designed as a long-range driveway alarm, it's very flexible enough to be set up anywhere you need it.
Features
The Guardline Alert System can detect objects up to 40 feet away and has an insane wireless range of 500 feet. This device detects both motion and heat signatures, so it works night or day. It doesn't have any smart detection or AI to distinguish humans from animals, so it's still vulnerable to false alarms, but it does a pretty good job at filtering out random movements like wind or moving trees.
This system offers 32 different alerts, including a realistic barking noise. It is very loud and has an adjustable volume control.
Something really cool about this system is its flexibility and expandability. You can link up multiple sensors (max of 16), so you can watch multiple areas. You can also have multiple receivers (unlimited). It’s also compatible with any other Guardline alarm system.
I’m impressed with how easy this device was to set up—took only a few minutes—and it runs off 4 AAA batteries. The sensor is also weatherproof, adding to its durability.
Overall, the Gaurdline is my top recommendation for a bark dog alarm: it’s loud, relatively inexpensive, and the most reliable device on this list.
Specs:
- Range: 40 feet detection / 500 feet transmission range
- Modes/Alarms: Dog barking sound + 31 other alerts
- Powered: 4 AAA batteries
Pros:
- Long detection and transmission range
- Accurate and reliable sensors
- Weatherproof; Good for indoors or outdoors
- Loud alarms and 32 sounds to choose from, including barking dog
- Easy to install
- It can be linked up to additional sensors and receivers to cover more area
Cons:
- No smart detection or AI to reduce false alerts; can be a positive if you want to use it to scare away animals.
2. Streetwise Virtual K9 Barking Dog Alarm
Up next is the most unique device on this list, the Streetwise K9 Barking Dog Alarm.
The Virtual K9 can detect motion through walls, is super loud (120db), and comes with a handy remote to engage and disengage the alarm.
Features
The Streetwise Dog Alarm uses a “microwave sensor” that can detect movement through walls and has an effective range of about 10 feet. I found this “through-the-wall” detection works very well for wood, cement, and brick walls, as well as glass. However, it won’t work through metal walls.
It comes with a wireless remote control that can arm and disarm the device from up to 50 feet away. The remote also has a panic SOS button that will sound the alarm when pressed.
The volume is adjustable, and when maxed out, this thing is super loud—reaching 120 dB. The one failing point of this alarm is the quality of the barking sound—it's not very realistic, and it has a relatively short loop of about 30 seconds. That being said, dogs can make some very strange barks, and through a wall, most people probably won’t stick around to analyze the sound.
In addition to the dog barking, it has two other sounds: a chime and a loud alarm. There is nothing to set up; just pull it out of the box and turn it on. It has two power options: you can plug it into the wall or run it off 3 AA batteries during a power outage.
Overall, the Streetwise Virtual K9 is a solid device that will put your mind at ease.
Specs:
- Range: 10 feet; remote range 50 feet
- Modes/Alarms: Dog barking, chime, or alarm
- Powered: Powered by an AC adapter or 3 AA batteries (not included)
Pros:
- Two power options: AC or battery powered
- Sensors can detect movement through walls and doors
- Loud and adjustable volume
- It comes with a remote to active/deactivate the device and a panic alarm button
Cons:
- Barking dog noise is kind of unrealistic
3. S Seldorauk Dog Barking Alarm
The S Seldorauk Electronic Barking Alarm is one of the cheaper options on this list. It doesn't have any special features, but it is loud, flexible, and has several different dog barks to choose from.
Features
The S Seldorauk Alarm has an infrared sensor that can detect motion up to seven feet away, day or night. The range between the receiver and sensor is also a ridiculous 1000 feet making this one of the more flexible units of its kind.
It has four volume levels, and at max volume, this device is very loud at 110db. You have eight alarms to choose from, including three different electronic barking dog sounds—making it one of the only dog alarms that let you choose your burglar-deterring pooch. The barking sounds are rather “electric” sounding, but through a wall, most people won’t notice.
Installing the sensor is a breeze and can be hung anywhere using a single screw or double-sided wall tape. The receiver can be placed anywhere indoors. The transmitter uses 3 AAA batteries while the receiver uses 3 AA batteries, or you can hardwire it using a DC 5V wall plug which is not included.
Overall, the S Seldorauk Alarm is a great budget option that’s reliable and loud.
Specs:
- Range: 7-foot detection / 1000-foot range between the sensor and receiver
- Modes/Alarms: 8 total chimes; 3 different barking dog sounds
- Powered: Transmitter uses 3 AAA batteries / Receiver uses 3 AA batteries
Pros:
- Three dog barking noises to choose from
- Long wireless transmission range between sensor and receiver
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- It has a shorter detection range than other options
- Both units require batteries
4. STI ED-50 Rex Plus Electronic Watchdog
The ED-50 Rex Plus Barking Dog Alarm by Safety Technology International is a tried and true product that’s been around for years and has had several updates along the way.
This device has a special feature that alters the frequency of the dog bark as objects get closer to give it a more lifelike and dynamic sound.
Features
The STI ED-50 Rex Plus uses electronic radar to detect motion and can see through basic walls, doors, and glass. However, it won’t work through metal walls or doors.
It can detect objects up to 32 feet away when unobstructed. If being used through a wall, this range is shortened.
This device has a unique feature that increases the frequency of barking as intruders get closer. This is a cool feature that makes the device much more realistic.
The volume is loud and adjustable. It has an electronic-sounding dog bark, but through a wall, you can’t really tell. This device has four alarms: barking dog, barking dog with siren, rainforest, and a continuous play rainforest. It’s kind of a strange multipurpose device but works pretty well.
Simply pull it out of the box, plug it into the electrical outlet using the included wall plug, and turn it on. This alarm couldn’t be easier to use.
Overall, the ED-50 Rex Plus is a unique barking alarm that works well, but the price definitely is a sticky point for me.
Specs:
- Range: 32-foot detection range
- Modes/Alarms: 4 alarms: 2 nature sounds and two barking dog sounds
- Powered: AC-powered wall plug
Pros:
- Long range detection
- Can detect motion through walls and doors
- A dynamic barking sound that increases in frequency as the object approaches
- Easy to setup; a single unit
- AC powered; no batteries
Cons:
- A more expensive option
5. Towode Motion Sensor Alarm
The TOWODE Motion Sensor Alert System is a baby-monitor-looking device that has all the bells and whistles of a good barking alarm, tons of chimes to choose from, is loud, and comes with a remote control.
Features
The TOWODE’s sensor detects motion and heat signatures, so it works during the day and at night and has a maximum detection range of about 25 feet—making it one of the shorter-range devices on this list
It has 4 volume levels and at max volume is about 100db—so this thing is loud. The wireless remote can control the volume, mode, alarm, and chime.
This device has three door alarm modes: welcome mode, smart mode, and alarm mode. The smart and welcome mode gives it the flexibility to be used as a welcome chime, which plays a sound once.
Alarm mode will play your choice of chime continuously for 20 seconds or until deactivated. It also has 17 chimes to choose from—including the barking dog. Like most budget alarms, the dog is electronic sounding.
The TOWODE’s is a solid device that is easy to set up, inexpensive, and flexible.
Specs:
- Range: 25 feet detection
- Modes/Alarms: 3 modes: welcome, smart, and alarm. 17 chimes, one of which is a barking dog.
- Powered: AC wall plug
Pros:
- It’s cheap
- Different modes; Multipurpose
- 17 different chimes
- AC-powered and easy to set up
Cons:
- Short detection range
- Dog sound isn't very realistic
6. U.S. Patrol Alarm Security Bar
The U.S. Patrol Alarm Security Bar is a little different than the others on this list and combines two of my favorite security products! A door jammer and an alarm!
Let’s look at how it works!
Features:
The US Patrol Security Bar uses a sensor on the jammer, and if it detects the doorknob turning, it will sound the alarm! This device has two alarm settings: a siren and a barking dog.
The quality of the sound is where this device kind of falls short. It isn't really realistic barking, and there are a lot of reports of the audio bugging out on some devices. This could just be bad quality control because the overall experience for most users has been positive.
This jammer is one of the easier barking alarms to use and is perfect for apartments where you can’t hang up sensors outside your door.
Overall, the U.S Patrol Security Bar is an interesting option that could better benefit those renting or who would like to supplement their security with a unique alarm.
Specs:
- Range: Must be placed under doorknob
- Modes/Alarms: Siren and a barking dog
- Powered: One 9-volt battery
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Two sounds modes: siren and a barking dog
- Perfect apartment alarm
- Two security devices in one; door jammer and doorknob motion sensor
Cons:
- Reported audio issues and sound quality
- The door jammer isn't very strong
7. STI EWD-1 Electronic Barking Watch Dog
STI makes the list again with the EWD-1 Electronic Barking Watch Dog and is the only device that you can adjust the sensitivity of the radar.
It’s also got one of the more realistic dog barks on the list.
Features:
The STI EWD-1 can sense movement through walls and doors, so you can leave it inside your home. However, it can see through steel, brick, or cement walls which gives it a disadvantage compared to some other devices on this list.
Something unique about the EWD-1 is radar sensitivity on this device can be adjusted between 0 and 70 feet. This lets you reduce false alarms and focus on a particular area. The volume is adjustable and very loud.
The device has a wireless remote which lets you quickly and easily arm or disarm the system. The remote also has a panic button which provides a way to immediately sound the alarm in case of an emergency.
You can easily use this device while you’re away from home. When using the remote to arm the system, it gives you 60 seconds to get out of the way.
It’s easy to set up and is dual-powered by an AC power supply or 8 AA batteries
While the STI EWD-1 is a solid alarm and the adjustable radar is useful and unique, its price is a huge drawback. There are many other alarms on this list offering similar reliability and features at a fraction of the cost.
Specs:
- Range: Adjustable: between 0 and 70 feet
- Modes/Alarms: 1 dog barking sound
- Powered: AC power supply or 8 AA batteries
Pros:
- Adjustable radar sensitivity
- Can detect motion through most walls
- Comes with a remote control
- Very realistic dog bark
Cons:
- Expensive
Things to Consider When Selecting a Barking Dog Alarm Device
When choosing an electronic barking dog alarm, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Type of Detection
The first thing to consider is how the device detects movement. The most common type of detection is through a passive infrared sensor (PIR).
These types of sensors detect changes in temperature and are triggered when something warm, like a person, crosses its path. The advantage of PIR sensors is that they’re not easily fooled by animals or other objects that generate heat.
Another type of detection is ultrasonic. These devices emit high-frequency sound waves and detect movement when the waves are interrupted. The advantage of ultrasonic detectors is that they can be used indoors or outdoors.
The disadvantage of ultrasonic detectors is that they can be triggered by moving objects like cars or animals.
The third type of detection is radar. These devices emit electromagnetic waves and detect movement when the waves are reflected back.
Radar detectors have the advantage of being able to see through walls and doors. They can also be used indoors or outdoors.
The disadvantage of radar detectors is that they can be triggered by moving objects like cars or animals.
Sensitivity and Detection Range
The sensitivity of a detection device is the distance at which it can detect movement.
For example, a PIR sensor with a sensitivity of 10 feet will be triggered when something warm crosses its path within 10 feet.
The advantage of high sensitivity is that the device can detect movement at a distance. The disadvantage is that the device is more likely to be triggered by false alarms.
Volume
The volume of the alarm is important because you want to be able to hear when triggered.
On most devices you can adjust the volume, so you can set it to a level that’s comfortable for you.
Ease of Use
You want an alarm that’s easy to set up and use. The last thing you want is to be fumbling with the device when it’s time to arm it.
Most devices come with a remote control so you can easily arm and disarm the system. Some even have a panic button that allows you to immediately sound the alarm in case of an emergency.
Cost
The price of the device is an important consideration because you want to get the best value for your money.
There is a wide range of prices for barking dog alarms, so it’s important to find one that fits your budget but still offers the features and reliability you need.
Benefits Of Owning a Barking Dog Security Alarm
There are many benefits of owning a barking dog security alarm. The most obvious benefit is that it will deter burglars and other intruders. The sound of a barking dog is often enough to send them running in the opposite direction. Even if the sound isn't realistic, most intruders are going to chance getting caught.
Another benefit is that it can alert you to someone’s presence on your property. If you have a busy lifestyle, you may not always be home to hear someone approaching your house. A barking dog alarm can give you peace of mind.
They’re also a great way to deter animals from coming onto your property. If you live in an area with a lot of wildlife, a barking dog alarm can keep them away.
Where to Install a Barking Dog Alarm
There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding where to install your barking dog alarm. The first is that you want to make sure the sensor can see movement. The best place to install the sensor is inside the home near a door or window where a potential intruder is most likely to enter.
If the alarm and sensor are separate, you also want to make sure the alarm is in a location where it will be heard.
Finally, you want to make sure the device is easy to arm and disarm. The best place to install the device is near an exit, so you can quickly arm and disarm it when you leave and come home.
FAQ
What is a barking dog alarm?
A barking dog alarm is a device that emits a loud, persistent sound when it senses motion. This sound is meant to deter intruders and alert homeowners to potential danger. Barking dog alarms are often used in conjunction with other security measures, such as cameras and motion sensors.
Can I use a barking dog alarm if I have dogs already?
Yes, you can use a barking dog alarm even if you have dogs already. The alarm will not bother your dogs and will still be effective in deterring burglars and other intruders. In fact, your dogs might bark in response to the alarm, further deterring potential home invaders.
Where can I buy a Barking Dog Alarm?
There are many places where you can buy a barking dog alarm. You can find them online, in stores that sell home security products, and in some pet stores. They vary in price, but you can usually find one to fit your budget and needs
Conclusion
There you have it, the best-barking dog alarms of 2023. I hope this guide was helpful and that you were able to find an alarm that fits your needs.
Remember, a motion-activated barking dog alarm is a great way to deter burglars and other intruders. They’re also a great way to alert you to someone’s presence on your property.
Also, if your looking for other ways to add more security to your home, consider getting a video doorbell. I’ve put together a guide on the best video doorbells without any monthly fees; that's worth checking out!
Thanks for reading!
