The Most Dog Friendly Community Online
Join Dog Forum to Discuss Breeds, Training, Food and More

DogBark App - helps calm barking & reduce separation anxiety (free beta - Android)

Stefoka

New Member
Registered
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Points
1

Join our free community today.

Connect with other like-minded dog lovers!

Login or Register
Hey everyone — wanted to share something I’ve been working on!


I have a very sweet (but very vocal) Cocker Spaniel at home. For months, I kept getting notes from my neighbors about barking when I was away. It was really stressful — and after spending quite a lot of money on trainers, nothing really solved it.


As a bit of a last resort, I decided to build an app myself — and surprisingly, it worked for me! 🎉


How it works:
The app listens for barking and automatically plays your own voice to interrupt and calm the dog (you can record calming commands). Since I started using it, barking went way down — and no more neighbor complaints. 🙏


It also helps with separation anxiety — hearing my voice during the day really seems to help my dog stay calmer when alone.




🐾 One or Two Devices — both work:​


👉 You can use just one phone OR a two-device setup — it’s flexible:




✅ Option 1: One device (simplest)


  • You install the app on one phone or tablet.
  • Leave it at home running — listening and playing calming messages if barking is detected.
  • When you get home, you can check Reports on the same device to see what happened while you were away.



✅ Option 2: Two-device setup (more flexible)


  • Use one phone/tablet at home as your Home Listening Device.
  • Log in on your main phone as well — so you can check Reports remotely while you're away.
  • This way you can see in real-time if barking was detected, even when you’re not home.



⚙️ A few technical notes:​


  • The app uses cloud AI to analyze sound — so the Home Listening Device needs internet connection.
  • The device must stay connected to WiFi and volume turned up — so the calming voice can be heard.
  • Important: keep the app open with screen on (like watching a video).
    If you lock the screen or switch apps, it will stop listening.
  • When installing, your phone will ask to allow "Install from unknown sources" — please accept.
  • During registration, you’ll be asked to accept a 3-day trial — but don’t worry! It will stay free for much longer while I gather feedback. No auto-charges or renewals.
  • Works on Android 8 and above.
  • iOS version is coming soon!



💡 Why I’m posting this:​


It’s still a beta — works great for my dog, but I want to test it with more dogs / breeds / home setups.


My server can handle about 50 users for now — so if you’d like to try it:


👉 Send me a DM for a link to the app.


👉 Install and register in the app.
👉 There’s a built-in feedback button — I’d love your thoughts!




🎙️ Why this approach?​


What made the biggest difference for my dog was using my own voice — not beeps or random noises. The goal isn’t punishment — it’s to gently interrupt barking and help them settle.


Also, for dogs with separation anxiety, hearing your voice during the day can be really comforting and helps reduce stress when they’re home alone.




I hope this helps someone else going through the same thing! 🐶💛
Would love to hear your feedback or ideas for improvement!
 
One concern I have is that a smart dog might bark more, just to hear its owner's voice.

But my main concern is that when working with a dog's anxiety, you should aim only to work within your dog's comfort zone. So if your dog gets agitated after being left for 20 minutes - you only ever leave it for 15 minutes, and repeat that till your dog is 100% confident every time you leave the house. Then you build up to 17 minutes, 19 minutes, 21.... if the dog barks, you've gone too fast. Your app requires the dog to feel anxiety before it kicks in, which goes against the positive training ethos.
 

Welcome to Dog Forum!

Join our vibrant online community dedicated to all things canine. Whether you're a seasoned owner or new to the world of dogs, our forum is your go-to hub for sharing stories, seeking advice, and connecting with fellow dog lovers. From training tips to health concerns, we cover it all. Register now and unleash the full potential of your dog-loving experience!

Login or Register
Back
Top