Does your dog’s constant barking turn peaceful evenings into noisy battles? You love your furry friend, but the neighborhood isn’t always as understanding. Finding a solution that stops the excessive noise without hurting your pet feels like a puzzle with too many pieces.
Choosing a dog bark collar can be overwhelming. Should you pick vibration, sound, or static correction? Each type promises results, but how do you know which one truly works for your dog’s personality and your training goals? Many owners worry about choosing something too harsh or something that simply won’t solve the problem.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the different types of bark collars available. You will learn the pros and cons of each setting. By the end, you will feel confident picking the best, humane tool to restore quiet to your home.
Top Dog Bark Collar Recommendations
No. 1
FAFAFROG Dog Bark Collar for Large Medium Small Dogs, Rechargeable Smart Bark Collar, Anti Barking Training Collar with 5 Adjustable Sensitivity Beep Vibration (Black)
- Safe, Effective, Easy Setup: The dog bark collar has 4 working modes; 5 adjustable sensitivity levels. Just press the M button at any time to enjoy quiet time. Please refer to the user manual before use for optimal performance and safety
- Automatically Stop Dog Barking: FAFAFROG bark collar for large dogs is equipped with an upgraded smart dog barking recognition chip with 2 activation conditions: The dog keeps barking and vibration from vocal cords (No remote)
- Protect Mode: The smart color display clearly shows the working status and power level; If the dog bark collar has been activated 6 times continuously, it will stop working for 30 seconds (the digital display changes to "8"), protecting your dog from unnecessary activation. FAFAFROG bark collar is a tool of love, not punishment
- Fast Charging & Waterproof: The bark collar for medium dogs features new charging for simple operation and more stable charging; A full charge in 2 hours works for about 15-20 days; The bark collar for large dogs has an IP67 waterproof design, so you can enjoy training time with your dog in the pool, park, beach, or backyard. Your dogs will enjoy bathing, swimming or playing in the rain
- Fits Most Dogs: Our bark collar is 27 inches long and weighs 0.17 lbs, suitable for dogs weighing 8 to 150 lbs with neck sizes from 8 to 25 inches, and is ideal for dogs over 6 months old. The bark collar length can be adjusted as your dog grows
No. 2
Bark Collar, 2 Pack Smart Dog Bark Collar for Large Medium Small Dogs, Anti Barking Device for Dogs Training Collar with Beep Vibration Harmless Shock, 5 Adjustable Sensitivity (Black)
- 【Perfect Fit for All Dogs】Designed for small, medium and large dogs, our lightweight bark collar feature an adjustable strap that grows with your dog. Soft reflective nylon ensures a comfortable fit, and double reflective stitching for increased visibility, ensuring safer nighttime walks.
- 【4 Humane Training Modes】You can choose beep, vibration or a combination of both, and for more stubborn dogs, there is a shock mode. Designed for gradual learning, the system starts with a gentle reminder and escalates only when needed, without causing stress or injury. 5 levels of adjustable sensitivity for a variety of environments.
- 【Smart AI Bark Detection& Waterproof】Say goodbye to false triggers! Our advanced AI chip detects only real barking, ignoring ambient noise or other pets. Additionally, this shock collar for dogs is IP67 waterproof and can withstand rain, snow and mud splashes.
- 【20 Days Battery Life】Spend less time charging and more time training! The fast-charging feature quickly powers up the anti barking device for dogs, and the 20-day standby time ensures it's always ready to go. The bright LED display shows battery level and settings at a glance, and the sleek design adds style to your dog.
- 【Additional Protect Mode】Our innovative protection mode automatically pauses the dog training collar for 30 seconds after 7 consecutive triggers to prevent over-stimulation. This user-friendly feature ensures stress-free training while promoting positive behavior.
No. 3
KJKZO Dog Bark Collar for Large Medium Small Dogs, Effective No-Bark Collar, Smart Barking Collar, Rechargeable Bark Collar with 7 Sensitivity, 3 Modes, IP67 Waterproof, Balck, 2 Pack
- 【0.1s Lightning-Fast Response】Picture this: your dog starts to bark… and it stops almost immediately. KJKZO bark collar responds in just 0.1 seconds, stopping barking almost immediately. Whether it’s a dog bark collar for large dog or a bark collar for small dogs, it prevents one small bark from turning into a full-blown barking episode. Your dog learns to pause, stay calm, and settle down on their own — and you get your quiet evenings, peaceful mornings, and uninterrupted work calls back.
- 【AI Smart & Accurate Bark Detection】No more feeling guilty when your dog gets startled by the TV or your neighbor’s dog. KJKZO dog bark collar uses dual detection technology that senses both sound and vocal cord vibration, so it reacts only to your dog’s bark. That means no random activations, no confusion, and no unnecessary stress for your pet — just fair, accurate guidance when it’s truly needed. You can trust that this dog bark collar is tailored specifically to your dog’s unique bark.
- 【3 Gentle Modes + 7 Sensitivity Levels】 Imagine training that actually fits your dog’s personality. Choose from 3 modes (beep, vibration, combination) and 7 sensitivity levels to customize the bark collar for small dogs, bark collar for medium dogs, or bark collar for large dog. Whether it’s for shy puppies or energetic barkers, it adjusts for each dog's personality and size. The flexibility of this no bark collar for dogs ensures a gentle training process.
- 【Built-In 7-1 Safety Pause】You don’t want to stress your dog — and neither do we. If barking continues 7 times in a row, KJKZO automatically pauses for 1 minute. This ensures that the stop barking collar for dog doesn’t overwhelm your pet. Whether you use a barking collar for large dog or a bark collar for small dogs, the pause feature ensures the training is gentle and safe. It allows your dog to relax while reinforcing calm behavior.
- 【2H Fast Charging + 20–30 Day Battery +IP67 Waterproof】 Say goodbye to daily charging hassles! With just 2 hours of charging, KJKZO dog bark collar lasts up to 20–30 days and the Type-C port makes recharging incredibly easy. Featuring IP67 waterproof protection, this bark collar for small dogs and large breeds stands up to rainy walks, backyard play, or splashes—no babying needed. Experience bark training that’s truly carefree, long-lasting, and stress-free.
No. 4
Oliry Smart AI Bark Collar for Large Medium Small Dogs, Anti Barking Device with 5 Training Modes, Exclusive Forced Bark-Stopping, Rechargeable IP67 Waterproof Bark Collar with 5 Sensitivity (Black)
- 5 Smart Training Modes & 5 Adjustable Sensitivity Levels with Forced Bark-Stopping: Oliry bark collar features 5 effective training modes: Beep, Vibration, Beep+Vibration, Beep+Vibration+Static, and Boost Static+Beep+Vibration — combined with 5 adjustable sensitivity levels for customized training. Gently correct unwanted barking and stop stubborn barking instantly with safe, flexible, and personalized bark control
- Advanced AI Chip & Instant Bark Detection: Upgraded anti barking device with smart AI technology and voiceprint recognition. The bark collar for dogs responds in just 0.01 seconds, filters out other noises, and prevents false triggering for precise and safe bark control
- Rechargeable & Easy-to-Use LCD Screen: This rechargeable dog bark collar charges in 2 hours and lasts up to 18 days. The clear LCD display shows battery level, sensitivity level, and working mode for hassle-free operation. Type-C charging cord prevents loss
- Fits Dogs of All Sizes: Adjustable bark collar fits dogs from 8 to 150 lbs with neck sizes from 8 to 25 inches. Ideal bark collar for large dogs, bark collar for medium dogs, and bark collar for small dogs — perfect for all breeds over 6 months old
- IP67 Waterproof & Pet-Safe Features: This bark collar for laege dog is IP67 waterproof for outdoor training in any weather. Safety mode automatically pauses after 6 continuous triggers. Removable metal prongs with silicone covers protect your dog's skin from irritation
No. 5
KJKZO Dog Bark Collar for Large Medium Small Dogs, Effective No-Bark Collar, Smart Barking Collar, Rechargeable Bark Collar with 7-Level Sensitivity, 3 Beep & Vibration Modes, Waterproof, Orange
- ① AI SMART BARK COLLAR. Tired of constant barking ruining your peace? Meet the KJKZO Bark Collar—engineered with dual-sensor technology that detects BOTH sound and vocal cord vibrations. Lab-tested over 1,000+ times, this intelligent system can eliminate 97.8% of false triggers from other animals or ambient noise. Finally, reclaim the quiet you deserve—whether you need a bark collar for large dog or a bark collar for medium dogs, this is the ultimate solution for excessive barking.
- ② 0.1S LIGHTNING-FAST RESPONSE. Every bark counts—and the KJKZO Bark Collar acts faster. With a near-instant 0.1-second response (before you can even say "Quiet!"), our bark collar has already delivered a corrective signal. This dog bark collar delivers instant correction to stop excessive barking, providing pinpoint-accurate training right when it's needed. No more delayed reactions—just peaceful quiet restored to your home before the barking escalates.
- ③ 3+7 CUSTOMIZABLE TRAINING MODES. Every dog is unique, and so are their training needs. That’s why we designed our no bark collar with fully customizable training: 3 correction modes (beep+vibration and other combinations) and 7 sensitivity levels. Perfect for apartment living, backyard play, or late-night quiet hours – tailor the settings of this stop barking collar to match your dog’s temperament and your lifestyle. It's like having a professional dog trainer on call, 24/7!
- ④ 7/1 SMART SAFETY PROTECTION SYSTEM. We understand your concern about your furry friend's comfort. That’s why this bark collar for large dog features Smart Pause Technology: after 7 consecutive barks, it automatically enters 1-minute rest mode, giving your pup time to calm down and preventing over-correction. Train your dog with this bark collar with confidence—KJKZO Dog Bark collar works with your dog’s nature, not against it.
- ⑤ 2H FAST CHARGING & IP65 WATERPROOF. Worry that your bark collar will die at a crucial moment? With just a 2-hour quick charge using the included Type-C cable (compatible with your phone charger or power bank), this KJKZO bark collar for medium dogs lasts an incredible 20+ days. And the IP65 waterproof rating means your water-loving pup can swim, play in the rain, or shake off after a bath without any issues, making it an ideal dog bark collar. Freedom for them, peace of mind for you!
No. 6
Kollgux Dog Bark Collar Pro, Instant Bark Solution, Smart Anti Barking Device with 4 Correction Modes, Fast-Acting Barking Collar for for Large Medium Small Dogs 5-150lbs, Ideal for Home & Outdoor Use
- 🎄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐏 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐎𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐒 – 𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐂-𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐋! Tired of non-stop barking ruining your peace at home or disturbing neighbors? Kollgux dog bark collar instantly tackles it with dual 12000R brushless motors, providing 4X faster anti-barking performance than ordinary barking collars and reducing up to 95% of noisy behavior. Intelligent sensors detect bark, howl, and whine, giving instant correction for small, medium, or large dogs 5-150lbs. Forget ineffective bark deterrent device—this anti barking device for dogs restores calm and makes walks enjoyable again
- 🎄𝐂𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐙𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐃𝐄𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘 – 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐀 𝐏𝐑𝐎! Every dog is unique — and now your training can be too. The Kollgux bark collar for large dogs, medium dogs, and small dogs features 4 fully adjustable modes: Beep (1–5), Vibration (1–5), Beep + Vibration (1–5), and Beep + Vibration + Static (1–9). Gentle levels 1–4 suit small or senior pups, while levels 5–9 handle confident barkers. As the only anti barking device for dogs with customizable static levels, it gives you safe, precise, and effective bark control for every size and personality
- 🎄𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇-𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 𝐁𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒 – 𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐒 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐒, 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐇𝐒! Fed up with collars that die quickly? Meet the next generation of dog barking collar technology. Powered by dual 12000R brushless motors, Kollgux delivers up to 4× faster bark correction while saving 45% more energy than ordinary bark collar for small dogs. The advanced brushless system ensures smoother performance and a lifespan that lasts years, not months. It's the kind of engineering that sets a true anti bark collars for dogs apart — built for those who expect professional-grade performance that truly lasts
- 🎄𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐀𝐈 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 – 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑, 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐑! Powered by next-gen AI bark recognition, Kollgux learns and distinguishes your dog’s unique barking pattern — not random noises like wind, cars, or other dogs. No more false triggers, no unnecessary corrections. This isn’t guesswork — it’s precision training designed by science. Whether your dog barks out of excitement, anxiety, or boredom, Kollgux anti barking device for dogs responds only when it truly matters, keeping training safe, consistent, and stress-free. Because smart dogs deserve smarter training
- 🎄𝟐-𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐅𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄 – 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐔𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒! Stop worrying about dead dog bark collars mid-training! Kollgux charges fully in just 2 hours and includes a clear LED battery indicator. Perfect for long sessions with your dog, this bark collar for medium dogs keeps going, helping you maintain consistent training routines. Forget the hassle of constantly recharging—this is freedom, convenience, and reliability in one device
No. 7
1S Stop Barking Smart Dog Bark Collar, Humane Anti Barking Device with Beep & Vibration, 7 Adjustable Sensitivity, Ultra-Light Bark Collar for Small Medium Large Dogs IP67 Waterproof Indoor Outdoor
- 𝐔𝐍𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃 𝟑.𝟔𝐗 𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 – 𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐁𝐄𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄! Most collars fail, ours conquers. With dual brushless motors, the NQQHNN dog bark collar delivers 3.6X stronger training efficiency—resolving up to 98% of barking issues without discomfort. From stubborn barkers to sensitive pups, this bark collar for large dog and medium dogs ensures results for all breeds. For toy breeds, our bark collar for small dogs provides the perfect balance of gentle yet effective correction. Enjoy the ultimate humane solution for a calm, quiet home from now on!
- 𝐇𝐔𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐄 & 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄 – 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐓-𝐈𝐍! Training should never hurt. This no bark collar for dogs uses gentle Beep (2 levels), Vibration (7 levels), Beep + Vibration Mode, ensuring a humane and stress-free experience for your pet. Especially suited as a barking collar for for sensitive, timid, senior, or younger pups. For extra safety, it features an Auto-Sleep Mode: after 5 consecutive activations, the bark collar for dogs pauses for 1 full minute, giving your dog time to relax and preventing over-correction. A smarter, safer path to a peaceful home
- 𝐂𝐔𝐓𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆-𝐄𝐃𝐆𝐄 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐏 – 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐃𝐁𝐘𝐄 𝐅𝐀𝐋𝐒𝐄 𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐒, 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐎 𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐄! No more random beeps, no more confused pets. Our dog barking collar is equipped with an advanced sound-recognition chip that not only filters out background noise, barking from neighbor dogs, or kids playing, but also reacts in under 1 second to your dog’s unique bark. This means instant correction, right when it matters most. It also offers 7 adjustable sensitivity levels, suitable for different environments: Level 1 is the least sensitive, while Level 7 is the most sensitive and responds to the slightest bark. It’s precise, fast, and always reliable
- 𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑-𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐓 – 𝐃𝐎𝐆𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄! 30% lighter than bulky collars, made with 600D nylon, adjustable 6–23 inches (5–150 lbs). Whether you need dog collars for large dog or dog collars for medium dogs, it fits securely and comfortably. For smaller breeds, our bark collar for small dogs 5-15lbs offers the perfect lightweight fit. The fit is gentle yet secure. Your dog enjoys natural comfort—you enjoy instant peace
- 𝐅𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄, 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆-𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐔𝐒𝐄 Designed with FlashSec technology, this no bark collar for dogs fully charges in about 2 hours and can support extended standby use for many days. The IP67 water-resistant build helps the anti bark collars for dogs withstand everyday conditions such as light rain, mud, and splashes—making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor training（For safe operation, always use a standard 5V/1A charger and avoid any third-party fast-charging adapters to ensure battery stability and longevity）
No. 8
Bark Collar, 2 Pack Dog Bark Collar for Large Medium Small Dogs, Rechargeable Anti Barking Device for Dogs, Smart Training Collar with Beep Vibration 5 Sensitivity, Dog Bark Deterrent Devices
- 【Suitable for All Dogs】From small puppies to large dogs, our dog training collar is easily adjustable, providing a comfortable and secure fit for your dog. The lightweight design prevents neck strain, and the soft reflective tape keeps your dog safe and visible during nighttime walks.
- 【5 Humane Training Modes】Our dog bark collar offers 5 customizable modes: beep, vibration, or a combination of both. For more stubborn dogs, there's also a shock mode. The progressive training system ensures your dog doesn't feel uncomfortable while learning, effectively addressing excessive barking.
- 【Upgraded Protection Mode】The innovative auto-pause function stops correcting after 7 consecutive triggers, giving your dog a 30-second break and preventing overstimulation. This science-backed approach prioritizes your dog's well-being while achieving lasting behavioral change.
- 【No False Triggers】Our anti barking device for dogs uses AI bark recognition technology combined with motion detection to distinguish your dog's barking from background noise or the barking of other animals. This means corrections are made only when necessary, without unnecessary stress.
- 【20-Day Battery Life】Thanks to fast-charging technology, you can enjoy weeks of uninterrupted use. The LED display clearly shows the battery level and settings. The magnetic charging feature enhances waterproofing, making the barking collar easy to handle in rain, snow, and muddy roads.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Dog Bark Collars
Dog bark collars can help manage excessive barking. They offer a training tool for you and your dog. Choosing the right one takes some thought. This guide will help you pick the best fit.
1. Key Features to Look For
Good bark collars have several important features. These features make the training safer and more effective.
- Correction Levels: Look for adjustable correction levels. You need to start low and increase slowly. This prevents shocking your dog too harshly.
- Activation Mode: Most collars use automatic or manual activation. Automatic collars sense the bark and correct. Manual collars require you to press a button. Decide which style suits your training style.
- Safety Shut-Off: A good collar stops correcting after a set number of barks. This prevents over-correction if you are away from your dog.
- Water Resistance: Dogs play outside. Ensure the collar can handle rain or splashes. True waterproofing is better than just resistance.
2. Important Materials and Durability
The materials matter for comfort and longevity. Your dog wears this often.
Collar Strap Material
Nylon or sturdy webbing are common strap materials. Nylon is usually durable and easy to clean. Make sure the strap is wide enough not to dig into your dog’s neck. Plastic buckles should feel strong and lock securely.
Electronic Components Casing
The main unit housing the electronics must be tough. Look for durable, impact-resistant plastic. If the unit is heavy, it can bother a small dog. Weight distribution is important for comfort.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality directly impacts how well the collar works and how long it lasts.
Improving Quality Factors:
- Accurate Sensors: High-quality collars use sophisticated sensors. These sensors only react to your dog’s bark, not traffic noise or other dogs barking nearby.
- Battery Life: Long battery life means less charging stress for you. Rechargeable batteries are often better than disposable ones.
- Fit Adjustability: A wide range of adjustment ensures a perfect fit for puppies or large breeds. A poor fit reduces effectiveness.
Reducing Quality Factors:
Cheaply made collars often have weak electronics. These collars might misfire or fail after a few months. Poorly sealed units stop working when moisture gets inside. Avoid collars that feel flimsy or use very thin plastic.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How easy is the collar to use? Where will you use it?
Ease of Use
Setup should be simple. Instructions should clearly explain how to set the sensitivity level. You should be able to put the collar on and take it off quickly. If the buttons are hard to press, daily use becomes frustrating.
Use Cases
Bark collars are great for specific situations. They work well for dogs who bark when left alone (separation anxiety). They also help dogs barking at passersby through a fence. Remember, these collars are training aids. They work best when paired with positive reinforcement training.
Never use a bark collar on a dog that is aggressive or fearful. For those dogs, a professional trainer is the best choice.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Bark Collars
Q: Are dog bark collars safe for my pet?
A: Yes, most modern bark collars are safe when used correctly. They use static stimulation or vibration, not painful shocks. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the lowest effective setting.
Q: What is the difference between vibration and static correction?
A: Vibration collars only use a buzzing sensation. Static correction collars use a mild electronic pulse. Many users prefer starting with vibration before moving to static correction if needed.
Q: How quickly will my dog stop barking?
A: Results vary by dog. Some dogs learn in a few days. Others might need a few weeks of consistent use. Patience is key to successful training.
Q: Can I use one collar on two dogs?
A: Generally, no. Most collars are calibrated to one dog. Using one on two dogs can cause the wrong dog to be corrected.
Q: What correction level should I start with?
A: Always start at the lowest setting (Level 1). Watch your dog’s reaction. If the setting does not get their attention, slowly increase the level one step at a time.
Q: Do I need to use a bark collar forever?
A: No. The goal is training. Once your dog learns appropriate barking habits, you should gradually reduce the correction level until the collar is no longer needed.
Q: Are there specific collar recommendations for small dogs?
A: Yes. Small dogs need lighter, smaller units. Ensure the collar strap fits their neck comfortably without being too heavy.
Q: What if my dog barks at noises other than its own barks?
A: This is where sensitivity adjustment matters. You need to tune the collar so that the sensor only reacts to your dog’s specific vocal cords, ignoring background noise.
Q: How often should I charge the battery?
A: This depends on the model and how often your dog barks. Check the manual, but typically you should check the charge indicator every few days.
Q: Can I use a bark collar in combination with leash training?
A: Yes. Bark collars are best used as part of a larger training plan. They manage the unwanted behavior while you teach the desired behavior through positive reinforcement.