Dear Cathy: Are citronella dog collars safe for dogs to prevent barking? We understand that he is doing his job, but our dog’s barking with delivery drivers, letter carriers and even someone walking near our home has become excessive.

— Grace, North Massapequa, New York

Dear Grace: Citronella collars deter dogs from barking by emitting a citronella scent that activates when the dog barks. It doesn’t hurt them, but it does startle them when it first activates, and they definitely don’t like the smell, which are two ways the collar discourages dogs from barking.

While your dog may bark less with the collar, if you are not addressing the triggers that lead to the barking, most dogs will resume barking when the collar is removed or runs out of citronella. Dogs may also become accustomed to the scent and activation, then bark despite the collar.

If excessive barking is a concern, I understand why you want to try the collar. It may offer you and your neighbors some relief. But it also helps if you address the triggers that lead to barking because that approach can be much more effective in creating a long-term solution to the problem.

Here are some suggestions.

First, determine the root cause of your dog’s barking: boredom, fear, territorial behavior, separation anxiety. Addressing the underlying issue can help reduce excessive barking.

Second, ensure that your dog receives enough mental and physical exercise to prevent boredom and pent-up energy, which can lead to excessive barking. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders and regular walks or play sessions can help keep your dog stimulated and engaged.

Third, use positive-reinforcement training techniques to teach your dog alternative behaviors and commands, such as “quiet” or “go to your bed” to redirect his focus and discourage barking.

Fourth, manage your dog’s environment, such as using curtains or barriers to block visual stimuli that trigger barking; or keeping your dog indoors during high activity or noise outside.

Next, minimize environmental triggers that may provoke barking, such as loud noises, changes in routine, or unfamiliar people or animals. Provide a safe and comfortable space, like a dog bed or a kennel, for your dog to retreat when they feel anxious or overwhelmed.

Gradually expose your dog to triggering stimuli in a controlled manner, pairing it with positive experiences, such as treats or play, to change their emotional response. This can help reduce anxiety and reactivity, leading to less barking over time.

Finally, expose your dog to various people, animals and environments to help them become more confident and less reactive. Proper socialization can reduce fear-based barking and promote positive interactions with others.

These suggestions will help you address your dog’s excessive barking safely and effectively.

Dear Cathy: Your column about picking up an elderly dog without causing pain prompted me to write to you. My 18-year-old Maltese mix had spinal surgery when he was 10. His pain was so bad that it was either put him down or do the surgery. We opted for the surgery. It was a smashing success. He has been mostly pain-free ever since.

When visiting him in the vet hospital after his surgery, the nurse brought him to see us on his bed instead of hand-lifting and carrying him. We’ve been doing that at home ever since. It was very easy to train him to walk onto his bed when he wanted to get up on the couch or on the bed at bedtime. He then looks at us to pick him up, which we do by picking up the bed instead. In the past eight years, I have only picked him up to go to the vet’s office.

I hope this suggestion helps others. It has worked wonderfully for us and him.

— Tom, Las Vegas

Dear Tom: Training your dog to go to a dog bed when he wants to be put on the couch or bed shows your ingenuity. While ramps are typically used for larger breeds, training a small dog to use a dog bed and lifting him while he is in the bed can be an effective way to help him access the furniture comfortably and without injury. Thanks for sharing your tip.

Cathy M. Rosenthal is an animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert. Send your questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city and state. You can follow her @ cathymrosenthal.