[capt_noonie]

I have heard products like this do work. And yes, some dogs will become trained that you can pick up any remote and they will think it is "the one" so eventually you will not have to actually use it.

The problem I see with tools such as this, is you are not finding out the root problem of why the dog is barking or acting up. If the dog starts barking bc he sees another dog, then allow the dogs to greet each other (if this is at all possible) or simply pick up the dog and say, yes look a dog, and carry the dog away and bring him into another room with you.

If the dog is jumping up at people, make them sit and calm down before you open the door. This way is much harder and takes a much longer time, which is why people invented the quick fixes such as the remote. You've seen on the Dog Whisperer or other shows, they have to do the excersizes over and over again and it's not easy.

As for long term damage from using the remote, I have no clue, but if it can stop a dog in its tracks I wonder how it feels. Personally i wouldn't use one on my dog. I prefer to get my dog's attention with a yummy piece of chicken.