Lab Puppy & Bark Collar Question

[onthefly]

I have a 12 week old, ~20lb lab puppy. I have a nice kennel set up outside for him, but need to keep the neighbors happy. Tried an ultrasonic no bark system that did not work (should've known - he's a hard-headed lab!).

Any thoughts on using a bark collar on him? He has obviously not been exposed to e-collars. I have a Dogtra collar with 7 levels. Stimulation increases with each bark and resets to the lowest level after 30 seconds.

I realize the best is to leave him out there and teach him that barking doesn't get him out. But, my neighborhoods really quiet and that's not really a good option.

[DaSwede]

I'm not a fan of bark collars, so with that said, when I introduced my first lab to his outdoor kennel and he went on barking fits, I brought out an ice cream bucket full of water (I'm sure a squirt gun would work). When he barked, he got wet (and no, this did not kill his drive to be in the water...couldn't keep him out) and the verbal command "QUIET." I'm pretty sure by the end of the weekend, he was cured.

My only other concern is that 12 weeks old is still pretty young. I'm lucky because my wife works at home, and I'm home for the better part of the summer, but at 12 weeks, he's still a baby. That's just my opinion. I'm not saying I'm right or wrong. Every situation is different.