We have a stubborn Lab/Pit mix who loves to bark at any sound, especially while we're not home. This collar has definitely stopped him from barking so much, and although we don't always put it on him, he knows not to bark if he even sees the collar. I usually leave him home alone with the vibrate mode on, as I don't want him getting shocked if I'm not near him. The few times I've had to use shock mode were when he just was not stopping with the barking (we live in an apartment complex with mostly senior citizens) and it didn't seem to be too strong of a shock. He seemed a bit rattled but didn't fall or anything. I'm loving how long the battery lasts as well! One charge lasted us about 2 months of use!