By their nature, dogs bark at many things around them. The doorbell ringing, children playing, other dogs and animals running nearby or even something on TV can get your furry friend sounding off.

Frequent barking can disturb your home’s relative peace over time. Bark collars are an effective way to discourage your dog from barking. They come in different styles with optional corrective modes, safely guiding your dog and your home into a quieter existence.

What are the different types of bark collars?

There are four types of bark collars based on the mode of deterrent used to discourage a dog from barking.

Vibration bark collars use a gentle vibrating response to your dog’s barking that is safe for its skin. They work better than static collars but are usually most effective on short-haired dogs that will feel more of the vibration.
Ultrasonic bark collars use a high-frequency sound only dogs can hear to discourage barking. Though humane and safe for your dog, they can be set off by other surrounding noises. Some dogs eventually get used to the sound.
Spray bark collars spritz a small mist at the dog, usually with an unpleasant citrus odor. They are safe, but you should direct the spray away from the dog’s eyes. Some dogs eventually learn how to deplete the solution with rapid barking.
Static bark collars, also known as shock collars, send a low-level electrical pulse to the dog when it barks. Most veterinarians discourage using this type of collar since it can confuse the dog or even cause it to bark more. There is also a debate about whether the pulsations cause tissue damage over time.

What are the best sensors?

Most bark collars use either vibration or sound sensors to determine when a dog is barking and then activate the deterrent. Vibration sensors are not always the most sensitive, and sound sensors can be too sensitive by activating when other sounds are detected.

Look for bark collars that have safety features to prevent premature activation. Some collars even learn your dog’s voice over time.

Dual sound-vibration sensor bark collars are more expensive, but they are the most accurate.

Are there other ways to stop dogs from barking?

Talk to your veterinarian or a certified dog trainer about alternatives to bark collars. There may be ways to use voice commands to keep your dog quiet. Keeping dogs busy and occupied may also help since many dogs, as pack animals, don’t like to be lonely.

Best bark collars

iTecFreely Dog Training Collar

This versatile training collar has three training modes for adjusting the stimulation level. It features two channels and separate memory for training two dogs simultaneously. A security keypad prevents accidental operation.

Educator E-Collar Humane Dog Training Collar

This training system covers up to a half-mile using a Pavlovian tapping sensation that mimics a vibration. There are 100 levels of stimulation with 60 more levels of additional boost. It includes a dog collar, a mini receiver and a mini stopwatch transmitter.

Petjoy 2-in-1 Bark Collar

This waterproof bark collar can last up to 60 days for the three-channel receiver and 180 days for the remote control. The collar fits dogs between 3 and 130 pounds and works up to 1,200 yards.

DogRook Rechargeable Dog Bark Collar

This humane bark collar is highly effective, with five stages of alternating beeps and vibrations. The collar charges in two to three hours and lasts up to two weeks. It is adjustable for all sizes of dogs between 8 and 110 pounds.

Trulrox Rechargeable Bark Collar

This reflective, waterproof bark collar is adjustable for dogs of all sizes. It has two vibration modes, with or without shock, and a safety mode to prevent your dog from being triggered too often.

FunniPets Dog Training Collar

This reflective, waterproof collar works up to 2,600 feet with a built-in LED safety light. It has four training modes and includes a removable silicone head that protects your dog’s neck when in shock mode.

PetSafe Vibration Dog Trainer Collar

The PetSafe trainer works up to 100 yards away without a leash. It is a safe and humane way to train your dog with 16 vibration levels. The nylon collar is adjustable and waterproof.

Laptom Pro Smart Dog Bark Collar

With dual vibration, this bark collar is shockless and safe for dogs. The advanced microchip has technology to prevent false triggering. The collar has a powerful lithium battery that works for up to two weeks and recharges in three hours.

Dr. Trainer Pro Bark Collar with App and Smart Watch Control

This high-tech bark collar can record the owner’s voice for the dog to better assimilate to frequent commands. It has three modes, including customized sounds, vibration and shock. The app helps you customize loudness and sensitivity levels.

ZNFSZ Dog Bark Collar

This bark collar has seven sensitivity levels and is adjustable for necks measuring 8 to 23 inches around. It filters out other sounds and ensures only your dog’s bark triggers the collar. An LED light shows which mode is in use, and the collar comes in three bright colors.

WORTH CHECKING OUT

If you want a full system that includes a bark collar and circular electronic fence, the PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Fence covers up to three-quarters of an acre with a replaceable collar.

A built-in bark odometer keeps track of your dog’s bark and progress with the Garmin BarkLimiter Deluxe.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Which outdoor ceiling fan is best?

Finding the best outdoor ceiling fan for your space can be tricky, especially if you aren’t exactly sure what you’re looking for. While a number of ceiling fans may work for your outdoor space, it can also be tough to match aesthetics with airflow capacity and additional features like lighting or remote controls.

Individuals looking for a simple, yet powerful outdoor ceiling fan are usually happy with the top choice Hunter Fan Company 59262 Cassius 52-Inch Three-Blade Wooden Outdoor Ceiling Fan.

What to know before you buy an outdoor ceiling fan

Exposure to moisture

Most of all, the best outdoor ceiling fans must be rated for exposure to some moisture, even if they will be in a covered place. While most ceiling fans that are for indoor-outdoor use are rated “damp,” meaning they can get wet from moisture in the air but not rain or other environmental sources of water, others may be rated “wet” if they’re suitable for use in uncovered gazebos, or other areas where the motor will need to be protected from water.

Ceiling fan size

Another major factor to consider when looking at outdoor ceiling fans is how large the space is where you’ll install the fan. The standard ceiling fan features 52-inch blades, though a wide range of fan blade sizes exist if you need one that’s smaller or larger.

Ceiling fan CFM rating

The point of having a ceiling fan is to increase airflow, which is measured in cubic feet per minute, or CFM. Outdoor ceiling fans are often advertised with a certain amount of airflow capacity in CFM. They range from as low as 1,000 CFM for small fans, or as much as 5,500 CFM for high-quality residential fans. Some industrial and commercial fans offer even more airflow.

What to look for in a quality outdoor ceiling fan

Motor with multi-speed control and reverse

A ceiling fan’s motor is one of the most important pieces of hardware, as it determines how quickly the blades spin and in which direction. Most standard ceiling fans offer the ability to use multiple speeds, usually as many as three, though some also have fewer or more speeds. Outdoor ceiling fans sometimes include reverse functions, particularly useful in regions with changing seasons.

Remote control

While most ceiling fans at least include a pull-chain, some find it useful to buy a model with a remote control. These can sometimes offer more options for controlling the fan’s airflow, or if they don’t, they’re simply more convenient to use.

Lights

Many people prefer to buy outdoor ceiling fans with an attached light, or a light fixture mounting kit that will allow them to put a light in after purchase. While it certainly isn’t a necessity, it can be especially helpful to have an outdoor ceiling fan with a light in places that are particularly small since there is no need to find space for additional lighting.

How much you can expect to spend on outdoor ceiling fans

Outdoor ceiling fans span a wide range of prices depending on the features they offer. In general, you can find cheap outdoor ceiling fans for about $100, while higher-quality ceiling fans may cost between $200-$500.

Outdoor ceiling fans FAQ

Where is it best to mount an outdoor ceiling fan?

A. It’s probably best to mount your outdoor ceiling fan in a space central to where you plan to hang out, at a height of at least 7-8 feet. You’ll also want to mount it to a sturdy ceiling surface where you can also run electricity to the fan.

What is an outdoor ceiling fan’s blade pitch?

A. The blade pitch of any ceiling fan refers to the overall tilt of the fan’s blades, and it ultimately determines the fan’s airflow. While a set of fan blades that aren’t tilted at all would significantly minimize airflow, those with between 12-15 degrees of blade pitch offer a strong airflow suitable for the average space.

What’s the best outdoor ceiling fan to buy?

Top outdoor ceiling fan for the money

Hunter Fan Company 59262 Cassius 52-Inch Three-Blade Wooden Outdoor Ceiling Fan

What you need to know: For buyers who prefer a more minimal take on the outdoor ceiling fan, this contemporary three-blade fan is a great look, and comes at a reasonable price.

What you’ll love: On top of being one of the more affordable outdoor ceiling fans out there, this model offers a minimal look with three blades, reverse functionality and an impressive airflow capacity of 5,537 CFM on its highest setting.

What you should consider: This outdoor ceiling fan model does not include a light or remote control, though it was found sufficient for most buyers.

Worth checking out

Honeywell Ceiling Fan 50207 Five-Blade 52-Inch Bronze Outdoor Ceiling Fan

What you need to know: Those looking for a tropical outdoor ceiling fan look to match the garden or patio will love this model from Honeywell, complete with five wide fan blades and decent airflow.

What you’ll love: Another fairly affordable outdoor ceiling fan, this model comes in beautiful bronze or sandstone finishes, featuring three airflow speeds and reverse functionality. In addition, it’s rated for damp outdoor settings and is perfect for covered patios and outdoor areas.

What you should consider: This model only offers 3,516 CFM of airflow capacity, which many buyers didn’t think would be sufficient for their needs.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

When the Twins lost injured starters Chris Paddack and Joe Ryan after the all-star break, there was concern about how the team would fare with three rookie starters in the rotation.

The early answer is not so good.

David Festa, the Twins’ top-rated pitching prospect, and Zebby Matthews have shown why they could be rotation regulars in the near future. But their inexperience is showing as Minnesota tries to hunt down a second straight American League Central Division title.

In his 10th major league start Monday, Festa allowed four earned runs in four innings on four hits — including Brandon Drury’s two-run homer — and three walks in the Twins’ 6-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels in front of 14,450 at Target Field.

The Twins have lost 6 of 7 and fell six games behind first–place Cleveland in the Central. They also lost a half-game in the wild card race and now lead idle Detroit and Seattle by three games.

Since Festa and Matthews joined the rotation, the rookies are a combined 3-9 with a 5.78 earned-run average.

On the other end, a lineup missing key pieces Carlos Correa (foot), Byron Buxton (hip) and Max Kepler (knee) has run aground. The Twins are 4-11 since Aug. 25, and have been outscored in those losses 69-24. In their past seven games, they’re averaging 10.1 strikeouts and 1.85 runs.

“It’s a long season,” said infielder Royce Lewis, who was 0 for 4 with three strikeouts. “If you hit a homer in all 480 at-bats, 500 at-bats, that’d be great, obviously, but that’s never gonna happen. There’s times where you’re going to struggle for a moment at the plate, and right now unfortunately it’s contagious for us, but hopefully we’ll snap out of it tomorrow.”

After reading his team the riot act Sunday in the wake of a 2-0 loss, and three-game sweep, at Kansas City, manager Rocco Baldelli said he was eager to see how his team would respond on Friday. But Baldelli watched his team struggle against Angels left-hander Reid Detmers (4-6), who held the Twins to two runs on five hits — including Kyle Farmer’s solo home run in the third inning.

Detmers walked two and was responsible for eight of the Twins 11 strikeouts.

“I definitely wanted to see more here,” Baldelli said. “Maybe it comes tomorrow, maybe it comes the next day. As long as it comes, we’re going to feel good about that when it comes.”

Festa struggled from the start. The Angels took a 2-0 lead before the Twins recorded an out. Leadoff hitter Taylor Ward drew a walk and moved to third on Zach Nito’s double to right field. No. 3 hitter Nolan Schanuel then brought both runners home with a single to left.

Los Angeles doubled the lead in the third inning when Schanuel drew a two-out walk and came home on Drury’s home run into the second deck in left field to make it 4-0. Baldelli pulled Festa after a scoreless fourth inning.

“I kind of labored the whole outing, so the decision was his and probably makes sense,” Festa said. “But the competitiveness in me made me want to keep going and try to turn it around and give the team some length. Try to get through five and maybe if the fifth inning was quick, potentially go out the sixth.

“But I labored today. Didn’t really have much feel for my pitches. I feel like I hadn’t been in that situation in a good bit, which is a good thing. Just had to battle out there, and then the walks and the home run really cost me.”

Festa (2-6) walked three and struck out four and saw his earned-run average rise to 5.08 in 11 appearances.

“I’m a big David Festa fan. I think he’s capable of a ton. He’s going to do a lot of great things for us,” Baldelli said. “I think finding his release point and what he was looking for, it came and went today. That’s really it.”

The man armed with an AK-47 rifle who terrorized a South Minneapolis neighborhood overnight Friday was identified as Nathan Maelstrom Matz, 40, of Minneapolis.

He was shot by police after he fired the assault-style rifle inside his apartment building and holed up in a stairwell. He is still hospitalized in stable condition at Hennepin County Medical Center. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which is investigating the officer-involved shooting, said that he is expected to survive his injuries.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara gave the following details of the incident in an earlier press release:

It began Friday night about 10:50 p.m. when several people called 911 to report a man with a shotgun walking near the 4000 block of Minnehaha Avenue South. When officers arrived, they could not find the man. Several hours later, at about 4:40 a.m., several people in the same area called 911 to report shots fired. Many of the callers live in an apartment building on that block and said they could hear shots being fired inside their building, someone knocking on their doors and breaking glass.

When officers arrived, they found bullet holes in the front door of the apartment building and shell casings on the floor. Inside an open apartment door, they found a shotgun on the floor. Officers heard more gunfire and immediately evacuated residents of the building. The shooter holed up in a stairwell during the evacuation and while SWAT and negotiation teams moved in. During this time, the man continued to fire rounds from the rifle.

About 5:30 a.m., an officer armed with a rifle shot the gunman and police were able to enter the stairwell and disarm him of the assault weapon and a .45-caliber handgun. Authorities later found a backpack with additional ammunition and loaded magazines in the stairwell. The man, who was wearing a military-style flak vest, was identified as a resident of the building.

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