My friend had a really good response to the spray collar she used on her dog for barking - but someone else i know was disappointed (but admitted they didnt use it often enough - it was for aggression when they tried to take something off him).
When Taz was young, i did spray water at him when he barked at bedtime - it took 3 sprays one night and i havent heard a peep from him since at bedtime (only on one occasion when i took him in the garden just in case he needed a wee and he proceeded to throw up several times, then went and got back into his bed 
)
I also noticed that he sometimes barked when he was in the garden but no-one seemed to be about - then i stood outside the other day and heard the two girls next door pretend to be barking tormenting him into barking because they know their mother hates it and comes round and complains to me (although it is vary rare either of mine bark outside unless someone comes to the door). This probably also has something to do with the fact that Taz doesnt seem to like children
I know you probably think this is ok because people who advocate such things will say so and it can really be trial and error unless someone gives alternative advice so its great that we can all check these things out on COL.
I agree with Karma - her tale is a sad one but I guess it shows how spray collars and water sprays can do harm. My original question was because I was quite surprised to see the ultrasound device recommended on here and so wanted to check if it was aversive because I'm not in favour of those methods. Please don't take this the wrong way as it is not directed at you at all, but I think citronella sprays in the face are cruel as is water spray etc., etc., I know I wouldn't like someone to do that to me so why should my dog put up with it.
I am sad to say that once I saw someone at a ring-craft class with a spray bottle spraying their dog in the eyes and it yelped
I felt very upset to see the dog react like this and won't go to that particular class again
I also have a friend who was advised to put watered vinegar in a spray bottle and spray her 12 week old puppy
with this in the face when he pulled on the lead in class!!!
Needless to say she left the class and I was able to recommend an APDT trainer to her - what a fantastic little dog he is turning out to be through all the work she has put in. he's a handful but she is a good teacher and kind
I'm a clicker and foodie fan myself - I'd much prefer my dog to do something because he enjoys it than to do it or not do it because he is fearful of what will happen to him
I don't mind a bit of playful naughtiness either - much better than doggy eyes that have lost their spark.
