My dog barks if we leave him home alone, and it bothers the neighbor.
The only thing that works consistently to stop his barking is Pet Corrector (which emits a spray of pressurized air). But the Pet Corrector must be pressed manually, so it isn't helpful when we leave him home alone.
So... could I automate it? Could I use an Arduino, to detect noise above a certain decibel level, and then have it move a mechanical lever to press down on the nozzle (of the can of pressurized air)?
I'm new to this, so any advice is awesome!
Also, what obstacles/problems might I encounter as I try to set this up?
You need to realise that an Arduino is not a power supply. So you basically can't draw much current from either its 5V or 3.3V pin, especially if you power it on Vin (or the barrel if applicable). Therefore an external power supply is advisable. The Arduino can also not drive big loads (20 mA is a safe maximum) so you might need a driver board; it depends on what you use to drive the mechanical lever.
I would stay away from Unos, Megas and Leonardos. Wiring is easy but there is always the risk that a wire comes loose asnd it does no longer work. I think that a classic Nano might work.
the Pet Corrector should be used to teach the dog a desired behavior and the dog should be rewarded (with a treat) when he stops barking.
it is not right to use the Pet Corrector if the dog barks because he is scared or sad.
Electric solenoid valve and air compressor should work well. Might need a level shifter or SSR to interface, but yeah, should work. Check McMaster.com or granger.com for electric valve.
I don't see how this is an Arduino problem.
The dog doesn't need fixing, the owner does.
It's cruel to leave a dog home alone.
If you can't be there all the time, then don't get a dog.
Leo..
