Yes it is easier to use a switch (on/of the control device) to upset the dog. Dr Skinner (of 'conditioning' theory) would be very proud to hear that.

I have dogs. Some like to bark to let you know that "there is something not quite right out there" (in dogs' language: repeated 3-5 short sharp yelps). Like people dogs with confidence will not bother with "little things". Dogs which lack self-confidence and still learning to find their "ranks" in the family often bark more to get attention of the "top dog" (a man or the owner). My dogs are often allowed to investigate the disturbances (that cause them to bark) and to learn to adjust to their environment.

My theory is that no dogs like barking. They like to eat tidbits. They like to play. They love patting and rubbing. They usually stop barking when we "stop barking at them" and softly ask them to come -- but no tidbits here or they could learn that barking is rewarded ;-). we all know that psychotic dogs usually inherit a lot from their owners!