Stop barking muzzle: Don’t use a Muzzle to Stop Barking
Don’t use a Muzzle to Stop Barking
Don’t use a Muzzle to Stop Barking | Dog Gear Review
This article will relate to our other article discussing when and when not to use these grooming/textil muzzles. Still, this time we are approaching from a different angle and wanted to address why a muzzle is not a solution (and shouldn’t be used) for barking.
Muzzling a dog is a topic that will need a lot more education until they are used appropriately in our society.
I am not surprised that an average dog owner doesn’t know much about muzzles before needing one for the first time because it is not easy to find good educational articles on the topic. I am amazed, though, that pet store employees and companies selling muzzles continue spreading dangerous misinformation making it even harder for a new dog owner to understand how they should be used.
Most of the muzzles we see have so much random information on their product site and the packaging. I can imagine this making sense from the SEO perspective since putting every relevant keyword in the description makes the product pop up in every search around muzzles, but if you stop to think about them, they don’t make sense.
To focus on one example, this product below promises to allow panting, but it also promises to stop barking. How? One doesn’t need to be an expert in dogs to figure out that if a dog can open their mouth, they can also bark.
This is nothing unusual; if you do a quick Google search, you will find many articles recommending no-bark muzzles while also quickly adding that dogs can still freely pant in these muzzles. While a muzzle allowing a half pant might make barking less comfortable, it will not change the behavior.
The answer is straightforward: if you want to use a muzzle to stop barking, you need to shut the dog’s mouth tightly with the muzzle. The problem here is that dogs need to pant to cool down, which is not possible with a closed mouth. They can also start vomiting and suffocate with their mouth closed. They can also not drink and can get stuck on something and strangle themself if you leave them unattended with a muzzle on. These are the main reasons why using a tight muzzle is not recommended for longer than a few minutes.
If you want your dog to be comfortable and safe in the muzzle, it needs to provide pant room which leads us back to a dog barking while wearing a muzzle.
I know we all would love to find easy solutions for our problems, but buying a muzzle will not stop barking. We recommend reaching out to a good trainer in your area to explore the reasons behind barking and address the cause of the problem instead of working around the symptoms.
Additional resources
If you want to learn more about muzzles, you can join amazing groups on Facebook, like Muzzle Up, Pup!, or follow The Muzzle Up Project. You can also check out the Muzzle Training and Tips website and browse our articles, where we discussed many muzzle-related topics.
I hike alone with Mia, so being able to carry her out in an emergency is crucial to me. Unfortunately, most dog owners don’t consider the need for an emergency plan until it’s too late, which is why I feel passionate about introducing and comparing the four best-known carry-out harnesses/slings.
I am working on a more detailed review on each of these, so here I will focus on the biggest differences and how they compare.
The holiday season is just around the corner, so we wanted to give you some cool dog gift ideas! We collected a list of practical, unique, innovative products, which could be a great surprise. No affiliate links here, just our unbiased recommendations with products that we actually tried and liked!
ID Tags What can be better than a gift that’s pretty but also helps get our pups back in case they get lost?
Finally, our society moves away from muzzles that keep the dog’s mouth closed. This is a great progress because for the longest time, no one was concerned about the risks of the dog’s inability to pant while wearing these muzzles.
At the same time, it feels that somehow we immediately ended up on the other end of the spectrum, with muzzles bigger than the dog’s head being the ONLY acceptable sizing approach.
This is a topic I have wanted to address for a long time because it’s among the top 5 myths around dog gear.
If there is a discussion around leash pulling on social media, it will pop up in the comments section sooner or later.
It’s time to look into where this is coming from, why it is not true, and stop the spread of misinformation.
Why do people think a harness will cause a dog to pull?
Muzzles can be used for many reasons; the dog being a bite risk is just one of them. At the same time, one would expect a muzzle to be a safe choice if there is a chance the dog bites, but in many cases, they do not provide the protection we expect from them.
Let’s go through the different types of muzzles and discuss if they are a good option for a bite-risk dog.
We hear this question many times for a reason. Before starting testing cooling vests, we have also been questioning the effectiveness of cooling vests for dogs. Wouldn’t the dog be damp and warm under it? Do the vest trap the heat under and do more harm than good? Do these actually work?
So we went ahead and tested a few of them with the Seek Thermal Compact thermal imaging camera and with the Kizen LaserPro LP300 infrared thermometer.
It would be great if there would be magic tools out there that we can just buy, and they will solve all our dog training problems. Unfortunately, “No-pull” became the new buzzword that seems to be attached to many products even if they genuinely have nothing to do with stopping the dog from pulling. Still, people buy it because they desperately want it to be true.
No-pull harnesses Let’s start by discussing what a no-pull harness is.
The idea of this article came to me when I joined a Search and Rescue Team, and we started training with Mia. There are so many things to research and buy from clothing, through radios, GPS, etc., but while you can find excellent guides for most of these, it’s very hard to figure out where to start with dog gear. Do I want a harness or a vest? Do I need anything extra for the dog?
Are you wondering how to help your hotdog enjoy the summer months? Debating between a cooling mat, a cooling vest, a car shade or a cooling harness? Do these actually work? We tested different cooling products and are ready to introduce the pros and cons of each category! 😉
Why would a dog need help cooling down? I hear from many owners that wolves or hunting/guarding/herding dogs never needed a colling vest or a cooling mat, and they were all fine, so all these products are just the result of the “dog mom culture.
The position of the leash attachment point on the back is mainly the question of personal preference based on what you use the harness for and how your dog walks on the leash. Still, there are a few important pros and cons that might help you choose.
Pros and Cons of Leash Attachment Close to the Neck In general, having the leash attachment close to the neck will give you the best steering power.
See more articles
Please Don’t Use a Dog Muzzle for Barking — Here’s Why
We’re going to be right up front with you about how we feel about using muzzles to stop dogs from barking. Muzzles have one primary purpose: To stop dogs from biting people, other dogs, and other animals. We do not recommend using muzzles to stop a dog from barking.
Alternatives to Dog Muzzles
To train or stop a barking dog, you need to train the dog, not muzzle them. Get to the source of the barking. Muzzling a dog to stop them from barking is inhumane and traumatic for the animal.
You will find humane and effective ways to train your dog so it learns when it is OK to bark and when it needs to be quiet. In fact, we recommend you start by reading about our train, treat, repeat approach to teaching dogs how to obey.
Alternative to muzzle for dog
- Ultrasonic bark control trainers
- Bark control collars
- Clicker training for dogs
- Whistle training for dogs
Many times when dog owners resort to muzzles to silence barking dogs, we find that the problem is with the human, not the canine. To train a dog to learn the difference between good and bad behaviors, the keys are consistency, patience, repetition and combining all of that with the right dog training tools. That said, we are not 100% anti-muzzle. We are pro-proper use of a muzzle. In short, we recommend using muzzles:
- To stop dogs that nip or bite at people and other animals, especially while you train them to modify this behavior
- To temporarily quiet or calm a dog that aggressively barks at your visitors or guests, again especially if you use it in conjunction with behavior modification
- If the muzzle properly fits and allows the dog to drink water, pant, and eat; more on this below
Are There Different Types of Muzzles?
Yes, you will find a variety of muzzles in your pet supply stores.
Consult with your vet about a muzzle and which might be the appropriate type for your pet. It is vital to your dog’s well-being and health that the muzzle you select is well-fitting and permits your dog to pant easily, take treats, and drink water.
Basket muzzles
This type of muzzle resembles a basket and is typically made from plastic, wire, or leather. Unlike other kinds of muzzles, this style allows your dog to continue to open and close his mouth, so make sure it is the right muzzle for what you need.
Mesh muzzles
Made from strong breathable mesh, this type of muzzle is softer and not as prominent as other muzzle styles. Owners and trainers of short-snout breeds often choose a mesh muzzle for dogs that can’t fit a traditional muzzle.
Soft muzzles
Although this muzzle type is made from soft material like nylon, it requires a tight fit and can inhibit your dog’s ability to pant, eat and drink. Look for a soft muzzle that protects your dog’s health and allows her to pant and drink water.
Breed-specific muzzles
Whether your dog is a greyhound, mastiff, or pug, muzzle manufacturers offer breed-specific muzzles that can provide a better fit for your dog, are minimally restrictive, and protect him from overheating.
What Are Dog Muzzles Best Used For?
We subscribe to the ASPCA’s position on training aids and methods for dogs, which is using “… humane training (that) does not inflict unnecessary distress or discomfort on the pet. Humane training makes primary use of lures and rewards such as food, petting and play.”
Muzzles are best suited for short-term solutions to protect you, your family and visitors from aggressive dogs that bite and nip. Use the muzzle while you are working on behavior modification with our train, treat, repeat methodology.
The dog routinely displays aggressive behavior
If your dog has a history of aggression toward other canines or people, a properly fitted muzzle can reduce risk and make certain situations, such as walking in the park and entertaining guests, more comfortable.
However, we recommend pairing the muzzle with training, treating, and repeating your dog to behave the way you want him to. And never leave a muzzle on a dog longer than your veterinarian recommends.
A trip to the vet or groomer causes a dog to freakout
A visit to the vet or groomer can throw the most well-behaved dog into a frenzy and bite those trying to help him. If your dog is known to display this out-of-character behavior in these scary or distressing situations, a muzzle can eliminate risk while allowing the pet care professionals to do their job.
Traveling via public transportation in foreign countries
When traveling on public transportation in countries like Germany, France, Greece, and Ireland, you will be required to muzzle your dog. Before you plan any overseas or out of the country travel, check the requirements not only for the destination but also the United States’ requirements for animals entering the country. You can start with the CDC’s guide to traveling with pets.
It’s the law (breed-specific legislation)
Some states and locales have specific breed legislation that mandates the use of a muzzle while the dog is in public places. For more information regarding the laws in each state, visit BLScensus.com.
Muzzle or Bark Collar — Which is Better?
If you’re having issues with your dog constantly barking, never look to a muzzle as a solution. The purpose of a muzzle is to prevent a dog from biting; they are not intended, nor are they useful as anti-bark training tools. Bark collars on the other hand, may be a successful tool to get a dog to stop barking, although these devices have their pros and cons, which you can read about in our guide to bark collars.
With advancements in technology, today’s bark collars come in various styles; static (shock), vibration, spray (citronella or lemon scent), and ultrasonic. When your dog barks, the collar emits an unpleasant stimulus that causes your dog to pause his barking. This moment allows you to reinforce your dog’s quiet behavior with a verbal command followed by a reward, like his favorite treat.
When used with positive reinforcement, a bark collar can be effective at correcting your dog’s unwanted behavior — barking.
With a muzzle, there is no stimulus-command-reward opportunity.
If I Can’t Use a Dog Muzzle for Barking, How Can I Get My Dog to Stop Barking?
You can do several things to help your dog stop barking:
- Ensure he gets plenty of physical and mental exercise.
- Never yell at him when he’s barking.
- Be consistent in your training. Always offer a reward and praise.
- Practice patience.
- Read our guide to dog barking.
In addition to bark collars, you will find humane alternatives to muzzles, including our own ultrasonic training tool, The BarxBuddy. This is a hand-held device that is easy and safe to use. Your dog doesn’t need to wear a collar or other equipment, and it can be used up to 40-60 feet. The BarxBuddy puts the control in your hands without making your dog uncomfortable. You determine when to quickly press the button so the device can emit a high-frequency sound only animals can hear that will stop your dog from barking.
When he quiets down, address him with a verbal cue like “quiet” and offer a reward.
Are Dog Muzzles Bad for Dogs? Are Dog Muzzles Cruel?
A muzzle can protect your dog, other canines, or people when you use it correctly. However, they come with some warnings:
- Muzzles are designed and intended for short periods. Depending on the outdoor temperature and your dog’s activity level, that might be as short as 15 minutes, but no more than an hour. Check with your vet.
- An ill-fitting muzzle can induce chafing, overheating, or cause your dog to develop a negative association with the device.
- You must monitor your dog’s breathing any time he is muzzled. Any sign of distress, remove the muzzle.
- A dog should drink .5 to 1 ounce of water per day per pound of body weight; the muzzle should not get in the way of your dog’s ability to drink water.
FAQs About Dog Muzzles
Are muzzles humane? Are dog muzzles inhumane?
Muzzles are considered to be inhumane when they do not allow a dog to eat or easily drink water.
Muzzles can be inhumane when they are used as bark control and when they are left on for long periods of time. Muzzles are not intended to be used for punishments.
Are dog muzzles safe?
Safe dog muzzles allow a dog to drink water and breathe easily. They can also be safely used for short periods of time, especially on puppies and dogs that have not been properly socialized (to prevent nipping and biting).
Are dog muzzles bad?
By now you know our stance on dog muzzles: They are OK to be used for short periods of time when socializing a dog or when teaching a puppy or dog to stop biting.
Does a muzzle stop a dog from biting?
Yes, most muzzles will stop a dog from biting. Please make sure your dog’s muzzle is properly fitted so your dog can breathe easily and drink water. Do not leave it on longer than your veterinarian or the muzzle’s manufacturer recommends.
How long can you keep a muzzle on a dog?
Follow your veterinarian’s or the muzzle’s manufacturer’s advice for length of time your dog can wear its muzzle.
Your dog should wear its muzzle while you are training it not to bite or nip at other animals and people. They can keep them on during a trip to the dog park, as long as they are able to easily drink water. Do not let your dog sleep with its muzzle on, unless it is a danger to your household.
Do dog muzzles work?
All dog training tools are effective as the trainers make them. In other words, if you muzzle a dog without reason, without training, and without rewards for good behavior, then your muzzle training efforts might not work well. Any dog training device or technique requires consistency, clear commands and rewards, and patience. Dog muzzles can work for protecting people and animals from a dog that likes to bite; however, we do not recommend them for a long0term solution. See our train, treat, repeat method for dog training.
Can a dog howl with a muzzle on? Can a dog still bark when a muzzle on?
Yes, they can, which is another reason we recommend finding an alternative to a muzzle for your dog, which we you’ll find if you scroll up on this post.
For More Advice on Dog Training
Learn more about the BarxBuddy ultrasonic training tool, which is designed to help you stop unwanted behaviors from your dog using a humane, safe and effective training device.
Explore our dog blog and learn more about training, grooming and other pet-related topics, and browse our shop, which contains innovative pet products hand-selected by our team.
How to wean a dog from barking all the time? I don’t have the strength anymore 🙁
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My friend has such a dog, I stopped visiting her because of this.
Barks piercingly, continuously, it is not possible to talk. I always left her with a headache and ringing in my ears from this barking.
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#14 900 05
Guest
Damn, how easy it is to piss you off.
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An
I’m having a terrible problem right now.
The little mongrel dog appeared three years ago. They lived in an apartment. And now we moved to the hostel and I had a baby. She barks at every noise in the hostel, people wash their hands outside the door, she breaks down. And when she starts barking, she doesn’t stop herself. Until I yell and slap in the face, the tantrum does not stop. Wakes up the child all the time. A week ago, she started jumping out from under the sofa and grabbing her daughter by the legs. He growls at her, picks up toys and takes them under the sofa to himself. I don’t know what to do with the dog. When a child is not punished – the child’s psyche suffers. And I can’t stop barking. We have one room and no other rooms. The neighbors are complaining. And now her aggression. If you say that you need a cynologist, then I will say that I myself have been a dog lover since childhood, but I have never had such problems. Always all the dogs of the team knew, behaved perfectly. I bought a collar with an electric shock, the seller told me that neither ultrasound nor vibration would help with such barking.
When the first discharge went, the dog began to squeal like a cut one. Because of this, the discharge intensified, I had to pull off the collar. I could not wear this horror anymore. She understands that it is impossible to bark, she looks at me, she is afraid of punishment, she pees from fear, but she cannot stop. As if she is not in control of this barking. There is no place to give it to me. And when I took her to the shelter as a puppy, I said that I would never give her to anyone. How to be?
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fox
all the dogs in the furnace, I hate them any. Marina 154
Nosachenko Oksana
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Psychologist .
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Oksana
Everyone has the right to like or dislike dogs. I don’t like them too much either. I have a dog. In addition to the hassle and problems from it, there is nothing more.
Before that, there was a great dog, whom I remember with pleasure. And after this empty breeze, I will never get a dog again. 16 March 2015 . They also feel loved or not loved, so do not mock the animal if you can not give him anything but a bowl of food. By the way, this applies to children, husbands, friends)
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Guest
water spray collar
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En
I’m having a terrible problem right now. The little mongrel dog appeared three years ago. They lived in an apartment. And now we moved to the hostel and I had a baby. She barks at every noise in the hostel, people wash their hands outside the door, she breaks down. And when she starts barking, she doesn’t stop herself. Until I yell and slap in the face, the tantrum does not stop. Wakes up the child all the time. A week ago, she started jumping out from under the sofa and grabbing her daughter by the legs.
He growls at her, picks up toys and takes them under the sofa to himself. I don’t know what to do with the dog. When a child is not punished – the child’s psyche suffers. And I can’t stop barking. We have one room and no other rooms. The neighbors are complaining. And now her aggression. If you say that you need a cynologist, then I will say that I myself have been a dog lover since childhood, but I have never had such problems. Always all the dogs of the team knew, behaved perfectly. I bought a collar with an electric shock, the seller told me that neither ultrasound nor vibration would help with such barking. When the first discharge went, the dog began to squeal like a cut one. Because of this, the discharge intensified, I had to pull off the collar. I could not wear this horror anymore. She understands that it is impossible to bark, she looks at me, she is afraid of punishment, she pees from fear, but she cannot stop. As if she is not in control of this barking. There is no place to give it to me.
And when I took her to the shelter as a puppy, I said that I would never give her to anyone. How to be?
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Guest
anti-barking collar to help you, a trifle inquisitorial thing, but for a couple of days – that’s it.
Guest
An extreme case of surgery is the cutting of the vocal cords, but what to do? wait until the neighbors start petitions to roll where they should
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fox 900 05
all dogs in the furnace, I hate them all.
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fox
all the dogs in the furnace, I hate them any.
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Guest
Everyone has the right to like or dislike dogs, or cats, or mice… But no one should have an animal if he does not perceive or understand them. They also feel loved or not loved, so do not mock the animal if you can not give him anything but a bowl of food. By the way, this also applies to children, husbands, friends)
Svetlana
Before getting a dog, you need to learn as much as possible about the breed and decide whether you can handle it or not.
If the soba is a cur, then you should watch it for a couple of days before taking it home.
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#42
Why am I saying all this. The solution has been found!!! We decided to buy an anti-bark collar. We read for a long time which one to choose – they are different. And everyone writes that they are not effective. (the wool is dense on the neck, the vibration does not work, slips to the side and does not fall on the vocal cords and does not work, etc.)
My husband just bought a collar with a remote control, not automatic. The dog barks, press the button. Three programs: beep, vibration, electric shock.
The signal had no effect on her, the husband tried the electric shock on himself, he said that he should use it as a last resort, but the vibration worked !!! the dog just shudders and stops barking! moreover, the intensity can be selected from 1 to 100, we did 30 and everything works! it does not slip anywhere, the vibration goes through dense wool and everything is great!
We have been using the collar for the third day, the dog does not bark at all (well, a little bit when the doorbell rings, and then it barks once and that’s it)
I recommend it to everyone!!! Do not be afraid!!!! Buy a collar!!! The dog is happy – no one hits her, the slippers don’t fly, no one yells and they love her again !! 04 July 2015, 07:43 04
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9L yalya
Buy an anti-bark collar. There will be no problems on the same day.
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Guest
An extreme case of surgery is cutting the vocal cords, but what to do? wait until the neighbors start petitioning where they should go
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fox
all dogs in the furnace, I hate them all.
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fox
all dogs in the furnace, I hate them all.
How to wean your dog from barking in any situation
11/15/2013
Mouth to the castle: how to stop wasteland
What are miniature breed dogs famous for? An outlandish cartoon look, bright outfits and … a shrill bark. It is not known whether comparisons were made between the “number of barks” in animals of different breeds and sizes, but the widespread opinion is well known: small dogs bark more often, longer, more disgustingly. There is hardly a person who can withstand these high-pitched, ear-pounding sounds for more than ten seconds. And if your pet is filled with heart-rending yapping for every reason, starting from the doorbell and ending with a suspicious rustle at night?
Why does the dog bark?
Barking is one way for a dog to communicate. Animals of medium and large sizes, when communicating with each other and with people, have the opportunity to use the entire communication spectrum: vision, voice, sniffing, characteristic movements and postures.
Sofa pets are often deprived of this opportunity. They spend most of the walk on a harness, and at the sight of an outside animal, the owners quickly take them in their arms. That is, the owners often deprive their pet of most ways of communication. All he has left is his voice. It should be borne in mind that unfamiliar people, sounds, objects will be perceived by the animal as a potential danger, which should be immediately reported to the owner.
How does your dog bark? In addition to communication as such, there are two main reasons – defensive intentions and fear. The lower the timbre of the animal’s voice, the more confident it feels. On the contrary, the scarier your pet is, the thinner, shriller, more hysterical his barking will be. To wean a dog to bark continuously, you need to have a good idea of what exactly you have to wean it from.
Getting started
Small dog breeds are very trainable, they are smart and quickly understand what actions are undesirable.
Consider the simplest option. You have purchased or are just about to purchase a puppy. Despite the fact that the breed is miniature, and the puppy looks more like a plush toy, this is a dog. And like any dog, it needs proper education.
Despite their size, these animals work well in general groups and are in no way inferior to larger brothers. In addition, a properly socialized dog is known to be less hysterical. After a few sessions, unwanted barking will be easily blocked by the “fu” command. It is also easy to teach a puppy a special command aimed solely at stopping barking. It can be any word: shut up, quiet, shh, as well as clap, snap fingers or clicker.
Do you know why the puppy does not go to the diaper?
A detailed article on how a dog’s teeth change.
Nuances of adult dogs
Things are more complicated with adult animals. It takes much more time to correct ingrained habits and vices of upbringing, and the result will be worse fixed than with early training.
And so we return to the question: – for what reason does your dog bark?
If a small dog in your family feels like a leader, it will provide protection for “its pack”.
For example, when the doorbell rings, rush to it and bark confidently, methodically, without the slightest sign of hysteria. If you have a stranger in your apartment, she will demonstrate with her voice “who is the boss in the house.” On the street, he may try to bite your interlocutor or a random person who came too close, violating a certain “safety boundary”. With such behavior, the owner needs to lower the status of the animal in the family, restoring the main rule for the coexistence of people and dogs: – “Any member of the family is more important than any dog.”
Along the way, stop her from barking without your permission. The choice of means remains with the owner and depends on the situation.
Many owners of very loud dogs successfully use a water spray bottle. The combination of the “fu” command and the splashing of water on the muzzle while barking brings a very effective result.
The traditional slap with a newspaper works just as well as a spray gun. After interrupting the barking, send the dog back to its place or isolate it in some other way. For example, close in an empty room. When barking outside, you can use a special muzzle.
In the event that your pet goes into a hysterical high-pitched bark of fright, the actions should be different. With the same call, you should first interrupt the barking in the chosen way, take the animal and, not allowing it to bark, open the door with it. Allow to inspect and sniff the person who has come, encourage with delicacy and voice. Such a dog does not need to be isolated, it must get used to the fact that guests are not dangerous.
Stop worrying about finding a suitable nickname for a dog: find beautiful names for boys.
Download patterns for dogs of small breeds from our website.
Instructions on how to build a warm booth in the country: http://www.krohotun.com/soderzhanie/process-postrojjki-budki.
