Can a muzzle effectively stop a dog from barking. Is using a muzzle to prevent barking safe for dogs. What are the risks of using a muzzle to control barking. How do muzzles impact a dog’s ability to pant and regulate temperature. Are there better alternatives to muzzles for addressing excessive barking in dogs.

The Misconception of Muzzles as Barking Deterrents

Many dog owners and even some pet store employees mistakenly believe that muzzles can be an effective tool to stop dogs from barking. This misconception is often fueled by misleading product descriptions and marketing tactics. However, the reality is quite different, and using a muzzle to prevent barking can be both ineffective and potentially dangerous for your canine companion.

Do muzzles actually prevent dogs from barking? The short answer is no, not if they are properly fitted. A correctly sized muzzle should allow a dog to open its mouth, pant, drink, and even take treats. If a dog can open its mouth, it can also bark. Some products claim to stop barking while still allowing panting, but this is physically impossible. A muzzle tight enough to prevent barking would also restrict essential functions like panting and drinking.

The Importance of Panting for Dogs

Panting is crucial for a dog’s well-being. Why is panting so important for dogs? It’s their primary method of regulating body temperature. Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat through their skin. Instead, they cool themselves by circulating air through their mouths and respiratory system. A muzzle that prevents a dog from opening its mouth wide enough to pant effectively can lead to dangerous overheating, especially in warm weather or during physical activity.

Risks of Restricting Panting

• Overheating and heat stroke
• Dehydration
• Respiratory distress
• Increased stress and anxiety

Safety Concerns with Tight Muzzles

Using a tight muzzle to stop barking poses several serious safety risks. How can a tight muzzle endanger a dog’s health? Here are some key concerns:

1. Suffocation risk: If a dog vomits while wearing a tight muzzle, it could choke on its own vomit.
2. Dehydration: A tight muzzle prevents a dog from drinking water.
3. Strangulation hazard: If left unattended, a dog might get the muzzle caught on something, potentially leading to strangulation.
4. Stress and anxiety: Being unable to open their mouth fully can cause significant distress for dogs.

These risks make it clear that using a tight muzzle for extended periods is not only ineffective for stopping barking but also potentially life-threatening.

Proper Uses for Dog Muzzles

While muzzles should not be used to stop barking, they do have legitimate uses in dog care and training. When should a dog muzzle be used? Here are some appropriate scenarios:

• During veterinary examinations, especially for dogs that are nervous or prone to biting
• In public spaces where local laws require muzzles for certain breeds
• During introductions to new dogs or environments for reactive dogs
• For short-term prevention of scavenging or eating inappropriate items during walks
• As part of a behavioral modification program under professional guidance

In all these cases, the muzzle should be properly fitted to allow panting, drinking, and taking treats while preventing biting.

Addressing the Root Causes of Excessive Barking

Instead of resorting to muzzles, it’s essential to address the underlying reasons for excessive barking. Why do dogs bark excessively? Common causes include:

• Boredom or lack of mental stimulation
• Anxiety or fear
• Territorial behavior
• Attention-seeking
• Medical issues

Identifying the cause of your dog’s barking is the first step in addressing the behavior effectively. This often requires the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who can assess your dog’s specific situation and develop a tailored training plan.

Positive Reinforcement Techniques

How can you reduce excessive barking without using a muzzle? Positive reinforcement training techniques are often effective in modifying barking behavior. These may include:

• Teaching a “quiet” command
• Rewarding calm behavior
• Providing mental stimulation through puzzle toys and training exercises
• Desensitization to barking triggers
• Establishing consistent routines to reduce anxiety

Remember, changing a dog’s behavior takes time and patience. Consistent application of positive training methods is key to long-term success.

The Role of Exercise and Mental Stimulation

A well-exercised and mentally stimulated dog is less likely to engage in problematic behaviors like excessive barking. How does exercise impact a dog’s behavior? Regular physical activity helps burn excess energy, reduces stress, and promotes overall well-being. Similarly, mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, and interactive games can prevent boredom-related barking.

Exercise Ideas for Dogs

• Daily walks or runs
• Fetch or frisbee games
• Swimming (for water-loving breeds)
• Agility courses
• Tug-of-war (with proper rules)

Mental Stimulation Activities

• Food puzzles and treat-dispensing toys
• Obedience training sessions
• Scent work games
• Hide-and-seek with toys or treats
• Teaching new tricks

Combining physical exercise with mental challenges can significantly reduce problem behaviors and improve your dog’s overall quality of life.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your dog’s excessive barking persists despite your best efforts, it may be time to consult a professional. When should you seek help from a dog behaviorist or trainer? Consider reaching out if:

• The barking is causing significant distress to you, your family, or neighbors
• Your dog seems anxious, fearful, or aggressive when barking
• The barking is accompanied by other problematic behaviors
• You’ve tried various methods without success
• The barking seems to be linked to a specific trigger you can’t identify or address

A certified professional can provide a comprehensive assessment of your dog’s behavior and develop a tailored plan to address the barking issue effectively and humanely.

Understanding Muzzle Types and Proper Fitting

While muzzles should not be used to stop barking, understanding different muzzle types and proper fitting is important for situations where muzzle use is appropriate. What are the main types of dog muzzles?

• Basket muzzles: These allow for panting, drinking, and treating while preventing biting
• Soft muzzles: Often made of fabric, these are more restrictive and should only be used for very short periods
• Custom-fit muzzles: These provide the best comfort and security for dogs that need to wear muzzles regularly

How do you ensure a muzzle fits properly? A well-fitted muzzle should:

• Allow the dog to open its mouth wide enough to pant comfortably
• Not rub against the dog’s eyes or nose
• Be snug enough that the dog can’t remove it easily, but not so tight as to cause discomfort
• Allow the dog to drink water and take small treats

Remember, even with a properly fitted muzzle, supervised use and gradual acclimation are crucial for the dog’s comfort and safety.

Legal and Ethical Considerations of Muzzle Use

The use of muzzles, especially as a means to control barking, raises both legal and ethical questions. Are there laws regulating muzzle use on dogs? While laws vary by location, many jurisdictions have regulations about when and how muzzles can be used. Some key legal considerations include:

• Breed-specific legislation that may require muzzles for certain dog breeds in public spaces
• Animal welfare laws that prohibit causing unnecessary suffering to animals
• Local ordinances regarding noise control and nuisance barking

From an ethical standpoint, it’s important to consider the impact of muzzle use on a dog’s quality of life and well-being. Using a muzzle as a quick fix for barking without addressing the underlying causes can be seen as neglecting the dog’s emotional and behavioral needs.

Ethical Muzzle Use

When is it ethically appropriate to use a muzzle? Ethical muzzle use typically involves:

• Short-term use for specific safety reasons
• Proper introduction and positive association training
• Ensuring the dog’s comfort and ability to perform natural behaviors
• Using the muzzle as part of a broader behavioral management plan, not as a standalone solution

By considering both legal requirements and ethical implications, dog owners can make informed decisions about muzzle use that prioritize their pet’s well-being and public safety.

Alternative Products for Managing Barking

While muzzles are not appropriate for controlling barking, there are other products designed to address this issue more humanely and effectively. What alternatives exist for managing excessive barking? Here are some options:

• Citronella collars: These release a burst of citronella spray when the dog barks, which many dogs find unpleasant
• Ultrasonic devices: These emit a high-pitched sound audible to dogs when barking is detected
• Bark control collars: Some use vibration or sound to interrupt barking
• White noise machines: These can help mask external sounds that trigger barking
• Pheromone diffusers: These release calming pheromones that may reduce anxiety-related barking

It’s important to note that while these products can be helpful tools, they should be used in conjunction with behavioral training for the best results. Additionally, some of these methods, particularly those involving aversive stimuli, remain controversial and may not be suitable for all dogs.

Choosing the Right Solution

How do you choose the best method for managing your dog’s barking? Consider the following factors:

• The underlying cause of the barking
• Your dog’s temperament and sensitivity
• The frequency and duration of barking episodes
• Any health issues that might be contributing to the behavior
• Your living situation (e.g., apartment vs. house, proximity to neighbors)

Consulting with a veterinarian or professional dog trainer can help you determine the most appropriate and effective approach for your specific situation.

The Importance of Consistent Training and Patience

Addressing excessive barking requires a commitment to consistent training and patience. Why is consistency so crucial in modifying barking behavior? Dogs thrive on routine and clear expectations. Inconsistent responses to barking can confuse your dog and make the behavior more difficult to change.

Key Elements of Effective Bark Training

• Establishing clear communication: Use consistent commands and rewards
• Timing: Respond to the barking behavior immediately for the most effective learning
• Positive reinforcement: Reward quiet behavior generously
• Patience: Understand that behavior change takes time
• Consistency across all family members: Everyone should follow the same rules and training methods

How long does it typically take to see results in bark training? The timeline can vary widely depending on the dog, the cause of the barking, and the consistency of training. Some dogs may show improvement in a few weeks, while others may take months. The key is to remain patient and persistent, celebrating small victories along the way.

Creating a Supportive Environment

Successful bark training also involves creating an environment that supports your dog’s learning and well-being. This may include:

• Establishing a consistent daily routine
• Providing a safe, comfortable space for your dog to retreat when overwhelmed
• Managing your dog’s exposure to barking triggers during the training process
• Ensuring all family members and regular visitors are on board with the training approach

Remember, the goal is not to eliminate barking entirely—barking is a natural form of communication for dogs. Instead, the aim is to teach your dog when it’s appropriate to bark and when to be quiet, fostering a harmonious relationship between you, your dog, and your community.

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

Do Muzzles Stop Dogs From Barking? (Nope! Here Is WHY)

For pet owners, there are few behavioral issues more frustrating than barking. It can be challenging to discourage loud dogs from voicing their opinion, leading many dog lovers to wonder: does a muzzle stop barking?

Muzzles can be a good tool for curbing behaviors such as biting or aggression. However, misusing a muzzle may cause your dog stress and discomfort. It’s important to know when it is or isn’t appropriate to muzzle your dog.

Do muzzles stop dogs from barking? (Nope!)

Here, I’ll discuss whether a muzzle will stop your dog from barking when you want some peace. Read on to learn more about proper muzzle use and safe ways to discourage your dog from making too much noise.

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Why Do Dogs Bark?

Barking is a natural behavior for almost any dog. It’s how they communicate with their owner and sometimes with other dogs. However, when barking becomes excessive, it can be stressful for everybody in your household.

There are several reasons your dog might be barking more than you’d prefer. But while some barking is unavoidable, other times, it’s your dog’s way of telling you something is wrong.

Yorkshire Terrier is being aggressive by barking continuously.

Excitement

Plenty of things can excite your dog to the point of barking. Even just walking through the door after work may be enough to trigger a reaction.

If your dog is barking from excitement, its body language will be happy and relaxed. Their tail will be wagging, and their ears alert.

A happy dog at the park is jumping.

Attention

Most dogs learn early on that barking is the best way to get their human’s attention. Both negative and positive attention can encourage dogs to vocalize anytime they feel neglected. Body language may be happy and excited or tense and frustrated.

Pomeranian puppy barking and whining on the couch.

Boredom

All dogs need plenty of mental and physical stimulation throughout the day, especially highly active or intelligent breeds. If your dog doesn’t have enough environmental enrichment, it may start barking to entertain itself. A bored dog may have excited or neutral body language.

Dachshund incessantly barking outside the house.

Fear or Anxiety

If your dog meets a new face or encounters a new situation, it may react with fear. Separation anxiety is a common issue in many breeds as well.

Barking is a common behavior in dogs that feel defensive. It can also be a territorial display if your dog sees a new person or pet in its space. A scared dog will display body language such as raised hackles, a lowered head, or tucking the tail between its legs.

Dog with hackles up.

Pain

If your dog is in discomfort, it may bark to alert you that something’s not right. When living in packs, dogs use barking to stop behaviors that cause pain. If your dog is sick or injured, it may bark at a higher pitch than usual or whine between barks.

Its body language will likely be nervous, and it may shy away from touch.

Dog barks at a stranger beside the owner.

Surprise

Like many of us, dogs may yelp or otherwise vocalize when surprised. A surprised bark is often higher pitched than a normal bark and often singular. A surprised dog’s body posture can vary from excited to scared, depending on the situation.

If your dog is spooked, make sure to approach slowly and offer plenty of reassurances.

Do Boston Terriers bark a lot? [How to stop?]

Dementia 

Older dogs may start to show signs of cognitive decline as they age, including forms of canine dementia. A dog with dementia may see or hear stimuli that aren’t there, leading to unwanted barking. Dementia-related barking often happens at night, though you may also hear it during daytime hours.

Other signs include disorientation, lethargy, sleep disruptions, and behavioral changes.

Understanding the source of your dog’s barking can help you to tackle the root of the issue. You can decide the best approach to take with your pup to discourage loud or disruptive outbursts.

Does a Muzzle Stop Barking?

If your dog is barking excessively, a muzzle is usually not the best way to discourage the behavior. In fact, muzzles may cause more harm than good when improperly used.

Using a muzzle for barking is not only ineffective, but can also cause stress and discomfort for your dog. A muzzle clamps their jaw shut, making it difficult to eat or drink when needed and lead to a hungry, dehydrated, and often irritable dog.

A tight muzzle also prevents panting. Unlike us, dogs don’t sweat—they release heat through their mouths. On a warm day, a dog with a tight muzzle can easily overheat, leading to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or even cardiac arrest.

Muzzles can also cause other health issues in dogs with improper use. Some of the most common complaints include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea, vomiting, and possible aspiration
• Pain and discomfort around the jaw
• Chafing along the snout
• Stress and anxiety

While you can find special no-bark muzzles, these often cause the same issues as other muzzle styles. No-bark muzzles are slightly looser than standard models, allowing dogs room to pant. However, any type of muzzle will still restrict movement and make eating, drinking, and breathing more difficult.

Even if a muzzle stops your dog from barking, it does nothing to address the root of the issue. Your dog will not learn to bark less frequently when the muzzle is off. In fact, the stress from wearing a muzzle may encourage unwanted behaviors and vocalizations.

A muzzle can prevent a dog from excessive barking.

Why Use a Muzzle?

The only reason you should muzzle your dog is to prevent biting, snarling, or other forms of aggression. Muzzles should fit snugly around a dog’s snout to limit jaw mobility. With a muzzle in place, dogs won’t be able to open wide enough to bite, snap, or engage in other dangerous behaviors.

Dogs with a history of aggressive behavior should wear a muzzle when out in public until properly trained. Nervous or sensitive dogs may need a muzzle in new or stressful situations to protect nearby pets and pedestrians.

In most cases, aggressive dogs will only need to wear a muzzle for a limited time. As an owner, your goal should be to train and socialize your dog to behave around others. You should stop using a muzzle only once your dog is calm around other pets and people.

Safe Ways to Stop Barking

Devices such as muzzles don’t do much to stop excessive barking. Fortunately, there are plenty of other tricks that you can try to discourage loud outbursts.

Get Plenty of Exercise

Many dogs bark simply because they have pent-up energy to release. If your dog doesn’t get enough exercise, it may turn to behaviors such as barking to stay active.

One of the best ways to discourage barking is by giving your dog enough exercise every day. Wearing your dog out through walks, playtime, and more helps to curb compulsive barking and also keep your dog in good health.

Jack Russell Terrier running with a wooden stick in his mouth.

Enrich Your Dog’s Environment

A bored dog is often a loud dog. Even if you walk your dog once to twice daily, it still needs entertainment during the stretches in between. You should ensure that your home environment offers plenty of interesting mental and physical stimulation for your pooch.

Interactive dog toys and puzzles can keep your dog occupied when you’re too busy to play. With plenty of exciting games to try, your dog is less likely to spend its free time barking. 

Pembroke Welsh Corgi playing with his toy!

Use a Command

If all else fails, you may be able to teach your dog a “quiet” command to let it know when things are getting too loud. It takes some time, patience, and persistence to train instinctual behaviors such as barking out of dogs.

The best way to teach the “quiet” command is through consistent reinforcement. Tell your dog to quiet down, and reward it with a treat once it listens. Over time, your dog should be able to master the command.

Remember that it may be harder to curb barking in some breeds than in others.

Training a Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed by his owner.

Wrapping Up

Excessive barking can be difficult to discourage, especially in vocal breeds such as Beagles or Yorkies. Many owners who are looking for some peace wonder: does a muzzle stop barking?

While a muzzle can help with issues such as aggression and biting, they don’t typically curb barking. Improper muzzle use can cause pain, stress, and frustration for you and your pup.

Instead of limiting jaw mobility, the best way to stop barking is through training. With patience and persistence, you can teach your dog to limit barking at home and in public.

How to quickly wean a dog from barking?

The dog is man’s best friend. Everyone knows the expression from early childhood. They help protect the house, go hunting, guides for blind people, cab drivers among northern peoples, but, unfortunately, sometimes upset with their annoying, causeless barking.

Of course, a barking dog “speaks” to us and conveys his thoughts and experiences to us. But the dog should bark only on business, otherwise there will be no normal life and sleep, and not only for you, but also for the people around you. And most importantly, the owners will lose their vigilance, and even when there is a real danger, they will consider it as idle talk and the narrow-minded mind of their dog.

Below are all the possible ways and methods that will help answer such an exciting question of many people: “How to wean a dog from barking?”.

It is necessary to train a dog since childhood

The most effective training for very young puppies is 2-3 months old. But it is worth remembering that training should be constant, the dog should not be allowed to descend from childhood. It is forbidden to encourage unreasonable barking. After all, you do not allow her to go to the toilet in all corners. Then, when she grows up, you will get a faithful, faithful, and most importantly obedient dog.

Here are the simplest methods, if your pet is guilty and “sings songs” directly:

• raise your voice;
• ignore the dog;
• when the puppy yelped just because he wants to – lightly tap him on the face. Just not with a newspaper, twig or slippers, as many advise. Be sure to use your index finger or palm. After all, the dog knows the hands of the owner who feeds her and will not be offended, but will understand that this is a necessary measure.

Of course, it is much easier to teach a puppy to bark than an adult dog with an already formed temperament, character and established habits. Difficult does not mean impossible.

Identify the reason for your dog’s barking

A dog barks for a variety of reasons, just like a person – screams because of such reasons:

• loneliness;
• joy;
• indignation and disagreement;
• resentment;
• fear;
• barking, as a request to take a walk, play, pay attention;
• meeting family or friend – another dog;
• overexcitation;
• barking, like a cry for support.

First, take a close look at your pet. Perhaps he ate something wrong on the street, unnoticed by you, or pricked his paw, part of the bone (stick) got stuck in his jaw, a tick attacked or fleas. All this worries the dog, and she calls you for help. If not, everything is fine with her – proceed to educational measures.

Train to be alone

Dogs are social animals and love to be around people. Naturally, a person cannot always be near because of work, affairs, and for many other reasons. Therefore, you need to accustom the dog to independence and loneliness.

If you have bought a puppy – just leave him at home every day for a while, and daily add time to your absence.

The door is the main goal of protecting the dog

If a dog constantly barks at any rustle, the slightest noise, or at a neighbor passing by, this must be dealt with, otherwise you and your dog are doomed to constant remarks from neighbors and others.

Ask a family member or friend to help you stop barking at the door. Tell them to ride the elevator or walk past the doors, but don’t knock or touch them. And you, already on the other side of the door, will train the dog. How? Hold your beloved animal by the collar and say the commands: be quiet or be silent. As soon as the dog calms down, be sure to reward efforts and work.

Now ask your accomplice to imitate an apartment robbery (let him pull on the door, jokingly try to break the lock, and so on). As soon as the dog reacts and starts to protect the front door, immediately praise it, caress it and treat it with something tasty.

Taking such measures, the dog will remember when it is forbidden and when it is necessary to bark and will know that he will be rewarded for good service.

Complete ignore

Of course, when a dog barks constantly, it is very, very difficult to remain indifferent and just listen to unbearable and shrill “bow-wow”, and even worse if it is accompanied by a howl. But! You should be patient and wait until the animal gets bored and it subsides. Only now it’s your turn – come up and encourage her. So she will remember that silence is valued, and treats are also passed for it.

Quiet command

It is very good to teach the dog commands. “Quiet” is especially useful when dealing with barking for no reason. So you can reduce barking to a minimum of noise, and eventually get rid of this addiction altogether.

Training manuals:

1. put on a leash, hold the dog by it so that it is motionless;
2. force to start barking;
3. say “quiet!” and at the same time do not allow the dog to bark, for example, to clamp his mouth, occupying it with a toy or a piece of food;
4. as soon as the barking subsides – praise and stroke;
5. after a certain period of time, increase the duration of silence to a new reward.

Buy a special anti-bark collar

There are 2 types of collars to fight against very “talkative” dogs.

With electric shock

This collar has a built-in special battery that strikes your dog with a small current charge as soon as he starts his barking. For your pet, it will be enough to vilify such a collar to understand the simple truth: “You only need to talk about business.” By the way, many consider this method very dangerous and cruel. But it is worth noting that the so-called blow will not be stronger than when we comb our hair or change a sweater made of natural wool, dressed in synthetics. Also, the collar is equipped with a fuse that regulates the impact power.

With special liquid

There is also a second type of collar, more humane than the first. As soon as the dog starts barking, lemon water splashes out. From this, the dog is frightened and simply falls silent. After repeating this several times, the dog will understand that its barking is the reason for the smell of lemon, which is unpleasant for the scent, and stops barking once again. The liquid is absolutely safe for the animal. There is only one drawback: if the dog is excessively “sociable” – you will have to change the sprayer very often.

Other devices against barking

We live in a time when almost everything has been invented by mankind. As is already clear, barking can also be eliminated with the help of other specially designed devices, in which it is necessary to establish the degree of ultrasound radiation power, which is very unpleasant for the auditory perception of dogs. Such a miracle device can be used both in the apartment and on the street.

Muzzle

Using a muzzle to stop barking is a simple but effective method that does not prevent the dog from eating and drinking freely, but will not protect against other sounds (whining, howling).

Reinforcing positive behavior

Sometimes, for prevention and reinforcement of success, give the commands “Voice” and “Quiet” in turn, so that the dog can easily distinguish between them. For every obedience and correct decision, reward your pet. When training your dog, do not forget that she feels, remembers and understands everything. Therefore, protect her from violence and overwork.

Good luck in the fight against causeless barking!

“PetPROFI” – How to wean a dog from barking with anti-bark collars

Electronic anti-bark collars are designed to stop unwanted barking of dogs both in the presence and in the absence of owners. In some cases, they can also help with howling. They use either electrical action or its alternative – an ultrasonic signal, vibration, a voice command of the owner recorded on a chip, a spray, or a combination of them.

The issue of training and raising a dog sooner or later confronts every owner and is resolved, in most cases, at the home level without the involvement of a trainer – the benefit is not so much required from the pupil: adequate behavior that ensures a comfortable coexistence of a person and an animal at home and safety the last one on the street. Usually we are satisfied that our pet is not aggressive, healthy, cheerful and does not create threats to its health, for example, does not pick up any nasty things from the ground or jump out onto the roadway and does not scare passers-by or cyclists. (It will not work to fight dog aggression with the help of an electric collar) A complete idyll occurs when the dog does not create inconvenience to neighbors with its barking or howling in your absence.

You can educate by various methods, but, as a rule, it requires a lot of time and a systematic approach. Due to the fact that there are problems with both, once again we have to turn to technology. The tools used in dog training include various types of electronic systems designed for training (electronic training collars) and keeping dogs (electronic fences and bark control systems). All of these systems, in one way or another, use an electrical impulse regulated in duration and power, and, if used correctly in skilled hands, are very effective. However, according to a certain number of owners of four-legged children, they are not humane enough. In other words, the people are afraid of them, do not trust them, and refuse to call them anything other than “shockers”.

Fear, as you know, is a hard-to-conquer thing. Apparently, therefore, European manufacturers of electronic systems for animals, having decided not to fight human phobias, have developed systems that use stimuli alternative to the electrical impulse.

What came to replace the impulse? What kind of irritant, fundamentally incapable of causing pain, is used in new systems? It turns out that everything is simple – it’s an ultrasonic signal, vibration, the owner’s voice command recorded on the chip, a spray, or a combination of them. Unfortunately, we are only talking about bark control devices so far: IKI Voice, EYENIMAL BARK CONTROL SOFT, INDOOR UlTRASONIC BARK CONTROL, EYENIMAL OUTDOOR BARK CONROL, CANICALM SPRAY, ELITE LITTLE DOG SPRAY BARK COLLAR, COMFORT FIT BIF DOG SPRAY BARK COLLAR. 100% effective training systems and electronic fences that do not use an electrostatic pulse are not yet available.

Let’s briefly dwell on some models.

BARK CONTROL SOFT (replacing the “IKI SONIC” model): The dog is brought out of the excited state, which is usually indicated by its vocal activity by means of an ultrasonic and / or vibrational signal. Ultrasonic or vibro – the signal is somewhat incomprehensible, and not very pleasant for many, “interrupts” the dog’s mood for a vocal demonstration of emotions and gives it the opportunity to switch to something more calm – for example, to think about the meaning and brevity of a dog’s life . .. The device weighs only 52 grams .

IKI VOICE: Outwardly similar to the previous one, it weighs 56 grams and uses either a vibration signal as an irritant, or a voice command of the owner pre-recorded on the chip, or both taken together.

CANICALM SPRAY Weighs only 40 grams and reacts to barking with a fine spray.

A little about the strengths and weaknesses of new products. The biggest advantage of ultrasonic and spray anti-barks is, of course, their absolute humanity and the absence of a painful effect on the animal. Metal electrodes – an obligatory attribute of the old collars – anti-barking, which rubbed the dog’s neck when worn for a long time, were replaced with a rounded plastic single “outgrowth”. Compactness and ergonomics, combined with the first quality, finally make it possible to use them to regulate the vocal outpourings of dogs of the smallest breeds, especially those who love to amuse themselves and their neighbors in the absence of their owners. Previously available analogues on the market (including spray ones) weighed much more and were inapplicable for dogs – babies, both because of their weight and for reasons of humanity. New systems do not punish – they simply switch the animal’s attention, distract it from an undesirable action.

However, to be honest, the efficiency of devices without electrical action is very relative. This is especially true for IKI VOICE. Such a device is only suitable for a super-trained dog. For it to work, the dog must be perfectly trained. First of all, she must know the command “silence” and obey it at the first word. We always warn the buyer that such a collar is not a panacea at all. It requires serious dog training.

EYENIMAL BARK CONTROL SOFT, INDOOR ULTRASONIC BARK CONTROL, EYENIMAL OUTDOOR BARK CONROL – work on dogs that especially dislike ultrasound. If the dog is hysterical or very stubborn, or does not respond to ultrasound at all, such a collar will not stop him from barking.

CANICALM SPRAY, ELITE LITTLE DOG SPRAY BARK COLLAR, COMFORT FIT BIF DOG SPRAY BARK COLLAR are also specific items. They are suitable for hysterical dogs that are filled with barking and cannot stop. In this case, when the collar is sprayed into her nose, the dog is distracted from the tantrum and stops barking.

However, if you really want to stop the dog’s barking, forget about all the “humanities”, it’s not very effective. The electric collar will quickly bring the dog back to normal. Anti-bark collars produced by Dogtra, NUM’AXES, SportDOG are distinguished by high quality and reliability.

Dogtra anti-bark collars.

When using Dogtra anti-barks, you can change the intensity of the impact. The electric collar has several levels of exposure, which the owner exposes. Your task is to find the minimum level at which the dog experiences discomfort and stops barking. In addition, all Dogtra anti-barks have a vibration signal. The dog quickly understands that the vibration will be followed by an electrical impact and, as a rule, the vibration is enough to silence the dog. Dogtra collars are the perfect choice for every dog.

Dogtra has a new development – iQ anti-bark collar. This is a collar with unique properties, designed for small and sensitive dogs. The impact power is not high, but the collar is ergonomic, has a small size, metal contacts are replaced with plastic ones that do not irritate the skin, the collar is completely waterproof, the block is removed from the strap, which allows you to thoroughly rinse the device, you can choose the color of the collar.

For more serious dogs, Dogtra has the Dogtra YS300 anti-bark collar.

As a rule, such collars are taken by owners of medium-sized dogs, for example, shepherd dogs, Labradors, Giant Schnauzers. The collar has 6 levels of impact, it is made on a battery, surgical steel is used for contacts. After the dog stops barking, antimicrobial plastic plugs are put on the contacts.

For large and tough dogs, use the Dogtra YS 500 anti-bark collar.

This is a powerful collar with similar characteristics to the YS 300. Also, 6 levels, rechargeable, waterproof, surgical steel contacts.

NUM’AXES electric anti-barking collars

The advantages of NUM’AXES are a variety of models and the ability to choose a collar at the best price / quality ratio.

Models differ in different exposure programs, ease of switching, ergonomics, size, degree of protection from water.

New NUM’AXES models – IKI PULSE, CANICALM EXCEL are more expensive, but they have a streamlined, ergonomic shape, control is placed on the body of the device.

CANICALM FIRST anti-bark collar available. If the external surroundings are not important to you, if it is not important that the collar is turned on from the moment the battery is installed, then this is your choice. Yes, the body is square, the overall look is not so stylish, but the collar really works and the dog stops barking.

Other CANICALM anti-bark collars are CANICALM and CANICALM PREMIUM collars with various programs, battery operated, differing in the number and complexity of programs to stop barking.

Once a collar has been selected, the following guidelines should be followed.

1. The participation of the owner in the first stages of training is the key to achieving the best results.

2. Do not leave the dog alone in the collar at first, until you are sure that it works correctly and its settings best match the behavior of the dog (sensitivity and operating mode are correctly selected).

3. Carefully observe the animal during the first days of using the collar.

4. If the dog barks, do not interfere with the work of the collar – any of your intervention can be interpreted by the dog as a sign of attention to it from your side, which is most effectively attracted by barking.

5. As soon as the dog stops barking, reward it (only calmly, without fanaticism), for example, stroke, praise with a word or favorite treat to reinforce the desired behavior.

6. Be consistent, once adored by your dog’s cute bark, you will disrupt the learning process.