Should You Put A Muzzle On Your Dog? – BabelBark

If your dog is barking excessively, you may be wondering if you should put a muzzle on him. There are a few things to consider before making this decision. First, you need to determine if the barking is excessive. If your dog is only barking when someone comes to the door, for example, then a muzzle may not be necessary. However, if your dog is constantly barking, even when there is nothing to trigger it, then a muzzle may be a good option. There are a few different types of muzzles available, so you will need to choose the one that is best for your dog. If you are only going to use the muzzle occasionally, a basket muzzle may be a good option. These muzzles allow your dog to still drink and pant, and they are generally more comfortable for the dog than other types of muzzles. If you are going to use the muzzle more often, however, you may want to choose a nylon muzzle. These muzzles are more secure and will prevent your dog from being able to remove it. When using a muzzle, it is important to introduce it to your dog gradually. Start by putting the muzzle on for short periods of time, and gradually increase the amount of time your dog wears it. It is also important to make sure that the muzzle fits properly. If it is too loose, your dog may be able to remove it, and if it is too tight, it may be uncomfortable. If you decide to put a muzzle on your dog for barking, be sure to use it only as a last resort. Dogs bark for a variety of reasons, and often, the root of the problem can be addressed without resorting to using a muzzle. If you have tried other methods of stopping the excessive barking, such as positive reinforcement and training, and nothing has worked, then a muzzle may be the best option.

Muzzles, in addition to preventing dogs from biting humans, other animals, and people, serve a similar purpose. We do not recommend using muzzles to stop dogs from barking at other dogs. It is inhumane and emotionally damaging to a dog to stifle it to stop barking. You should consult with your veterinarian about the type of muzzle your pet should have. You can use muzzles as a short-term solution to keep your family, visitors, and dog away from you. When you’re working on behavior modification with our trainers, treat, repeat, or other methods, you’ll want to use the muzzle. The most well-behaved dogs can run wild during veterinary appointments, chewing on those trying to help them.

A muzzle is an ornamental device that is not meant to be used as a means of controlling the behavior of a dog; it is neither intended nor intended to deter the dog from biting. While barking collars may be a less effective method of controlling a dog’s barking, they can be a successful one. You can learn more about these devices in our guide to Bark Collars. When teaching a puppy or dog how to stop biting, it is acceptable to use a dog muzzle for a short period of time. If muzzles are used as bark control or for extended periods of time, they can be inhumane. It is not recommended that you leave your muzzle open for more than a day after it has been used. Dog muzzles can help to keep people and animals safe from dogs who bite. These can be worn while going to the dog park as long as they can drink from them easily. You should not put your dog’s muzzle on if he or she is likely to cause harm to your household.

What Is The Most Effective Way To Stop Dog Barking?

Credit: wayangpets.com

A dog can also be controlled in this manner by playing with puzzle toys and doing plenty of exercise before being confined. Allow them to go for a short walk before opening the crate door or gate if they are barking, or reward them with a new puzzle toy or treat if they do not stop barking for a short time.

A barking dog can make owners uneasy. Finding out what makes your dog bark is critical to selecting techniques that may work best for you. The behavior of barking is natural for dogs and will not harm puppies. It can be successfully reduced by teaching your dog alternative communication methods. It is essential to understand what makes your dog uncomfortable or scared, so bark can be a useful tool. If your dog barks excessively, he or she is trying to tell you something is wrong with him or her or that they need to be removed from a dangerous situation. Locate what they are barking for and work to remove it.

How To Put A Muzzle On A Dog

Credit: downtownpetsupply.com

Insert the muzzle into the dog’s nose and clip it on. Make sure the muzzle is snug enough that he cannot pull it off without causing it to become too tight. When the muzzle is turned on, keep giving him treats as soon as possible and constantly. You should begin your session with a 20-second break.

Dogs bite in high-stress situations like going to the veterinarian or taking a walk. If your dog is going to relax, you should provide a muzzle so he or she does not bite anyone. Only when the dog’s own safety is at stake should it be used as a punishment. The mesh muzzle is lighter and easier to carry, but it is much more restrictive for the dog. Dogs should only wear this if they are having difficulty breathing or if they are overheated. A sleeve-type muzzle, such as a duck bill or a grinning tooth, is not as effective as a full-mouth muzzle in the long run.

A Muzzle Can Be A Helpful Tool For Dogs In Various Situations

A muzzle can be an excellent tool for a variety of purposes, ranging from protecting your dog from harm while grocery shopping to assisting you in a stressful situation. It is critical to ensure that the muzzle is properly designed, that the straps are tucked beneath the dog’s ears, and that the muzzle is securely fastened over the nose with a buckle. The only caveat is that it should be fun to use, as any other training tool should be.

Best No Bark Muzzle

There is no definitive answer to the question of what is the best no bark muzzle. However, there are a few factors you may want to consider when choosing a muzzle for your dog. These include the size and breed of your dog, as well as your personal preferences. You may also want to consult with a veterinarian or dog trainer to get their professional opinion on the best muzzle for your dog.

Wearing a dog muzzle to temporarily calm a dog may help prevent it from barking, biting, or chewing on anything. This article will teach you how to choose the right one for your dog and what the best options are currently available. Please keep in mind that this post may contain affiliate links. This post may earn us money or products. The two most common types of canine anti-bark muzzles are basket muzzles and soft muzzle sleeves. Some of these products are intended to allow your pet to eat and drink but not bark or bite. Four Paws’ Walk-About Quick-Fit Dog Muzzle features a convenient design that prevents barking, chewing, and biting while allowing your dog to drink and pant without fear of being harassed.

Because of its simplicity, the Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle is difficult to remove even by the most skilled of dogs. When working with a dog, it is critical to protect its vet or groomer with a Proguard Short-Nose muzzle. Boxers and Pugs, for example, have short snouts, whereas other breeds have flat faces. You can get the Proguard muzzle for flat-faced dogs from any of the top online retailers, including chewy.com. The device can be outfitted with a blinder in addition to blinders, which can make vision even worse. This omnipet basket is made of a tough and durable polyolefin. It has been used by many people in their quest to give their dogs better control over them when going for walks.

A PetSafe Gentle Leader can help you walk your dog more calmly while calming him or her down. The device, which is intended to remove pressure from the throat, places gentle pressure on the back of the neck to alleviate pressure. Several pet parents ask on dog forums if muzzles can stop barking dogs. It makes more sense to give your puppy a muzzle now than ever. Muzzles, unlike other toys, allow you to keep an animal on its toes without being too strict with its freedom.

Anti Bark Muzzle Pets At Home

Anti bark muzzle pets at home are a great way to keep your pet from barking. They work by covering your pet’s mouth and nose so they can’t make any noise. They are comfortable for your pet to wear and won’t hurt them.

Bark Silencer 2.0: The Best Way To Stop Your Dog’s Excessive Barking

Bark is a natural form of communication between dogs and their owners, and it serves a purpose both for them and for others. Many dogs bark excessively, which can lead to problems such as annoying neighbors, getting into legal trouble with the police, and making it difficult for the dog to socialize with other animals. A muzzle can be used to prevent a dog from barking. A muzzle is an apparatus that enters a dog’s mouth and prevents him or her from barking. A muzzle may be effective at controlling a dog’s barking, but it may not be effective at controlling his or her barking all the time. A dog requires panting to cool down, but mouths closed make panting impossible. In addition, if the animal is kept in a closed mouth for an extended period of time, it can vomit and suffocate. We recommend Bark Silencer 2.0 for those who suffer from barkers. Bark Silencer 2.0 is completely humane and safe for dogs, as is every Bark Control product we recommend. A dog’s device is made of sturdy materials to protect them from injuries. As one of the most versatile elastic bands on the market, it can be used to tighten the device around any dog’s muzzle. Furthermore, the Bark Silencer 2.0 is very simple to use. The device, which can be inserted into the mouth of a dog, can be tightened, and the dog can be allowed to stop barking for a few minutes.

Bark Muzzles

Bark muzzles are devices that are placed over a dog’s mouth in order to prevent them from barking. They are usually made of leather or nylon and have a strap that goes around the dog’s head to keep it in place. Bark muzzles are controversial because some people believe that they are inhumane and cause distress to dogs. Others believe that they are a necessary tool for preventing nuisance barking.

Muzzles are an important part of dog behavior, but proper usage can be tricky. Here are some pointers. It can be unsettling to think about putting a muzzle on your dog. The sooner your dog learns to love wearing a muzzle, the sooner you and your dog will be able to relax. Muzzles are used to keep dogs from biting each other. It is not intended to prevent your dog’s problematic behavior by closing his mouth. If your dog is barking, chewing, or showing signs of depression, don’t use a muzzle.

Certain dangerous breeds are required by some states or provinces to be muzzled under certain breed-specific legislation. The reason your dog may bark frequently is that it is agitated, bored, or is barking at someone or something. It is never a good idea to put your dog in an overly stressful situation with a muzzle on. Muzzles come in two types: hollowpoint muzzles and longbow muzzles, and by selecting the right size and style, you can ensure their safety and effectiveness. Soft muzzles should be wrapped around your dog’s mouth and held closed at all times. They are not as comfortable as a basket muzzle and may pose a greater risk to your dog. When there are no other options for muzzles, you can make one with items you already have on hand.

Sophia Yin, the late veterinarian, provided a wonderful step-by-step guide for teaching your dog to wear a muzzle. It is critical to make the best possible muzzle fit. A dog will be able to remove it if it is too loose. It will make him feel as if he can’t breathe, pant, or drink. It is critical to remember that muzzles are ineffective for controlling behavior problems. You can try different muzzle sizes and get feedback from a qualified trainer or muzzle expert if you want. The following are a few common styles; however, there are some that are especially appropriate for dogs with various facial shapes.

What Is The Best Muzzle To Stop A Dog Barking?

Product Name MaterialTypePetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar Collar and HarnessesCollar and HarnessesRubberkerville Ultra Dog MuzzleBasBasketFour Paws Walk-About Quick-Fit Dog MuzzleNylonMuzzle SleevePROGUARD Pet Products

Can A Dog Bark While Wearing A Muzzle?

Muzzles can help reduce bad behavior such as barking, biting, chewing, and nipping. Dog Muzzles: PetSafe’s Guide to a Good Muzzle Cons: Dogs may growl, pant, and pull, causing them to bite, but wearing this will stop them from biting or barking too much. Dogs can eat, drink, and pant when properly fitted.

Safe Dog Muzzles

While there are a variety of opinions on the use of muzzles on dogs, there are many situations where a muzzle can be very helpful in keeping both the dog and those around him safe. Muzzles can be used when a dog is injured or ill, to prevent him from biting or licking his wounds. They can also be used during grooming or vet visits, to keep the dog from biting or scratching. And in some cases, a muzzle may be the only way to safely introduce a dog to new people or other animals.

The use of muzzles in training is an important part of many dog training plans. As long as you train your dog properly, she can learn to be comfortable in her muzzle as well as her collar. When the world isn’t normally safe, muzzles give dogs a sense of safety, allowing them to progress in their training. It is not a bad thing to use a muzzle. It is critical to ensure that the muzzle you select is properly fitted and that your dog is taught how to wear it. Dogs who are muzzled can be kept safe, avoid biting aggressive or fearful dogs, and prevent them from eating what they shouldn’t eat by keeping groomers and veterinarians at ease. It is critical to train your dog to keep his muzzle open in order to prevent him from eating inedible things.

Muzzles are also beneficial in the introduction of socially awkward dogs or dogs with mild or no sense of humour. While muzzles protect your dog’s teeth, they can also cause them to break; a muzzled aggressive dog can bark, growl, lunge, and even muzzle punch. You can’t stop your dog from barking with a muzzle because the muzzle will allow his or her barks to continue. Furthermore, using a muzzle will not stop your dog from chewing on things because most dogs chew on them when they are bored or teething. Dog muzzles come in a variety of styles, including DIY ones and Groomers. A basket muzzle is a small device that fits over your dog’s face and looks like a basket. There are several materials to choose from, each with its own set of advantages.

If your dog has allergies or sensitive skin, it is critical that you consult your veterinarian about which material is most likely to irritate his or her skin. BronzeDog’s Wire Muzzle works well with dogs of similar shapes, but it’s designed specifically for pit bulls. A small dog will most likely be able to fit in the Alfie Plastic Muzzle, which is one-third the size of a regular dog. If you’re looking for a muzzle with a splash of color or a nice touch, you’ll find it at BUMAS. The duck bill muzzle keeps your dog from panting, eating, or drinking excessively. We recommend that you use this muzzle only for the short term. It’s a great tool for veterinarians and groomers to have on hand if necessary to muzzle a dog accidentally.

Is There A Safe And Humane Muzzle For Dogs?

What are some muzzles for dogs? There is no doubt that a muzzle can be an effective tool when it comes to keeping your dog from biting or eating what you would like him to avoid. You can train your pet to wear a good muzzle like GoodBoy’s to allow him to drink and pant without restricting his ability to eat or breathe. What muzzle vets recommend? The Baskerville muzzle is the best muzzle for dogs because it has an open basket weave that allows the dog to breathe freely. Other muzzles that completely surround a dog’s mouth prevent it from panting for lack of heat. Baskervilles are available from veterinarians and pet stores. Make sure your dog is properly sized before purchasing. What is the most humane muzzle? Basket muzzles (rubber, plastic, or metal) allow your dog to drink water, pant to cool down, and, while they may appear scary, they are the most humane. A muzzle, which can be used temporarily or for a short period of time, is not a solution to behavioral problems such as barking and chewing because they are the result of ongoing issues.

About author

Jordan Seals

Over 15 years of extensive dogs training experience, specializing in solving behavioral problems.

Control Barking – K9Aggression.com

Most people find excessive dog barking very annoying. But barking is only a symptom of another problem. Understanding why your dog is barking is the first step toward controlling it.

Certainly many dogs bark when someone is at the door. This is the equivalent of a dog warning its pack that there are approaching strangers or possible intruders. This is not necessarily something we want to prevent, but over time an anxious dog can grow to be more anxious and the barking becomes excessive.

Dogs bark for a variety of reasons, from boredom, and frustration to anxiety to just straight up communication, and some breeds bark more than others.

Here are some of the potential reasons dogs bark:

• Welfare Issues, anxiety or distress
• Separation Anxiety
• Social or territorial or Alarm Barking
• Attention Seeking
• Barking from confusion or frustration
• Play
• Barking due to Fear or Aggression
• Barking related to a disorder or dysfunction
• Predatory barking

Dr Sophie Yin conducted a survey of people who owned dogs that barked. (996 survey responses). Approximately 88% of these barked when they were stimulated by squirrels, sounds, people walking by and other dogs.

More than half barked when they played. Almost half barked to seek attention, and approximately 10% barked for unknown reasons including boredom.

But there are other concerns with barking. For example, barking can considered to be a sign as an indication of poor welfare. ⁽¹⁾

A large percentage of dogs barked both when their owners were home and when they were not, indicating that training when the owners were home could potentially have some effect when they owners were not.

Attention Seeking

If you think your dog is barking for attention, you will need to determine whether it is a learned habit, or a symptom of a greater problem. If it is a learned habit we have good and bad news for you.  First the good.

Learned behavior can be be replaced with other learned behaviour.

And now the bad news.

• The longer your dog has practiced the habit of barking for attention the harder it will be to change it.
• Inconsistently responding to your dog barking for attention makes it even more difficult to change it, than it would be if you always responded to it.
• If you are consistent in ignoring him or her, it will get worse before it gets better. This is known as an extinction burst. Essentially it means the dog will try even harder to make the barking work for them until they finally give up.
• Giving in once may re-establish the annoying habit.
• It’s hard to make other people follow the rules (if this is the case for members of your family, you might be interested in this article: Secrets to getting your significant others on board with your dog training.
• Sometimes it just feels good for your dog to bark – that means they are barking for their own reasons and rewarded by it.

First make sure your dog’s needs are met. Feeding and walking your dog at the same time of day will help your dog know when to expect things.

Environment enrichment, training, play and exercise may help change this habit as well. Teaching your dog not to bark may be effective as well. For a helpful video on how to do this, see the video farther down the page below under Treatment > Positive Reinforcement.

Treatment for Excessive Barking

The goal here is to reduce barking. You might use one or a combination of the following techniques and tools to help you.

Note that it is unrealistic to attempt to eliminate it altogether. If you have issues with neighbours, you may have to consider moving if they are unable to tolerate any of it.

Medications for Anxious Dogs

For those dogs who are barking due to anxiety, whether separation or otherwise,may benefit from a medication that can help treat the anxiety such as fluoxetine (Reconcile™).  Clomipramine is another medication that is used to treat separation anxiety. Unfortunately, Clomipramine is considered to have reduced effect in excessive barking ^(5). There are always potential side effects of medication, and medication without a behavioral therapy usually is not as nearly effective.

DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone)

Pheromones are chemical substances that are released by an animal that affects the behavior of others in the same species.

DAP is a synthetic analogue of the group of pheromones that are secreted by mother dogs after giving birth. These seem to have an appeasing affect both on young and adult animals. It has been considered to be at least as effective as Clomipramine when both are used with a behavioural plan ⁽³⁾ An electric diffuser can deliver DAP can be used which makes it easy.

DAP, in combination with a behavioural plan, can often quickly reduce the undesirable behaviours exhibited by dogs suffering from separation-related problems and overattachment to their owners.

Check out the dog appeasing pheromone diffusers on Amazon.

Interomones

Interomones are pheromones in one species that can effects other species.

Research is early at the time of this writing, but there are indications that interomones may help control barking in clinically anxious dogs demonstrating excessive barking and jumping up. ⁽⁶⁾

For barking due to fear or aggression

Read on, but also check out the treatment methods for dealing with aggression.

Behavior modification includes techniques like Classical Conditioning, desensitization and counter conditioning. These techniques work at dealing with the underlying causes of barking, by either:

• Desensitizing them to whatever is setting the barking off
• Developing new positive associations with whatever is setting the barking off so they are less likely to bark
• Training them to do something that is incompatible with barking such as sitting, looking at you and remaining calm.
• Another alternative can be to give them a job to do.

Classical Conditioning

Classical conditioning does not involve teaching the dog to do anything. It merely takes advantage of the dog’s own inherent – and involuntary – learning. In the case of aggression, we are looking to to evoke an involuntary response (such as salivating) physiological response.

Classical conditioning for an anxious dog at the door

Case study: Dog was anxiously barking in a new apartment building There was a case of a woman in an apartment dwelling that used a remote treat delivery system to encourage people outside in the hall to remotely deliver a treat to the dog inside whenever they went by.

In time, strange sounds in the hall stopped being so alarming. Soon they became predictors of treats. In this way, sounds stopped being “strange” and started to became known. In addition rather than the sounds predicting the onset of anxiety, it predicted something to look forward to.

Read about it here: Moving with Minnie. It’s a good read!

Remote Treat Dispensers

These tools are for the above situations. These are affiliate links to Amazon which means we get a small commission if you buy at no cost to you, but we only encourage you to buy what you think will helpful! These are not the cheapest tools to use but we know people who have used them when nothing else would do.

Premier Treat & Train Remote Reward Dog Trainer This is the defacto remote control treat dispenser invented by the late Dr. Sophie Yin.

These can be used for a variety of different training scenarios. For example, if you dog barks at the door, you can use these beside your dog’s bed while you answer the door.

There is a new remote treat dispenser on the market that uses wifi and video to allow you to treat from anywhere. This would allow you to operate it while you were out of the home.

Petzi Treat Cam: Wi-Fi Pet Camera & Treat Dispenser

We haven’t used this, but it got great ratings on Amazon, and it seems like a wonderful idea for training your dog to when you are not in the house.

Classic conditioning for dogs reacting aggressively at the door

Classical conditioning has been used for aggressive dog at the door. This involves hundreds and hundreds of repetitions over a period of several weeks of ringing the doorbell.

The idea is that the dog eventually starts to develop the association of the bell or knock with the coming of food. The anticipation of this food will start the dog to salivate(and now you understand why so many darned repetitions are needed to compete with previous associations).

The point? The desire – the salivating – is part of the parasympathetic nervous system. This is parasympathetic nervous system is thought to be largely incompatible with the sympathetic nervous system which is part of our stress response.

At this point, the dog is still aggressive. However the edge has been taken off the dog do that operant conditioning can be effective (see more below).

Care must be taken not let someone in the house while the dog in there until the intensity of the dog’s response has been reduced substantially. Once this occurs, you can start to desensitize the dog to going to the door, reaching for the knob, opening the door, etc. The goal here is to break down all of the activities and situations that the dog has come to use to predict someone is coming in.

Desensitization

Many confuse desensitization with counter conditioning because desensitization often occurs while counter conditioning. But it’s important to understand they are different things. Desensitization occurs when a dog becomes less sensitive to something.

However people sometimes think they are desensitizing, when it fact they are using flooding which can often have a very negative effect. The main difference between the two is that in the case of flooding, the dog is exposed to he thing he or she is anxious or afraid of until he is no longer afraid. Clearly this can backfire and result in a traumatized dog that is even more reactive.

Desensitization depends on the dog being able to be calm. This means you need to find a distance (or duration) where the dog is only on the edge of an emotional response. If the dog cannot calm down it must be moved away from the trigger of the response immediately.

The focus on desensitization is achieving a calm relaxed state within the presence of his or her trigger.

Using a less stimulating approximation of your dog’s trigger to desensitize

Creating low-stimulating “approximations” (similar sounds like another kind of bell or knocking or a recording) of the sound may help your dog desensitize to the sound. For example for a dog that reacts to knocking, lightly knocking on a table. Use a recording of your doorbell and play it quietly, and slowly increase the sound as your dog manages to remain calm.

You will need to be creative. If your dog reacts and cannot be calm, you need to go back to or find a less stimulating example.

Counter conditioning on the other hand is specifically focused on teaching the dog to do an incompatible behavior to the one you are trying to change. So while it’s possible for the dog to be taught to do something incompatible, the dog still might be anxious. While still anxious they still have a strong likelihood of reacting if motivated enough.

Positive reinforcement, operant conditioning, counter conditioning

Positive reinforcement, in other words, rewarding the dog for being quiet is believed to be more effective to control barking than anti-barking devices ⁽²⁾. Using positive reinforcement for rewarding a desirable behavior incompatible with the problem can be called operant conditioning go or counter conditioning. Operant conditioning in this case above would have the dog do something incompatible with barking such as sit calmly and quietly. Once they are calm and quiet they are rewarded for doing so.

Check out this video below on how to teach the dog to bark and be quiet. You should have a basic understanding of clicker training to understand how the trainer is using the clicker to get what he wants from the dog.

Prevention of barking triggers

Since so many dogs response when stimulated, it may be possible to at least cut down on the stimulation in some cases.

For example, in the case of a hyper vigilant dog who is always looking through windows outside, it may be possible to use something such as a window cling like this  Non-Adhesive Frosted Window Film, to let in light, but mask outside activities.

Sound may help to muffle the trigger sounds, but is not consistently effective because dogs have very good hearing.

Prevention of barking triggers

Since so many dogs response when stimulated, it may be possible to at least cut down on the stimulation in some cases.

Use something to reduce stimulation

For example, in the case of a hyper vigilant dog who is always looking through windows outside, it may be possible to use something such as a window cling like this  Non-Adhesive Frosted Window Film, to let in light, but mask outside activities (by the way, this is an affiliate link!)

Adding sound may help to muffle stimulating sounds, but is not consistently effective because dogs have very good hearing. You are better off looking to see if there is some way to pair these sounds with a treat. See Improve barking creatively.

Head halters

You may be interested in this article on managing dog aggression by using a head halter. Check this video out by veterinary behaviorist Dr. karen Overall for a demonstration on how to use one for barking at the door.

Environmental enrichment

Environmental Enrichment as mentioned above is a relatively passive way to improve behavior problems and stress in many animals. It is a key factor in reducing distress in shelter animals. It may or may not help depending on the causes for your dog’s barking. Check out our information on environment enrichment for dogs. The article is directed towards aggression in dogs, but it can have behavioral benefits on all dogs.

Problems with anti-bark collars

Anti-bark collars showed some short term effectiveness (54 and 66% for citronella and ecollar respectively), but neither was effective long term.

Close to 40% of dogs controlled with e-collars showed adverse effects most commonly fear of the collar itself or fear of the area were they had experienced the shock.

While intermittent use may be the most effective, findings indicate that dogs generally get used to the citronella spray collar regardless of how the animal is exposed to the device.⁽⁴⁾

Problems with using muzzles to stop barking

Muzzles can be an excellent tool when preventing a dog from biting or controlling aggression, but they are problematic because the dog is unable to pant. This can be dangerous in summer. In addition it makes it difficult to eat or drink which means rewarding the dog with a treat for being quiet is difficult.

Finally for these various reasons, a muzzle which prevents the mouth can increase the risk of frustration, and in turn increase the risk of aggression. You are better off trying to treat the cause, than using a muzzle.

You might also be interested in this post on improving barking in time for halloween or this creative way to deal with barking which link to the case study above in more detail.

References

[1] Stephen JM¹, Ledger RA. An audit of behavioral indicators of poor welfare in kenneled dogs in the United Kingdom., J Appl Anim Welf Sci. 2005;8(2):79 96. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1207/s15327604jaws0802_1#.VtX_I2SrRhE

(2) Yin S., Richardson S., Excessive barking: When and Why it Occurs, https://drsophiayin.com/app/uploads/2015/04/SYinBarkingPoster. pdf

(3) E. Gaultier, L. Bonnafous, L. Bougrat, C. Lafont, P. Pagea, Comparison of the efficacy of a synthetic dog-appeasing pheromone with clomipramine for the treatment of separation-related disorders in dogs, The Veterinary Record, April 23, 2005,  https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Patrick_Pageat/publication/7888981_Comparison_of_the_efficacy_of_a_synthetic_dog-appeasing_pheromone_with_clomipramine_for_the_treatment_of_separation-related_disorders_in_dogs/links/0a85e534e265e66285000000.pdf

(4) Wells D., The effectiveness of a citronella spray collar in reducing certain forms of barking in dogs, Applied Animal Behavior Science, August 27, 2001Volume 73, Issue 4, Pages 299–309,  http://www.appliedanimalbehaviour.com/article/S0168-1591(01)00146-0/fulltext?mobileUi=0

(5)Michio Takahashi, Makoto Bannai, Shinobu Seki, Methods for reducing excessive barking of a dog , Patent, Grant application https://www.google.com/patents/US6939894

(6)McGlone JJ, PAS, Thompson WG , Guay KA,1 PAS, CASE STUDY: The pig pheromone androstenone, acting as an interomone, stops dogs from barking, The Professional Animal Scientist 30 ( 2014 ):105–108, http://www. professionalanimalscientist.org/article/S1080-7446(15)30091-7/pdf

Everything you need to know about muzzles

People often talk about muzzles in unfair bias. It is believed that muzzles are worn on aggressive dogs. In fact, if a dog is muzzled, this does not mean at all that he is “bad” – he just has a responsible owner. If you choose the right muzzle, then it will not cause any inconvenience to your pet, but will become a practical accessory for dog ammunition.

Contents

• Why does a dog need a muzzle?
• Frightening or painful situations
• Strong hunting instinct
• Scavenger muzzle
• Traveling by public transport
• To stop a dog from barking
• To stop destructive behavior
• Ordnik fits best?
• Basket muzzles
• Mesh muzzles
• Specific muzzles
• When is a muzzle not the best solution?
• Punishment
• Video: All about dog muzzles

Why does a dog need a muzzle?

If the dog shows aggression towards other dogs or people, the muzzle is useful as a tool to control the behavior of the animal in certain situations.

Some dogs must be muzzled at all times. But with aggressive behavior, it is still better to seek help from a cynologist in order to teach the animal to behave adequately, to feel relaxed and calm.

Frightening or painful situations

In ordinary life, most dogs are not aggressive. But if they get into unusual situations, and their warning signs are ignored, the animal may start biting or snapping – in his opinion this is the only thing left for him. Most often this happens at the groomer or veterinarian.

When in pain, the dog may start behaving in an uncharacteristic way. Therefore, when moving an injured animal, it is better to put a muzzle on it.

Strong hunting instinct

Some hunting dogs (eg the Spanish Galgo) have a very developed instinct for stalking and catching prey. Representatives of such breeds, firstly, should not be let off the leash for a walk, and secondly, it is better to lead them in a muzzle, since even on a leash they can try to grab “prey”, injure or kill smaller representatives of the animal world.

Muzzle for “scavengers”

Some dogs become real “scavengers” on a walk – they pick up everything on the ground and try to eat it. This is not only unhygienic, but also very dangerous, as it can result in serious problems with digestion, up to blockage of the stomach. And we are not yet talking about the possibility of a dog picking up worms. A muzzle will help minimize the problem (although not completely eliminate it). Of course, at the same time it is necessary to train the “fu” command.

Traveling by public transport

If you are taking your pet on public transport, the dog must be muzzled.

To stop a dog from barking

Muzzles are sometimes worn to stop a dog from barking. Although this may work for a short time, if the muzzle is not tight enough, dogs manage to bark even in it. A tight muzzle causes discomfort to the dog. Therefore, if your pet is overly talkative, it should be weaned from barking using positive training methods.

To stop destructive behavior

If your dog chews on household items, a muzzle might seem like a good solution. Actually it is not. It is dangerous to leave a dog in a muzzle for a long time, especially without supervision. To fix the problem, you need to find out why your pet is behaving destructively and work to resolve this situation. Perhaps the animal is bored and needs toys and intellectual tasks. A dog destroying things can also be a sign of separation anxiety.

Which muzzle fits best?

A wide variety of muzzles can be found on the market. Many people prefer aesthetics to practicality, but it is very important that the muzzle is comfortable for the dog. The animal must breathe freely in it, take treats and drink water. In addition, you need to take into account the advice from the veterinarian, if any.

Basket muzzles

Basket muzzles are usually the best option for a dog, but people rarely choose this design for their pet. The fact is that such muzzles are very noticeable. Meanwhile, a properly selected “basket” fits well and, at the same time, allows the dog to breathe freely.

Mesh muzzle

Mesh muzzle is more popular as it is less visible. These are soft models, but in order to be effective, they must fit well on the muzzle. However, in this case, there is a risk of overheating of the animal. This type of muzzle is not suitable for walking or travelling, but is convenient for short periods of time (for example, for a visit to the veterinarian or dog groomer).

Specific muzzles

There are running muzzles that are usually used for breeds with long thin muzzles (greyhounds, whippets).

It is difficult to find a suitable muzzle for brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as French Bulldogs or Pugs. With these dogs, you need to be doubly careful, as they have a greater risk of overheating.

When is a muzzle not the best solution?

Sometimes the muzzle is used incorrectly: in the wrong situations or it is poorly fitted. This can cause discomfort and pain in the dog, and cause problematic behavior.

Punishment

The dog must be taught to muzzle. And this must be done gradually. Otherwise, the muzzle may frighten the animal, injure it.

Some owners are beginning to use a muzzle as a punishment, which is fundamentally wrong. In the long run, a dog usually doesn’t know how to connect misbehaving and muzzling. In addition, it can destroy the bond of trust between you and your pet.

Video: All about dog muzzles

Source: thesprucepets.com
Author: Gemma Johnstone

Share link:

“PetPROFI” – Meet the new NUM’AXES!

Lantern that stops the barking of a dog
Is your dog barking too much? After all, it’s your dog and you can train it or stop it barking one way or another. A more pressing issue is your neighbors barking dog. Now a solution has been found to combat excessive barking, even if someone else’s dog is barking!

Excessive barking can be a real problem for you. How do I stop my dog’s barking without an electric collar or remote control? Ultrasonic bark control devices stop barking without the dog having to wear a collar! NUM’AXES has released a novelty – ultrasonic street bark control.

This ultrasonic street anti-bark is made in the form of a decorative lantern! It can be hung on a tree or put on some kind of plane. It is powered by 4 x LR14, 1.5V “C” type batteries and will train both your dog and the neighbor’s dog to stop barking. The device is absolutely safe and suitable for all dogs of all breeds. Outdoor Bark Control is effective at a distance of up to 15 meters! A barking dog disturbing your peace will hear a high frequency ultrasonic squeak (inaudible to the human ear). Since this sound is unpleasant for the dog, he quickly learns to stop his barking!

FAQ:

How does Outdoor Bark Control work?

Stop barking with a decorative lantern! When a barking dog enters the range of the outdoor anti-bark, the internal microphone tracks the sound and activates the device. The device emits ultrasound. Only dogs can hear ultrasound. Surprised to hear a high-pitched squeak, the dog stops barking as barking becomes associated with an unpleasant noise. NUM’AXES ultrasonic outdoor anti-bark has 5 modes:

• OFF – To conserve battery

• TEST – Tests the correct operation of the microphone and loudspeaker.

• 1 – Bark control up to 5 meters away

• 2 – Bark control up to 10 meters away

• 3 – Bark control up to 15 meters away

How long does it take to teach a dog not to bark with ultrasonic anti-barking? Because the Outdoor Bark Control is a workout device, don’t expect immediate results. Most dogs take 2-3 weeks to stop barking in response to an ultrasound.

How to place the Outdoor Bark Control correctly?

This bark control device can be wall mounted or hung from a tree. Place the instrument up to 2.5 meters from the ground. Outdoor Bark Control can be simply put on something. For best results, there should be no obstructions or large obstacles between the dog and the device.

Will the ultrasound pass through a wall/dead fence to stop a dog from barking?

No, the device requires an open space between itself and the dog for sound to pass through. In such cases, we recommend hanging the lantern on the wall/fence above the level of the obstacle so that there are no obstacles in the path of the ultrasound.

At what distance does Outdoor Bark Control work? The device operates at a distance of up to 15 meters. It is possible to switch recognition modes at 5, 10, 15 meters.

Will Outdoor Bark Control stop all dogs barking?

The device will not work with deaf or hard of hearing dogs.

Will the anti-bark affect more than one dog? The more dogs barking at the same time, the less effective the device will be. Often, one dog will bark and the next one will follow. For the device to work, the dog must learn to associate the annoying sound with its own bark. When the bark monitor is triggered by the barking of other dogs, none of them will associate the barking with the ultrasound. This is one of the weakest sides of such anti-barks.

Can I use Outdoor Bark Control indoors?

No, we do not recommend using the device indoors. In an enclosed space, the ultrasound will become too loud and will irritate the dog rather than train it. For this purpose, purchase a PetSafe Indoor Ultrasonic Bark Control ultrasonic device that can be used indoors and has the correct decibel level for such use.

Which batteries are needed for Outdoor Bark Control?

The ultrasonic anti-bark requires 4 LR14, 1.5V “C” batteries. These batteries can be bought at a regular store. Their service life will depend on how often the dog will bark and the device will turn on.

Electronic Flea Comb Electronic Flea Comb

Are you worried that your beloved dog has fleas? You brought a dog from the dacha and she is covered in fleas? Has your dog met and played with another dog and are you worried that he has fleas? Does the dog bite itself all the time?

An electronic flea comb is what you need! NUM’AXES has released an original device that allows you to destroy fleas when combing your dog. The electric discharge that the device emits is sufficient to kill fleas, but is safe for the dog. In addition, negative ions and active oxygen quickly penetrate the dog’s hair and destroy the unpleasant odor. In addition, negative ions remove the static charge on the dog’s coat and the coat becomes shiny.

Return to the list

All news Thanks Irina! Recommended the Petsafe anti-bark collar. Lightweight, ergonomic, the most important thing is to recognize not only la…

01/15/2020

Xenia

We were looking for a certain Sprenger parfour, a cheaper option with delivery than we found anywhere else: the price tag is very worthy! Manager Irina answers…

06/27/2019

RobertNub

You have a very good site, I liked it!

05/19/2019

Hope

I bought cod oil for the first time. Works better than salmon. Shepherd’s coat is shiny. Thanks Irina for the good advice.

04/15/2019

Andrey

I bought a “stone” to protect the lawn. The dogs dug big holes. It took time to find the right place for it. I have two stones…

04/25/2014

А.А. Deryabkin

I would like to thank the Company and personally Irina for prompt selection of the collar I needed. Correction of the dog’s behavior was great, the dog did not pick up anything…

01/21/2014

Lina

Thank you very much for the supply of Canidae food! Our Samoyed eats it with great pleasure and everything is fine with health! Thank you!

21.11.2013

Surikova Inna

I want to thank the Spaniards and your administrator Irina for a miracle thing – a cover in the trunk. They took it as a supplement to the stern for free delivery, and ok …

11/21/2013

Yaroslav

Bought dogtra 620NCP training collar. They promised that it would be reliable and convenient. They didn’t cheat. Dober began to obey without a leash, there were no levels in the collar…

21.11.2013

Svetlana

We bought a luminous numaxes collar from you.