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Dogs use their bark for several different reasons. Whether it’s in your home or out on their daily walk, if their barking becomes excessive, it can turn into a nightmare situation for any owner.
Using a muzzle to help control your dog’s behavior might be an option for you, but does it work? The answer is yes! But with so many muzzle options on the market, it can be difficult to know which is the right choice for you and your dog.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the different options available and provide you with some handy tips to help with your doggy dilemma.
The Source Of Your Dog’s Barking
Knowing why your pet is barking is an important place to start. It could be for many reasons, including:
- Territory Protection
Dogs have a natural tendency to guard their territory. This could be from both strangers or other dogs and even though it seems aggressive, it is usually just the dog’s way of communicating.
- Release Frustration
A dog can become frustrated for many reasons, such as being confined to a small space or losing its owner on its daily walk. If this happens, the instinct for the dog is to bark and alert those around it.
- Stress and Anxiety
If a dog suffers from anxiety, it will usually bark to let its owner know that it’s feeling distressed. This can happen when your dog is introduced to unfamiliar dogs, or if it is left alone.
- Playtime
If your dog is full of energy and likes to play, when it comes into contact with other dogs, it may use its bark to signal this.
- Pain or Injury
If your dog is in pain or suddenly encounters an injury they will use their bark as a way of making you aware.
- Communication
Sometimes, just like humans, dogs love to receive attention. By using their bark, they will often receive the attention they need.
Always remember that it’s important to listen to your dog and try to understand what it may be trying to tell you with its barking.
How To Stop Your Dog From Barking?
As well as wearing a muzzle, we have a few other tips to help put an end to your dog’s barking.
- Keep Your Dog Active
A tired dog is more likely to choose rest over barking and using even more energy. Taking your dog on long walks or playing games with your pet is a brilliant way to tire them out.
- Distraction
Whether you distract them with new toys or something on the TV or radio, distracting your pet is a brilliant way to keep them from focusing on outside noises and may even help if your pet suffers from separation anxiety.
- The ‘quiet’ Command
Training your dog to understand a command such as ‘quiet’ is a great way to put an end to a barking problem. Although this may take some work and will require you to remain calm, the results will be worth it. Allowing your dog to bark a few times and then using this command along with an action (such as making a loud noise, or holding his muzzle) will eventually signal to him that the command is to stop barking.
- Reward Your Dog
If your dog is barking, the last thing you want to do is reward them with a treat, even if it does stop the barking for a moment. Use the quiet command technique above to control your pets’ habits and reward them when they begin to respond correctly. As soon as your pet stops barking when they hear the word ‘quiet’ reward them with their favorite treat so they know they’ve done something right.
A muzzle is particularly effective when used on daily walks as it helps to keep your dog calm and feel protected. It also signals to other dog owners that your dog is in training so they are less likely to allow their dog to approach yours.
Styles Of Muzzles
With so many options to choose from it can be difficult to know which type of muzzle is best suited to your dog and their particular needs. Overall, there are three main types of muzzles you can choose from; basket muzzle, occlusion muzzle, and short snout muzzle.
Basket Muzzle
This type of muzzle is created from a basket weave pattern and covers your dog’s nose and mouth. It still allows them to breathe and pant freely and maintains a good airflow to keep them cool. It comes with adjustable straps that fit around the back of your dog’s head so finding the perfect fit is easy.
This style of muzzle is typically used to prevent biting but is also a perfect way to train your dog to stop barking
Occlusion Muzzle
This style of muzzle tends to be less comfortable than the basket muzzle but does include adjustable straps for you to alter the fit. It wraps around your dogs’ mouth and helps to keep the mouth closed, so this style is perfect to prevent your dog from both barking and biting.
An occlusion muzzle should only be used for short periods such as a visit to the vets or a grooming session. It should never be used in hot weather as dogs pant to cool themselves down, and wearing this type of muzzle prevents them from doing so. It also prevents your dog from eating or drinking so bear this in mind when making your muzzle selection.
Short Snout Muzzle
If you have a dog with a short snout, the previous muzzles should be avoided. Instead, a short snout muzzle is a perfect option for your dog.
Made from a breathable mesh, the mask covers the entire face but leaves a snout opening for your pooch to breathe freely as well as eye-holes so it can see clearly. They are a perfect way to train your pet not to bark or bite while also remaining comfortable enough for your dog to wear over long periods.
Whichever muzzle you choose for your dog, always ensure that the fit is correct and your dog is comfortable. Before you know it, with a little bit of training, you’ll be able to enjoy a peaceful life with a calm and content pooch by your side.
