Can I Muzzle My Dog to Stop Barking?

by Britt

Published: December 19th, 2023

Photo credit: Olezzo / Shutterstock.com

Barking is a natural way our dogs communicate with us and other canines in the area, but it can create a problem when they become too vocal. After all, no one wants to be disturbed by excessive barking!

If you’re searching for a solution to quiet your dog and restore peace, you may have seen many people suggest using a muzzle. However, while I am a strong advocate for muzzle training and the use of muzzles for various situations, it’s not always the right tool for the job. Not only are muzzles not the ideal approach to address problem barking, but they may create a dangerous situation.

Let’s dig into the best approach to stop your dog from barking and why a muzzle isn’t the quick fix you may have been sold.

Why Is My Dog Barking So Much?

The first thing to consider anytime you are addressing a problem behavior with your dog is why that problem behavior is occurring, to begin with. Trying to stop the barking itself often doesn’t offer a long-term solution. Instead, you need to focus on addressing the root of the problem.

Some dogs are naturally vocal, making it challenging to identify a cause as it appears they will bark at anything and everything. For many dogs, however, barking is a way of sounding an alarm and warning you about something they believe is concerning, dangerous, or overly exciting. Training and conditioning can help teach your dog to respond to their trigger differently.

In extreme cases of fear, the work required to condition a dog may take much longer (for some, it is a life-long process). If your dog is fear-reactive, a certified behaviorist can help you work through your dog’s trigger fear and build their confidence in the situation.

Of course, with any of these long-term solutions, there is often the need for a short-term fix. Some effective options for management include:

Avoiding the trigger completely
Introducing a distraction to take your dog’s attention away from the trigger
Using tools to address or “correct” the behavior immediately

Why Is a Muzzle Not the Right Tool to Address Barking?

Using muzzles to stop barking would fall into the third option listed above by addressing the behavior for an immediate fix. More specifically, muzzles that stop a dog from barking hold their mouth closed to prevent them from engaging in the behavior. While it may appear to be effective, there are several reasons why this approach is not recommended.

One concern with the use of a muzzle is that you are not effectively teaching your dog anything. When the muzzle comes off, your dog will return to barking again. If you are ever in a situation where you don’t have the muzzle on hand, you will be left with a barking dog and no recourse.

Additionally, the fact that the muzzle holds your dog’s mouth closed can create a dangerous situation. When choosing a muzzle, the correct sizing should allow for a full pant, meaning your dog can adequately breathe and cool off on a hot day. Of course, if your dog can pant, they can also bark.

While a cloth muzzle can be used in an emergency for an instant solution, it should not be left on your dog for longer than 10-15 minutes. This timeframe is even shorter if you are experiencing high temperatures in the summer.

What Are Cloth Muzzles Designed For?

If the cloth muzzles you see in your local pet store aren’t created to stop problem barking, what are these tools for? Are they inhumane? Should they be avoided at all costs? You may be surprised to hear that cloth muzzles actually do have a valid use.

Also known as “emergency muzzles,” they were created to prevent biting in very short periods. These are often used in vet offices and grooming salons. However, because they work by restricting their ability to open their mouths, emergency muzzles should never be used for an extended time.

Photo credit: Hibrida / Shutterstock.com

How to Address Problem Barking

If a cloth muzzle isn’t the recommended solution, what should you do? First and most importantly, remember that this isn’t an impossible problem to overcome. From short-term management to training and conditioning, there are options to help. The goal is to find which solutions will work best for your dog and their reason for being so vocal.

Quick Fix Solutions

There are several “quick fix” solutions on the market. These tools claim to stop barking instantly - and many will appear to work effectively. However, as often said – if it seems too good to be true… While these products will stop your dog from barking, several factors must be considered.

Many of these items rely on punishment or discomfort to stop your dog’s behavior, but they don’t train them to make better choices long-term. This means that if you don’t have the tool available, you will be unable to stop them next time. Examples of “quick fix” products include emergency muzzles, anti-bark collars, and bark deterrent devices.

Limit Your Triggers

The goal for most dog parents is to train their dogs to no longer bark when faced with their triggers. But, as we already mentioned, that doesn’t happen overnight. In the meantime, you can reduce barking by managing the situation you place your dog in.

Once you have identified your dog’s triggers, you can make strategic decisions with that trigger in mind. For example, if they are set off by bicycles or strollers, you can enjoy a more relaxing walk on a hiking trail where you won’t encounter those items.

Of course, avoidance is a management technique and isn’t going to stop the barking in the future. But we all need to enjoy some quiet bonding time with our dogs without the stress from time to time!

Teach “Place” for When People Come Over

Does your dog bark anytime someone comes to the house? If so, consider changing the routine when a visitor arrives. Many dog parents allow their dogs to run up and greet anyone who comes to the door, but for a dog that is overly excited or protective, this is an open invitation for barking.

Introducing the “place” command is a great way to overcome this challenge. The command tells your dog to leave whatever they are doing and go to a designated spot. For our dogs, this spot is based on their blankets – wherever we place their blankets, they know that is where they are expected to lie down and wait for the release. Anytime someone comes over, we send them to their “place” to wait calmly. This gives them a second to work through the excitement of this new arrival so that they can make better choices when they are released.

Keep Your Own Emotions in Check

The bond between a dog and its owner is a special one. Our dogs are often so connected with us that they feed off our emotions. If you are overly happy, your dog will get over-excited with you. If you are frightened or concerned, your dog will take that as a sign to protect you. Your emotions have a lot of sway regarding your dog’s behavior.

This is a lesson I learned when first dealing with my reactive dog, one that made a significant impact on the work we have done.

Try to stay calm when you encounter a situation involving your dog’s triggers. Getting stressed or worried about their response will only increase the risk of barking and reacting. Talk to your dog calmly, avoid tensing up, and show them you aren't concerned, so they shouldn’t be either.

The same thing goes for overly excited dogs. If your best friend comes to the door and you are jumping and screaming with joy, your dog will get the message that being over-excited is not only permitted – it’s the proper response.

Consider Separation Anxiety

Does your dog’s barking start when they are left home alone? If so, they may be suffering from separation anxiety. In addition to barking, this can lead to destructive behavior, accidents in the house, pacing, restlessness, and extreme stress. This situation isn’t comfortable for your dog, so you shouldn’t brush it off!

Managing and treating separation anxiety, like any other cause of barking, is a process. The biggest struggle here is that you aren’t present at the time to calm your dog down. Try setting up a safe place in your home where they feel secure and comfortable. This could be a crate or a pet-proof room. In this space, include things that carry familiar scents, including your own and your dogs. This could consist of toys, bedding, or an unwashed hoodie.

But be careful! If your dog’s separation anxiety leads them to rip things up, they could ingest something, leading to a gastrointestinal blockage and a costly vet bill!

Desensitization Exercises

One of the most effective ways to help your dog work through fear or reactivity is by desensitizing them to the trigger. This does not mean throwing them in with their trigger and flooding them with overwhelming emotions. Instead, focus on starting small and slowly working up.

If you have a dog that barks and reacts every time they see other dogs, you may have to start on opposite sides of a large field. When your dog notices the trigger but doesn’t bark, reward them with a high-value treat. When they stay calm reliably at that distance, you can move a little closer and repeat the process. This could take days to work through, and that’s okay! Don’t rush the process.

This same process can be applied to nearly any trigger, including other visual triggers or even sounds. For a sound (like the doorbell), start with the sound playing very quietly. Just as you worked through moving closer to a visual trigger, focus on slowly increasing the volume of your trigger sound while rewarding your dog for staying calm.

Final Thoughts - Can I Muzzle My Dog to Stop Barking?

Excessive barking can be frustrating and, if left unaddressed, can put you, as the owner, in a difficult situation. In some places, this can lead to fines or even eviction due to noise complaints. Unfortunately, the process of training a dog to stop barking isn’t one that is usually solved overnight – but it can be done!

While you might have seen it recommended to use an “anti-bark” muzzle to stop your dog’s barking, it is not recommended for anything more than a 10 to 15-minute quick fix. Not only does it not teach your dog not to bark in the future, but the muzzle's design could create a dangerous situation.

Instead, start by identifying the cause. Is your dog overly excited? Is there a trigger that makes them feel fearful and stressed? Are they trying to protect you when someone walks onto your property? Knowing the trigger will help you not only stop it but also manage your dog’s barking in the short term. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to contact a professional trainer or certified behaviorist to offer guidance and direction.

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Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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Caring for and managing a reactive dog can be incredibly frustrating. Your dog may be a sweet angel at home, but they suddenly evolve into a barking, growling, lunging whirlwind when out in public.Luckily, there is hope!Overcoming reactivity is a process that will not happen overnight. However, dog trainers and behaviorists have seen great success with positive reinforcement techniques like counterconditioning.This article will explore how counterconditioning works, the steps involved in the process, realistic timelines and expectations, and tips for a successful journey toward a calmer, more confident dog. Get started today!What is Counterconditioning for Dogs?Let’s start at the beginning—what exactly is counterconditioning, and why is it recommended for managing and treating reactive dogs?Counterconditioning is a behavioral modification technique that focuses on changing your dog’s emotional response to a specific stimulus.For example, some dogs feel fear and anxiety at the sight of another dog. This could be due to a lack of socialization, meaning they weren’t taught that other dogs can be friendly. It could also be a reaction to a past trauma, like having been attacked by another dog. In these situations, counterconditioning can be used to teach your dog that the sight of another dog leads to a positive experience.Why is this an effective approach for addressing reactivity? Reactivity, by definition, is an overreaction to a trigger. While this is often associated with fear or anxiety, some reactive dogs become overly excited. An overexcited dog may jump all over strangers not because they are trying to cause harm but because they are so excited to see them that they can’t control their response.If you have identified your dog’s triggers, you can use this training approach to teach them to respond in a new (and better) way.What Can Counterconditioning Be Used to Treat?Reactivity isn’t the only behavioral condition that can be treated with counterconditioning. This technique can be used to address a wide spectrum of situations in which a pet may be responding to a situation or trigger in an unwanted way.Some situations where it is commonly recommended include helping dogs overcome specific fears or phobias as well as managing or overcoming behaviors related to obsessive-compulsive disorder.Common fears that may be addressed with counterconditioning include: Fear of car ridesAnxiety when visiting the vetNoises (fireworks, thunder)Babies (especially the sound of crying)Strangers or other dogs in publicAllowing guests to enter their homePhysical triggers like cars or bicyclesDogs who dislike grooming, like brushing or having their nails trimmedIf you believe this approach may be helpful in your dog’s unique situation, we recommend speaking with a behaviorist.You can find professionals in your area by browsing the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists website list or the Animal Behavior Consultants Directory by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.

Americans Are Taking Their Pets to Mexico for Vet Care - Here's Why

The rising costs of veterinary care in the U.S. have spurred a growing number of pet parents to turn to Mexico for more affordable veterinary care for their pets. Valerie Silva of Indio, California, estimates that she saved hundreds of dollars on veterinary bills for her two dogs, Paco and Sunny, in one year. The first time she visited a Mexican veterinary clinic was in 2022, when her Chihuahua mix, Sunny, needed vaccines. Unable to schedule an appointment for Sunny at any of the local veterinary clinics, Valerie has found a pet hospital near her grandparents’ house in Mexicali. She was pleased with the service enough to come back to get Sunny spayed and have her other dog, Paco, vaccinated. Overall, she paid $80 for the spaying procedure and around $200 for eight shots for both dogs.“The price difference is insane,” Silva told USA TODAY. “It’s just so much easier being able to go in there and not have to worry about it being like $70, $100 for a shot.” The huge savings and easy access to affordable pet care have made traveling to Mexico attractive to many pet parents like Silva. Miguel Lazcano of New York City was in a difficult situation when one of his three dogs, a longhaired Dachshund named Henry, needed dental care. “We noticed some of his teeth were loose and his breath was getting worse,” said Lazcano. “They mentioned there was at least four extractions and the cost on the high end was around $5,000. And on the low end, was around $3,500.”Without pet insurance to cover the cost, Lazcano has already paid around $700 for Henry’s bloodwork. After getting Henry’s dental surgery estimate, Lazcano decided to research more affordable veterinary care in Mexico.Lazcano came across MaxiVet Express, a pet courier service that would take his dog to Tijuana, Mexico, for veterinary treatment at a fraction of the price. The owner of MaxiVet Express, Anna Ginsky, started her company after taking her dog to Mexico for dental treatment. Ginsky said she saved over $1,600 on her dog’s procedure in Mexico. “Mexican vets are definitely targeting U.S. pet owners to become their clients. They are making announcements in English. They are advertising more on the internet,” explained Ginsky.Ginsky’s clients travel from all over the country and then her team accompany the pets to Mexico while their owners stay stateside. Most veterinary treatments are finished within a day. Most pet parents opt to take their pets to Mexico for dental care and simple surgeries. The Mexican veterinarians Ginsky works with also offer follow-up appointments, wellness checks, and chemotherapy treatments. “It makes me really fulfilled to be able to offer a service like this. We have people cry when they learn what our prices are going to be and how affordable it’s going to be for them.” Henry, the longhaired Dachshund, traveled around 3,000 miles for his first veterinary appointment in Mexico. The vet performed an echocardiogram to ensure Henry could tolerate anesthesia before moving on with teeth cleaning and extractions.Ginsky called Lazcano regularly to keep him updated about his pooch. This is a standard procedure for Ginsky, who believes pet parents should be kept informed throughout the day, regardless of whether they are first-time clients or have used her services before. “Everybody loves their pet just the same. And they want to make sure that their pet’s doing OK,” she said.Ronald Richards, the owner of the clinic where Henry had his dental work done explained that the main reason veterinary prices are lower in Mexico is because labor costs less. “The doctors just don’t make as much money as they do in the United States. We don’t have medical malpractice insurance or anything like that. So here in Mexico, it’s really kind of buyers beware in regards to when you go to someone’s clinic for service.”Despite all the potential risks, Lazcano is comfortable with his decision and confident that Henry got the best veterinary care. Henry has made a full recovery after his surgery, and his breath is now fresh.  After spending only a third of what he would have to pay a vet in New York, Lozcano is now considering taking his other two dogs for veterinary treatments in Mexico. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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Puppy Blues is a Real Thing – Just Like Baby Blues, Study Shows

There is no doubt that puppies are super cute. When you first bring a tiny little bundle of fur into your home, it is a cause of great joy. But sometimes, life can change in many ways as you care for your new pet. A latest scientific study published in Mental Health Research reveals that almost half of all dog owners can experience something reminiscent of the famous “baby blues” – only related to puppies instead of babies.Many owners will experience anxiety, frustration, or weariness during those first steps of their pet’s puppyhood. The study that was conducted at the University of Helsinki confirmed that owners will experience a short-term drop in mood, and great melancholy, while their pet is a puppy - something that is akin to the famous postnatal “baby blues”. This is because caring for a puppy gives rise to a variety of worries and fears, anxiety and frustration, and difficulty bonding."The study found that these so-called 'puppy blues' manifest in three ways: anxiety, frustration, and weariness. These often occur concurrently, but in some cases, one or two of the three may be particularly prominent," said psychologist and doctoral researcher Aada Ståhl.When a puppy owner is anxious, their thoughts “are colored by concerns” about the wellbeing of their pet, and how they are developing. They can also be worried that they are not adequately looking after the fragile little being. If something doesn’t pan out, the owner would often blame themselves for it. What is more, as a result of the strain and the challenges of caring for a puppy, a puppy owner might become frustrated even further. In the initial stages, they might discover that it is difficult to build an emotional bond with the puppy, which would only make everything much more difficult.All of this makes puppyhood exhausting and very taxing mentally and physically. Owners could experience a lack of sleep and increased tiredness and anxiety."Just under half of owners report having had significant negative experiences during their dog's puppyhood phase, with only about a tenth reporting the most severe levels of strain. This is in line with the prevalence of postnatal depression. However, the negative feelings fade relatively quickly," says Professor Hannes Lohi.But the study now offers a key insight – the more time that passed since puppyhood, the more positively owners remembered it. This means that the negative emotional content of these memories “fades” as time passes. All these results were collected by examining the experiences of over 100 different dog owners, all of whom experienced emotional strain after bringing a puppy home. The survey was specifically developed to measure “puppy blues”. It collected specific responses from over 2,000 dog owners, ensuring the reliability of the survey."Capturing the phenomenon in a measurable form is important if we are to better understand its characteristics, prevalence, and duration. This will also allow us to improve understanding of the factors that may predispose owners to or protect them from the 'puppy blues,' which will help us to develop prevention and support measures," added Ståhl.The study offers a crucial new glimpse into the relationship between a pet and an owner. Exploring the puppy blues phenomenon will help raise awareness and prepare future owners for the challenges of puppyhood – as there are quite a few that come together with all that cuteness.

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Pretty Plants that Will Stop Cats from Pooping in Your Garden

Whether you own a cat or neighboring felines like to frequent your backyard, chances are you have come across half-buried cat poop in your flower beds. Cat lover or not, you probably weren’t thrilled to discover these unsightly deposits in your garden.Although cat poop won’t harm your garden, it also won’t add much to the overall appeal of it either, especially if the cats decide to dig their own toilets in the middle of your flower patch. In addition to preserving the aesthetics of your garden, there are several other reasons you may want to stop cats from pooping in your backyard. Keeping cats away will ensure the garden stays clean and safe for young children to play in. Plus, it will help protect wild birds that visit your garden, especially if you have a bird feeder or two.Besides being unsightly, cat poop in the garden can carry a parasite, called Toxoplasma gondii, which is particularly dangerous to pregnant women and unborn babies. For this reason, it’s super important that you wear gloves when you clean cat poop from your garden. As an added precaution against nasty infections, always use gloves when gardening.Are you sick and tired of cats using your garden as their personal toilet? There are several things you can do to preserve your outdoor oasis that don’t include the use of cruel booby-traps or startling devices.All you have to do is buy the right plant - one that cats hate but will look great in your garden. Although technically a weed, the curry plant is one of the best plants to deter cats from pooping in your garden. Scientifically known as Helichrysum italicum, the curry plant is a small, bushy evergreen shrub with linear-shaped silver-gray leaves. The leaves have a strong odor, reminiscent of curry, that acts as a potent cat deterrent. When a cat brushes against a curry plant, its leaves release a strong odor that attacks a cat’s sense of smell. Plus, the curry plant also has a coarse texture that cats hate. Many gardeners agree that curry plants act as excellent cat deterrents saying that cats stopped pooping in their gardens after they planted curry plants. Since the curry plant is essentially a weed, plant it sparingly so it won’t spread and take up too much space. If, for whatever reason, you don’t want to plant curry plants in your garden, plant lavender instead. A popular ornamental plant, lavender has pretty purple flowers and a delicate and sweet smell with herbal undertones. It’s that delicate smell that will help keep cats away from your garden!Cats have more than 200 million odor sensors in their noses and anything that emits a strong smell, like lavender, will be off-putting. Luckily, lavender is easy to grow and you can plant it in any part of your garden or containers. This gives you the freedom to plant lavender exactly where the cats like to poop to deter them. Many cats also dislike the smell of rosemary, rue, pennyroyal, citronella, oregano, geraniums, lemon thyme, and coffee. Any of these plants can act as a natural barrier and discourage cats from entering your garden and using it as a toilet. Although there are other ways to deter cats from pooping in your backyard, planting plants is an entirely natural and non-toxic option that isn’t harmful to the cats or you. It’s also cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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