Muzzles - Yay or Nay?

Question

I'm asking these questions because my 8 month old pup barks non-stop if we're not paying attention to her. She also can't help but to nibble at my pant leg EVERYTIME I take her outside to do her business! Her dog trainer has tried to help us fix the problems, but now this so-called trainer is saying that we better muzzle her up or get rid of her. The lady says there's no hope for this pup. We've been trying to fix this problem for a few months. Do we have a bad dog trainer or are there some dogs that just don't learn? I don't want to get rid of my dog.:(

Answer 1

I would not rid the dog. Is your trainer going coo-coo? I would try a different trainer. maybe a tap on the nose or something. I am sure the pup will soon out grow it. Good luck.

Answer 2

You shouldn't have to muzzle her. that wont stop barking anyhow, unless it's dangerously small. They are designed so the dog can open it's mouth to pant, so it will still bark.

You don't keep her in one of those awful crates, do you? She should only be in that thing when she needs to be confined for her own safety, and for about 20 minutes before starting a training session. If she's in the crate let her out,( she is plenty old enough to be outside trained for toileting purposes.) and that should stop the endless barking. Wouldn't you yell if you were jailed unjustly?

For the pant leg game, and that's what it is, take a toy outside when you go, and when she grabs your pant leg, have her sit, immediately, then give her the toy. The "sit" command reminds her that you are the top dog, and the toy gives her unspoken permission to engage you in play, as long as she follows the rules.

As for the barking-- does she know and respect what NO means. If she doesn't that's where you need to start. If she does, then when she starts to bark, you say NO, and if that doesn't work then you will need to reinforce your corrective action with something more stern, like a pull on her choke collar, which is what she should be wearing all the time when she is training.

When she responds by being quiet, don't forget the reward. Give her something she likes to do. a chew toy, or whatever, and leave her to it.

Sounds like the dog is running the house, and if you don't get control of that, you may have to get rid of her. So, try these ideas and if they don't work, get one of those collars that give a mild shock when she barks. The problem with those is, really smart dogs know that it's the collar so when you take it off they keep right on barking.

Answer 3

I agree! Dog stay and trainer goes. Muzzles keep dog from panting and alters the way they can cool themselves, can't eat or drink. How would you like to have an itch and the only way to scratch it is all covered up. NIX the muzzle idea.
Give he/she something else to chew on and let he/she know that pant legs are off limits. State it sternly with a firm "NO" reward he/she's good behaviors.
How long are you gone and how much time do you spend with the pup? This may be an issue also. If he/she has been alone all day they are looking for affection. To bad you don't have a puppy sitter like a relative that can help out to relieve some of your stress. Is puppy in crate? They may need stimulating toys to keep them busy they are just like kids in that way. I can understand the annoyance I had one of these also.Good luck don't give up yet. And shock collars, hopefully this won't go that far.
Alice

Answer 4

There are so amazingly unqualified "dog trainers" around, you seem to have hit one of the ones who's previous training experience was with stuffed dogs on mars. Move on. I've never encountered a muzzle that will stop a dog from barking (thay can do so with a closed mouth ya know). try squarting with a water gun or spray bottle if the mouth gets too bad. Nibbling pants leg coud be solved by a muzzle but I'd be trying a leash pop to divert her & if that was unsucessful - well a halti or gentle leader gives you control of the head (I would NOT pop a head halter though, hard on the dogs neck) but you can move the head away......

Answer 5

try another dog trainer......we have to muzzle ours when we take her out walking only because our law says we have to as it's considered a dangerous bred and she is not very fond of other dogs, although extremely gentle in her own territory....It severely restricts her activity and makes her look vicious

Answer 6

I wouldn't but there is always a reason to keep your options open for things that will protect others against your dog.

Answer 7

Why do u ask this 2x??? Here is the same answer I gave in your other question
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Yes they are harmless as long as you use them correctly and use it as a training device.. NEVER leave the dog alone with one on!!
Source(s):

Breeder 25+ years..My dad used shocks with ALLLLL his hounds!

Answer 8

OOOOOOOOOH

Try another dog trainer first - what do you have to lose?

Answer 9

It's NOT the dog...it's *YOU* !!!
ALL YOUR FAULT!! ALWAYS the handler,NEVER the dog!

If you can't properly TRAIN & maintain a dog,place it w/SOMEBODY WHO WILL!!!