now i'm confused! I started using a muzzle on my pup a week or so ago, it seems to work but i'm afraid it may backfire if she becomes aggressive! When they start barking, i try to acknowledge what's going on I mean this is their way of communicating with me, so i want them to know i understand them so tell them something like "ok i hear that too" or "yes i know someone is at the door", etc. (just last night we "both" went to open the door for a friend she greeted her and was quiet) but if the barking goes on i tell them enough, no barking, quiet or whatever at this point if they are just being loud and out of control i put on the muzzle telling them no barking, unlike my schnauzer who's quiet at once, my yorkie is able (and loves) to slip a bark or two with that thing on! i walk away and moments later she is quiet and calm i then come back and tell her what a good girl she is and take it off as i tell her quiet, good girl etc. normally after they have worn it the next few times they start a barking episode i just have to show it to them as a reminder to keep it quiet. Another thing i do when there's still no need for the muzzle (this i read in a dog training book) is lower my voice and tell her in a very soft tone, "no barking Galy whisper",and she does control herself , so i give her a treat or pet her, but i have to catch her just before barking when she takes a breath to let the bark out, she makes noises and stuff but not that high pitch bark that drives my not-so-tolerant neighbor to call the animal control. Sorry, i digress I starting saying I was confused because although it seems to be working it may be to quick for me to actually know if it will actually give the wrong message to my dogs a 6 y/o schnauzer and 6 mos old yorkie.Help!
