| Well, go ahead and you should be putting the muzzel on at the time you put the collar on so she associates it with every outing. Even just going around the block, it is part of getting dressed for something positive.
Don't worry about trying to have people pet her. You are right, in that they will hesitate especially if she gives off body language. Strangers in the park aren't your best bet for training and they aren't interested anyway. Find some people from your training groups or dog friends and have them meet you. Also, take her to training (she doesn't need to be in a class), hang around before the working starts, and then leave. What you want is for people to come up and address you, ignoring her totally. Visit with them for a while then go on your way. Always use a happy voice when greeting people. As this progresses, then have them give her a pat on the head and depart. (quick and happy)
I believe it is always OK to correct a dog when it is wrong. How else are they to know? But you will also be desensitizine her by having people in close proximity without pressure on her.
The training will help because it will give her some rules of behavior and that builds confidence.
Anyway, I think you have the right idea. Get out the collar, leash and muzzel and tell her "whoopee do - we're going for a walk"... soon she'll see that muzzel as being part of her dress-up and go someplace outfit.  |