Muzzles

[Copper's Dad]

Hello all!
I've had Copper since a pup and now a new edition,a rescue like always Todd..
I have a muzzle I just bought for Copper while doing his nails. Don't get me wrong he won't bite me but he shows teeth while I do it.
Now with the muzzle he is much calmer and easier to deal with. I have a large fenced in yard with chain link and Copper barks for the wheels on any childs toy and has gotten out of the front door thanks to my 2 yr. old and caught one. All he did was wag his tail and want the little boy to pet him. (Whew!)
Todd however is protective of the perimeter and barks at whoever comes too close. If I give them a no they stop and the only time they are out is when I am or when I can watch them from inside the house.
I pride myself on being a great neighbor offering help,tools,advise on cars, and generally anything you can think of.
Both my neighbors on both sides have decks and the dogs will bark at them.
Should I muzzle the dogs for piece and quiet.
I'm concerned with whats worse me yelling NO! everytime or there barking.
My other issue is this is my yard and I chose to have dogs and dogs bark so get used to it.
Any tips on quieting barking or muzzling would be appreciated.
I will admit I don't want to muzzle them because they are my dogs and I don't want to caiter to my neighbors on everything.
Let's just say my neighbors on both sides are a little odd.

[Judy Chrusch]

Copper's Dad, as far as the barking I wouldn't muzzle him for that. Rotties aren't usually barkers but I guess they can be. I'm sure you'll get many differnet responses but what works for me with everything is a firm "QUIET" or you could also use "NO BARKING". As I am saying that I squirt him with a squirt bottle, part vinegar and part water. If you'd like you can just use water, whatever you choose. When you point it at him don't make a game out of it make sure you say the command as you squirt. Don't get into a chasing game either. You don't want him to think it's fun and games. This works for EVERYTHING Czar may get ahold of that he shouldn't. Today he decided to pull this piece of treated wood out from somewhere and chew on it, not good, I came out with it hidden but he knew, he took 2 steps off to the side and dropped it, I praised him, gave him a small treat and we went about our business. Just remember not everything works for everyone. Try it what do you have to lose, right. Let us know what you decided to do.

Judy

[Judi W]

Never having owned a barker, I can't offer solutions, but I believe Judy is aiming in the right direction for you. What I would comment on is "rights". I have been unfortunate enough to live next to a neighbor with a dog that barked constantly everytime I was in my own yard and, trust me, I learned to hate that dog and developed some pretty strong feelings about the person who harbored it also. It made it impossible for me to enjoy my own property. Property rights end where they impinge upon another's. So, yes, you are right in looking for a way to change that behavior. A dog that barks at people who belong where they are, is a nusience and no alarm system either. Like the boy who called wolf, people quit paying attention to that bark. Best to befriend you neighbor in an appropriate way. Perhaps you can have them meet and interact with the dogs so they can be friendly to each other. That should help.

[Judy Chrusch]

First off Judi is right as far as a barking dog being a nuisance. We have two of them next door and boy are they annoying. They're dogs that never get out of their 10x10 area covered with stones but that's a whole other thing. Getting back to your problem Copper's dad, after I responded to your post I got to thinking and remembered what I had read through the course of learning about dogs behaviors and I remember a part about barking, now correct me if I'm wrong Judi but couldn't excessive barking be signs of fear, wanting attention, or nervousness, and perhaps boredom. Also it may be a reminder of more training so he knows the proper way to please and who is in charge and that you're very unhappy about the situation. And most importantly you must let him know that it's unexceptable behavior plain and simple. He may also pick up on how you feel about them as well, your neighbors that is. Anyway, try what was suggested, it sure beats a muzzle. Muzzles are good for the appropriate circumstance. Hope this helps.

Judy