07/25/2026
We trained our now 3 year old boys with soft muzzles. We started out saying, “No bark” and putting the
the soft muzzle on. Then we take it off pretty quickly right when they stop barking. And we give them praises, “Good Boy no Bark!” The muzzle may have to be on longer
depending on the situation … one time we had roofers next door that could be seen at eye level, so the muzzle was left on longer. Generally, just a quick putting it on for 5 minutes works. And more often now, just showing the muzzle to our dog with the verbal command works. Now we just use a verbal command if they bark at other dogs walking on the road or walking next to our backyard fence - (which is off of a busier road where people often walk their dogs in our housing community). We let them bark freely at the dog park. And let them bark briefly when somebody comes to the door. We say, “Good boy!” They usually shut right up afterwards… such as they did their job well.
They still like to bark on walks when they see other dogs to say hi! Just a quick verbal reminder and they stop. Same command …. “No bark.” * These doodles are so smart and want to please us by being good dogs.
We can just say No now dragging out the word … “Nooooo.” So - a muzzle is about $20 on Amazon or any pet store. *Muzzles are excellent for the baby puppy who is nipping your children and keeping them from chewing up your house. I suggest the style of muzzle that has a wide opening where their nose goes. Some don’t have that and the whole nose is covered. Dogs like to smell. Initially, our baby puppies were crate trained, then they graduated to the muzzle which gave them the freedom to run and explore and sniff … A great adventure for them to sniff their home and explore without doing damage. You can even sprinkle treats and toys around making the adventure more fun.
Note: we sent all of our puppies from our last litter home with one.
