Muzzling the dog overnight = bad idea. It can't drink water, and will be very uncomfortable. If your muzzle is too small he can't open his mouth to breath properly either. Muzzles are only for short term use (usually when being handled by a stranger eg. vet/groomer)

Anyway muzzling a dog isnt going to help with the noise. He won't bark. But he will start whining. Which is more irritating.

Since he is caged up all day, and only let out for a few hrs while you are home, then caged again while you sleep, its pretty obvious that he doesnt like to be caged. Who would? How big is your cage? Is there space for him to walk, stretch, turn around and stand properly? If not, you need a better enclosure.

Try to lock him in a room at night with his water/bed and toilet (if hes toilet trained), otherwise, let him out in the garden after dinner until you want to sleep then put him back in the house. He will do his business outside and won't want to do it in the night. (Adult dogs can do this, puppies need to go more regularly and will need a litter box). Don't lock him in the cage, sounds like he hates it. For all you know during the day hes disturbing your neighbours by howling no end. You don't know because you arent home

If you don't want to let him run in the room freely at night, then buy a wire enclosure and close up a corner of your living room at night. Then he will be able to run around a bit and play by himself

Remember a dog is not a toy you can keep in the cupboard and take out only when you want to play with it. No living animal likes to be caged or tied up with no freedom to move about comfortably.

This post has been edited by Sashan: Apr 7 2009, 04:24 PM

Got a pom or spitz cross, adult dog. No probs at all with barking (thank god)

The caps make my eyes bleed