I happen to disagree that debarking is cruel.

I think correcting a dog all the time for barking is worse than a brief non invasive procedure to eliminate the annoyance of barking. If barking is such an issue that a muzzle is being considered, then I would consider eliminating the barking all together.

The de barked dogs get NO less pleasure from barking. They just don't make the noise.

To the OP: Please read my posts, esp. the one about the recall.

If you say COME to your dog and he ignores you or stands there, that is what you have just taught him to do when he hears the word come.

You will get a better understanding of how to help your dog learn to come when called if you will read the recall post.

You might also gain some more understanding of how to shape behaviors from reading this website. One of my favorites.

http://www.clickerlessons.com/index.htm

To those who are flaming me for suggesting debarking, I'd appreciate it if you did not get personal. Dogs are not people, and they don't react to things as people do. Debarked dogs do not miss the bark. According to them they still have it.