I know my dogs knew it was me spraying them, even though they couldn't see me.I'll grab the hose right in front of them and as soon as they see it they turn around and go lay down. I know they don't associate me with the evil hose. They are not big on water in the first place, so it works. Amazingly, Tootsie the known yapper[:)] doesn't bark at the mailman. The hose doesn't faze her, so I'm glad that shes not involved with the barking at the fence situation. Good luck!