Is using a muzzle/squirt gun mean?

I dont know what to think, Im really trying to socialize my dog, he's 2 and never been socialized ( just adopted him) he barks kind of aggressively and ALOT when he sees other dogs ( i dont think its necessarily a bad thing its natural for gods sake!but others are annoyed) So im trying to train him to be better behaved. It kind of sucks because the only dogs we have to expose him to are my parents labs and one of our friends big lab mix. both are on the IFee side. meaning Im not sure how either would react around other dogs it hasnt been exposed to. My parents dogs are very well behaved (especially the male around other dogs for the most part) but im just afraid to do it i guess. And another reason is also because he's only 12 lbs and they're MUCH bigger than him..so I think it would scare him more? I'm not sure though? How should I go about doing it? both dogs on a leash and slowly approach each other?? Ive been reading up on a lot of training but I just want it clarified. And to get to my other question when he starts barking up a storm is it ok to spray him with a squirt gun just once? he only EVER barks when he pes other dogs..never in the house or anything. only with other dogs. And is it better to have him meet a female first or male? anyway I know this was long but help please? thanks!