muzzle success

lolz_k · #1 25-09-11, 09:27 PM

I posted on here a couple of weeks ago and just thought I'd update...I was looking at ways to avoid a disaster when visiting family with our nervous boy!

Since then we have purchased a muzzle and I am in shock at the change in Samson when he's wearing it?!

We tried it first by inviting one of our friends into the house - muzzled him before she arrived and put him behind the baby gate in the living room. When she came in he gave a few growls (where as before he would have been barking like crazy) - he was told enough and stopped. After 5 mins or so we removed the gate and he a had a little sniff (our friend was told to totally ignore him and she did really well!) - 5 mins after that he lay down at my feet and never made a sound the rest of the time she was there.

I'm fairly certain that my state of mind played a massive part in this - I was totally relaxed as I knew he couldn't bite anyone! My OH also thinks that because he couldn't work himself up into the frenzy that he usually does he just accepted that he had to take a more submissive role in the situation?!

We're trying it on him inside/outside and various locations for different lengths of time and he's adjusting to wearing it really quickly. My OH had it on him the other night on their last walk and was surprised by some teenagers in the bushes - previously he would have had a right good bark at them...but with the muzzle, 1st call he came straight back and ignored them completely.

Kicking ourselves for not having gotten one sooner than this! Obviously not going to solve all his issues but I feel like this is a massive step forward for both me and him!

Stuart · #2 25-09-11, 10:50 PM

I am glad the muzzle is working for you,.. but as long as you dont think it is solving your problem, because it might not be.

I dont know for sure, but there is a thought that dogs that wear a muzzle simply know that they cant bite and so dont bother, but if the muzzle is removed, they will go right back to trying to bite

...but it does seem to have solved your paticular problem in the short term, so I am pleased about that, it will certainly make you feel a whole lot more relaxed

lolz_k · #3 26-09-11, 09:56 AM

Thanx, i'm under no illusions that muzzle is not the solution to the problems. In samson's defence he's never bitten anyone. He's very nervous around strangers and I worry that he could if stressed, etc bite and i'd never forgive myself. We've got lot of work to do to help him overcome his fears but whilst we do I can stay calm in the knowledge that he can't hurt anyone.

Caryll · #4 26-09-11, 10:39 AM

I think this is great if it helps you to be more confident. Then, when you're ready, you can try him wothout the muzzle, and hopefully he'll be more responsive then.

#5 26-09-11, 10:51 AM

It's good you're having success with him. Another thing that might be related is the fact it's something fastened around his face. Haltis are used in a similar way, not just to control the dog's head on walks, but the sensation of it on their face has an effect of calming them.

Steph&Dex · #6 27-09-11, 08:18 PM

Hi,
I'm interested to hear updates as you progress, in these situations and helping him overcome his fears. It's good to hear you're willing to put a lot of work in

and I'm sure feeling calmer and having some peace of mind will help him too.

x

lolz_k · #7 03-10-11, 01:29 PM

Steph,

Thanks - see new thread...weekend was a bit of a hit and miss -

Friday night with muzzle on he was really good...even let kids give him a tickle under the chin and a rub on the bum!!! But he was still very jumpy when people were moving around & didn't settle at all during the night.
Sat morn - he lunged at one of the kids, trying to bark through his muzzle and ripped it so he was relegated to his crate and later getting ready to go on walk did it again (on his lead at the time nd I had thought he was sitting next to me - I turned to get something and felt/heard him)
Sat evening - was ok after kids gone
Sun - thought he was ok then he lunged at OH sister's partner, who had his back turned to him and was walking away at the time!? (Got no idea what that was about)

I just don't know what to do with him...

Jon · #8 03-10-11, 03:20 PM

Get some help, it's probably something that can be worked on.

have a look at The APBC | Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors.

#9 03-10-11, 04:42 PM

Hi I also have a white shepherd which I rehomed last year from a private house. She had not been socialised hence I have problems with her meeting other dogs. Had a behviourist out today( second time ive tried this) and she advised me to get a muzzel. Which one did you buy ?

Regards

Julia

lolz_k · #10 03-10-11, 11:05 PM

I don't know what make it was but it was nylon mesh that kept his mouth closed but allowed panting & licking. However if u read my last post he tore it trying to bark, so wasn't a good buy! Think we'll replace it with a more robust nylon style one as we don't want him to be able to bark and work himself into a frenzy. We've contacted a local behaviourist today so hopefully we're now on right track