Dog Muzzle

Sammy · #1 25-08-10, 07:31 AM

Does anyone use a muzzle on their dogs??
I am increasingly considering using one on Sam. I am always on the look out for other dogs when out with him, ready to put the lead back on if any are spotted. Sam is ok walking with some dogs and just plays normal, but at the same time their is also a few he has gone for. God he slipped his lead this morning and did have a go at an 11 yr old rough collie. The dog was ok no damage done, and his owner aswell just said dont worrie, i was mortified.
Will Sam be able to run free, and cause no damage with one on. I dont want to take the chance, there is always going to be other dogs around where ever we go, and am not sure if this is the best course of action.
Claire x

smiffy · #2 25-08-10, 07:39 AM

I wouldve thought if it made you more relaxed knowing he could do no harm it might be worth you giving it a go?

Stuart · #3 25-08-10, 07:50 AM

A muzzle may be best if you think about what some people may do with you regarding the law... depending on the damage done, a report to the Police could end up with a very bad outcome,...so better safe than sorry.

What about a long lead, that way Sam would be able to wander around `free` but at the same time be under your control at all times,.. ensure that his collar is on tight enough that he will not be able to slip it off

charlie · #4 25-08-10, 07:52 AM

A muzzle is ok as a temporary measure but u must move on from it with good training and social meets to help overcome the outbursts that are happening and u must always correct unwanted behaviour do not use a material muzzle only a basket one.

Stuart · #5 25-08-10, 08:00 AM

Why not a material muzzle Charlie?,...mind dont need one, but I do sometimes put one on Sam at the vets,.. I always thought they looked quite good, as they seem to allow movement,... although they could probably still nip

charlie · #6 25-08-10, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuart

Why not a material muzzle Charlie?,...mind dont need one, but I do sometimes put one on Sam at the vets,.. I always thought they looked quite good, as they seem to allow movement,... although they could probably still nip

Material ones imo are awful for walking a dog in as they cant pant naturally stu i wouldnt advise one at the vets neither if using one as the dog will have it on as it finds the whole senario very distressing and pant because of this so i would recomend a basket one for this also i would have the material ones banned tbh they also use them in grooming parlours i have worked in yrs ago and the poor dogs used t b so exhausted after it was removed due t the heat and stress of the whole experience..................

Beki · #7 25-08-10, 08:13 AM

yeh we use a basket one for ellie and it means u can still reward the good with a treat (with practise lol) through the basket muzzle also they can pant and also have a drink if needs be with it still on

DelsMum · #8 25-08-10, 10:48 AM

Jerry Lee has a basket muzzle. I use it when we are going on socialisation walks usually for the 1st 10-15 mins until he has calmed down, engaged his brain and I have worked out if there are any dogs there he has taken a particular dislike to.

Only thing I don't like about it when he comes up behind me and rubs his nose on the back of my knees trying to get it off. My legs are black and blue for days afterwards!

LOVEGSD · #9 25-08-10, 12:15 PM

I would recommend the basket muzzle but it sounds like you do need to step up the training so he can learn to interact with lots of dogs as it sounds like he's ok with some which is great.

Beki is right you do need to practice rewarding with treats when they are wearing that muzzle....LOL....I had a nightmare at first trying to reward Ellie eh Beks!

Sammy · #10 25-08-10, 06:39 PM

Sam didnt actually cause any damage luckily. And to be honest dont want to take the risk.

We got Sam 2 yrs ago aged 2. No background history at all.

I started from scratch with Sam, slow intro's, socialising him, training etc.

For the 1st yr was brill, wi everydog he met, I always walked him off lead, we had no probs at all. Loves people and my cats get on fine too.

Then last yr, a dog came over wall to get my cats, Sam cut him off an all hell broke lose. Thats when Sam began to change towards other dogs.

For last 6 months Sam has been kept on a long lead cant trust him. Unless i know for sure no other dogs.

I always walk him same place as other dog walkers, re-intro's, letting him sniff and monitoring body language, so i know if he's gunna kick off, and pull him back.

I am not ancoius when out walking as i know this could make him worse, and i always leave the lead slack and just tell him to leave it and he does, and we continue walking.

I have got Sam booked in to see a trainer, but on a waiting list, so in the meantime following and reading everybit of advice i can.