Muzzles 101

[lavenderlady5]

I know nothing about muzzles other than seeing them on dogs. I have a dog that i don't necessarily trust around other dogs. He has issues. He is never off lead but when he sees a dog he goes ballistic. I am worried that if he ever gets lose I could have a big problem on my hands. Can they drink/eat/play ball with a muzzle? How badly can a dog (a big one) hurt another dog if he is wearing a muzzle? Thanks LL

 

[shredhead (DOG LOVER)]

I thought about muzzles. I personally would never put one on my dogs. I would rather just avoid situation that would make me require one. I dont think dogs can eat or drink with muzzles on. Also, if another dog attacks you dog, than he wont have a way to defend himself.

 

[agilitydobemom]

Muzzles are a helpful tool if used properly they can keep some one from getting injured from a dangerous dog the fact that you are thinking of using the muzzle while walking may be a good idea and trying to avoid situations that may make your dog go balistic may also be a good idea try walking him when other dogs are less likely to be out when there owners are not at home if you can't do that then try to walk in a less dog populated area dogs can't eat drink or play ball when they are wearing a muzzle but why would your dog be doing any of these things during a walk any way

 

[lavenderlady5]

dog

I wasn't expecting my dog to play, I just wanted to question how restrictive the muzzle was. I take my dog to quiet areas, but no matter where I go, there are dogs around. That is why I wondered about muzzles. My dogs do drink during walks though....

 

[pitbulliest]

Muzzles are actually a really bad idea unless your dog is very aggressive and you KNOW he'll get offlead. Muzzles make the dog feel defenseless, and if any other dog was to attack yours, he'd have no way of defending himself. In that way, muzzles have been proven to make dogs MORE aggressive and in some cases, create behavior problems. I wouldn't suggest it. Just make sure you keep your dog on a leash and do some obedience training. My dog is not exactly great with other dogs either, but I've taught her the magic of the command "leave it" and "sit"...it helps alot...

That's my suggestion...but as for the muzzle..well I generally like to give it a thumbs down. It definately won't help in making your dog less aggressive and pull less, that's for SURE. Get down to the root of the problem and train the dog, that's the best you can really do.

 

[candy722]

I used it on my previous dog because he has the same problem like your dog. They could still bark, and bites that won't hurt you. I don't know about drinking water but maybe they can depending if there's even a little gap for them to open the mouth and stick out their toungue

 

[lavenderlady5]

thanks

Thanks for all of your help. I did wonder if it would make him worse as he would feel defenseless. I shall not do it then. I can't imagine him off lead. He is getting better, but it has taken lots of work. Thanks again.

 

[RedHotDobe]

I understand exactly how you feel. Duke is absolutely not trustworthy with any dogs while on a lead. His previous owner said there was only ever one dog that he didn't like, but I'm thinking that maybe his dog contact was extremely limited. He will go nuts around other dogs. He is getting better, and it did take some time. I loaded him with treats when I knew other dogs were around. Other dogs equals treats equals happy Duke. Not only the treats, but he's realized that he can't get to the other dog and they can't get to him. This took a long time because he's been attacked by off-leash dogs twice while he was on-lead. He's built up some extremely muscular hind legs since I've had him, but I still have total control over any dog encounter. He can jump, flail, linge all he wants, I don't move an inch, and the other dog doesn't get any closer. It's really not even that he wants to attack the other dog, I think he feels that intimidation is the best defensive strategy in any situation.

Now while I may have control and he may be a little better around dogs, I still avoid any close encounters with dogs. He loves meeting dogs on his property, or going to another dog's property for a meet-up, but meetings on a leash are a huge no for him. He may be trying to intimidate, but given the chance he will rip the other dog apart.

 

[candy722]

All I know that if you put it on as a punishment your dog will know. I usually have it on whenever the gardeners would come once a week. But if you dog lets you put it on that's great but if you can't put it on then what's the point of having a muzzle.

 

[lavenderlady5]

Redhotdob, You are right on. My boy is exactly like yours!! I don't think he wants to hurt them but I agree it is intimidation. Well if we ever meet on the walk we'll know each other. Just watch for the two ballistic dancers!!! LL