I've had a few episodes over the last year or so with my dog retaliating when other dogs annoy her.  In the last few weeks she has had 2 episodes where she has gone for other dogs when she has been out with her dogwalker.  Today a small dog went for her and last week it was with a flatcoat over a stick. 

I'm concerned because staffies get enough bad press as it is without her adding to the breeds difficulties and if it escalates she could do some serious damage to another dog.  Generally I put her on the lead if I see another dog and don't take her to busy places at busy times but now I'm wondering if a muzzle would be a solution.  My dog walker isn't keen on her being muzzled as she thinks she would be miserable but I'd prefer that she was miserable than dead or had killed or seriously injured another dog. 

anyway to get to the point I am wondering what people's experiences of muzzles are and what kind would be best for a staffy.  Looking on the net a baskerville deluxe would probably be the recommended one but she would look nasty wearing it which gives people the wrong impression about her being aggressive (or maybe it isn't the wrong impression?).

If a muzzle isn't the solution - any ideas what would be?  I had a pet reading a while ago and she said that my dog often attacks out of fear which makes me think a muzzle would make her feel even more powerless but I don't know how to empower her to chill out.  Any suggestions from the wealth of knowledge on here?

If the problem is mainly with your dog walker then how about her only walking her on her lead and then you letting her off when you can control her better?

the problem isn't just with my dog walker, she has been a nippy little mutt when she is out with me for quite a while.  I put her on the lead regularly and she never starts anything but gets the hump if other dogs bark/growl/hump/run at her.   The problem is that she would do far more damage than the border terrier that went for her. 

both myself and my dogwalker are good at reading the signs when she is likely to respond but today she walked past the border terrier and it went for her and she very quickly responded. In this case the border terrier has history of this and the owner grabbed it by the tail and back legs to haul it away and pick it up but by then mine was riled and jumped up at the owner to get at the dog.  She didn't get the dog thankfully but it was very quick apparently.

if she had been on the lead when this dog went for her she wouldn't have been able to get at it but it wouldn't have changed her response - just how close to the other dog she could get which is why I am wondering if a muzzle would suit.

i have had occaisions when my dog has had a fear provoked lunge at another dog that got too close and eyeballed him or whatever goes on in their doggie language.
on lead walks he wears a head halter which is quite loose and when we have to walk in close to a strange dog i slip my fingers through the halter and can tighten it easilly which means he cannot move much, it doesnt hurt him and it prevents the lunging. he can still make a garbled attempt to bark. this hasnt happened for over a year but he used to be a a problem and this gave me control in unavoidable situations and i am only 1 stone heavier than my dog!. might be worth a try???

Hi CC.

I understand your anxiety but, if I'm reading you right, she has never 'attacked' only 'responded' and so far has never laid a tooth or claw on another dog?

Take comfort from the fact that it may never escalate and that, if she is lacking in confidence, being on lead - and therefore unable to evade attack - may increase her agitation. My own little terrier X bitch caused me similar anxieties particularly when other dogs pushed their luck after the intial meet & greet sniff - or simply bowled up to her barking and yapping. We'd get the whip round, the air snap and the chase but never the bite. And this was after I'd seen her very efficiently despatch small rodents so feared the worst.

Working on a strong recall and 'reading' ahead solved the problem - although a very pushy Rottie got a good telling off last week but only harsh words and saliva were actually exchanged.

Don't panic. It's good that you're thinking through the problem but it might not be as serious as you imagine.

Good luck.

and to be honest they are not doing anything wrong in letting rude dogs know their attentions are unwelcome.

She hasn't done any damage and has only once connected with a dog (by it's tail) but I get really worried that she could do some damage and with the horror stories on here about irresponsible owners and the ones I've met myself I'm dreading the police at the door citing the dangerous dogs act.  Ok, so maybe a muzzle isn't required, just extra vigilence.  thanks to everyone for their input it is really appreciated.

In your position I would err on the side of caution. Like you I have a breed with a "reputation" and have one who can be a bit dodgy around other dogs and anything that moves quickly. It doesn't matter how vigilant you are there is always the chance that something can happen unexpectedly (you may trip over for example). I feel more confident knowing she can't cause any damage because she is muzzled. Yes I get "the look" but I also get that with my other dog, same breed, who is a soft as anything and loves everyone and everything.