What are your views on Muzzles?

I had to use one on my last dog as he would bite people for no reason, so when he was off lead, he had to wear it. I was going to do anything to prevent him being PTS because of this behaviour. Because he was a rescue dog, I had no idea of his background, but after 3 years of TLC, he was totally different and the muzzle came off and he was fine without it.

I now have to consider muzzleing breeze as she will pick up anything lying around, and one operation later, this may have to be an option until she grows out of this eating everything stage.

In certain circumstances, I have nothing against muzzles, but prefer not to have to put my dogs in one if I can help it.

I think they should be used if there is a chance that a dog may attack another dog.  I wish the dog that attacked my dog in the summer had been wearing one - it obviously wasn't 'safe' around other dogs and the owner should have been more responsible.  If I felt that I couldn't trust any of my dogs I wouldn't hesitate in muzzling them.

Quote: If I felt that I couldn't trust any of my dogs I wouldn't hesitate in muzzling them

I agree completely.  I had been thinking about getting a muzzle for Sherry because although she has never "gone for" another dog she is very growly at them and in the right situation it could escalate into an attack, who knows.  But, since I've been using the Halti and now the Dogmatic it has made the world of difference.  Headcollars aren't muzzles but it's given me a much greater level of control and the tightening action as I stear her away from another dog is sufficient in her case.

BTW, I don't let her off the lead at the moment and won't until her behaviour and temperament improves.

Are they cruel in any aspect?  Difficult to get on, or anything of that nature?

I've never used one but I would imagine that the dog needs to get used to it gradually just like they need to get used to a Halti gradually.  I don't think they are cruel no, if you think your dog needs one then get one and give it a try, better to be safe than sorry.

Personally I wouldn't want one of my dogs to have to wear one every time I took her for a walk but if the dog really needs one then so be it.  There is a lady who walks a Dalmation where I live, he is always wearing one because he is a biter and she hasn't been able to rehabilitate him, he seems OK about it and still sniffs and runs about and appears to enjoy his walks just like any other dog.

I'm afraid I haven't used them either - but think it's a case of introducing them slowly and pleasantly so that it isn't seen as a punishment.  As Ilovemutts has said bit like introducing a Halti.  I don't think they are cruel - if used correctly and for the right reasons.

How much can they open their mouths with one on?

Sorry can't help on that one - I don't think they are majorly restrictive and there are different types - best to speak to vet/trainer for advice on best one - unless someone else knows more about them.  Sorry not much help am I!

A mikki muzzle is tight, allows enough room for dog to open mouth slightly so they can breath/pant. These shouldnt be worn for more than half hour- or else the dog will overheat.
We had a gsd that had to wear one when she was anywhere populated- she got used to it, but people used to avoid going anywhere near you as they see the muzzled dog..

or you can use the caged muzzles for exercising and walks, the mikki ones are good for grooming/vet visits.

Sleeve type muzzles restrict the dog's ability to pant - which is obviously dangerous - and are best used only for when a dog is being examined by a vet for example.  If there is a genuine necessity for a dog to be muzzled while out on walks it should be a basket type muzzle, similar in style to those used by racing greyhounds.

IMO muzzling a dog which is potentially aggressive to other dogs is simply transferring the muzzled dog into a possibly dangerous situation whereby it has no means of self-defence if it is attacked by another dog.  Dog to dog aggression can be successfully prevented by use of appropriate control by the handler and if necessary using a head collar such as the Dogmatic. 

If a dog is unpredictable around humans however, then I believe muzzling with a basket type muzzle is the best option.

Regards, Teri 

We are getting Abby used to a muzzle, not because she will bite but if she was hurt and needed vet treatment then I would want her used to the muzzle before not have added stress if injured.
Mary

Think that's a good point Teri - going down the route to identify the reason for aggression and possibly cure would be a good starting point.

With my 1st Dobe I resorted to muzzling her everytime we went out, she hated all dogs, with a passion.

I agree Teri, if possible the use of a headcollar / handler control is a better option but there is always the chance of something happening (slipping over, lead breaking etc) and the dog would then be free to attack another dog. I just felt the muzzle was the safest option.

I tried really hard with her to break the habit (training, drugs, behaviourists), and I had her from a pup, and she was brought up with another dog (who she was OK with most of the time), so I concluded she was just one of those dogs that would not change no matter what. A number of people at my training club said that had it not been for me she would have been PTS years ago. I loved her dearly despite all the problems and she was finally PTS due to old age at 14 years.

I only ever used  a basket muzzle which she could drink with and pant and she was quite happy wearing it, I would never use a sleeve type muzzle as I too think they are dangerous.

My view is that every home should have one.

You never know when you might need one for the vets, in a road accident or one at home.

They can be very useful tools and, like protective boots for example, you never have one to hand in an emergency unless you have thought ahead and equipped yourself with one "just in case".

No good wishing you had one after the event IMHO.

With those basket style muzzles, are they easy to put on, how do they physically fit onto the dog?  How much is he still able to open his mouth with one on?

Cheers,

Steve

Very easy to put on, just like a headcollar really, attached behind the ears. Heidi could yawn wearing hers, so that should give you some idea how wide their mouths can open.

Agree with Teri, yet again....:-D.

We used the Baskerville muzzle to rehab aggressive dogs by exposing them gently to set- up situations ensuring safety.  My bitch wore one for a couple of years; she was people aggressive.   It meant we could safely expose her to the situation and rehab her response.  It's a basket-type, you can put treats in through the holes and the dog can pant, eat and drink in comfort.  When we started socializing Sheba, it didn't take her long to realize she couldn't bite so she used it as a battering ram. But the early stages of socializing were done in a controlled environment with experienced doggie people who weren't worried about being barged.   We had a complete turnaround with her too, I would trust her completely now and I never thought I would hear myself say that ever.....

This is a surprise, because when I began this thread, I felt sure that there would be those that would be up in arms at the mere mention of the M word..

:)

The basket muzzle is really easy to use and barnie got used to it very quickly. It got to the point he would get excited if it came out as he knew he was going for a walk. I don't think they are cruel esecially if you really need to use it to stop someone getting bitten.

Why?    There are some dogs where different from norm measures are essential and providing any aids/tools are kind i.e. don't cause pain or distress to the animal, then they have their place.  What is important IMO is that no gadget is used as a substitute for training, but merely an enhancement to same and in the case of a muzzle as a safety measure in specific circumstances :)

Regards, Teri

A dog ran up to my puppy last night growling and barking at her. I had her on the lead as I knew there was a dog approaching. This is a dog I know to be aggressive and I would usually go in the opposite direction to avoid it but it was dark and I couldn't see it until it was right up at us. I shouted to the owner to come and retrieve his dog as I didn't want it to frighten the pup. He shouts, from some distance away, 'oh it's ok, he's muzzled'!! Why is an aggressive dog that needs to be muzzled off the lead in the first place??? i did pose this question to him but he mumbled something about not knowing we were around which is utter cr*p as both my dogs wear lights on their collars and can be seen from quite a distance. Thankfully, as my pup is 3 times this dog (a terrier type mongrel), and extremely well socialised, she wasn't bothered by it but it could have been a really bad experience for a nervous dog.

Sorry about the rant, but that is my latest experience of muzzles. maybe it should be clearly printed on the box that a muzzle is not a 'cure' for aggression (just to make it clear for the terminally stupid owners). Otherwise, I have no doubt they are a useful tool and are, indeed, a necessity in some instances.