To muzzle or not to muzzle - that is the question

Steve · Master

To muzzle or not to muzzle - that is the question

Nicki · Big Cheese

Hi Steve,

What I used to with Jim was I used to carry his muzzle with me, and when we saw dogs that were off lead then i just used to slip it on, it was one of the greyhound muzzles that didnt have the buckle so it was quick and easy. This way I was safe in the knowledge that if anything happened then my Jim could have no blame attached to him.

Hugs to Harry and Pearly.

lol Nicki and Janie.x

-- Edited by Nicki at 18:48, 2005-06-08

bluesmumanddad · Master

Hi Steve

I don't have any experience on muzzling dogs as Blue has never needed one. I think that if you are restraining Harry on a leash you shouldn't really need a muzzle. It is infuriating when people let their dogs jump all over dogs that are on the lead.

Obviously when you know you are going to be in close proximity to lots of various dogs (ie the GAL hot dog dog show) It would be wise to use a muzzle for your own piece of mind if nothing else.

JanW · Master

Hi Steve,

We ended up with a muzzle on Spoons after a couple of near misses:

On lead - boxer pup on lead, saying hello nicely, next minute pup's head in his mouth and Murray yanked him back before he could close!

On lead - spaniel off lead, warned owner dog should not approach as he might bite - owner ignored (she'll get out of the way!) action by Murray and spaniel just left tufts of fur hanging out of his mouth!

On lead - late at night, spaniel (or something fluffy anyway) appeared around a corner and presented itself! Owner was miles behind it so not in my vision yet.

I would say no harm to muzzle in-case, he'll get used to it. Obviously you know Harry best so really only you can decide.

I've got a click to calm book going spare if you would like it!

Janet

Dave · Enlightened One

Hi Steve, I have 1 simple rule - if in doubt use a muzzle - it only takes 1 second for a dog to come out of nowhere, startle Harry and get a bite for it's troubles, please (and this goes out to EVERYONE) don't be complacent on the issue if muzzling your dog...

Sounds like the big lad needs some socialisation round non hound breeds to get his trust and confidence up..

FAJ · Enlightened One

Hi, Janet - that book would be great, thanks very much. Will we see you at any events in the next wee while?

I don't think Harry is as 'bad' as Spoons - I say 'bad', cos they're not being bad, just doing what they've had it drummed into them from a tender age. It seems to me that it's shaggy coated dogs that bother him the most - maybe he doesn't understand what they are. I personally don't think that he hurt the young 'uns last night. The yelp sounded more shocked than hurt, and it didn't stop the pup having a sniff at Pearly's butt straight after!

Poor Hazza - he's such a softie round the house. He's conked out on the floor behind me.

It's still early days for him - despite the fact that it seems like he's been with us forever. I wish I had a crystal ball and could see what he'll be like some months down the line.

Fiona

xlxJennyxlx · Rookie

Hiya this is exactly what Scamp did when on his lead always with other dogs he didn't know and we muzzled him. But once he was off his lead he was a completly different dog all waggy tails and chasing each other. I thought because the other dogs were off the lead and he was on he felt threatend because they were getting to close and he couldn't move away from them when he had enough. So i only use the muzzle when he is on the lead and take it off when he can move around freely.

Teresa · Enlightened One

hi steve

i am in favour of muzzles for your own protection, if nothing else. dave and daisy came to us with muzzles which we used for every walk to begin with. now they've got used to the area, we don't bother - unless they have to go to the vets, then its muzzles on. they were muzzled as a matter of routine as racers so they are used to it anyway. its amazing how many pet owners have absolutely no idea that dear little twinkletoes looks like lunch to a grey !!!

now that the evenings are warmer, we will be walking further afield and will be taking the muzzles with us, just in case. better safe than sorry. dave and daisy are insured but i'd rather not be responsible for another owner's foolishness.

incidentally, we never let them off the leads cos they would never come back and we don't have a secure, fenced-in area to do so. they don't seem to be disadvantaged as they enjoy their walks with mummy and daddy anyway.

teresa, x

Andy · Old Hand

Steve,

We always keep Fiddie's muzzle on when we are out walking. In most cases he is fine with other dogs, but every now and then there can be a bit of growling and snapping - especially with small or hairy dogs. We live in a busy area so you never know who or what we are going to bump into, so it is better to be safe than sorry.

Around other greys Fiddie is a perfect gentleman and doesn't need his muzzle, but he has to share the park with other breeds and we don't want to risk Fiddie getting into a real scrap.

If you are having doubts use a muzzle. You can always take it off when you are sure there is noone else around.

takecon · Master

Hi Everyone,

Yip I agree it's far better to have your hound muzzeled unless you are 100% sure they will not react. in any given situation. My own problem is - other dogs off lead running up towards me and my 4 dogs on leads. This - in dog speak is regarded as a full frontal attack and had to be defended by my protective dogs.

Most of you will have noticed that in such situations - when your dogs are on thier leads there is much more of a pack protective instinct. especially if they opposing dogs are on what my dogs regard as their territory

In my case - Snap - my older greyhound bitch gets very aggresive and bites aynthing close at hand - this includes her own gang - My Cleo is still showing a few scars and Mick before her. ( those scars were due to the local foxes strutting in font of my gang on our adacent grass area drives Snap mental so she lashes out.

You can see why greyhounds are muzzled on the racing tracks -

But lest I paint a negative picture of the g hounds - my g hound snap is the only one I had to watch out for out of the 8 greyhounds/lurchers that I own / fosterd

Charles

ps Snap is a real babe in all other circumstances - She has adopted role of mother protector of her gang- So she is doing whats in her genes

CAROLE ROBINSON · Old Hand

I agree with Dave - "if in doubt, use a muzzle". I have spoken with numerous people, after the "event" who dearly wish they had used a muzzle.

Calatria · Master

I would definitely muzzle Harry. It's really not worth taking a chance over something like this and, as we know, they get used to the muzzle quickly and it's not a problem for them. I think your walks would be more relaxing if you didn't feel you had to be constantly on the alert for any strange animal suddenly appearing. Belle is muzzled every time we go out, even when she's just on her lead. She just accepts it - lead on/muzzle on - and enjoys her walks as much as ever.

JanW · Master

Fiona,

I'll be at the hot dog show - but did I read you won't make it? Do you want me to give it to someone else you see more regularly, or otherwise I'll be at the next Stratchclyde Park walk.

Janet

anna · Old Hand

all i can say is thank god i got a muzzle when i got taylor used it at the begining then she was fine with out it now her character has changed thank god she has it on.carry it with u.i know it sounds harsh but could u live with urself if ur dog really bite another dog or person really badly as confident as u think u r with ur dog muzzle is best cruel to be kind way cruel they have to wear it kind as ur safe in the knowledge she will not harm another dog or person.

so in a long winded way i agree with them.u cant put a price on dog safety for the price of a muzzle and wots to say if the dogs do fight ur dog isnt muzzled chances r ur dog gets the blame for any damage done.

defo muzzle all the way.....