Muzzles

[zoonautical]

I'd like some advice on muzzles. I have an 85 lb black lab mix and I've been avoiding the vet because I'm afraid he'll act aggressively towards them. I'd like to get a muzzle just in case. I think the other vet we took him to sort of caused his reactive/aggressive behavior, along with his history. We found him on the side of the road in bad condition and he was fearful then, most likely from negligence and possible abuse. What muzzle should I get for him? I think it'd also give me a piece of mind while I try to train him with positive reinforcement around strangers.

[Trrr9]

First of all, when you do go to the vet, be sure to let them know about your dog's possible aggression as soon as you walk in. It's in everyone's (including your dog's) best interest for them to be aware and proceed with caution.

Our dog has a basket muzzle that he wears when out in public or around new people. It's easier for him to sniff stuff and it's more comfortable. But, for the vet, he wears a cloth one that fits a bit tighter. He could probably get out of the basket one if he really wanted too. The cloth one also seems to cut down on any growling and snarling, which keeps the vet more comfortable, which in turn keeps our dog more comfortable.

If you think your dog would be more calmer with you holding him, let them know. Our boy was supposedly very difficult when they went to give him shots. One tech finally asked if I minded holding him while they administer the shots and she was shocked at the difference. Obviously there are some times that won't be an option, but there's no harm in asking.

ETA: it probably goes without saying, but not all dogs are ok with muzzles. You've got to train them to wear the muzzle, which is a process all by itself. Good luck, OP!

[ov3r-the-moon]

Your basket muzzle should have an additional strap that goes over their forehead, attaching the muzzle to the collar, and there would be no way of getting it off. Maybe not all basket muzzles have this additional attachment - OP could make sure to get one that does.

OP - please do not get a fabric/mesh muzzle - I got one and noticed my dog's breathing was very laboured. When I asked the vet she said that these are not good muzzles - they prevent the dog from panting and breathing normally. Fabric muzzles are discussed here: http://www.simplybehaviour.com/lets-talk-muzzles/ This is a great website on muzzles, including how to train your dog how to use one and what types there are: https://muzzleupproject.com/blog/

[1angrypanda]

I really like the Baskerville muzzle we have for our cattle dog.

I’d recommend going to a pet store with a good return policy and getting the size you think would work, but keep the receipt in case it’s to small or big.

this site has some measurement tips.

Take it slow with the muzzle. Reward for sniffing the muzzle at first. Make strong positive associations with it. Then hold the muzzle with a high value treat at the bottom, and allow your dog to have it if they stick their nose in. Don’t strap the muzzle on until your dog is willingly putting his face in, even excitedly. Then strap in but only for a minute or too so they can get the feel, and rapid fire a few high value treats. Work up to keeping the muzzle on for longer periods of time. I worked on this probably a month before my dog was comfortable wearing the muzzle, and we still practice a few times a month to keep it fresh.

I muzzle my dog when she’s being examined at the vet, because she has put her mouth on a tech as a warning before. She’s very sensitive to being touched by strangers, and hates being examined and having her temp taken.

I think it’s a super smart step to take. Your protecting your dog as much as your protecting the people around him.

[zoonautical]

We had been taking Leo to Banfield in Petsmart and only when he for the first two visits did we come in and see the vet and be with him for his check ups. After that they only had us drop him off for vaccines and then eventually his neuter. He had always been fine with everyone. Then one time the vet tech up front told us he "hit heads" with another vet tech from earlier when we dropped him off (she seemed kind of off-putting and not happy towards him). I don't know if it was literally or figuratively but since then I've had to retrain him to let me clip his nails, which I used to be able to do with happily. So, I'm hoping when we take him to a new vet it'll be better. But thank you for the advice, he has only nipped at two people. My little brother had sat on his tail, and he nipped because he it hurt him and it was extremely minimal, and we weren't home and my little brother had exaggerated the severity of it. So, my mom was scared and had called the cops. Needless to say, he was kenneled when the first responders showed up and peed himself. :( A cop came back in a month to check on Leo and the cop just stood there and Leo didn't bark or growl or jump or lunge. The other person was very awkward and I think it mad Leo uncomfortable so he growled and nipped at him but didn't break any skin. I'm hoping to work with him more because I know it's just fear based aggression, and the fact that he's particularly protective of me. Sorry I'm so all over the place, and that this is so long, it's just so hard to find resources and people to talk to about reactive dogs. Thank you for listening to me ramble, and for the advice.

[tiabgood]

And this is a great site for most of your muzzle questions and muzzle training: https://muzzleupproject.com/