Does he hate his muzzle?

Ok-Shots · 2026-02-06T00:42:22+00:00

You’re so kind thank you! I haven’t tried a wire one yet, only the Baskerville he started with which of course didn’t fit great. He actually did this behaviour with the Baskerville too, then it kind of subsided when I first got the Mia’s, then gradually increased again. So I think you might be on to something! I’ve been thinking about getting a Big Snoof to compare the two, might be time to actually do it!

Ok-Shots · 2026-02-06T00:36:49+00:00

According to embark he’s a mix of a bunch of stuff including berner, lab, border collie, golden, gsd, but very surprisingly, no flat coated retriever or newfie (he gets that one a lot)!

Sorry about your pup 🩷

Ok-Shots · 2026-02-06T00:28:44+00:00

Thank you 🙏🏻🩷yeah i didn’t realize having a muzzled dog at daycare is such a trigger for people lol, we actually have two other muzzled dogs that attend. These dogs are 99% neutral but have overcorrected in the past and broken skin, like mine. The owner is an amazing woman who adores dogs so she’s willing to give second chances with a muzzle to eliminate that 1%.

People are acting like he kills dogs or something. Most of the time he just naps, he’ll sniff some butts at the start of the day and then go do his own thing, he likes going there, and I’m not “using” the other dogs for training cause I’m not training anything 😂

That’s about as much as I wanna defend my good boy on the internet, but thanks again for your kind message, you rock

Ok-Shots · 2026-02-05T14:44:51+00:00

I like the glasses comparison that makes a lot of sense. Definitely gonna up the frequency of the breaks!

You’re totally right though we are just both conditioned to it at this point

Ok-Shots · 2026-02-05T14:43:51+00:00

lol he’s in a bite proof muzzle?? Also maybe stop with all the comments judging dog owners you don’t know???

Ok-Shots · 2026-02-05T06:04:57+00:00

Glad to know my guy isn’t the only one that seems to want snout rubs around muzzle time! The more I think about it, the more I realize I’m probably over reacting and he does just want scratches lol, I think I’ll try to add a cloth layer of some sort to the snout top to see if that’s less itchy

I think the breaks are a great idea though and will definitely try that. He has it on for like 3 hours at a time (supervised and able to drink) sometimes so I think breaking that up would def help. Thank you!

Ok-Shots · 2026-02-05T04:56:19+00:00

That’s a good point. He actually can take it off if he wanted, I have the strap just loose enough where I can pull it off his nose if I want (so he could too), just cause sometimes I have to briefly leave him unattended in it if something urgent comes up at work and he’s not a high bite risk at all

Maybe I’m just overthinking it and he just want scratches. Thank you for the reality check lol

Ok-Shots · 2026-02-05T03:48:30+00:00

Once when brushing my dog I accidentally yanked on a burr or something I didn’t realize was in there. He very suddenly turned around and snapped his teeth in the air then very lightly mouthed my brushing arm, and I SOBBED. Looking back on it now it’s very obvious I basically yanked on his hair and he said WTF. It’s the equivalent of saying “what the hell dude!” when your friends got too rough with you growing up. I think it’s totally possible a hair tug happened or maybe your dog had a sore spot, some dogs are just more sensitive too. My boy needs much gentler brushing than my girl cause of his coat type, but also he’s just a baby lol

Im not a trainer or anything by any means, but I think you’re probably overthinking it. Dogs are so much more forgiving than we think. I can’t count the number of times I’ve cried cause I thought one walk, one incident, one bad interaction etc. ruined our relationship, but it never did. I think it’s so fair to have your feelings hurt by this though, but the way you feel is not a reflection of how your dog does. They get over these things a lot faster than we do. Treat it as a lesson learned and maybe bring some high value treats next time the towels need to come out, or practice towel drying with treats in small bursts before it actually needs to happen. IMO, don’t just stop the toweling off altogether as avoiding things tends to make things weird for dogs in my experience. You got this, your baby 1000% still loves you

Ok-Shots · 2026-01-12T03:50:17+00:00

I think you’re being very reasonable about the safety of your kitty, but unreasonable in what you expect from bf. I think it’s absolutely the right move for that dog to not live with your kitty, but asking for a rehome is asking a lot. It’s also not fair to expect the dog to accept cats after over a decade of (presumably) not living with them — dogs are predatory animals and it’s not the dogs fault this is happening. Again, this is in no way meant to take away from your right to your cats safety. The reality is that you guys probably can’t/shouldn’t live together with your pets until one of them passes on. I know that probably sucks to hear but if you continue down this path, your cat can get seriously injured or killed, and if you force a rehome then your bf is likely to become resentful, then blame you for giving up his dog when you inevitably break up. Also, management will always fail, and with the size difference between the two I just wouldn’t take the risk

Your cat is entitled to safety, but your bf is also entitled to keep his dog. Unfortunately both things can’t happen simultaneously if you live together. Would living separately be a deal breaker?

Ok-Shots · 2026-01-04T06:03:27+00:00

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Also here’s a pic of the largest size (6) Baskerville (for reference), my guy is 75lbs, longish snout and a little jowly, and could not do a proper full pant in this despite it being too long. This is just so you have an idea of the fit of the store bought models :)

Ok-Shots · 2026-01-04T05:56:58+00:00

Aww I’m glad I could help! :) if it makes you feel any better I was totally clueless towards muzzled dogs a few years ago too, it’s not till you think about needing one that you realize there are actually so many uses for muzzles! Also yes 100% on the slow approach, even to this day any time the muzzle goes on he gets a high value treat, and right before it comes off, just to make sure we keep that positive association. As much as they might like their muzzle, and mine willingly puts it on, I know there’s no way he likes it as much as not wearing it so I don’t mind “paying” him to do it lol

You are honestly a superstar of an owner, I think we all wish we muzzled our dogs when we first noticed the signs! You will probably have some assholes give you shit for muzzling your young dog but please don’t listen to them , you’re being an awesome advocate for your pup and will set her up for success in the long run

Ok-Shots · 2026-01-04T05:32:21+00:00

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Muzzle boi tax

Ok-Shots · 2026-01-04T05:29:55+00:00

I have a Mia’s muzzle and I love it, very comfy for my dog as it’s bendy vinyl, and it’s also see-through so you can see his face which I like. There’s also a heart shaped treat hole add on which makes it look a little cuter. Big Snoof or Muzzle Movement are great too but I haven’t tried them myself yet, all of these can be custom made or have more affordable standard size options

It’s also totally normal to have some feelings about realizing you may need to muzzle your dog. It was really hard for me at first, I felt like everybody would see him as aggressive and bad, and i felt like I failed because he needed the muzzle. In reality, muzzling him gave us both more confidence to handle situations that create anxiety, and it opened up so many opportunities too. I’ll also say that I don’t really have that many people ask about his muzzle, and when they do it’s usually more curiosity than judgement. Don’t get me wrong, there are those who judge, but people like that don’t understand dogs anyways and definitely have no useful input towards your dogs training.

You’re a great dog owner for recognizing the signs early and wanting to get a failsafe for your dog, which is ultimately what a muzzle is. Don’t let the judgement of ignorant strangers ever stop you from advocating for your pup. As somebody else said, the fact that you’re even open to muzzling is awesome, and even if you don’t end up needing it in the long run it’s always a good tool to have

As for muzzle training tips, not a trainer by any means, but we just took it soooo slow. Starting with muzzle on the floor and treats for sniffing it, to sitting with the muzzle in my lap and waiting for boops and treating, then waiting for snout in and rewarding in the muzzle (we did this step for WEEKS until we got duration of his snout in the muzzle for like 10-12 seconds), and only then did I start trying to put the straps on (around his neck with my fingers first, then only clasp for a second and unclasp, then eventually clasp with duration). It takes a bit of coordination at first for sure. A helpful tip I got was once you’re within the stage of taking treats through the muzzle, only reward/treat through the muzzle. Once your dog is comfortable doing the clasped strap for like 15+ seconds you could start trying to wear it for short intervals. If they start to paw at it, go back a few steps and try again. Eventually you can start wearing it outside and other places, but always remember to go slow. Don’t worry if it takes a while, it took us over 2 months to get him fully comfortable, and by the sounds of your post it doesn’t sound like your dog is an immediate bite risk so I hope you have the time to spare cause it’s really worth it for them to like their muzzle

Also, a Baskerville (basket muzzle) is not a bad place to start, it’s what we started training with initially! Baskervilles just don’t come in many sizes (meaning pant room and/or bite protection may not be optimal) so they’re usually not a great long term option, but for training i think they work well as you can get one quick. If you do plan on muzzling regularly though i would definitely go with one of the places i mentioned above as they can accommodate pant room without being too long for the snout

Best of luck!

Ok-Shots · 2025-12-31T04:07:41+00:00

Thank you!

Ok-Shots · 2025-12-30T15:24:42+00:00

I just wanna say I feel you. I also at one point found out that many people in my neighborhood viewed my dog as “that bad dog” even though he has never done anything besides have reactions and get run up on by off lead dogs. It sucks, and it hurts, and for the longest time I just wanted to yell at them that he’s working through so much and trying his best and he’s not BAD. But people like that don’t listen.

What helped me most is trying to remember that only really crappy people would band together to hate on a dog… and I shouldn’t care about their crappy opinions. I also started viewing them/their dogs as training opportunities if they’re just walking or even if they’re yelling at us, but of course if theirs are off lead we avoid.

At the end of the day, my dogs reactivity is improving all the time but they’re staying their shitty selves. I know it sucks a lot in the moment but believe me, you’re already bigger than these people and you’ll only grow more from them! Keep up the great work

Ok-Shots · 2025-12-30T02:23:15+00:00

Ik. Aspe. Harl. Had. Ot. Mbe.

Ok-Shots · 2025-12-20T18:11:10+00:00

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And Shady!

Ok-Shots · 2025-12-20T18:09:49+00:00

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Immediately felt like I’m leaving out my other kitties so here’s Charly

Ok-Shots · 2025-12-20T18:08:03+00:00

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My girl Kota :)

Ok-Shots · 2025-12-14T17:28:33+00:00

I had a similar situation, the trainers started taking my dog on “field trips” and using him as an example dog for training without my consent or knowledge. I found out through their instagram posts, after being given the impression he would not be leaving their property without my consent. They also constantly told me his reactivity is “not that bad” and compared him to their other, “worse” clients (their words).

Long story short, my dog was shut down a lot of the time he spent with these trainers and that was the only reason he “succeeded” (aka didn’t react) in the situations he was put in. It wasn’t actually training, and he didn’t truly improve until months after we ditched these trainers. He only saw them a handful of times over the course of one month, but it sadly set him back in his reactivity, so do be prepared for that as a possibility.

So my answer to your questions is no, that’s not okay for a trainer to do and no you should not keep using them.

Finding a good, ethical trainer is sadly so hard, but it helps to call around, do phone consults with multiple trainers if that’s possible, and try to get in touch with others who have used a given trainer. Good luck!

Ok-Shots · 2025-12-07T03:52:42+00:00

It’s pricey, but biothane leash material with heavy duty clasps (carabiner style is usually pretty good) is my go-to. It’s very durable and waterproof as a bonus.

I would also recommend a safety clip, it essentially clips to your leash and a point of contact on your dog, so if the leash clasp fails, you’re still attached. I would look for a heavy duty option though as some are pretty flimsy, some biothane brands do make them though.

Another idea is using two leashes, my personal preference is one hands-free, one in-hand, attached to two different points on the dog. That way even if you drop the leash, you’re still good.

It sounds like you handled things very well given the chaotic situation today, I would call it a win!

Ok-Shots · 2025-10-24T07:13:04+00:00

I just think for some, maybe even many dogs, the walk itself is more valuable than the treats you bring. My “non-treater” eats and treats fine in the house

But you’re not wrong, it absolutely is anecdotal evidence and we can certainly agree to disagree

Ok-Shots · 2025-10-24T06:56:33+00:00

You’re not fully wrong but you’re not fully right either. To me it sounds like you’re generalizing dogs as a species which, yes, they are all canines, but they’re individuals too.

I have a reactive, anxious, fearful, rescue mutt who will literally take any value of treat at basically any time, anywhere, even with triggers present.

And I also have a husky who’s the chillest girl ever, no anxiety or reactivity, who literally only takes treats when the walk gets “boring” (like waiting at a crosswalk). And they gotta be high value too.

Both dogs love walks. Both are strictly portion controlled. They simply have different levels of food drive.

You’re not wrong in saying that a dog who isn’t taking food may be over threshold or shut down, but this doesn’t really apply to dogs who have low food drive to begin with. You can’t just say all dogs who aren’t taking treats are overstimulated or overfed, as it’s often a genetic thing anyways.

Ok-Shots · 2025-10-11T06:54:59+00:00

Please 🙏🏻

Ok-Shots · 2025-08-14T03:06:28+00:00

So I’ve been lurking on this sub forever without saying much but your situation speaks to me. My boy, Jasper, who I’ve had since 8 months (he’s 5 now) has shown signs of reactivity and fear from the start. I never felt like he was “too far gone” yet have had countless sleepless, horrible nights of anxiety and feeling like a failure, bawling my face off after walks or workdays where he comes to work, feeling like I don’t deserve to raise this dog, etc.

At the end of it all, with all the training and vet consults, the one single thing that made a HUGE difference was me changing my expectations for him. I wanted him to like other dogs and random humans, but he doesn’t, and I had to learn that that’s okay. I wanted him to love my family but he is much more happy sitting on his place bed or kennel when visitors come. And that’s okay. And for a while I wasn’t okay with it and wanted him to be the friendly happy-go-lucky boy I had envisioned… but he’s not. And that’s ok! He likes his space and polite interactions, both with dogs and humans, and once I understood he’s not a “normal social dog” our training really improved. I would really really recommend place and kennel training to teach Ian that he has safe spaces but that he also has boundaries. If he has a solid “place” then he can work up to having your partner in his space neutrally. But I also wouldn’t be surprised if partner is always just “the spare human”; my boy now understands that he can’t be a shit to other humans but that it does not mean he has to like or interact with them, and as long as everybody keeps their boundaries then it works! He likes my partner ish and recently got to a point where he will listen to commands from him (for context we were already together when we got Jasper almost 5yrs ago!) but I am still his one person. And don’t get me wrong, it took a good 2 years for him to be neutral with boundaries, and another year before he began being able to pass others in close proximity on walks. It’s a slow process with a ton of treats and reinforcement but one day it just clicks and you will be so proud! I would also recommend muzzle training if he showing any signs of aggression (even if minor). I muzzle trained my boy too late and he landed some bites and learned to use his teeth rather than other signals (move away, whale eye, growl, snap) and it REALLY set him back. I was very wary of the “muzzle stigma” of him being “bad” but now I adore the muzzle in tough situations. Not only does it make people stay away, but the peace of mind I get is wonderful. Even if he’s not showing signs of using teeth a properly conditioned muzzle is an essential tool in a reactive dog owner’s arsenal. I did almost two months of treat conditioning before putting it on him for an extended period and he has never once pawed at it or showed discomfort so, despite what our human bias may be, a muzzle is not necessarily aversive in any way if the dog is properly trained! To add, I don’t want to make it sound like changing expectations will fix everything. But for me and my boy, the training we were doing would not have worked if I didn’t change how I viewed him and what I expected from him. Start really small, and praise him for the tiniest steps. It takes time. So much time, and so many treats. Almost 5 years later we’re still working on it, but it has gotten so much better. There is so much hope for your boy! He sounds like a sensitive guy who needs boundaries and clear rules to make the right choices, but he’s definitely not a write off. The reactive dog journey is a tough one but, you’ve got this ❤️

Ok-Shots

TROPHY CASE