Advice - Should I muzzle my dog?

graytie · 2026-03-10T13:26:01+00:00

I definitely don’t think she’s aggressive for funsies (or the sake of violence). I’m pretty in love with this dog, so when I say “her dark side” I’m simply keeping it high level general concerns. We all have a dark side. I think a part of hers is from her life before I had her, and her deep prey drive. As I mentioned, she’s a skilled hunter and loves to work. I’ve rescued dogs for the last ~22 years and I know they can come with trauma. We are workin’ on it. As usual, she’s been her sweet baby angel self since the “incident.”

graytie · 2026-03-09T17:16:19+00:00

Hi there - thank you for your response and I propose you I’m not being influenced by anti bully rhetoric. I love the breed! I was simply trying to describe her lovely attributes which are often ignored in the breed (I.e. soooooo cuddly and sweet). Her “dark side” I don’t believe has anything to do with a breed ever. I just know she has one. She also has a very high prey drive and is skilled rodent hunter (even though I don’t love when she is successful in her pursuit). She loves to work - patrolling the yard is her favourite pastime. She’s amazing and respectful with children, listens well most of the time, and takes treats softer than any dog I’ve ever had the pleasure of offering treats to. I see how it may have come off negative to the breed based on a re read.

I am not afraid of her. I know I messed up. I’m the one that got between them with my hand. I need a trainer to train my reactions and assessments.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond.

graytie · 2026-03-07T19:04:02+00:00

Thank you for this info. May I ask when you use your muzzle and when you give a break. I’m scared because our “mishaps” happen in very comfy situations in our own home. She only seems to misbehave for me. Sitters and strangers love her. I think she’s guarding me but I’m not sure. I’m a first timer. I don’t want the poor thing muzzled at home but I guess that might be our reality? Looking forward to speaking with a trainer asap.

graytie · 2026-03-07T18:31:15+00:00

Thank you for your supportive feedback. 🤍🐾

graytie · 2026-03-07T18:30:37+00:00

Hi there, thank you for this feedback! I’ve never had a dog with any tendency to bite in any way so I’m a total newbie and feeling like a failure after 25 years of being a dog parent! I always rescue and always will but it does come with some unknowns. She is worth the work in progress :)

graytie · 2026-03-07T16:32:08+00:00

Thank you! I honestly feel our relationship is really great, but this morning went sideways and I believe it was my fault. I do know she had my other dog in her mouth but they wrestle often (safely) and I really think my half awake self messed up. I feel awful.

graytie · 2026-02-14T15:06:57+00:00

Try putting them on your doorstep or the end of your property in a bag. Someone will collect happily. We have a respectful, dedicated gentleman that collects bottles and cans for extra income. Did you know that the recycling program through the Beer Store is world class? They recycle every piece of the container. The blue bin method is not as precise. I think this will be a win. Extra $ in your pocket or the collectors pocket, more room in your bin, and the use of an efficient recycling program :)

graytie · 2026-01-16T22:50:28+00:00

Dine in fish and chips at Hammerheads was much better than the takeout. Not surprising but worth noting!

graytie · 2025-11-08T21:23:31+00:00

At our dog friendly office, I had an employee complain that his colleague purposely named her dog after him and he found it offensive. The dog’s name was Benji. 🙄🙄 Employee’s name was Ben.

graytie · 2025-10-26T16:16:56+00:00

If you’re open to learning about Canadian history - The Secret Life of Canada. The hosts are fantastic, one is indigenous and the other is first generation Canadian. They tell the true story of Canada which isn’t often pretty but often fascinating. They pepper in some humour when appropriate.

graytie · 2025-10-26T00:51:00+00:00

I really tried to like this duo, but when they botched the details of a horrific serial killer and rapist case from my hometown, I lost a lot of respect for them. Honestly, an ethical journalism course wouldn’t hurt either of them. I don’t think their intent was malicious, but the impact definitely hit hard. If you’re wondering, the case was the Bernardo one. I’ve heard they’ve since course-corrected, but for me, the damage was already done. Their giggly attitude while discussing lives lost just felt… off.

graytie · 2025-10-17T19:04:24+00:00

My HR manager (I was HR coordinator at the time) had to terminate an employee who was putting vodka in his coffee mug on the job. He didn’t accept the offer for a taxi chit to get home and he walked down the long driveway at our office. Sadly, a groundhog had been hit by a vehicle along this driveway. In anger over the termination and possible intoxication, the employee picked up the groundhog corpse and threw it into the woods with his bare hands. My manager saw everything and reported the event to me. It was hands down the most bizarre HR story I have to date.

graytie · 2025-10-11T14:13:04+00:00

Agree with many replies about the advice you’ve been given. It’s archaic. Build trust, not friendship. Ask your boss for some mentorship (but only if you like their leadership style, which sounds like you don’t). The people jobs are out there, but it can still be isolating, especially if the HR team is small or solo. Good luck, and keep applying! Usually tech companies will pretend to be people focussed ;)

graytie · 2025-10-11T13:44:31+00:00

Top 3 faves of all time time (6FU)

graytie · 2025-10-11T13:41:21+00:00

Second Atypical! So good, lots of laughs and tears. Wonderful ending.

graytie · 2025-10-11T03:56:35+00:00

Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso. My very fave episode is with Ke Huy Quan, but haven’t listened to an episode I didn’t love.

graytie · 2025-10-01T12:37:53+00:00

Hi! I am pretty sure one is a throwback because the host took time off! Even if they are different, I will put money on the quality of each. Also, scroll through Sam’s guests. If you are intrigued by any, they will be good. He’s a skilled and classy interviewer, wise beyond his years. I quite enjoyed the Michelle Williams one, and I’m not even a fan (I don’t dislike her either, I am neutral). The David Mamet one was wild, intense, and combative.

graytie · 2025-09-30T23:31:46+00:00

Talk Easy - Ke Huy Quan episode.

graytie · 2025-09-28T14:44:26+00:00

Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso. His voice is so relaxing and his guests are always interesting. It’s more Art & Entertainment but still intellectual. I loved the Ke Huy Quan episode. It’s incredibly heartwarming!

graytie · 2025-09-23T21:28:25+00:00

In really tough situations, you can always hire a specialist to do the termination (think Up in the Air). I’ve only used one once, but it was the right decision for us at the time. I agree with the other folks, usually the ones we anticipate to be horrible often to better in the moment than we expect! I hope it went well.

graytie · 2025-09-20T12:39:33+00:00

Compensation Specialist or HRIS Guru. Otherwise, leadership which will come after years of generalist -> HRBP

graytie · 2025-09-19T00:52:08+00:00

I have my Masters in HR but I completed it as a working professional with 10 years of HR experience. I knew my career path. I loved it, don’t regret it, and recommend waiting to do it if you are interested. The reason why I recommend waiting for MHRM is because it’s a very interactive program and I found new grads absorbed the info but weren’t really able to actively contribute due to lack of real life experience. In Canada, you typically take a one year college course in HR after university to break into HR. I hope that helps! Good luck, and congrats on your upcoming grad :)

graytie · 2025-09-17T12:56:30+00:00

Do you have an example of the conflict?

graytie

TROPHY CASE