Muzzled Off Leash?

Blue has some aggression problems when on leash. Was wondering if he would be better off leash as a few people have mentioned that their dogs behave better off it. Thought maybe he was picking up on me expecting a kick off.
I have a muzzle for Blue which I bought ages ago but never used. Do you think if I put it on him while walking down the canal off leash is a good idea or a bad idea?

Moo can be bad on lead, she's not normaly ever on it unless we are by the road, and when off she is fine. Its up to you really, how ever much you trust Blue

I trust him and he's recall is good. But been looking into it and some say it can make the dog feel more vulnerable and more prone to other dogs attacking. Some say it is a good way to allow the dog to learn to socialize better without putting other peoples dogs at risk

I haven't ever had to walk either of the dogs I've had on lead so can't be much help really, can see the pros and the reasons, I'd just trust Moo and when I see other dogs/people I keep an eye on them, she broke a womens headphones the other day by jumping up, totally irresponcible on my half but I couldn't judge the situation that quickly. Whatever feels more comfortable I guess

It sound like a really good idea but only if you know the other dog and know they won't attack him. I really wouldn't suggest it if he still acts aggressive and a dog takes it the wrong way he might get attacked and not be able to defend himself especially if you are some distance away.
I also think muzzles cause frustration he would still nudge and beat on the other dog just not be able to bite, but he does have a good recall while your in a secure area you could stop him from bullying while wearing the muzzle.

Thanks girls. I will try it tomorrow just while he walks down the canal and see how he gets on. I'll let yoy know how it goes.
Ill take it back off when we walk on the roads on leash and when he's in the secure field off leash. (We are the only ones who use the field...plus only one entrance)

Just remember the muzzle must mean calm energy, if you get it right, the muzzle wearing will calm him throughout the walk, just like guide dogs their dogs without the work coat but once the coat goes on they know they must work calmly.
Also if he does encounter another dog call him if he doesn't listen calmy walk over no calling his name, slip a slip lead over his head (easier than thumble the clasps on leads etc) and walk away.

I give Blue plenty of treats through his muzzle inside and outside the house but when he put it on outside he cowered. So I took it off and put him back on his lead.

??? Its a tough question, at least if he is aggressive he wont hurt a dog but could end up getting hurt himself. If his recall is spot on then i spose its worth a go maybe? Why dont u just walk him on a training line? I did with Ty for ages as he is sometimes a bit funny with other dogs (or so i thought but his problem was only on lead as well). That way u can either reel him in or stand on the line (if its an emergancy and attatched to harness not collar). x

I think im gonna have a look into what classes are available locally and also some local behavioust and see if I can get some pointers or tackle the problems from a different angle.
It may be something that can never be fixed, but I think allot of the time it's because Blue doesn't know what he is meant to do or how he is meant to act since he has never been socialised.
I have a retractable lead but when outside even the long leads seem like they hardly give them breathing space to explore. Sure they shrink outdoors lol

'Shrink outdoors' lol!!
I do know what you mean, Moo would be a nightmare if she didn't get her runs. Have you actually ever trusted Blue off lead without a muzzle?

Hi Janey
No I haven't.....to be honest because of the way he acts on it im not confident enough to let him off incase he acts te same way. Don't want Blue or anyone else/dog getting hurt. It wouldn't be fare on them, just because I want to see how he is to use them as the guinnee pig.

Absolutly, just wondered cause I've had issues with my dogs on lead but as you said its better to keep everyone safe.

Would love to see if he was alright.
Shame cos he spoils it for himself. I had a 2 hour conversation about this to him but he hasn't took a slight bit of notice
But I think if he was alright I could drive him to the beach and he could run for miles. Not as much fun getting dragged across it when they are on a lead

I know the feeling! Maybe the only answer is to see if there are any classes/groups local to you that you can try Blue where people will know why your there, but saying that I don't think that they can be that behaved when in an enclosed area.

will he walk next to you when you call him? If he will then you can let him wonder off and when you see another dog just call him back to you untill you've walked past them. And if he does get narky you will be close enough to reach him to grab his collar or put his lead back on.

He can walk next to me, but is high energy and an attension span of gnat. So I have to continually tell him to heal. But the idea for me for him to be off leash is for him not to have to be next to me and to have some freedom to sniff about and have a sprint to burn some of that energy off.

Did you Steve/Janey take your dogs to classes? Just phoned one to inquire, to try and see if I can get Blue socialised a bit more. He said I would need a choke chain and 6ft leather leash. So don't think I'll be going there. He said
"If you put a collar on a horse it will pull a cart. So put one on a dog and it will pull." ?????????????
Was gonna say If I put a choke chain on my kids they will fecking kick off so put one on my dog and it will increase his aggression. Another 2 local ones to phone and find out about

2nd one I phoned seem better. No choke chains allowed. Must bring dog treats. This seems more for me.
£25 for 40 min 1 to 1 lesson first
then £8 per 1 hour group lesson and they have full indoor dog training facility

http://www.mellordogschool.co.uk/default.html

Hey Blue,

Yes I have to agree that the first man sounded a bit of a twa*!

From being on here I know how lucky I am with Moo, never had to go to classes and maybe irresponcible but I had her over the park off lead the day I picked her up and just kept my fingers crossed she wouldn't run off/be aggressive etc and luckly she has been fine, well the odd jump at the owners but they encourage it (something I discourage!)

It was a huge eliment of trust (and possiably stupidity) but she has been fine, she was about 9 months when I first got her.

Look down all Avenues, is there somewhere you can walk that hasn't many dogs, the pics I put up last week is a walk I barely see anyone, you just don't know really but I totally admire the responcibility you are taking in this. We met a muzzled dog yesterday and he was great and Moo and him played, sadly I wanted to speak to the owner with regs to why the muzzle but she was too far away! Now I'm waffling!!

So in short no I never went to classes she just fitted in!!

BlueStaffBlue wrote:2nd one I phoned seem better. No choke chains allowed. Must bring dog treats. This seems more for me.
£25 for 40 min 1 to 1 lesson first
then £8 per 1 hour group lesson and they have full indoor dog training facility

http://www.mellordogschool.co.uk/default.html

One of the women at work has just had a dog trainer who comes to your house first, she came last week and told her loads of things that she said were really good. One that I found strange tho was not to put their food in the usual place but to hide it in a few places. I can understand this as a game but not for feeding times?

First dog I've had thats been aggressive Janey. I have always done the same as you and just let them off leash. Hopefully these classes will do him good......he is still young so hopefully he will get better and feel more secure about himself. Think it was Marty that suggested classes.....Good idea
Would love to have Blue off lead like the woods you took Moo. I bet she loved it

Tracie-Milly-Moos Mum wrote:
One of the women at work has just had a dog trainer who comes to your house first, she came last week and told her loads of things that she said were really good. One that I found strange tho was not to put their food in the usual place but to hide it in a few places. I can understand this as a game but not for feeding times?

Yeah I don't think Blue would be too impressed with that idea
How has your mate got on? Has she seen an improvement?

Blue will get there, hes got age on his side

Well Paddy was snapping at the woman at work and other dogs when they were out, the trainer said it will take a few sessions before she see's any improvement. So she will have to wait and see so she is just doing what she has shown her so far.

Well tell her good luck..........and get her to get on her and share some pics


Yeah im hoping so Janey. Cheers all

Sorry mate was having dinner! I think I was just lucky with sid I let him off the lead from about 16 weeks or so,he just trots along next to me unless I tell him to run on and then he will go sniffing about! But when he is on the lead he doesn't pull at all so I think he is pretty calm,although I did try to keep him from pulling from a pup but like I say I think I was just lucky,he's my first dog and just happened to find him,last of the litter!! Would like to take all the credit but I think he is the biggest part of the equasion!!

Same as Stevie b I think I am just lucky too with Moo

Kaiser is much better off the lead whenever we come across other dogs and he is on his lead he puts a front on and will growl at them

I think alot of dogs can be better off the lead with other dogs,just don't worry to much,in through the nose and out through the mouth and all that!! He might be better when he can run around the other dog!!

Thanks all.
Gonna take up the suggestion of taking him for that 1 to 1 and then group classes. I didn't grow up round here so I don't know anyone who I can go for walks with and socialise Blue. Looking forward to it now.....just gotta get some work done and get some pennies.

Hope you get on ok with Blue. I had terrible trouble with my previous dog a Belgian Shepard. I was lucky i could walk her with the AES Dogs at my previous unit in works time too! We just started of walking behind the dog and kept doing this for a few weeks with a few different dogs, also we had to go back to basics aeound the house. ie. no sofa,you first thru doors, you eat first etc.
It went really well until we had to move back to England and it kind of fell apart. Ended up having to muzzle her on walks for her safety and other peoples. Wasnt nice, but she was a rescue dog and had loads of issues. Worked with her for nearly 2 years to combat then, and she improved loads! She tried to bite a stranger whilst we were on a muzzle free walk tho and i lost all confidence in walking her and she could tell.

Your deffo doing the responsible thing and i hope you can work it out and have many playful days!!

It certinely will not do blue any harm going to a training class. I dont like muzzles only if you no the other dogs will not act upon a challenge cause he may challenge a strange dog and get attacked himself.
The stafford is a people dog but "some" will not mix with others unless they know them you have to admitt defeat sometimes im afraid. Im not saying dont try new things and ways of sociolising but be wary as one day he might accept another the next he wont. I think you are the best to judge him as you no him best we can all only go by our own experiences and some people who do training classes dont know our breed as we do