Walking with another dog

Today I met a friend and her golden retriever, Bob. Alfie wore his muzzle, been practicing at home with it but he still hated it and clawed at his face trying to get it off a few times. Did when we first came out of the door, so had it on really tight. Cant trust him with other dogs so necessary at the moment for peace of mind and safety of my friends dogs, yet I also think he cant be feeling his best wearing it anyway. Lesser of two evils though. Hopefully we can safely introduce dog meetings and eventually long lead play  hoping to not need it in the end, though think we always need to be very careful.
Bob was very calm and well behaved. Alfie was all stressy at first, trying to get to him and almost hyperventilating    It was only a 20 min walk and the dogs didn't have contact Just us walking along with our dogs close to us. After 10 mins Alfie was much calmer and was even pulling a bit less (with his little face I just cant put the Halti on with the muzzle and he always pulls worse on the collar and harness & double lead). He was watching Bob less, looking over just now and then. For the last 5 mins he seemed to visible relax that bit more. Bob was the perfect choice for him as he was so laid back and hardly interested in Alfie just walked on regardless.
We are meeting again weds pm and hope to keep it up when we can. Obviously would not trust him from this, but its a small step in the right direction and I was really pleased with him.
As I fully expected, Just that very short walk with another dog exhausted him! All that mental and emotional (fear, excitement) wore him out and he just flaked out on the floor when we got back   

That is great progress and great you have someone to help and walk with x

aww that sounds really positive,you must be so pleased   

Thanks guys, I am pleased. A small step, but a step none the less   

Great to hear, sounds really positive   xx

Aww that's really good for you both, really pleased for you sue xx

Thanks girls x

This is great I hope Alfie continues to get better with him and good luck for your next walk! Let us know how he gets on.

Thanks Emma, update here, but not good https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/t53759-not-so-great-today