muzzle

hi, i think im going to have to buy brody a muzzle, hes normally fine but he sometimes snaps at dogs that run upto him when hes on his lead and theres lots off dogs off leads around here so im always a bit nervous.

im looking for a muzzle that doesnt look to OTT. i have seen nice fabric ones but the dog cant open there mouth to breath if there tired etc.

any suggestions?

Not something I've used Alan sorry can't help there.

When he snaps is it just a telling off or a real "have a go"? My Flo will snap if she's pestered too much but normally just ignores badly behaved dogs. It is however, just a telling off.

A Baskerville ultra would be your best best for safety and being comfortable - do look a little Hannibal though. They're the best I've used. Cloth muzzles should never be used on walks, only for brief periods, e.g groomers or vets. An alternative command would be helpful too, you could train him to focus or sit behind your legs if a dog approaches, and ask the owner to call them back. People shouldn't be allowing their off lead dogs to approach yours without asking anyway really. Quiter walking areas or walking at off peak times may help too though, and then controlled socialisation with known calm dogs.

Hi Ian, well it's a bit off a mix, most times its a quick snap telling the dog to back off but other times is a bad growl but I know what he's like and he's getting worse as he's getting older.my other dog is great at plays with all the dogs so I sometimes walk them one at a time.about 2 months ago he got into s fight with my friends stuffy :/

Rachel .yeh I agree that the fabric ones shouldn't be used.i do shout to owners to stop there dog but it doesn't always work.

He's 9 years old so would getting him snipped maybe help?

We would also recommend the Baskerville Ultra dog muzzle as in the link below:

http://companyofanimals.co.uk/product/baskerville-ultra-muzzle

I have just bought a baskerville ultra muzzle for Densil, size 3. He went for his first walk in it this morning, after I had been getting his used to it at home. He was a bit unsure at first and pawed at it a couple of times but soon settled down when he realised he could still sniff through and get treats, although I found it a bit awkward feeding them through the muzzle. It has given me more peace of mind as I think the last scrap he had with the cat that jumped out on him unnerved him a bit, as well as me.

I used to have the Baskerville ultra for Bobbert, but didn't bother with the strap that goes up between the eyes. So much better shaped for a Staffie head that the standard brown Baskervilles, and so much easier to get treats through.

You'll get the hang of the treats for Densil. See if you can find long thin ones - another reason we loved the dried sprats. They stink, but otherwise are fab.

You might find these treats are good for feeding to your dog while he/she is wearing a muzzle, they are long thin sticks which can be easily broken down into shorter pieces to use while out and about:

http://www.waitrose.com/shop/DisplayProductFlyout?productId=175382

Ah yes, the one treat that smells worse than fish - tripe!

I use the dried sprats and break them down into small pieces. Like you say "very smelly" so I use a special coat for taking Densil walks as the smell does linger,

I have cut a piece of the bar out at the front of the muzzle to make it easier to give treats as I kept dropping them on the ground and Densil couldn't pick them up. Hopefully this will make it a bit better whilst still not allowing him to grab hold of cats. I remember talking to a lady at wood green some time ago and she advised me if I got a muzzle to cut a piece out so that he could still eat and drink.

Mia got made to wear a muzzle at a previous vet practise she was registered with totally unnecessary as shes great with people i introduced her to the vet gradually after that as she was wary thank goodness she got over her fear.