Muzzle woes

Hey guys just after some advice I've muzzles trained Axl to desensitise him and that went well he was putting his head in the muzzle to get treats. We made sure we clipped it up for a min at a time and followed all the training instructions etc. problem is as soon as we go out and put his muzzle on its like the lights go out in his eyes he walks along okay with his head up and tail up and out but he's not his quirky happy self. I'm just really worried it's hurting his mental health. He will take biscuits from me but he won't sniff the grass like he usually does and he looks so sad. We have put it on consistently since Friday so he's only been wearing it for 4 days should I keep going or not? He is dog aggressive so we are only using it for the time being to try to help everyone relax and the idea is to get him around as many dogs as possible so we can build up trust.

I should mention he had the Baskerville one but we swapped it on Saturday for a Trixie one that looks a bit like a halti and still allows him to pant, drink and eat grass lol.

I'm just wondering if his old spark will come back in time once he's used to it or whether the muzzle is making him sad

I've never used a muzzle so my advise may not be the best. I would think he would get used to it though.

I doubt it will harm to keep on with it for another week or so, but if there's no improvement it might be best on him to stop using it. I remember Bo was the same as a puppy when I tried a halti on him. It stopped him pulling immediately and he walked to heel without a hitch, but he looked so miserable I never used it again.

i havent muzzle trained either but if theres no improvement in axls mood id take the muzzle away

Would it help to try and cheer him up with a bit of excitement every now and again while out? Maybe start making a big fuss with silly voices for no reason or trying to get him to do a few easy tricks with a really over the top praise when he does it? Just to see if it perks him up a little?

Hey Emma yeah I agree, I am trying to get my hands on a ball with bobbly bits so he can pick it up as he loves balls (thanks Rach for that suggestion!). Also this morning I played hide the biscuit when we were out and he got quite excitable about it so I'm going to keep on doing as you and others have suggested. Hopefully he will accept it as part of his going out gear and stop being a moochy pants!

Debs had a look on amazon and seen a couple of balls i just typed dog balls

Mia05 wrote:Debs had a look on amazon and seen a couple of balls i just typed dog balls

I always type dog balls, or so people tell me.

I always type dog balls, or so people tell me.

rofl

Bobbly balls

I would be one to do that and not think of what other things might come up!
Good luck with the muzzle Hopefully he will get used to it soon!

We got him running after a stick today so making progress!

Fab hen