June 25, 2012
Will a muzzle help my aggressive dog realize that the group we walk with won’t cause her harm?
Full Question:
We have a rescued SCWT who, after a year of walking with the same group, is still agressive toward the others. I'm wondering if I try her with a muzzle, will that help her interact and realize that they will not harm her? Any thoughts or advice would be welcomed. 
Cindy's Answer:
The muzzle will keep her from biting but it won't address her underlying insecurities. If you have any reservations about her biting, then a muzzle is a good idea from a safety standpoint. We have directions on how to measure the dog for a muzzle.
When dogs are scared/insecure or nervous you should give them more distance. I personally wouldn't force a dog like this to walk with others in close proximity. Maybe you could follow from a distance that your dog feels comfortable.
I would also recommend this 3 part video series on fear periods in dogs, it explains how to condition the dog to things that make it nervous.
Cindy Rhodes
When dogs are scared/insecure or nervous you should give them more distance. I personally wouldn't force a dog like this to walk with others in close proximity. Maybe you could follow from a distance that your dog feels comfortable.
I would also recommend this 3 part video series on fear periods in dogs, it explains how to condition the dog to things that make it nervous.
Cindy Rhodes
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