I need a muzzle for a situation involving a rescue Bichon who I've adopted and who is a fear biter. What kind of muzzle do you suggest?

Question

Ed,

    I need a muzzle for a situation involving a rescue Bichon who I've adopted and who is a fear biter. He is difficult/impossible to leash by anyone but me.  I thought the cloth muzzle could be left on while he was in his crate (it is a very large comfy den, which he likes) so that in the event I have to be away, he could still eat and drink, but not bite any caregiver who would be caring for him and having to leash him to go out for walks, etc. in my absence.  He would have to be crated because he would run and avoid leashing if loose in the house and a stranger or semi-stranger came in. 

    I noticed on your web site that the cloth muzzles state they cannot pant, eat or drink with those.  At the vet, they may have used a larger size than needed, but I thought my little guy could pant and open his mouth slightly (possibly "nip" but not full bore "bite") with the blue cloth muzzle.  I called your website just a few minutes ago and they said to check with you.  I would think  cloth muzzle would be less prone to catching in a crate than a wire muzzle.

    What do you suggest?  The important thing is to have a muzzle that can be kept on him while he is in the crate and under the care of another person because obviously, if it is not on, he cannot be leashed or walked without biting anyone who tries to care for him.  It takes him a period of months to bond and trust someone, which is difficult to accomplish given the occasional times I'd be using the services of another caregiver.  He was quite physically abused in a kennel situation (hitting,kicking, catch pole, etc.) and is very fearful and distrustful, particularly when confined - unless of course, it is me.  It took me 4 solid months of 24-7 patience and carefulness and consults/classes with a behaviorist to get him to transfer unconditional trust to me.

    So, a muzzle is my only hope for intermittent care situations i.e.. if  I need to be gone overnight. Any suggestions for something comfortable that will protect him and others from his fear reactions, and yet is comfortable, would be appreciated.

    Thanks,
Shelby

Accepted Answer

I explain on our web site that cloth muzzles are OK for doing a Vet exam. They are not and should NEVER be used for long term use on a dog. Not only for the panting but they are pretty easy to get off.

We have wire basket muzzles and plastic muzzles that work for what you describe. If they are properly fit they don’t come off. If you order one and its not the correct size you can return it for a different size (as long as it has not been used and it can be sold to another customer as a brand new muzzle).

I have a section on my web site about fear biters. Bottom line is these dogs respond well to pack structure training and obedience training. They want and need a good pack leader. They respond to pack leader rules because they want to fell good – they don’t want to be fearful and most importantly they don’t want to be pack leaders.

I would recommend that you get two of my DVDs:

Establishing Pack Structure with the Family Dog
Basic Dog Obedience

If you choose to do this I recommend getting a dominant dog collar and learn to use it. Dogs like yours need to learn that every instance of unwarranted aggression results in a correction and that correction needs to be strong enough that the dog remembers it the next time he thinks about being aggressive. When dogs like this have a pack leader they trust and respect these aggressive episodes go away and the dogs become calm and submissive because they believe the leader will take care of business.

Read the free eBook I wrote titled MY PHILOSOPHY OF DOG TRAINING. My web site has a large number of FREE eBooks that I have written. Go to the main directory for eBooks, it will help you.