May 13, 2011
I want to upgrade to better muzzles to prevent my dogs from fighting. What do you suggest?
Full Question:
Hey, I have a question about your muzzles. I have two male hounds just reached two and they have been together since 2006 with no problems until now. It is a pecking order thing that has gotten worse one fight. I have wire mess muzzles that are working ok that I had to modify with a strap between the ears to keep them from pulling them off. I have several of your videos - dominant dog and becoming the pack leader. I have read and listened to all or your info on the site. Since using the muzzles after the first meeting they have settled down and no fighting and have started to play again but are still trying to figure it out I think. I want to upgrade to a better muzzle. What I have works but the center strap falls in their face. They play very hard and I don't want another fight so I need to know that what I am getting is not going to be able to be pulled off. Thanks in advance, I enjoy your information and I am constantly reading as much as I can get my hands on.Have a great day,
Karen
Ed's Answer:
I will be very honest with you.
Muzzles just cover the problem. These dogs will eventually become de-sensitized to them and the fight will be on again. They are just now maturing and the process is not done.
I would never do what you are doing. I would never allow two adult males – especially two who have already fought – to play together. I would not even allow them to be together unless I was 100% in control and they were 150% obedience trained under distraction.
If I ever did let them be together they would be on a walk with me and I would not allow them to play. In fact I would stop any interaction. I would have them both wear remote collars – the new Dogtra collars have a button for each dog.
I would probably (for safety sake) have them wear a muzzle. At least until I was 200% sure they were obedience and reliable under the collar. Their exercise would come from the walks and not from their play. If they needed additional exercise I would have them wear weighted vests or packs with weight.
You are really playing with dynamite here. I am writing a book on dog aggression and have been collecting emails from people with aggression issues for 3 or 4 years. I have a folder of emails from people that ended up with a dead dog – I'll use these emails to make a point in the book.
Muzzles just cover the problem. These dogs will eventually become de-sensitized to them and the fight will be on again. They are just now maturing and the process is not done.
I would never do what you are doing. I would never allow two adult males – especially two who have already fought – to play together. I would not even allow them to be together unless I was 100% in control and they were 150% obedience trained under distraction.
If I ever did let them be together they would be on a walk with me and I would not allow them to play. In fact I would stop any interaction. I would have them both wear remote collars – the new Dogtra collars have a button for each dog.
I would probably (for safety sake) have them wear a muzzle. At least until I was 200% sure they were obedience and reliable under the collar. Their exercise would come from the walks and not from their play. If they needed additional exercise I would have them wear weighted vests or packs with weight.
You are really playing with dynamite here. I am writing a book on dog aggression and have been collecting emails from people with aggression issues for 3 or 4 years. I have a folder of emails from people that ended up with a dead dog – I'll use these emails to make a point in the book.
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