As I mentioned in another thread (Roscoe’s Pups), which I didn’t want to hijack, a local pet store had an informal K9 training exhibition this past weekend. Unfortunately I got there too late to see it, but I did see the officers and their dogs mingling with the crowd.

There were 5 dogs, all off-leash, not moving a muscle until they were told. Then they walked side by side with their handlers through the crowd (2/3 children, I’m guessing), letting anyone and everyone pet them and ask questions. HOWEVER, one of the dogs had on a muzzle!?! He was out and about with the rest of the dogs, letting adults and children pet him, and never once made a move out of line.

Obviously, my question is, ‘why did he have on a muzzle?’ He was not on a leash; he was not held back from anyone or anything; and he never showed the least bit of aggression or nervousness.

Maybe because kids were eating hot dogs and candy, and his handler knew he was a junk food addict...


Obviously I could have asked the handler myself, but I was not wading through a sea of cotton candy to get that close!

Hi Jan,

Its hard to say exactly why the dog was muzzled. It would be only speculation but here are a few guesses.

1) The dog is a chow hound with bad manners.
2) He may have a small dog aggression problem when slightly provoked or percieves provocation.
3) He might be a little sharp and better safe than sorry.
4) The handler wants to show how well his dog accepts equipment.
5) The dog may be a prey monster and grab anything that moves, to include something a child would be carrying. If that happens someone might percieve it as an intentional bite.

Just a few guesses. To know for sure, contact that agency and handler. If you do, let us know.

Howard

Howard, I did contact the relevant K9 unit regarding the muzzle question, and was finally able to get an answer. However, it was not before I convinced them that I was not some flag-waving PETA advocate complaining that a “dangerous” dog was allowed to mingle with a crowd of back-yard BarBeQuers and innocent children.

Unbeknownst to me, a Rottweiler rescue tent was located at the far end of the parking lot. According to the officer, “Dante” is not dog aggressive, but will more than hold his own in any unexpected confrontation, so the muzzle was simply a precaution against any aggressive behavior exhibited by an excited Rescue Rotty that may have gotten loose. (I suspect this was done for public appearances only, and in the “real” world, Dante would be allowed to do his job - ?.)

As a matter of fact, Dante is one of the most popular K9 attractions because of his regal bearing and snap-to obedience. As I posted above, I did not get there in time to see the exhibition, but apparently Dante is the role model and training example for many units.

JMO, but Dante sounds like the ideal K9 – spot-on obedience and nothing stands in his way.

Sounds a little bit like Roscoe, eh?

Hi Jan,

Thanks for the update. I guess #2 and #4 on my list was almost close. Gotta give the handler credit, he knows his dog and takes the appropriate steps to prevent disaster.

In his day Roscoe was alot like Dante. Now he's just old and crusty.

Howard