Was wondering if anyone had experience using a wire basket muzzle on their dog. I ask because I have a 3 year old male GSD that is dog agressive when a dog gets too close. I usually can control his behavior but there is always the chance of a dog approaching that I might not see in time. This has in fact happened before. He loves to go places with me but often he has to stay home if other dogs are going to be present. I have a leather muzzle which he is fine with but thought a wire muzzle might be more comfortable in the summer months. I really don't like taking him out wearing a muzzle but it would allow him to go more places and reduce the risk of accidents. He's excellent with people and has very good manners in public but he has a circle of comfort that he just doesn't want invaded. So wondering if a wire muzzle would be a proper choice in this situation.
Thanks in advance for any input.
Wire basket muzzles cause pain if the dog bumps your hand or leg. They are also bound to be harder on any "victims" the dog gets their muzzle on.
They can be heavy and can cause rubs if they are worn by a dog for extended periods of time.
I found the rigid plastic greyhound kennel muzzles to be better than wire on the dog and less painful for the little bumps the dog gave me. Pop the nose guard out and they will fit a GSD just fine.
I've used a wire muzzle in this situation. I just felt more comfortable than with plastic. I never got charged by my dog with the muzzle and as you say your dog is friendly, I can't see that as much of an issue. I'm just wondering though, have you talked to a trainer about the situation? I mean a muzzle wasn't the final straw for me and it was only a tool I used for others protection. Just wondering but I think a muzzle of any sort would be great as you can spend more time with him.
Thank you for your input. This dog has been through training and has earned a "Family Obedience" title through UKC and SDA. He is able to work around other dogs with no problem (when other dogs are also in working mode) but the muzzle is just to prevent an accident should an off leash dog or one on a flexi come up to him when I don't see them coming. Off leash dogs can be problematic because often they will not go away and when you try to walk away they just keep following and want to say Hi. I'm amazed at how many people want their dogs to come meet him. Especially people with little dogs. His training continues and we are currently working towards his Schutzhund BH. The muzzle will simply allow him to safely go more places with me.
I saw an exceptional behaviourist that told me that when a dog comes towards you and an owner is nowhere to be found, instead of holding your dog back by the collar and shrinking down to nothing while your dog goes bezerk, you should step ahead and be assertive and tell the other dog to go away. I usually hold my dog anyway but the key is also to stand up to the dog coming towards you. It seems so simple but it works wonders on your average dog.
I've used this a lot. The one problem I find with a muzzle is people become afraid to say hello. Depending on whether this matters to you or not, is up to you
Fontaine d'Or Emily RPT, FMCh, TFE, HITs, BH (HIT), CD
I neither hold my dog by the collar nor do I "shrink down to nothing". (there isn't time for either) There is about a nano second between when he visually locks on to an oncoming dog and when he fires. He's been taught to "watch me" and we keep moving. Oncoming dogs are not the problem, it's the one's I don't see but he does. I work him and walk him at the park on a regular basis and simply leave if I see a potential problem but it would be nice to not have to leave simply because others aren't obeying the posted leash laws.
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