can someone offer their opinion on muzzling a dog at the dog park?

my 11 month old GSD has some dog aggression and he likes to nip at other dogs loins at the dog park

i choose times to go that are less busy so that this wont occur and i understand that a muzzle does not fix an agression problem, but i was wondering that while i work at fixing the core problem if a muzzle is an appropriate solution in the mean time?

thanks

Then the dog is rendered absolutely defenseless if IT is attacked.

I would avoid the dog park. JMO.

 Quote: Mark Vogt

i was wondering that while i work at fixing the core problem if a muzzle is an appropriate solution in the mean time?

No! A thousand times no! No dog park at all!


Ditto with Michael.

In addition, this is a good way to exacerbate dog-dog aggro. JMO!

I think that you will INCREASE dog's aggression putting your already aggressive dog in a position of being attacked & not able to defend himself.

VERY VERY BAD IDEA!

ETA....

HAHA Connie & I typing at the same time with the same thoughts

as i agree with A LOT of ed's advice and i always find myself referring to this forum and the ebooks provided by leerburg first i have to dissagree with the "absolutely no dog park" opinion

i agree that many things can be done to improve the use of dog parks, i take it as a personal responsibility to know how to safely break up a dog fight as well as properly train and watch my dog and establish ranking pack order

however the reason i like dog parks are because it is a great spot and some of the only spots for me to really tucker my dog out with fun interactive exercise on a regular basis. I also believe that since i live in the suburbs and there are many dogs that i run into on a daily basis it is only practical to have my dog used to being around other dogs in a calm manner JMO

i understand the defensless opinion and i agree however, i never let my dog out of sight, i am always within a reasonable distance to my dog especially if there are other dogs around, i know how to protect my dog from a potential aggressive dog in the park and im not afraid to take action if necessary and like i said i only go to the park when it is not busy

sorry i dont mean to sound defensive, i aprreciate any opinion provided, thats why im asking! i just like a little debate :p

I'm not regurgitating anything Ed has said. I actually don't totally disagree with dogparks either. I have my non aggressive dog around other dog's all the time. If I am relatively familiar with most of the dog's involved, I wouldn't have that much of a problem.

But......

This is my opinion with dog's that DON'T have a problem.

Yours does have a problem.

So, opinion of dog parks aside, you are taking an aggressive dog into a potentially explosive environment AND totally taking away it's only line of defense should it become the victim of an attack.

TERRIBLE idea IMO.

And that is just for your dog. If I was at the dog park and you brought your known aggressive dog to the park, muzzle or no, I'd be pissed.

Something bad will come of this. Not a good idea.

 Quote: Mark Vogt

i understand the defensless opinion and i agree however, i never let my dog out of sight, i am always within a reasonable distance to my dog especially if there are other dogs around, i know how to protect my dog from a potential aggressive dog in the park and im not afraid to take action if necessary and like i said i only go to the park when it is not busy

sorry i dont mean to sound defensive, i aprreciate any opinion provided, thats why im asking! i just like a little debate :p

If you were at such a responsible distance, how did your dog get ANY other dog in it's mouth?

And just for future reference, exactly how long does it take for another dog to inflict serious injury? I mean, since you'll be close and all.

And that concludes my end of the debate.

appreciate it michael...no need for sarcasm

How did a dog under such foolproof surveillance ever "nip at other dogs loins at the dog park"?

I would consider an owner knows his dog "likes to nip at other dogs loins at the dog park" and who still frequents the dog park with him to be Exhibit A in my opinion of dog parks. We never know the control of the other dogs' owners.

I know how to break up a dog fight too. So? Does that mean I think it's OK for a dog-aggro dog to attack my dog? Because I know how to wheelbarrow the dogs apart?

1. That can change my dog's personality forever.
2. Any dog OR HUMAN involved in a dog fight can be badly injured.
3. It takes some time (and usually a helper) to break up a fight, and damage is being wrought during that time.

"i just like a little debate" too, but in this case, no debate for me.



etra
No sarcasm here.


Edited by Connie Sutherland (08/23/2011 01:54 PM)
Edit reason: eta

 Quote: Mark Vogt

appreciate it michael...no need for sarcasm

Maybe a tinge of sarcasm, but still questions.

I think they are very relevant to any conversation about muzzling a known agressive dog in a dog park.

Any answers?