Didn't mean to take the thread too off-topic.

Wow, Connie, thinking at the same time.
I like the color of that Poodle

 Quote: Tammy Moore

Wow, Connie, thinking at the same time.
I like the color of that Poodle

I do too!



And back to our regularly scheduled programming .....

I appreciate the advice guys. I wound up adjusting the straps and going with the size 3.

Fortunately, we didn't need it. He would up being a huge baby at the vet.

Thanks!

Better to be able to take it off than fight a freaked out dog to get one on.

I think every dog owner should own a muzzle that fits their dog. Even better if they acclimate the dog to it.

"Better to be able to take it off than fight a freaked out dog to get one on. "


ABSOLUTELY.

You did good, John. And if ever the dog is stressed, maybe in pain, needing vet help, you know that you won't have to add that anxiety (the unaccustomed muzzle) to everything else that's going on.

And now you also have a positive vet experience in the "plus" column.

All this is huge -- like money in the health bank -- when you have a dog who is ill or injured.

To build on the acclimating the dog foundation, another thing to get your dog used to is the dreaded cone of shame. It can really freak some dogs out the first time you put one on them, and post-op is not the time to have your dog freaking out...

Kong makes a soft clear plastic Elizabethan Cone that I use for my dogs- its less stressful since they can see through it.

Muzzle choices-

The Baskerville is OK if you think there is little chance of an incident- the large openings are ideal for treat delivery. I would not trust them for a known aggressive dog or preventing dog fights.

Jafco- this is my go to muzzle for integrating new dogs into the pack. Even when they ram each other (or you), the damage is minimal compared to a wire basket muzzle.

Wire basket- I use this strictly when the dog has to wear it for long periods of time. Great air flow and in a bite/fight situation, the dog won't get a tooth out. But they hurt when the dog rams the back of your legs... I will use this in the final proofing phase of integrating a new dog- the dog can wear it all day with no adverse affects.

Cloth- I really have no use for the cloth muzzle. They prevent panting and some dogs stress pant- when they can't do that it will ramp up the fear factor. I used these briefly when I groomed, but really didn't like it and it was just easier to work with the dog and get what I needed done with less stress. It took longer, but the dog was better for it.

Just my 2 cents- take it for what it's worth

Just an FYI. The cloth muzzles will keep the dog's mouth closed and make it hard on the dog in hot weather.

Yeah and when they're stressed they tend to pant and overheat. I don't like the cloth ones. I think they add to the stress.

I agree. I think it's a very good thing for those who can to get their own, and, as mentioned, acclimate the dog to it before it's ever needed.