![]() ![]() She was elderly and it was a pretty bad bite. I was so focused on the poop and being embarrassed that I forgot to keep my dog away from her. When she cam over to hand them to me, my dog bit her. There was no way a bag was going to get it all, so I asked her for some paper towels. Then one day I was walking her with another dog and the dog took this gigantic loose shit in front of a woman's house and she was out front and saw it. Each time I chalked it up to "well she bit in x situation, I just have to make sure she doesnt get into that situation again". ![]() And people do still ask to pet and play with him while he's wearing it, which is great for us and entirely welcome, but I imagine others might not particularly appreciate that behavior from strangers they encounter while out about depending on the nature of their dogs' reactivity. I was worried about judgment from others or that people would be scared to say hi or approach us, and our experiences in public while muzzled have been 100% supportive, kind, and amazing. ![]() so we use it on an as-needed basis but still spend at least 20 minutes in it a few days a week while enjoying special treats just to keep up the positive association we worked hard to build. A lot of dogs absolutely LOVE their muzzles! My dog likes his, but as a 17-month puppy, he likes using his mouth for play and relaxing more. ![]() Muzzle training - done verrry slowly and positively results in dogs that don't mind wearing a muzzle any more than they mind wearing a collar or harness. What are your concerns? Do you worry that it would be uncomfortable for your dog or restrict him from enjoying his life when he's wearing it? Or are you more worried about judgment from others who may think that or who would assume your dog is aggressive and unmanageable? I will however brave the dog each but i stay out of the area where dogs are grouped closely together. I stay clear of dog parks even thought my dogs are well trained and socialized. Then it’s the people who had friendly dogs calling because they used to go to the dog park every day and now is getting into fights and is being pushy and rude with other dogs or got attacked at the park and is now reactive. Like we had clients that weren’t allowed on property without a muzzle and had to be on a 6 ft leash or shorter that would STILL take their dogs offleash without a muzzle at the park. The amount of calls i’ve had where people tell me that they were taking their aggressive dog that’s been in fights to the dog park still because “he loves it” “it’s the only place he socializes” “he just needs to run and burn off energy” would blow your mind. You don’t know what you don’t know! Before I trained, I was the office manager of a large training facility. I agree I just wanted to ask without assuming or judging. If you report a comment, please also message the mods so that we don't miss it. The tips and advice here cannot replace a qualified certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist - if you are struggling please consider these resources for your dog. Please be aware of your tone and language. Positive reinforcement, it’s not just for dogs! People will be much more receptive to criticism and advice if it is constructive and comes from a place of compassion. This is a place for owners of reactive or formerly reactive dogs to discuss progress, setbacks, ask for advice, vent, and get support. Having a reactive dog can be an isolating and frustrating experience. We are a community for people that own reactive dogs! (A reactive dog is not required to join, but please keep discussions and posts focused on dog reactivity.) We support the LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) approach to dog training. If you are asking for help for the first time, use our questionnaire. ![]()
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