Muzzle=Bad owner/Bad Dog??

[Sharpeigirl]

Finally after searching store after store for a high quality Leather muzzle for Sassy, I finally found one. Please don't think I'm a bad owner for makeing her wear one, she's haveing issues with being corrected.. And we really need something to help at the vets office as well

I wonder what the neighbors will say :roll:

[AllAmericanPUP]

sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

i have been thinking about getting eli one for when we go on walks and when we go to the vet, cause on our walks we always encounter stray dogs, and there's always dogs at the vet office..

[Sharpeigirl]

yep, she's not bad with other dogs, it's the people we have to worry about.. Strangers plus her don't mix.. She's already bitten the vet & 3 vet techs while she was under 3 doses of seditive :oops:

[Cairn6]

It's better to be safe and yes the neighbors will think she is dangerous but from what you said I guess if they are a stranger that is true. So use it or you'll lose her.

[__crazy_canine__]

Who cares what they think... youre doing yourself, others and Sassy a favor by doing this.

[nadooshkinz]

you're not being a bad owner, your being responsible, and think of it this way: if you were your neighbour, would you rather a "dangerous" dog be muzzled, or not?

[Sharpeigirl]

Well My Grandparents hate the idea of muzzleing her :agrue: They think it'll hurt her feelings, I'm like it'll save us money!! And she can't hurt anyone.. It's getting annoying that everthing I say about her gets twisted into me being mean to her.. They just don't understand dogs.. They treat them more like children..

[courtnek]

sharpie, tell your grandparents you're doing her, them, the neighbors and everyone else a favor by being responsible for your dog. Ask them if they would like to hear she bit a child and was going to be euthanized because of it. or if they themselves would like to be bitten for some unknown reason. you have made a responsible decision basedon Sassy's
behavior. dont worry about what anyone else. Besides, now you can try to
correct her bad behavior and be safe at the same time. I dont have to muzzle Free at the vet, but I do have to hold her head while standing next to her with the vet behind her to give her shots. she has snapped more than once at the vet in the past, and this is our standard position for giving shots. I also have to short leash her around strangers. she
doesnt like them getting too close. same with small kids. until I have properly introduced them, its best they stay away. So I understand how you feel and think you're doing the right thing.

[imported_Kat]

Your grandparents sound very old-school and thinking they know best. Is it possible to get a behaviourist in to talk to them about the muzzle? I hate muzzles i have to say but Sassy is an aggressive dog and will bite from what I can gather so its the only solution right now.

[Guest Anonymous]

I agree... if using a muzzle is going to keep everyone safe - I say use the muzzle when necessary. You are not a bad owner - just a safe one. Don't worry about what others think. However, I have to agree with your grandparents about treating dogs like children. Folks who see dogs as 'furkids' are good people. Besides, that's how it should be in my opinion. My three 'furkids' are my life and and I just don't see it any other way. :)

Besides, Sassy may learn that she does not like the muzzle and in order not to wear it... she's become a 'good girl'. I know it sounds crazy but this worked with my Schnauzer's barking everytime someone walked in the house. It was like negative reinforcement.

Good luck!