How to muzzle a dog?
Discussion
The OH's dog just attacked another at the park 
in honesty, this is the second time but the previous incident was in self defence - this was completely unprovoked.
After the last incident we bought a nylon muzzle and really did try to use it. We failed though... despite following all the usual suggestions of treats, clickers etc, the dog is a 6 1/2 stone Staffy/Pit Bull cross and he ripped half his face off trying to claw the muzzle off. I'm not exaggerating either - the cuts took weeks to heal properly. A similar thing happened when we tried a Halti harness, blood everywhere trying to get it off.
After doing some reading it seems the basket type of muzzle would be better given the brachycephalic(?) breed and the inherent airway/respiratory problems they can have, but I can't see that he's going to tolerate it.
So, primarily to the vets and nurses, but also to anyone who has any suggestions - how do we get him to wear the damn thing?
in honesty, this is the second time but the previous incident was in self defence - this was completely unprovoked.After the last incident we bought a nylon muzzle and really did try to use it. We failed though... despite following all the usual suggestions of treats, clickers etc, the dog is a 6 1/2 stone Staffy/Pit Bull cross and he ripped half his face off trying to claw the muzzle off. I'm not exaggerating either - the cuts took weeks to heal properly. A similar thing happened when we tried a Halti harness, blood everywhere trying to get it off.
After doing some reading it seems the basket type of muzzle would be better given the brachycephalic(?) breed and the inherent airway/respiratory problems they can have, but I can't see that he's going to tolerate it.
So, primarily to the vets and nurses, but also to anyone who has any suggestions - how do we get him to wear the damn thing?
parapaul said:
the dog is a 6 1/2 stone Staffy/Pit Bull cross
Is this not an illegal dog, or am I missing something?Having seen the devastating physical and emotional effects of a similar dog attacking a colleague, I'd ask whether it's the type of dog which should really be out in public at all.
carreauchompeur said:
Is this not an illegal dog, or am I missing something?
No, it's a fair question. However, her vet says despite his size he's predominantly Staffy and doesn't count. He's been her family pet for 7 years and until the episode a few months back has never exhibited even the slightest aggressive tendency. Not what I'd ever choose for a dog of my own but that wasn't the question.
He needs to be walked, and for that he needs a muzzle. How do we muzzle him?
Unprovoked to you, but what actually happened?
I'd suggest getting him used to the mussel gradually, wearing it around the house for longer periods until he accepts it. Lots of treats & praise when he has it on so he sees it as a good thing. Keep him on the lead & away from other dogs until he has.
I'd suggest getting him used to the mussel gradually, wearing it around the house for longer periods until he accepts it. Lots of treats & praise when he has it on so he sees it as a good thing. Keep him on the lead & away from other dogs until he has.
ali_kat said:
Unprovoked to you, but what actually happened?
We'd been out for about 15 minutes and he was off the lead, just running about, sniffing, doing whatever it is that dogs do. Across the other side of the park - and I'm talking the length of a football pitch - a jack russell was playing with a tennis ball. Our dog looked, saw, and ignored it. 5 or so minutes later as we got closer he looked again, but this time took off towards the other dog at a trot. Totally ignored my shouting to come back. When they got nose to nose, they had a good sniff, both tails wagging, then our dog just lunged for the other. When I (and the other owner) reached them he had his jaws locked around the scruff of the jack russell's neck. ali_kat said:
I'd suggest getting him used to the mussel gradually, wearing it around the house for longer periods until he accepts it. Lots of treats & praise when he has it on so he sees it as a good thing. Keep him on the lead & away from other dogs until he has.
That's what we tried last time - with the results mentioned in the OP. hadenough! said:
Why not just keep him on a lead?
Or if he flatly refuses to wear a muzzle try putting one of those lampshades on his head then he won't be able to scratch at the muzzle,And the other dogs will think he's a real pansy.
Seriously though I hope you get something sorted out with him.
If you can't keep him muzzled in public, sooner or later, you will get into official trouble, no matter what your vet says, and what if a young kiddie is in charge of the other dog and gets bit in the fracas. I'm sure you've been through the various scenarios, so no point in going on. Obvious question to ask is whether you r dog has been neutered? Lots of people don't like the idea, but it is the most sensible thing if a male dog is aggressive. If you can't face that then there are implants which do the same thing temporarily to see any effect.
Dogs don't really like muzzles, so they will try and get them off, I'd recommend using the muzzle when there is enough to distract the dog from the minor irritation of the muzzle, and also to try and get it to associate the muzzle with good things like walks/treats.
Think it is very important to avoid the next attack by keeping your dog on a lead in public.
Dogs don't really like muzzles, so they will try and get them off, I'd recommend using the muzzle when there is enough to distract the dog from the minor irritation of the muzzle, and also to try and get it to associate the muzzle with good things like walks/treats.
Think it is very important to avoid the next attack by keeping your dog on a lead in public.
Is he neutered? It's strange that he should suddenly after 7yrs be getting aggressive with other dogs. It is also worth a medical check on him inc bloods.
Dogs don't suddenly become aggressive for no reason, there will have been a trigger whether this is a behavioural or medical one should be determined.
A muzzle is all well and good but should only be considered in conjunction to finding out why he did it.
Not surprised he ripped off the nylon muzzle they are horrible use for anything other than when trying to examine an aggressive dog, not for walks.
Look into the Baskerville ultra muzzled. They come with a guide book aswell.
Dogs don't suddenly become aggressive for no reason, there will have been a trigger whether this is a behavioural or medical one should be determined.
A muzzle is all well and good but should only be considered in conjunction to finding out why he did it.
Not surprised he ripped off the nylon muzzle they are horrible use for anything other than when trying to examine an aggressive dog, not for walks.
Look into the Baskerville ultra muzzled. They come with a guide book aswell.
You said this was the second time and the first was self defence? Does that mean your dog was attacked before?
If so, he might now want to get his attack in first... A common reason (IME) why dogs become dog aggressive...
He is going to need lots of socialisation with other dogs (friendly) in a controlled (on lead) environment........ Ensure he is out of range.
If so, he might now want to get his attack in first... A common reason (IME) why dogs become dog aggressive...
He is going to need lots of socialisation with other dogs (friendly) in a controlled (on lead) environment........ Ensure he is out of range.
Thanks 
Yes, he is neutered - has been since he was a pup.
Bex - Thanks for the muzzle recommendation, I'll have a look at that one.
The muzzle and cone idea is actually not a bad one, at least to begin with - nice one
Jasandjules - you may have a point there, the first incident was also with a JR who went for him as they were sniffing at each other. It's entirely possible he's made a negative association from that encounter. He's always been fine with other dogs otherwise.
And yes, from now on he's not going out unless he's muzzled and on the lead. No more chances.
Yes, he is neutered - has been since he was a pup.
Bex - Thanks for the muzzle recommendation, I'll have a look at that one.
The muzzle and cone idea is actually not a bad one, at least to begin with - nice one
Jasandjules - you may have a point there, the first incident was also with a JR who went for him as they were sniffing at each other. It's entirely possible he's made a negative association from that encounter. He's always been fine with other dogs otherwise.
And yes, from now on he's not going out unless he's muzzled and on the lead. No more chances.
Sorry to read of your troubles, OP. It does sound like an associated behaviour from his previous experience, so would echo advice about socialisation for him.
R.E. muzzle wearing; some friends have just been through this with their dog. They started off with him not even wearing it. Just sniffing it when it was held near him, then ignoring it earnt him a treat and praise. Few days of that, then they moved on to holding a treat in the opening of the muzzle... treat and praise for when the dog volunatarily puts his nose near the muzzle to take the treat. Few days of that and the next step is the treat further inside the muzzle, so he's putting his nose into the muzzle itself to get the treat... still not wearing it, note...
It took them well over a month, IIRC, to go from the bad behaviour they used to see once the dog had spotted the muzzle, to him voluntarily putting his nose forward to be muzzled. Positive association and all that jazz.
Given the pointers to how your dog seems to form such strong associations so quickly (the JRT incident and also the historic muzzle/halti encounters), it will probably take even longer for him to a) break his negative association and b) form a positive one, but I'm a firm believer in little and often, with treat and praise, paying dividends.
Hope you get it sorted OK. As others have said, "unprovoked" aggression is so rare. There were no doubt doggy-behaviour triggers for him, coupled with his negative association.
Points to all the posters who helpfully suggested his dog was illegal and insurpassably dangerous, though, without volunteering anything else.
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