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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not understand why muzzling a dog is so hard?

34 replies

caffelattetogo · 19/09/2023 18:14

I've had dogs all my life. Love them. All of them would wear a muzzle if required - for example when travelling on a ferry, or we had a couple of garbage raiders who had to wear them on walks to stop them eating rubbish. We used the basket type ones, so no breathing issues.
It wasn't an issue. We put the muzzles on, the dogs looked slightly baffled but forgot about it. No issues.
Why are XL bully owners making out it will be so hard to muzzle their dogs in public?

OP posts:
LaLaLouella · 19/09/2023 18:18

Because lots of the owners have no real control over the dogs and they are worried that the dogs might rip their hand off if they try...

Marchmount · 19/09/2023 18:19

Some owners will not be able to for the same exact reasons that they need to wear one. Because they are large agressive animals that will react aggressively to having it put on. They are scared of their own dogs behaviour but pretend that they’re lovable teddy bears.

Original poster
caffelattetogo · 19/09/2023 18:20

It just seems really weird, like saying they couldn't wear a lead. Dogs are so adaptable and biddable. As long as they get enough food/exercise and love they aren't bothered.

OP posts:
Swansridinghorses · 19/09/2023 18:21

I do agree all dogs should be muzzle trained. I own and work with dogs. However I don’t agree with just putting it on and assuming they’ll get on with it…
Best results are achieved from positive reward based introductions.
but nothing worse than needing to muzzle an already stressed dog and an owner not being able to and dog being traumatised as it’s never had one on before

SoundTheSirens · 19/09/2023 18:22

Our old spaniel had to have a series of pre-cancerous growths removed from his gums and jaw, which made him very sensitive to having his mouth touched so a muzzle was genuinely physically uncomfortable for him. But a medical issue like that is the only valid excuse I can think of.

Zanatdy · 19/09/2023 18:24

Because they probably don’t know if their dog will like it or feel they need it. Plus there’s no law requiring it right now. Most will muzzle if needed. It needs to be done right though, and not just put on, but lots of info online for muzzle training

Original poster
caffelattetogo · 19/09/2023 18:25

Our old dogs (sadly no longer with us) used to get excited when the muzzles came out as it meant it was walk time! That was after a series of unfortunate and expensive rubbish eating events. Dogs since have worn them on the ferry and where we thought it might make others more comfortable and never bothered about them at all.

OP posts:
MartinChuzzlewit · 19/09/2023 18:38

Because they don’t look as hard if their beast has a muzzle on. Which is basically why XL Bully owners buy these monstrosities

vodkaredbullgirl · 19/09/2023 18:40

Sorry not muzzling my labs, unless I really need to.

StorminanDcup · 19/09/2023 18:45

I used to muzzle my dog on occasion, usually when I took him to the vets. He really did not get on well with it, it increased his anxiety and also made it difficult for him to pant.

I did muzzle him if I felt it was required but I really didn’t like to do it because he did not like, despite lots of positive rewards and training over many years.

I can understand why some people won’t want a blanket rule to muzzle at all times if their dog does not get on well with muzzles (not aggression related).

I don’t necessarily disagree with a blanket rule but it’s so daft to say people only don’t want it because they are scared of their dogs reaction. Dogs are individuals just like people, some has much more tolerance and some less so.

TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 19/09/2023 18:49

It’s because with a muzzle the dogs are no longer a weapon.

They want people to be scared of the dog. That’s the point of them.

Barleymilk · 19/09/2023 18:52

Honestly,I just don't get the mentality of these owners. A man died in the most agonising way last week due to this breed and still XL bully owners are trying to argue about muzzling their pet? Shame on them.

vodkaredbullgirl · 19/09/2023 18:54

I do believe that XL bullies should be, while out on a walk.

Lahdedahiam · 19/09/2023 19:10

caffelattetogo · 19/09/2023 18:25

Our old dogs (sadly no longer with us) used to get excited when the muzzles came out as it meant it was walk time! That was after a series of unfortunate and expensive rubbish eating events. Dogs since have worn them on the ferry and where we thought it might make others more comfortable and never bothered about them at all.

Never been on a ferry and mine knows the command leave it, when it comes to food, or whatever on a walk. So never needed a muzzle.

Bunnyannesummers · 19/09/2023 19:10

Mine had to be muzzled in the vets because it was a specific vets policy. The way he did it was so cruel terrified the shit out of my dog and consequently he is now genuinely terrified of muzzles and has a panic attack when he sees one.

He is 8lbs, a toy breed and not vicious though so it’s not a massive issue. But just as an example of a rare reason why it may not be possible.

if it does come into force there needs to be a grace period and lots of info available about how to muzzle train.

WickedSerious · 19/09/2023 19:13

Our dog wears a muzzle to stop her eating stones,she's not keen but after a few minutes she forgets about it.

ScattyHattie · 19/09/2023 19:34

I'd rather muzzle my dog than PTS, It's a useful skill to train any dog and most will accept wearing one easy enough if introduced properly. I suppose it's different when it's optional to knowing that will need to muzzle in every public place including own vehicle, if they throw up while out do you remove for safety as technically you'd not be allowed to.

It can be very difficult to get a comfortable fit on breeds with short muzzle or other weird dimensions, they need to be deep enough that dog can fully open mouth otherwise it will restrict its ability to cool down but to achieve that it may then be too big on the nose and can also rub the delicate nose if poor fitting or worn long periods. Big head also makes it harder to get the straps to fit securely and it not slide up muzzle towards eyes. Maybe if there's going to be huge demand some manufacturers will be incentivised to make a range more likely to fit XL bully dimensions.

Weirdly the public don't appear to feel any safer around muzzled dogs, it seems to trigger aggressive dog fears and will be busy avoiding the safest dog in a park full of dogs many offlead with their teeth free to bite. Sadly it's the stigma that muzzle = bad dog & publics reactions that puts people off using them or believe it's cruel when is for your dogs safety, common reason for use is eating harmful rubbish.

My greyhounds wore them while learning that dogs came in all shapes & sizes as would get freaked out being charged at by weird fluffy creatures. They would whack you in the back of the legs with plastic muzzle ( bloody hurts) or try rub faces on people if stood chatting so I was relieved it wasn't needed forever. Id still train all future dogs before we may need, always chance maybe in pain and need to be handled safely.

PrincessOfTigger · 19/09/2023 19:37

Muzzles are completely harmless. The same owners that tell us muzzles are unnecessary because their dog is so well trained are the same owners that cba to muzzle-train their dog.

Oldsu · 19/09/2023 20:25

Not all Bully owners are against muzzling their pets, in actual fact most of them knew when the ban was announced that it will be one of the things they comply with along with de-sexing, and insurance, also body cams when walking their dogs and keeping the phone no of legal advisors on their phones.

Original poster
caffelattetogo · 19/09/2023 21:19

Yes, you're right, by no means is it all owners.

OP posts:
Daveismyhero · 19/09/2023 21:32

My dog is muzzled but he's a very sensitive boy so just shoving a muzzle on him would have resulted in a meltdown. It took me about 6 weeks to fully muzzle train him but he loves wearing it now. Better done slowly and properly

ToBrieOrNotToBrieThatIsTheQuestion · 19/09/2023 21:35

Not all dogs are as calm as yours when it comes to having a muzzle on. Muzzle training needs to be done in stages - and some dogs never really get used to them.

XenoBitch · 19/09/2023 21:39

ToBrieOrNotToBrieThatIsTheQuestion · 19/09/2023 21:35

Not all dogs are as calm as yours when it comes to having a muzzle on. Muzzle training needs to be done in stages - and some dogs never really get used to them.

This. You can't just slap on a muzzle and expect the dog to be fine.
My greyhound has only ever had one on once, and it was an anti-bite muzzle (the type that literally clamp their mouth closed) so the vet could administer the kennel cough vaccine. I now don't bother with KC vaccine as it is just so traumatic for her.

I have seen dog trainers offer muzzle training advice to XL bully owners now, and a lot of are taking them up on the offer as they are responsible and want to keep their dogs, and the public safe.

tiredofthenoise · 19/09/2023 21:51

Many dogs would prefer not to wear a muzzle. They find it uncomfortable or restrictive, understandably, but if a person insists on owning a breed that could easily kill someone, I don't have a great deal of sympathy. It's too bad for the dog that it was bred to be a (potential) killing machine, but it's better than being pts!

Schnauzersaremyheros · 19/09/2023 23:05

I am on several facebook groups for staffies/bullys/XL bullys, and most of the people on there are already in the process of muzzle training their dogs, ready for when the ban comes in. I am about to start training my staffie x too.
There are more responsible bully owners than people make out. I wish this witch hunt would bloody stop - always the VERY small majority that spoil it for those of us who are responsible owners.