Am I being selfish?

[MarcoPoloCX]

I walk a neighbour's dog that is old and arthritic, a little grumpy when other dogs get too close. He would bark and lunge.

From discussions on here about recall, and giving dogs space, am I being selfish if I put a muzzle that comes off easily on this dog when I walk it.
Whenever the muzzle is on, all of a sudden those poorly behaved dogs are recalled by the owners.

Forgot to mention he stays on lead and I avoid other dogs if I see them.

I haven't seen any discussions on here suggesting using a muzzle is selfish so you might not not be selfish, just much more observant that I.

fwiw, a muzzle on a dog used to either prevent him hurting another dog (our of fear) or as a deterrent against other dogs being allowed to get too close seems sensible. I wish the yellow lead scheme would catch on much more for that reason. It is a great sign to other dog owners that that dog needs space.

I meant discussions about how we all should train our dogs to have good recall and not approach on lead dogs without checking first.
Not about muzzle. Sorry for the confusion.

The neighbour's dog is huge and is quite strong. Whenever the muzzle is on, it makes the walk so much better.
I cut part of the muzzle off so it's open and the dog is not restricted.

ah, that makes more sense.

He's not your dog and you are doing the best you can to keep him and others safe and give him an enjoyable walk. Seems all good to me.

Of course you’re not being selfish! As long as your neighbour’s dog doesn’t mind wearing it.
Hope the poor old thing gets to walk in peace now.

I bought a muzzle for my rottweiler, be warned some people don't get the jist and still let their dogs approach!! She obviously can't do much but I stand there trying to look in control while she looks like she could spontaneously combust!!

Not even slightly selfish. It's responsible dog ownership in these circumstances. Do be aware that you can't just bung a muzzle on and hope for the best; google muzzle training. It also must be the basket style muzzles as they allow them to breathe properly, drink etc

He is used to muzzle.
He may bark or lunge but never aggressive but he is strong.
I'm using it more for keeping dogs away than in fear of him injuring other dogs. Hence I'm asking if it's selfish to use a muzzle to try and keep other dogs away.

That’s pretty much why I muzzle my dog, it keeps away most people and less chance of him reacting.

I’m not really understanding the selfish bit tbh?

As long as you're not using the soft, fabric muzzles that people think are 'kinder' but which half suffocate the dog, go right ahead.

There are many more dogs out there which should be muzzled by aren't, which is far more selfish in my book.