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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

When would a muzzle be helpful?

12 replies

Februaryschild2023 · 15/04/2023 20:08

We have a lovely collie, but she can be very territorial and reactive when we're out and around people (she's cute so often people rush up with their hand stuck out when she's on lead and she does a very aggro bark, and has nipped in the past if very startled).

Considering whether to get a muzzle, and whether it might work for our peace of mind in this kind of situ? Obviously we don't often take her into very busy places, but there have been times where even if we were just walking locally and someone approaches too quickly and she makes a loud lunge for them (I have to stress, shes never gone for anyone aggressively).

Has anyone got any advice on whether a muzzle would be helpful for this? Was thinking it might even just work to deter people from trying to touch her?

OP posts:

Spanielsarepainless · 15/04/2023 20:13

It would certainly protect you from accusations of having a dog dangerously out of control in a public place. Your dog doesn't have to actually hurt someine, only that someone has a reasonable fear that might happen. From your description that is a line already crossed.

MoggyP · 15/04/2023 20:17

As "nipped" is a euphemism for 'bit', you are quite lucky that you've not been in trouble already. Loud lunge is aggressive.

Either muzzle now, or short leash at all times.

user1477249785 · 15/04/2023 20:26

We have the same. I have found that muzzling on walks gives us all peace of mind. You can also get leads/ vests that warn people that your dog is anxious and not to approach.

lovelypidgeon · 15/04/2023 20:47

I think a muzzle would be a good idea. Just make sure it fits well- I found that a lot of the muzzles in pet shops were for flatter faced dogs so the wrong shape for a collie face. My rescue dog is similar- he looks cute and friendly but if strangers come too close too quickly it scares him and he reacts. Using a muzzle gives me the peace of mind that I have a safety net if something goes wrong. I also find that people tend to give us a bit more space when they see the muzzle. Just in case you're not already aware, it's best to train your dog to wear a muzzle. There are loads on YouTube videos but the key is to build associations with high value treats/toys etc and the muzzle before you even put it near their face. It took just over a week with mine but he quickly came to see it as a signal for food and fun. If you don't train them the muzzle can add to the reactivity as it's another thing they don't like. Good luck

Coolblur · 15/04/2023 20:52

I have one for my Jack Russell because although he appears approachable to humans, he's actually quite nervous and can be reactive to other dogs. On the occasions someone has tried to pet him I have to ask them not to as he's likely to do a warning growl when they loom over him and I worry he could nip. It works, people will still talk to us, but are more wary of him, and many keep their distance, helping with the dog reactivity issue. Also he feels safer, and I'm more relaxed.
It's not worth the risk of your dog nipping someone so just get one for safety and peace of mind.

coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 15/04/2023 20:54

I would absolutely muzzle in your situation - in fact, you're very lucky not to have been reported already.

Just make sure it's a properly fitting Baskerville muzzle - she still needs to be able to drink, pant and take treats through it, and you'll probably need to spend a few weeks getting her accustomed to it at home before she wears it in public.

ProbablyDogNappersHunX · 15/04/2023 21:34

Muzzling will be helpful - but as PP have said it needs to be the basket style which allows them to pant etc., not the cloth type that clamps their mouth shut.

You'll need to go through a period of muzzle training - you can't just slap one on https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/dogs-and-muzzle-training

https://muzzleupproject.com/muzzle-training/

DDog wears one of these and I've found it surprisingly effective. It helps that it's a clear cut instruction and if you're close enough to touch the dog then you're close enough to read it https://www.saintroch.co.uk/ask-before-stroking-lead-cover-/-slip-p421.html

EraOfTheGrey · 15/04/2023 22:26

My old collie wore a muzzle because he was a celiac and we couldn't risk him eating food people had dropped on the ground. Surprisingly he didn't mind wearing it but what was more surprising were the negative comments I received from people. I had so many randoms tell me I was cruel to muzzle him - these people had no idea the reason for his muzzle but they obviously knew better than me. People did tend to give him a wide berth though, shame because he was such a gentle wee chap.

OllytheCollie · 15/04/2023 23:19

In principle I think all dogs should be muzzle trained. In practice I am a bad owner and gave up muzzle training ddog who is a stubborn sod who wd not let me put the bloody thing on her even when it was full of treats. I am sure with persistence with all dogs it can be done and I shd do it.

But I wd be concerned that your collie is stressed by people too. That's a response to work on and the muzzle won't stop it. Two things - if stupid people start to make a fuss be as stubborn as a collie and say Stop that firmly. It's not ok and of course sudden unexpected movements will upset her (perhaps something like this triggered the reactivity). Can you reinforce a turn to you response? That is if you see someone walking towards you and the lead gets tense you stand btw her and the person pause and treat so she learns to turn to you always. I never exactly trained this, but if she's freaked out by anything she instinctively turns to me which means she doesn't lunge. She did lunge at cars though and managing that did take a good 18m of training! It's not easy, but lots of reinforcing focus on us did get us a much safer calmer dog in the end.

BiteyShark · 16/04/2023 05:48

After yet another eating incident which nearly resulted in him needing emergency surgery we have to muzzle.

I hate it but it needs to be done.

You will get a lot of people avoiding you on walks if they see a muzzle so you might find it very useful but for me it makes me a bit sad that people automatically think vicious.

As others have said it needs to be a basket one so they can pant and drink.

BiteyShark · 16/04/2023 05:50

Too early today. I meant to type:-

After yet another eating incident which nearly resulted in him needing emergency surgery we have to muzzle.

twistyizzy · 16/04/2023 05:59

Yes definitely muzzle but also you need to work with a qualified behaviourist ie IMDT or ACPT to help your dog with her reactive behaviour. Collies are highly intelligent dogs who are best with a job to do, in fact I would never recommend them as family pets. You need to step up, advocate for your dog and get her help. Reactive behaviour comes from anxiety or fear.

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