LETS TALK MUZZLES

Just wanting to raise awareness and share my experience about muzzling. Not wanting to criticise or judge. I've learnt about muzzling through trial and error and making my own mistakes.

Training, is of course, the first port of call before considering muzzling but muzzles do have their place.

Muzzles worn for exercise can be very useful if used correctly and not for punishment; they should be fitted properly and allow the dog to pant and drink.

Over the Summer I've seen some dogs out and about wearing muzzles which probably aren't the best type for exercising.

One muzzle I've seen on a couple of dogs is the black neoprene sleeve type which keep the dogs mouth pretty much closed, best used for short intervals like a vet visit and not for exercise.

The other type I see which are commonly found in pet shops are the plasticky beige coloured ones. They aren't too bad but still dont allow a dog to fully pant during exercise. The space around the jaw is restricted.

In the photos, the adorable Doris wears a muzzle because she can resource guard from other dogs but she loves being out with her pack so without the muzzle she would be always on the lead and solo walked.

Lovely Leonard practices Copraphagia (poop eater) which has made him very sick in the past. Without his muzzle, he too would be always on the lead on a tight rein and not allowed a good sniff around, which we know is a natural behaviour and essential for a dogs wellbeing.

We get our muzzles from the very knowledgeable Fiona at The Muzzle Shop, she will work with you until you get the right muzzle for your dog, for whatever the issue. They arent expensive either, all ours have been under £ 15.

https://www.themuzzleshop.com/

Owners who muzzle their dogs are taking responsibility, it's a good thing.

I encourage you to ask more about muzzles if you think they can help your dog, chat to Fiona from the Muzzle Shop, she knows all there is to know. 

A muzzle should be a guard around the mouth with space to fully pant and drink, it shouldn't be a gag.

Hope that's useful info, I know muzzling can be controversial but please read the above with an open mind and have compassion for those owners who need help.

Thanks for reading and hope you are all in good health. x

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