MuzzlesQuestion:What is everyones feelings on muzzles on dogs. Not when they are in public but more for curbing chewing and when you are first letting them roam the house when you are gone? Answer: Absolutely no muzzle left on a dog unattended. It 's dangerous. Proof your dog by leaving him in a specific area of house, that's been "dog proofed", for several hours, verses giving him run of the house for the day his first time out. Best to gradually build up to reliable, appropriate behavior when leaving an adult dog home alone. Answer: NO! no muzzles that is cruel! Answer: I agree with Otch and Doglover. I think they're cruel unless absolutely necessary for an aggressive dog out in public or something...very frustrating to a dog IMO. Yes, and dangerous if left unattended. Answer: Ditto here. No muzzles in my house. Mojo is blocked from rooms he shouldn't be in, like my roommate's room, by just closing the door. As for chewing? If your dog is still in the wanton destruction mode -- maybe he shouldn't be let loose inside the house? I didn't start leaving my dog uncrated until he was about 3 years of age... and even now 2 years later there are still days he goes in his crate for the day to keep him trained to it. Mostly he chooses to hang out in my room and sleep on the bed when I am not there. If he destroys anything while I am gone, the next day he goes back to staying in his crate... for a few days when I am not there to supervise him. Answer: Plenty of chew toys and bones might be the answer. Answer: A doggie proof room is the way to go. It gives you peace of mind when you are gone. Answer: muzzles may be okay if the dog is being groomed or checked by a vet and being aggressive. but crate your dog or leave him in a "dog-proofed" room while you're gone. muzzles aren't to stop chewing, they're to protect people from an aggressive dog. Answer: for curbing chewing and when you are first letting them roam the house when you are gone? I don't understand how this would be helpful. :confused: Your dog can't chew with the muzzle on, it's true. But how do you know if your dog was even trying to chew the furniture? It's not a good indicator of how your dog will behave. You can't tell if the dog will or will not chew the furniture once the muzzle is off. Answer: No muzzel unless the dog is being groomed and is a biter. That is cruel. It isn't safe. Answer: Muzzles do prevent chewing and biting, but they also prevent panting, drinking, and eating- necessary behaviors for a dog throughout the day. Answer: Muzzles are not the answer when it comes to protecting your belongings. Doggy-proof a particular room or use a crate or kennel. Leaving a muzzle on an unattended dog can lead to disaster. Answer: Agree ! My daughter did use a muzzle on her lab when a new child or babysitter arrived until he was comfortable with them . He was very protective of her and Nash , and she just didn't want to take chances. Yes, Ollie is a chewer , but I'd never muzzle him and give him free rein when I'm gone . He is safer in his kennel . Answer: I wouldn't muzzle a dog and leave them unattended. Safer to crate them if they aren't reliable. JMO. Answer: Absolutely no muzzle left on a dog unattended. It 's dangerous. Proof your dog by leaving him in a specific area of house, that's been "dog proofed", for several hours, verses giving him run of the house for the day his first time out. Best to gradually build up to reliable, appropriate behavior when leaving an adult dog home alone. Right! :D That is horrible if some one would do it! :( Now I am not against using muzzles...we had to use one with Lizzie when we first started cleaning her ears...and that was totally my fault because I did not get her used to having her ears touched when she was younger...so now that is how we would clean her ears...and it was only a few times that we did that...and to be honest, I think it helped her calm down some and know that every thing was okay, and nothing was going to hurt ;) But now..she does fine with cleaning her ears..still have to have one person hold her..but she does SO much better! :D She has made great progress. Answer: http://www.chazhound.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44059&page=2 I think the OP uses muzzles not just for chewing issues.... Answer: that just does NOT sound right to me... Answer: ok yes i do when i leave all my dogs are within 2 years and they get rowdy adn crazy but to crate my saint is a disaster she was never crate trained but is house broken and when she is locked in a crate she screeches and where i live there i can thave that the muzzles do not prevent panting, drinking or any of that just piting and chewing. They are open net and plastic basket muzzles. My pit boy is fine with it but we also want to be able to let him out he has major seperation anxiety when he is away from booger and booger cant really get near his crate since she is disabled. I mean we took him to the vet to stay for the day adn ALL he did was bark and poop. He came back 5-6 lbs lighter. ANd scirroco we have to as it is the requirement with all foster and adopted greyhounds in multi dog homes. Walker only gets it put on now when he decided he needs to start chewing again one day with it on then i try again and hes fine hes weird. All of our dogs will most likely be able to be in the house without them once whisper is a year or something but that is not my desision that is my moms. and muzzles are not cruel. They protect dogs from getting into things that are dangerous for them. And id like to see you havea dog proof room with all 3 of those dogs in one room. a bathrrom wont work either ;) Answer: Muzzles are NEVER to be left on an unattended dog...EVER. Chinook winds is one of the rescues that I work with and while all greyhounds are adopted out with a basket muzzle, it is made VERY CLEAR that they are never to be left on while the dog is unsupervised. We actually took one adopted greyhound back for this very reason. Muzzles can not and should not take the place of training or safe confinement under any circumstances. Answer: Muzzles are NEVER to be left on an unattended dog...EVER. Chinook winds is one of the rescues that I work with and while all greyhounds are adopted out with a basket muzzle, it is made VERY CLEAR that they are never to be left on while the dog is unsupervised. We actually took one adopted greyhound back for this very reason. Muzzles can not and should not take the place of training or safe confinement under any circumstances. I saw a program on TV last week about a Greyhound Rescue and I noticed that in many of the scenes, the dog's were all muzzled. What is the reason for that, do they fight alot with each other? Answer: Re-directed aggression is the reason for the muzzles. Due to track life and the newness of every social situation for adopted track greys, muzzles are recommended for the first few weeks to few months to ensure safety for all pets and humans. The overwhelming majority of these dogs are absolutley lovely and adjust extremely well but with their heightened prey drive and the background that they've (often) come from, the muzzles worn under supervision help to make the transition go much more smoothly...and safely. The last greyhound bite case that I was on was 54 stitches to the face. Most rescue organizations also have adopters sign a NO OFF LEASH *ever* contract...and if they don't..they should! Answer: When you buy a muzzle it usually says right on the package that it is never to be left on the dog unattended. When Roxy got her first pet rat we muzzled Dakota for a few minutes at a time while introducing her to the little critter, but ONLY a few minutes at a time, 5 max. Answer: ok lets get this stright now i do not train those dogs they are not my dogs. My dog is trained and he doesnt wear one occassionaly yes because i have used them basically my whole life because of how my dogs are they are all hunting dogs that groups of them will get thrown together all at once at times. My pets use them because i do feel safer with them. You dont really know my dogs i do. There isnt an issue with them wearing them because all teh dogs are they can breath drink adn all their normal functions exept for playing and biting. And dr2little ours told us to keep scirracco with a muzzle on at all times when we arent home becasue when he is in his crate he gets happy tail. Or he chews up all the bedding. So we felt it was safer that way. The people also know us extremely well i volunteered with them every single day, doctored dogs better then anyone, helped them train dogs, and we were the ones who helped new adopters introduce new dogs and their rescue team. They keep asking me to come back but sadly i cant. They also have that never let the dog off the leash rule too you dont wanna know how many dogs have been comfiscated because of this. now if someone could come up with a way to dog proof a room for a grey, saint, havanese and foster greys i can bring it up to my mom. Answer: What is everyones feelings on muzzles on dogs. Not when they are in public but more for curbing chewing and when you are first letting them roam the house when you are gone? I'm just curious. Why did you ask? Answer: And dr2little ours told us to keep scirracco with a muzzle on at all times when we arent home becasue when he is in his crate he gets happy tail. Or he chews up all the bedding. So we felt it was safer that way. That surprises me. Even the required reading material clearly states that no greyhound should ever wear a muzzle unless they are under supervision.:confused: Our dogs all come from the U.S. as well. This is not, by any means an attack on you, I'm simply answering the original post. Answer: oh i know its because he has issues. THey didnt want him to have to have his tail amputated because of the happy tail which if he continued in teh crate he would have, and because we have multiple dogs and he likes to chew :rolleyes: no matter what you try with the bugger it doesnt work. Answer: I'm just curious. Why did you ask? just curious why? Answer: What is everyones feelings on muzzles on dogs. Not when they are in public but more for curbing chewing and when you are first letting them roam the house when you are gone? For these issues you stated above there is no place for a muzzle. Just my two cents. :) Answer: Originally Posted by Doberluv I'm just curious. Why did you ask? just curious why? Yeah...why you asked what people thought? Were you apprehensive about leaving muzzles on them? Or worried about it? Did you want people to tell you that they thought it was just fine to leave them on the dogs unattended? Did it surprise you that so many were in opposition to leaving muzzles on the dogs unattended? Had you hoped for a more favorable, agreeable response? I'm just not clear as to what the intention was in your original post asking what people thought about it. Answer: Yeah...why you asked what people thought? Were you apprehensive about leaving muzzles on them? Or worried about it? Did you want people to tell you that they thought it was just fine to leave them on the dogs unattended? Did it surprise you that so many were in opposition to leaving muzzles on the dogs unattended? Had you hoped for a more favorable, agreeable response? I'm just not clear as to what the intention was in your original post asking what people thought about it. like i said i was curious there is no ulterior motive or reasoning. I like to know how other people feel about things plan and simple you are reading way to much into it. Answer: Are you really comfortable leaving muzzles on your dogs? :confused: I just can't imagine... at all... doing that to my boys. How do they pant.. drink water.... bite a little bug on their butt.. I mean.. really.. they are dogs, they aren't meant to be treated like monsters. :( Answer: Are you really comfortable leaving muzzles on your dogs? :confused: How do they pant.. drink water.... bite a little bug on their butt.. I mean.. really.. they are dogs, they aren't meant to be treated like monsters. :( Wait you mean they arent monsters :D i swear they are when i get home lol. (thats a joke everyone) and here is the muzzle i use on all of them except for scirrocco he has a basket. THey have enough room to bite their butts lol,drink water, pants, eat even somewhat bark. http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444177 5217&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302037262&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023689&bmUID=1167884251458&itemNo=2&Ntt=muzzles&In=All&previousText=muzzles&N=2 and i feel fine with it expecially after i saw scirocco and a foster get in a fight when they were jsut dead asleep a second ago. adn teh fact that they come running when we go out to the pegs where we keep the muzzles and shove their snouts into our hands when we have their muzzles. Answer: Ok, well monsters yes.. but you know what I meant! :D That's similar to one we got for Buddy some time ago (we no longer have a need for it, thank God). But, he could barely get his tongue out... it was awful. If all of your dogs get along... why the need for it? Can't they be separated? Answer: I am not familar with a muzzle of any sort, But I am wondering why the ad says to leave it on for only twenty minutes at a time? There must be a reason, and just curious to what it would be? I have another question regarding muzzles, but will start a new thread. :) Answer: It doesn't look like a dog would be able to pant with that kind of muzzle on. We used those all the time at the grooming clinic and the dogs had their mouths held shut. If anything I think the basket muzzle is better since they can open their mouth, drink, yawn etc. just not bite. Answer: they do but they are all puppys except for scirocco. and we bought the ones the next size up so it wasnt tight. PLus with tytus and booger, she is intact and so is he since we cant get her spayed we are stuck and he is most likely going to be bred in april so he cant be neutered. and at my moms patches has a habit of putting her mouth around whisper when they play so we dont feel safe leaving them alone like that. And walker jsut when he decided to be ummm male and creat a snowstorm in my room lol. Answer: That's what I question too . I know my dogs would have gone nuts if they couldn't groom each other or carry their animals around ! Answer: It doesn't look like a dog would be able to pant with that kind of muzzle on. We used those all the time at the grooming clinic and the dogs had their mouths held shut. If anything I think the basket muzzle is better since they can open their mouth, drink, yawn etc. just not bite. You're right RD, those muzzles are supposed to stop biting so by nature do not allow for panting or anything else that requires the mouth to be open (if they're fitted properly). Basket muzzles are much better but greyhounds for example can be very crafty and even when they're properly fitted they can grab you through them if they want to....you have to have your wits about you. Really needle nosed breeds in basket muzzles can still getcha!!!:yikes: :p Answer: scirocco likes fingers :rolleyes: Answer: I like to know how other people feel about things plan and simple you are reading way to much into it. That's what my last boyfriend said all the time to me. Well.....sorry about that. Answer: i wasnt being rude. im sorry i do come off that way lol Answer: I dont agree with leaving a muzzle on an unattened dog BUT I do agree with desensitizing your dog to wearing a muzzle for emergency situations along with other reasons. You never know when you may need one. Answer: With all of the talk about muzzeling it's gotten me thinking about wether or not it might be a good idea to at least get Duke used to wearing a muzzel for a short period of time while under supervision incase it ever becomes a mandatory law. Seeing as Ontario is rather trigger happy on bsl. Duke has two breeds in him which commonly fall under it's bs legislation and it wouldn't surprise me down the road with a few more irresponsible owners letting something happen to trigger another breed ban here. As of right now all pitties, including Am. Staff's, Am Bull Staffs, Bull terriers and any "pitbull like dog" need to be muzzled in public. If this ever did become law for say GSD or Rotti's ( Duke is Rotti/GSD and Collie but has strong rotti and shepherd markings), I guess it would be better if he was already used to wearing the muzzel and associating it was a positive thing, like lots of treats ( I'm thinking of training him on a basket muzzel as they can still drink and eat through it and breath much easier). I don't like muzzels or they idea of anyone having to muzzel their dogs simply because they are victems of their identity however to go as far as to say it's cruel I think that's a little extreme. It looks horrible yes but it does have a few practical uses like mentioned above in an emergancy. Unfortunatly for many owners where BSL is in effect this is a reality for them, does this mean they are being cruel to their dogs by walking them with a muzzel on? I've seen puppy's here that after the ban were lucky enough to be young and were still very moldable and accepted wearing a muzzle no problem and didn't in any way seem to be in distress over wearing it. On the same hand I have many friends who's dogs were not as lucky and were already older when the ban took effect and their dogs now absolutly hate the one activity every dog should enjoy. I guess I'm just trying to say it never hurts for anyone with a breed that is at risk for discrimination by bsl ( lets face it, it's not going away anytime soon:() to try and positively associate wearing a muzzel for a short period of time just incase. Kayla Answer: Kayla I believe that it would be a great idea for you to get your dog accustomed to a muzzle. Even if BSL never takes place, if your dog were to get seriously hurt and your vet had to have him muzzled in order to treat him (as most hurt dogs are more apt to bite from pain/fright) he does not need that added stress on him of being unaccustomed to wearing a muzzle during this time. Answer: i wasnt being rude. im sorry i do come off that way lol No, no, no...I didn't think you were being rude at all. I hope you didn't take my post as being rude because I didn't mean it that way either. No, I have been accused more than once of over analyzing things. And it struck me funny, make me chuckle when you said I'm reading too much into it because those exact words I've heard before many times from men mostly. LOL. I was cracking up laughing acutally. Answer: I think thats stupid, no offense. :D . If your dog is not trusted use a crate. Using a muzzle for issues like chewing is just being lazy. Dogs only need them if their is a chance they might bite (grooming, vets, ect). And if your dog is untrusworthy in EVERY situation and is that vicious to need a muzzle at ALL TIMES, then your dog needs to be PTS. Answer: I think thats stupid, no offense. :D . If your dog is not trusted use a crate. Using a muzzle for issues like chewing is just being lazy. Dogs only need them if their is a chance they might bite (grooming, vets, ect). And if your dog is untrusworthy in EVERY situation and is that vicious to need a muzzle at ALL TIMES, then your dog needs to be PTS. Or maybe a good consultation by a trainer... but I suppose we could just sentence them to death, it saves alot of money right:rolleyes:. Answer: Darkchild, you are an incredibly intelligent girl. (Thanks for the help on computer issues) No need to elaborate, leaving a muzzle on a dog for the day, unattended, is dangerous. You are going to do this anyway and have been for some time. I have a feeling, at your moms' suggestion. My hope is that you never come home and find out "why" this was dangerous. Hooking a cage or mesh muzzle on furniture or (?) and a snapped neck in the struggle to get free is an ugly site. Do you feel your mom might agree to any alternative? Answer: she might otch but the reason im not worried about the furniture thig is because none of the furniture has anything that can get caught on. All of our furinuter is rounded and made for being a dog filled house (its all handmade by my grandfather) but if i could give her a viable way to not do it i think she would. And they are not untrustworthy in crates, they are all rescues so they have their issues, patches with her they kept her in a crate 24/7 for weeks at a time, scirrocco i think he feels like he is going to race again and he gets hyper, and tytus he was kept in a kennel with him mother and his litter mates even after his littermates had died. Walker loves his crate half the time i cant get him out of it. and dober ok its all good lol. i thought you felt i was rude lol. and i ddid ask for help but everyone seems to by pass that :rolleyes: Answer: I'm just curious. Why did you ask? That is what I was wondering. There is an old adage, " When you ask a question, you have to be ready for an answer you might not want to hear". ;) Answer: I have a muzzle in my car and in my house. Only put it on in case of emergency ( i.e. police needs some help). Other then that he always is unmuzzled. I think its very important to teach every dog muzzle etiquete from young age. You never know if it'll come in handy. Answer: I think thats stupid, no offense. :D . If your dog is not trusted use a crate. Using a muzzle for issues like chewing is just being lazy. Dogs only need them if their is a chance they might bite (grooming, vets, ect). And if your dog is untrusworthy in EVERY situation and is that vicious to need a muzzle at ALL TIMES, then your dog needs to be PTS. I've never met a dog who needed a muzzle at ALL TIMES, and i mean never. I've been around aloooot of aggressive dogs. Answer: bob if you continued to read i said i didnt not expect any certain answer ;) Answer: Wait you mean they arent monsters :D i swear they are when i get home lol. (thats a joke everyone) and here is the muzzle i use on all of them except for scirrocco he has a basket. THey have enough room to bite their butts lol,drink water, pants, eat even somewhat bark. http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444177 5217&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302037262&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023689&bmUID=1167884251458&itemNo=2&Ntt=muzzles&In=All&previousText=muzzles&N=2 and i feel fine with it expecially after i saw scirocco and a foster get in a fight when they were jsut dead asleep a second ago. adn teh fact that they come running when we go out to the pegs where we keep the muzzles and shove their snouts into our hands when we have their muzzles. That looks like a pretty cruel thing to make a dog wear for extended periods of time.... Answer: how is it cruel? Answer: Well, you've gotten the opinions of some very experienced dog people as well as professional trainers. And the consensus is that it is dangerous and not a very pleasant way for a dog to spend his entire day. Having something latched onto the muzzle must be an intrusive thing to a dog, an aggressive thing. Their muzzles are incredibly sensative, not only physically, but mentally too. That said, I don't know why the dogs can't be crated in individual crates or otherwise seperated. It would be preferable to the muzzles IMO. There are many people who thought there was no way for their dogs to get hurt and they did. I know of some horror stories with strangling and broken necks and it's like...who would have ever thought.... I hope you aren't offended and I realize it's not entirely your choice. It's your Mom's. But you asked what people thought and people answered. There you have it. Maybe you and your Mom can come up with an alternative. There's always training, some kind of protective kennel or crate, finding homes for the dogs you don't have time to work with. (?) Just a thought. Good luck. Answer: Muzzles are generally used to prevent bites. The only time I would use a muzzle is if I had a dog I thought might become aggressive in a particular situation - with other dogs, or strange people (eg vets!). I know people who walk their dogs in a muzzle as it is a habitual eater of rubbish and stones. Other than that I cannot see a reason for one. I don't even leave a collar on Bo indoors, so there is no chance she can catch it and choke while I am gone, never mind a muzzle. Answer: Well, you've gotten the opinions of some very experienced dog people as well as professional trainers. And the consensus is that it is dangerous and not a very pleasant way for a dog to spend his entire day. Having something latched onto the muzzle must be an intrusive thing to a dog, an aggressive thing. Their muzzles are incredibly sensative, not only physically, but mentally too. That said, I don't know why the dogs can't be crated in individual crates or otherwise seperated. It would be preferable to the muzzles IMO. I hope you aren't offended and I realize it's not entirely your choice. It's your Mom's. But you asked what people thought and people answered. There you have it. Maybe you and your Mom can come up with an alternative. There's always training, some kind of protective kennel or crate, finding homes for the dogs you don't have time to work with. (?) Just a thought. Good luck. all the dogs are trained but with their pasts we do not feel comfortable trying to force them and the anxiety it causes. and it is my moms deistion(sp?) exspecially since i dont live in that house any more. In fact with the training patches and scirocco are going for therapy dog certifications this summer, tytus is a hunting dog, walker is a hunting dog, and once whisper grows a little mroe like a year older she will be CGC tested or therapy dog tested. But ultimatly its my moms dogs. And i have asked for ideas for a dog proofed room for these dogs but people seem to get more of a thrill from bashing me and not helping Answer: Where, specifically do you see bashing? I see only opinions and nothing personally attacking or flaming. People are saying what they think about muzzles left on dogs and how they think muzzles are not nice. No one has said you're not nice or your Moms not nice. There's a difference. People are trying to help and have given ideas. Why do you think people are bashing you? They may not agree with leaving a muzzle on a dog but you asked for opinions! Whatever the problem is with the dogs being together or chewing up things....you or your Mom can find a way to prevent that and block it without using a muzzle. People do it all the time. As far as help for a dog proofed room, how to build one, what materials to use, how to convert an existing room.....I wouldn't personally know any better than you would. I would have to know your dogs better, know what materials they're likely to chew, if they can un-do latches, if they can jump out windows...the construction part of it.....my guess wouldn't be any better than yours. What was your point in asking for opinions? I don't think now that I am reading too much into it now that you are saying you're being bashed and lashing out at people who IMO were trying to help your dogs. It appears that you want validation for keeping muzzles on dogs all day long without supervision, that you want people to say that that is a great idea. You're not going to get it. That is apparent after 6 pages of this thread. So, your Mom can do whatever she wants to do. You didn't want opinions. You wanted agreement. Isn't that right? Be honest. Answer: i didnt mean you i meant others on here when i specifically ask them questins they dont answer. I didnt care if people agreed or not thats your opinion everyone is entitled to their own. I dont lie i dont see the purpose in lying it jsut causes way to many issues. but i have to go to class so i will fionish this later. Answer: umm... I'm staying out of the muzzle disagreement... lol And i have asked for ideas for a dog proofed room for these dogs Its really hard for me to say, because I don't know the layout of your house, or what your dogs are getting into / chewing up... I'm sorry if I missed some of this somewhere, but I read the first pages yesterday, and I read the rest today, but I don't have my glasses on :o You want to keep them separated because they may fight, right? And the chewing? okay... With my foster dogs, I've had a lot that truly hate the crate. And while I attempt to teach them to like it, its a long process and I need somewhere else to keep them during the day. For that, I've used baby gates to keep them in the kitchen, or bathroom, ect. You just need to make sure that everything is put away, and give them a kong, puzzle ball, or similar toy to keep them occupied. All sprays, chemicals, shoes, books, whatever your dog chews on needs to be picked up, with something to offer them that they can chew on... I've had dogs that've jumped over the gate, so I've literally had to use two (one right on top of the other, placed tightly in the door so they don't fall when pressure is put on them). It sounds like they really need to be confined, so the muzzles can come off. For their safety. um... i HTH - I hope you can work something out, ask more questions, ect ;) Answer: Hi, I am the owner of a small dog (mut, or mixed breed as we like to call him) and he tends to act up around children. Not aggresively, though gets very playfull when kids are jumping around him; he kinda just plays along. At the same time we are talking about 3 and 4 year olds and Sam (my dog) can't really be held accountable (even though he would be) if he were to get too rough by accident and possibly leave some teeth marks. I found a muzzle that resembles the one depicted in this story. The link is below from www.whole-dog-journal.com. He looks good in it and doesn't really seem to mind it. Though we never keep it on him for more than 45 minutes to an hour at a time. The muzzle in this picture is called the Happy Muzzle, I don;t think I have the exact same one. http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/10_1/features/Dog_Product_Reviews_15878-1.html :cool: Answer: I don't agree with muzzles. I read every post and came to the conclusion that basically the dogs can't be crated, muzzeling is not the best for them. What I would do is figure out which dogs were compatible with each other and doggy proof sections of the house. Put each pair in a different section of the house. In your siggy there is a picture that concerns me though..Walk er is chewing on Scarrios muzzel. Scarrio has no way of defending himself, if you are going to use muzzels, try to have one on each dog so either they cant hurt each other or they can defend themselfves. Oviously you were their to supervise as the picture was taken..but if that was to happen when you were gone something bad could have happened. Just my 0.02.Oh and too add to the doggy proffing situation could you use bitter spray on the furniture. I think they sell stuff like that specifically designed for those bratty chewers. Answer: bob if you continued to read i said i didnt not expect any certain answer ;) When you read posts after post by some pretty knowledgable folks stating that this is not a good practice to muzzle a dog for long periods of time, which is the answer to the question that you orginally posed, you keep trying to justify that you think it is OK despite what you are being told....... That means , to me, that you are not happy with what people are telling you and you have no intention of taking their advice. My question to you then is, why did you ask in the first place? Answer: As for a dog-proofed room - Here is how my dog room was set up for my fosters. (Keep in mind I only left the dogs in the dog room while I was gone. Otherwise they were allowed out with me, or out together in supervised groups of those who got along.) Bare as possible. No carpet (wooden floors). No cords except for one that plugged into the ceiling. Only dog approved toys that could not cause choking. They had their crates in the room and stainless steel dishes. On the door, I covered the bottom half with plexiglass to prevent digging or chewing at the door to escape. I had a cabinet mounted on the wall which was locked that held supplies I needed. On top of the cabinet was a small radio that I used to play soft music for them while I was gone. This was out of reach of even the danes. When I left, one dog was allowed out of his crate (never a dog aggressive dog). The others were crated. Everyone was rotated to allow free time. I was never gone for more than 3-4 hours at a time. Everyone ate crated to prevent fights. Any problem dogs were set up in a seperate room. Windowsills were sanded down to prevent sharp edges and something to chew on. Windows were barred to prevent breaking by the dogs (and burglary). The dog to the dog room was locked from teh outside to prevent any escaping, as I once had a foster who could use the doorknob with his mouth to free himself. Now, I know this isn't feasible for everyone, but it worked for me. Luckily I've only fostered one dane who could escape from a crate, but that was due to seperation anxiety and she did rather well out of her crate but confined to sections of the house that were dog-proofed. On the subject of muzzles, I'm not a big fan of them. I use them if absolutely needed (to avoid injury to myself when handling a dangerous or injured dog). Answer: all the dogs are trained but with their pasts we do not feel comfortable trying to force them and the anxiety it causes. and it is my moms deistion(sp?) exspecially since i dont live in that house any more. In fact with the training patches and scirocco are going for therapy dog certifications this summer, tytus is a hunting dog, walker is a hunting dog, and once whisper grows a little mroe like a year older she will be CGC tested or therapy dog tested. But ultimatly its my moms dogs. And i have asked for ideas for a dog proofed room for these dogs but people seem to get more of a thrill from bashing me and not helping Nobody is bashing you, you ask a question, you don't like the answer and you post some type of justification for what you are presently doing. People respond by telling you that it doesn't seem like a rational justification and there are other alternatives, and apparently you perceive that as bashing. :confused: Answer: Some people, myself included may not know of a viable solution to your specific questions. Now there are some more recent posts with some ideas. Personally, I would never foster and have more dogs than I was set up for. My idea, I'm sure won't go over too well, but I'd find homes for some of these dogs asap and get yourself set up with real heated kennels or something before you take on more dogs. That would be something I'd require. I couldn't tolerate chaos and dogs who were so unmanageable in my home. But that's just me. Answer: we only have one foster at a time andonly the saint, grey, and havanese live in that home, the pits, and wlaker are with me. i will draw up a plan of our house but the gates dont work with the saint because um she likes to body slam them :rolleyes: and we dont have wood windowsills so thats out they are some kind of marble material and a bathroom for those size dogs lol. I have a feeling if i tried that SWAT would be called lol. They dont chew exept scirocco with his bedding when he is excited. I just do it because they are puppies who love love love to wrestle. Our house is also an open plan so gates and doors are out except for bedrooms. Answer: I've never met a dog who needed a muzzle at ALL TIMES, and i mean never. I've been around aloooot of aggressive dogs. That was my point. Answer: the layoutof myhouse. http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/darkchild16/layout.jpg Answer: Again , each situation is different . Depends on the breed and the owner . I've never owned a muzzle and have fed up to 7 Goldens in a row. I do know how to fashion a temporary muzzle in case of an accident as any injured dog could bite . I carry a soft rope in my car for this reason . To me , they should be used only for aggression .....chewing etc needs training . Answer: I know this is dead... I just wanted to say Cider has a mesh muzzle.. One sized appropriately to her. She is a barking fanatic if she hears people are home and she has to be crated. It's only used for the 20 minutes that the package says though. I've left her as long as it took to cease the barking, never rewarded by coming early to release her, somehow she hasn't learned so once in a while she gets muzzled briefly if people are home and can't deal with her.. It doesn't allow much panting, drinking etc.. And I'd think a size larger than it should be isn't necessarily doing much good. Either way nylon muzzles are hot, and aren't for long term anything.. They should all have basket muzzles if they are being left like that.. Answer: I know this is dead... I just wanted to say Cider has a mesh muzzle.. One sized appropriately to her. She is a barking fanatic if she hears people are home and she has to be crated. It's only used for the 20 minutes that the package says though. I've left her as long as it took to cease the barking, never rewarded by coming early to release her, somehow she hasn't learned so once in a while she gets muzzled briefly if people are home and can't deal with her.. It doesn't allow much panting, drinking etc.. And I'd think a size larger than it should be isn't necessarily doing much good. Either way nylon muzzles are hot, and aren't for long term anything.. They should all have basket muzzles if they are being left like that.. I wasn't aware that a muzzle would prevent a dog from barking...... Answer: A mesh nylon one like pictured, when fit to the sizing chart keeps a dog from doing much of anything.. Same as the same style in leather at some vet's offices. Which is why I assume it has a 20 minute warning on it. She can pant, stick her tounge in a water bowl.. But it's sure not a long term thing. Answer: I still feel that they should only be used as a safety net for possible aggression . All other issues need training . |
|