Calling all owners of bullies, and aggressive mutts- muzzle opinions wanted.

elsien

TM needs a basket muzzle and from previous experience baskervilles don't fit. Plus due to her antisocial tendencies I can't take her anywhere to try one on anyway.

However I'm told these are suitable for English bull terriers, can be personalised to the individual dog and was after opinions on which one to go for - I'm looking at sturdy, hard to remove and the least scary looking. (The combination of manic dog complete with harness, 2 leads and a fabric muzzle are getting me some odd looks, to say the least.)

The ones they recommend for the breed are the steel wire rubberised, the basket muzzle and the universal muzzle.

http://www.dog-harnesses-store.co.uk/index.php?main_page=page&id=61&zenid=o2era2ru8vnqpscnqrkgqqo1b6

At the moment I'm tending more towards the universal one purely because of the over head strap, but when you can't try them first it's really difficult to know what to go for.

Opinions on the best option for dogs with stupid shaped heads?!

Sagz_2

I know you said you'd tried Baskervilles, does that include the Ultra? It has an extra strap that goes over the head and a loop for attaching to the collar. I've used them on 'fat heads' like Rotts, Pits, EBT's and Bull mastiffs.
I've just seen that they do them in blue, which may help with others perceptions of the muzzle. http://www.companyofanimals.co.uk/products/baskerville-muzzles/baskerville-ultra-muzzle

elsien

Thanks - I'll see if PAH have one I can try, which might be quicker and easier. I was going back a few years when I phoned to ask them for mutt, and at the time they didn't make anything suitable for a bull terrier.

But on the off-chance the ultra doesn't work, comments on the three other options still appreciated from anyone.

krlyr

The size guide recommends a size 5 for Bull Terrier. Since it lists Staffordshire Bull Terrier separately, I assume they mean English for the first

zaksmum

How are you getting on with her, elsien?

krlyr

Found this photo - looks very similar to the thumbnail of universal one on your link and looks like it's a good fit on this EBT
http://www.fordogtrainers.com/ProductImages/products/pictures/dog-muzzle/wire-dog-muzzle/bull-terrier-wire-muzzle.jpg

However, clicking the thumbnail or scrolling down goes to a slightly different muzzle, the nose strap bit is different. This one looks as if it may be the same as the universal and it looks a tad too big on this one
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Best-Wire-Dog-Muzzle-for-English-Bull-Terrier-M9-/00/s/MzM4WDQ1MA==/$%28KGrHqZHJCQE-c-c0,JrBPw0DCFSJ!~~60_35.JPG

Might be worth clarifying with the website which muzzle is actually the one you'll receive, or whether it's just literally the nose band bit that varies.

krlyr

Managed to find this eBay listing on the thumbnailed muzzle, from my first photo
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bull-Terrier-wire-basket-dog-muzzle-UK-Bestseller-/221233005242?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Kitchen_Washing_Machines_Dryers&hash=item338283c2ba

One curious thing I've noticed..the logo is the same as on the website you linked, but with a different company name. Plus the item location is apparently Israel..

Celli

Personally Id go for one that has a strap down the middle of the head, it's really the only type that will stay on if your dog tries to get it off, I've gone through a fair few designs for my SBT, and it's the only type that stays put.
She has one of the Baskerville Ultra's
Which ever one you choose, it's vital your dog can still pant properly, a well fitting muzzle shouldn't hold a dogs mouth shut, merely provide a barrier between your dog, and it's target.

Lieja

I would second the Baskerville Ultra. My old American Bulldog had a stupid shaped head and the ability to get out of any muzzle at all and the only one we could use with her was the Ultra. She could still get it off if she really wanted to but it took a lot more effort so we could stop her in time.

con1888

I use baskerville ultra, GSD have different heads from bull terriers obviously but it has been good in terms of staying power due to the head strap. It looks very hannibal lecter though. Maybe the blue would have been nicer but they didn't do that when I needed it.

elsien

zaksmum wrote: »

How are you getting on with her, elsien?

Starting to get somewhere with the barking at last, which was seriously doing my head in. It's still an issue but there's a small glimmer of light at the end of a long tunnel!
On the walking front, very little progress although I'm hoping with a basket muzzle I can start distracting and rewarding.
They do know I'm not keeping her, but at the moment there's no takers. They say due to her age which does make me wonder if they're still underplaying the issues to new people.
I am getting fond of her, and wish I had a magic wand, but mum who has her when I'm at work is finding it hard, and the bottom line is I have a stressful job and want to destress by taking the dog for a long walk. Which isn't going to happen with TM. So head says she has to go. However I'm determined to do the best I can for and with her in the meantime. However long that is.