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

Croc_Mad

What's the story with your dog? Mine is a big staffy cross with a lot of behavior problems. I had to buy a muzzle after my ex let him out unsupervised and he nipped the neighour. Neighbour didn't complain to me but I thought if he was seen to have a muzzle on it would look like we were taking action. My dog hates his muzzle, but it's a Baskerville Ultra, size 5 and it's very good. My dog has a massive head and snout but it fits well. He throws himself around but cannot get it off.

elsien

Seriously dog reactive Foster dog that if it went well I could keep, but when she sees other dogs and is pulling and running manically in circles is too strong for me. I can just about hang on if I'm standing still with my feet firmly planted, but she's pulled me over once and when she went off on one in the middle of the road I couldn't get her back onto the pavement. If we ever meet a dog face to face or offlead I'm not going to be able to keep control. Hence most walks being at 7 am!
Probably solveable with help in the long run but the help is not forthcoming and she needs someone physically stronger while she learns. I'm 5 ft nothing and 7 stone.

Croc_Mad

I'm the same size as you. I have to walk Hooch on a halti or canny collar otherwise he's impossible to control. Lovely with other dogs, just desperate to play. With him looking so big and scary, people cross the road to avoid us sometimes. Also get a lot of hassle from small aggressive dogs and their owners give me the dirty look!

Croc_Mad

Also - I found Ceaser Milan's books to be a massive help. I'm now the only person my dog has ever listened to or respected. Abused puppy, then neglected by my ex. Where do you live?

elsien

Halti didn't fit and was off in 2 seconds. I now have a gencon which helps a lot with pulling in one direction, (I couldn't take her out at all without it) but which isn't a great help when she's shooting in all directions at once. She doesn't have to see another dog to lose the plot, just hear one in the distance, or imagine there's one around - from the scars she's been attacked in the past. It's so frustrating because she walks beautifully to heel when calm, but when they walk past and get behind where she can't see them, she just goes into panic mode and blocks out anything anyone says to her. If she can see them walk off and knows they're not a threat she calms down more quickly. We're working on look at me, and lets go, but its not ingrained enough yet around distractions.

elsien

Looks like the Baskerville might not fit unless I can get the chin strap shortened by the shoe people in town. Off to PAH tomorrow when its quiet for a proper fitting and second opinion. They said they'd come out to the car as I can't risk taking TM in - they have quite a busy vet practice in there.

Croc_Mad

Have you tried the canny collar? I found it very helpful. Mine hates the halti too but sadly it's that or no walk. Been using it for two years now. Took some doing, lots of praise and reward but he tolerates it. He will walk to heel on his normal collar until he sees the cat, or a squirrel, another dog, etc. Then whatever reward I am offering gets ignored. Severe pulling, using his paws to push me out of the way. Using the halti I can lead him away so it stops the behaviour before it starts.

Wellyboots6

I can't help with head shape as my GSD just wears a standard size 9 Baskerville.

I will say though, go for plastic or rubber if possible rather than metal, as they soon realise they can use the muzzle as a battering ram against your legs and it does come keen!

elsien

I've had another scare tonight.:(

Decided to try a walk about 7 ish as it's quieter but vaguely hoped we might spot the odd dog in the sunset in an attempt to start to desensitise TM.
Going round a corner, saw two men approaching through a fence and thought to self - they look the type who might have a dog with them so I started to move TM away to a safer distance.
Not quick enough and they came round the corner on the same side of the road as us with a huge on-lead staffie. TM freaks, gets between my legs and I hit the deck. Luckily I have the harness lead wrapped several times round my wrist so TM stays attached but is going loopy. They're holding onto their un-muzzled dog who is also going loopy while they explain it's vicious and debate with each other how best to proceed. End up with them dragging theirs away with me (still on floor) having one hand holding onto TM harness and the other on her collar and hanging desperately on till they're out of sight. At which point TM calms down and I'm able to safely stand up and get her home.

Just when you feel like you're making progress it all goes pear-shaped again. Although I did get home to a message that they may have found TM another home - I do hope so, as I don't think carrying on as we are is really an option after today.
(Meanwhile TM is snoozing away at my feet, being good as gold, the little git.)

Croc_Mad

It sounds like you have a lot to handle by yourself! You need to stop her pulling you over, first and foremost. Has the place your are fostering for offered a behaviourist? It sounds like she needs one. Speak to the charity, get some advice. You sound like a brilliant person with a lot of patience but this is too much.