Should all dogs be muzzled when out in public?

mtbbuxton

Blue264 wrote: »

Absolutely not!

My last dog was a Pit Bull / Labrador cross, so she was chipped, spayed and had to be muzzled in public. The biggest problem with this is the dog can overheat in warm weather as the muzzle prevents them from panting effectively. As soon as the weather got into the 70's (rare, I know), I couldn't take her for a walk until late evening or night time in case she got heat exhaustion.

I've highlighted part of your post as my reply relates to it.

No dog should ever be walked in the cloth/Mikki style muzzle. As you say, they prevent panting and can result in a dangerously over heated dog. Instead, a well fitting basket muzzle should be used, as illustrated in this Blue Cross link http://www.bluecross.org.uk/2156-83031/dogs-and-muzzles.html This type of muzzle also allows your dog to drink through it and treats can be fed through the gaps too. Pet shops generally don't give the correct advice and so many dogs end up in the wrong sort of muzzle

I haver a lurcher and a whippet who have both been muzzled previously to prevent scavenging, so have first hand experience with them. Generally, I'd say it's not necessary for every dog to be muzzled. However, they are a very useful tool when used correctly. The biggest issue I've found with them is the onlookers preconception of a muzzled dog being a dangerous dog, which is usually NOT the case.

M x

PlymouthMaid

No they should not.

poet123

No, it is a bit inhumane imo.

gettingready

Of course all dogs should wear muzzles at all times.

Same as all cars should have a built in speed killer limiting them to drive only at 30 mph.

All teenagers should wear straight jackets as someone already mentioned above.

All toodlers should be gagged when in public.

Oh, all men should be castrated too - you know, just in case...


Sighhhh

UKTigerlily

Stupid question but in reply, no! Most attacks seem to happen in homes not out in public and many things are more dangerous than dogs. As an example, how many murderers, !!!!!philes & rapists are males? Should all males be handcuffed in public because they have the potential to be dangerous? Plenty more examples but i'm sure you get the idea! Deal with problem owners not innocent dogs

wilykit

No way should all dogs be muzzled in public.

My dog has never shown aggression towards other dogs, and he is the most nice natured dog I have ever met.

Plus, once I was out walking my dog and I was approached by a drunken man who made me feel uneasy, my dog automatically got in front of me and growled at the man as if to tell him to back off. I trusted my dog to do this as he NEVER shows aggression and obviously he picked up on this person being no good!

Plus, what if someone else had a dog off lead and un muzzled which went for my dog? If I was following the law and had my dog muzzled, he wouldn't stand a chance at protecting himself!

liamajhons

Nope not at all..

Prothet_of_Doom

No.

My Cavalier would possibly lick you to death, but TBH, responsible owners of 'unpredictable' dogs already muzzle them, and the only mandatory muzzleing should be of irresponsible owners.

Caroline_a

I'd like to know why the OP has asked this.

lostinrates

If offered a choice between denying my dogs off lead exercise OR muzzling them for it, I'd choose the muzzle and free running option.

I find it interesting that a basket muzzle is seen as Inhumane where the denial of important free socialising, running for health and sheer enjoyment is not. I wouldn't want my dogs to wear a muzzle all the time at all, but more so I feel the need for them to run and play is essential. I'd compromise if necessary with muzzling off lead.