Toby's Muzzle

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Postby Tubular Toby » December 16th, 2012, 3:18 pm

Today I took Toby for a very short, first muzzle walk. I probably rushed it, but he did great all things considered. He did try to get it off a couple of times but I can say this much about a Baskerville muzzle- that bad boy probably isn't coming off if you use all three security points. There is a loop around the collar, the behind the head strap, and a strap that goes up between the eyes to the behind the head strap. I think Toby wearing a muzzle in public could really help me as far as actually getting him out again and not having to worry (AS MUCH) about off leash dogs and the likes. Obviously a muzzle isn't 100%, but it's certainly helpful. And sends a huge message to everyone that has an off leash dog that thinks it's okay to let it run up to my dog. Haha

I'm really pleased with the Baskerville, I just don't know if it's a good fit for him. I'm not experienced with basket muzzles at all, but it seems a little tight around his muzzle (width wise) and seems to squeeze the side of his face and sit really close to his eyes. It's also a fair bit too long... I did quite a bit of research before choosing this one and it had great reviews, I'm just concerned about it being comfortable for him.

I did do some prep work as outlined in the blog here: http://tubular-toby.blogspot.com/2012/1 ... uzzle.html . So he already associated the muzzle with awesome stuff and he also adjusted fairly quickly on our walk. Other than trying to get it off occasionally, he seemed to be doing okay. I'm also going to be buying a larger harness for him. ;) We walked around for like 5 minutes today and kept it short, but this one is definitely snug on him now.

Does anyone have any muzzle recommendations that might be more customizable to his short, wide muzzle? Or does this one seem okay? I can definitely take more pictures next time he has it on.

ETA: Oh yeah, please excuse all the Kong spray treat on his muzzle. ;)
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-Kristen
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Postby pitbullmamaliz » December 16th, 2012, 7:14 pm

Basket muzzles are HARD to fit. I love Inara's Baskerville but it definitely is looser in the cheek area. Are there any behaviorists or training centers in your area that have different brands he could try on? They all fit so differently and many are just too narrow for our dog's cheeks.
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Postby mnp13 » December 16th, 2012, 8:37 pm

Why are you walking him with a muzzle on?
Michelle

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Postby Tubular Toby » December 16th, 2012, 8:52 pm

Because there are so many off leash dogs in this town that I literally can't take him anywhere without someone's dog running up to us. I can't afford for him to bite anyone's dog. Of course I tell people to not approach but often times their dog doesn't listen. We'll also be moving to a city eventually for grad school and I want him to be accostumed to wearing one. I'm not planning on using it all the time, but until I get him less reactive to other dogs, I'd like that extra safe guard. It got to the point that I had to stop taking him anywhere because of the risk of other dogs. This won't stop other dogs from running up to him, I realize.
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Postby mnp13 » December 16th, 2012, 9:36 pm

It can also make him a ton more reactive, especially if another dog runs up to you and actually starts with him. I'm not criticizing, since I'm sure you're making the best decision you can for you and your dog, but it's definitely something to think about. We have one or two "safe" routes for our dogs, and outside of that, we don't walk them. Our town doesn't have a leash law at all, and though the VAST majority of people do walk their dogs on leash, there are a few that let their dogs run.
Michelle

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Postby Tubular Toby » December 17th, 2012, 1:04 am

No Michelle, it's totally fine, trust me, after nearly 5 years of owning Toby, I'm developing quite the thick skin. :lol: I appreciate all input and experiences for sure. This is something that I have considered and a big reason why I don't want to use it all of the time. But I do want him to be able to wear it if he needs to. Another thing that I'm considering trying out over break since I actually have time is taking him somewhere that we can be exposed to stimuli from a safe distance but training near the car so in case of an emergency, I can quickly load him up and shut the door (without the muzzle).
-Kristen
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