A Muzzle

[wriggin]

My dog can sometimes be extra aggressive when taken out around strangers. What is everyone's opinion on getting him a muzzle for when we take him out. I am slightly afraid he would bite someone if approached and I don't want to be a liability. (I am working on this aggression problem but I haven't had much luck and I am afraid to socialize him too much in fear he may bite)

[lotsadox]

You are right to be concerned about taking him out in public and I applaud you for being a responsible owner aware of his dog's problems. He needs socialization, but it is very hard with an aggressive dog. I believe Tom (dutchman) has used the "Gentle Leader" with success on his "problem child" with aggression issues. It's a sort of halter that gives you control of the dog's muzzle. As I understand it, if the dog lunges at someone and you pull on the leader, you pull the dogs head around toward you preventing a bite. Tom will probably be on soon and give you a better description. I believe this is quite effective and useful when you have to take the dog out in public. It might be an alternative to muzzling him.

[dutchman]

a few thoughts. A muzzle would minimize the change of anyone getting bitten. The necatives. First it does nothing to resolve teh underlying problem. Second he ever be attaced by another dog he would have no way to defend himself (something pointed out by a trainer when I ask about suing ne). And last fut not least the little bit of looking I did for a muzzle I found it nearly impossible to locate on that would fit Tanner.

As far as the gentle leader goes it does give you morre control over your animal but it is by no means a muzzle and they can still bite with it on. It also tends to change the personality really calming down many dogs. Your dog will hate it especially at first. Almost all dogs paw at it rub their noses on the ground sometimes refuse to walk. Don't give in to those tatics. With the gentle leader you still must keep a very close eye on your animal. Any time someone approaches make sure you have a short lleash with very little slack so you can jerk them back if necessary. With some adults and any child I will ask them to let me take hold of the chin strap on Tanners Gentle leader befoe they approach. Having a shy agressive or fear bitter is a worry. IT takes constant work to help resolve their problems and you have to consider everyone's safty before they go many places in public. A dog can be very loving to it's people and others that it knows well yet still pose a threat to people it does not know. Tanner wil warm up to almost anyone if they ignore him for a while but if they try to force themselves on him watch out.

Tom and the boys (Frank, Tanner and Dexter)