That's the way I feel as well, I really do not like having to put a muzzle on him. The only reason I even purchased one this late in the game is because the 'trainer' (in parenthesis because I'm really not agreeing with a lot of things that's been going on lately and I feel as though some of the training has been hindering my boy instead of helping him) recommended that I do this, for other people.
I feel like if I do put it on him, he looks defensive....on alert, like he knows he's being punished for something when he hasn't even done anything wrong in the first place.
We haven't even tried the dogpark for months because there are way too many variables going on there, that it's not even worth it to try and have fun and socialize but having to be constantly walking on eggshells all the time. I chalk it up to snotty yuppies
Do you really think that it is enough socialization with us, me and hubby and our 3 kids AND our other two dogs in addition to the family that we have that bring their dogs over? It does seem like alot, but is there a line where I could make him comfortable in his own home but dog aggressive in public because of lack of socialization in that environment?
Part of me was with the trainer, let's go ahead and muzzle him just to make others walking (we have a lot of walkers in our area, with dogs and just humans) feel more comfortable, and then part of me says, let's just get in the van and drive somewhere remote and walk him (not all that pratical just for the sake of strangers and me being a female probably walking him alone...I don't think he would save me!! lol), and then the biggest part of me says you know what? People have misperceptions and that is there problem....my dog has been raised in a stable family, always an inside dog, would greet a burgular probably with huge licks and kisses, has been raised with an infant since day one, a toddler, and another child.......and if those people have some problems because he's a rottweiler, then they can go take a leap to the other side of the street! I'm gonna let my dog enjoy his walks without having to wear a restraining muzzle, lol.
It's difficult!!! I wish some of the bad owners wouldnt' have made it so difficult on we good ones!!!