[flyballmom]

No way would I muzzle my friendly dog. I do put bandannas on them when I take them to doggy "events", but not just to walk them. I, too, have endured many dirty looks, scared looks, crossed streets, etc etc. When those things happen, I starting talking to my dog, telling her/him how good she/he is, and either put them into heel position or close side walking. I carry treats in my pockets to use as distractions if the dog is acting "too" friendly (ie: whining, trying to "go say hi" etc.) WE may know that the dog is just wanting to go meet someone, but the stranger walking down the street may not see it that way. A well behaved, obedient Rottweiler is going to make a much better impression than a muzzled one.