Muzzles

[TrishB]

If muzzles were proposed on all dogs to protect the public safety - what would your response be? Since bad dogs and good dogs don't wear name tags - it would be an overall solution - across all breeds.

Thoughts?

[jakesfostermom]

I think it would be sad that all dogs, regardless of temperament, would be required to be muzzled - like penalizing ALL for the behavior of a few. I think it would give irresponsible owners "permission" to have their out of control dogs more in the public, and let's face it, just because a dog can't bite, doesn't mean it can't act a fool. I still say we have to go after the owners....

[spidey]

I'd think that the people who would comply with this aren't the people we really need to worry about as a majority, anyway. The people who train, license and otherwise do "good dog owner stuff" with their dogs are the ones who are most likely to comply with such a law and they aren't usually the ones we need to worry about. Enforcing a law like this might be costly as well. A law about muzzles in public would only make a difference to the attacks which happen when people are out walking their dogs (and then it would only make a difference if people obeyed the law), it would make no difference to the other common sorts of dog attacks like a child left unattended with a dog or dogs on private property, a dog who escapes from its yard and attacks someone, etc. There are places which have laws like this in Europe, perhaps you could look into that and see how well it works.

[Squeaky2004]

Well, I do not care too much for muzzles, but if it meant a choice between keeping my dog and losing her, I would use it. Don't get me wrong I know muzzles can be a very good thing, but they are not on my highly liked list at all.

[groupieindenial]

No way, jose! Not treating my dog like hannibal lecter. His walks would be RUINED! He wouldn't be able to pick up sticks, he LOVES sticks. It would only add to people's fear of Rottweilers. Not to mention a dog can overheat if he can't pant to cool off.

[spidey]

Originally Posted by groupieindenial

No way, jose! Not treating my dog like hannibal lecter. His walks would be RUINED! He wouldn't be able to pick up sticks, he LOVES sticks. It would only add to people's fear of Rottweilers. Not to mention a dog can overheat if he can't pant to cool off.

There are muzzles which are perfectly humane for walking a dog in - basket muzzles. They're similar to the ones Greyhounds race in. They do not keep the mouth closed, the allow panting and barking, they simply stop the dog from being able to bite.

[TrishB]

I have to admit that is a concern of mine. That people will pick up the wrong type of muzzle (a well fitting, proper basket muzzle can be expensive) and dogs will be injured.

An ill fitting muzzle can injure both dog and person (dog trying to get it off, person trusting that the muzzle is secure when it isn't).

How will the muzzles be evaluated to ensure fitting? Will they be? Will the towns ensure that the proper muzzles are available?

I would hate to hear of a person trying to follow the law - placing the wrong type of muzzle or ill fitting muzzle on their dog and an injury result. Heat exhaustion will result if they have the wrong muzzle - but who's going to ensure that people have the right ones?

[LORHEL]

If I had to do it I would, but I don't think its the solution. Alot of incidents happen other places, such as at home, etc. they can't expect that to cure all problems :(
Its not fair to the people who do the right thing and train their dogs, and I think it gives the public a bad perception if all dogs are walking around muzzled... I hope it doesn't get passed.

[hcelsa]

I wouldn't have a problem with muzzles at all IF (and ONLY if) every dog was expected to wear one (regardless of size/breed etc). One of the things my sister remarked on after a trip somewhere in Europe (sorry to those that live there...I can't remember the country) was how wonderful it was to see dogs everywhere with their owners. There were dogs on buses, trains, in coffee shops etc, and they were all happily muzzled (and for the most part quite friendly) She also felt like the dogs in general where better socialized with other people and dogs (maybe because people don't feel like they need to micro-manage their dogs as much so they're allowed to learn to be dogs).
If the addition of a muzzle would mean that my dogs could be an even bigger part of my life I'd be first in line to buy one!

I honestly don't think it bugs a dog any more than wearing a collar and leash once they get used to wearing them (assuming we're talking about basket-type muzzles). I actually think a properly fit muzzle would be much more comfortable for the average Rottweiler than wearing a halti or gentle leader...

I understand the public perception arguement...but lets face it...public perception of our breed is already pretty bad. I don't think muzzles would make it worse (and maybe it would be better because people wouldn't be as fearful...so less people would send fearful vibes to dogs resulting in less dogs reacting inappropriately to people). I also realize that in choosing to own this breed I'm choosing to deal with the public perception (and I do what I can to change it--but I also realize that reality to most folks IS their perception).

Just some of my thoughts on the subject (I've got plenty...but I need to get some work done!).

[Luvs]

Originally Posted by hcelsa

I wouldn't have a problem with muzzles at all IF (and ONLY if) every dog was expected to wear one (regardless of size/breed etc). One of the things my sister remarked on after a trip somewhere in Europe (sorry to those that live there...I can't remember the country) was how wonderful it was to see dogs everywhere with their owners. There were dogs on buses, trains, in coffee shops etc, and they were all happily muzzled (and for the most part quite friendly) She also felt like the dogs in general where better socialized with other people and dogs (maybe because people don't feel like they need to micro-manage their dogs as much so they're allowed to learn to be dogs).
If the addition of a muzzle would mean that my dogs could be an even bigger part of my life I'd be first in line to buy one!

I honestly don't think it bugs a dog any more than wearing a collar and leash once they get used to wearing them (assuming we're talking about basket-type muzzles). I actually think a properly fit muzzle would be much more comfortable for the average Rottweiler than wearing a halti or gentle leader...

I understand the public perception arguement...but lets face it...public perception of our breed is already pretty bad. I don't think muzzles would make it worse (and maybe it would be better because people wouldn't be as fearful...so less people would send fearful vibes to dogs resulting in less dogs reacting inappropriately to people). I also realize that in choosing to own this breed I'm choosing to deal with the public perception (and I do what I can to change it--but I also realize that reality to most folks IS their perception).

Just some of my thoughts on the subject (I've got plenty...but I need to get some work done!).

I agree with you, if wearing a muzzle meant my dog could be an even bigger part of my life I would put a muzzle on her in a heartbeat! I envy those in Europe who can take their dogs into restaraunts, ect. I would love to be able to take my dog EVERYWHERE with me.

I also agree that for something like this to work ALL dogs need to be muzzled regardless of breed or size. I am afraid that the only people who would follow something like this are the ones who are being responsible owners now and already working hard to make sure their dogs are well trained, well socialized members of society.
Also, as Spidey mentioned this would not prevent the dog bites that occur in the home or from someones dog who sneaks out the front door.