What kind of muzzle to use??

[HUB'S MOM]

Like I said in a previous thread, I'm moving to France with my boy and unfortunately, the law over there is to have him wear a muzzle everytime I will walk him in public places! I know it sounds crazy but THANK GOD I leave in the country so I'm hoping they won't mess with me too much there but I wanted your opinion about what kind of muzzle I should use for the few times I will take him in public places? I heard maybe the ones made of fabric are ok but I really want you guys opinion so he won't feel it too much and won't think he's punished in any ways......so thank you for whoever replies!

[Weily4Life]

The only type of fabric muzzles I know about are to be used for very short periods such as when grooming, examination at vets, etc. If you are looking for something for walking it is important to have something that allows the dog to pant--a basket muzzle.

[JD102175]

I would recommend a basket muzzle for both the move and for when you take him out in public. A basket muzzle, like this one Wire Basket Dog Muzzle Boxer, Pit Bull Or Similar Snout Size, will still allow a dog to eat, drink and most importantly pant.


Jaime

[abbiesdogs]

We travelled through France last year with our rottie and dobe walked them morning and evening with out muzzles and took them into hotels with no problems (we didn't know about the law) but we had them handy just in case.( they were the cloth ones.) We now live in spain which has the same law and as we live in a rural area we dont bother but they are always on a leash. good luck with the move.abbie

[jlaack]

I would also recommend the basket kind. It makes it easier for the dog to breathe and to pant when being exercized.

[HUB'S MOM]

I'm just worried to scare everybody around with the basket one, it looks so bad! I understand its better for them so ill probably go with it but everybody who will see him will get scared of him, I can already picture it!!!

[jlaack]

I'm just worried to scare everybody around with the basket one, it looks so bad! I understand its better for them so ill probably go with it but everybody who will see him will get scared of him, I can already picture it!!!

Would you rather scare people or have your dog suffer from heat exhaustion? Likely since they have this law in place there will be enough people scared of him with or without a muzzle.

[AngelBunny]

Does the law require that the dog actually wear the muzzle or can it be dangling from the dog's collar??

[HUB'S MOM]

Oh God, I wish it could be just dangling, that would be lovely....nah, they need to wear it!

[Weily4Life]

Originally Posted by JD102175

I would recommend a basket muzzle for both the move and for when you take him out in public. A basket muzzle, like this one Wire Basket Dog Muzzle Boxer, Pit Bull Or Similar Snout Size, will still allow a dog to eat, drink and most importantly pant.


Jaime

Do you have experience using this wire muzzle? Are there benefits to the wire muzzle, say over the leather or plastic muzzles?

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by HUB'S MOM

I'm just worried to scare everybody around with the basket one, it looks so bad! I understand its better for them so ill probably go with it but everybody who will see him will get scared of him, I can already picture it!!!

If everyone there has to muzzle their dog in public (specific breeds), then don't worry about what other people think; it's the norm. What's most important is that your dog is able to drink and pant with the muzzle on so he can stay hydrated and cool when in public. The metal basket muzzles are best for this.

Think of the muzzle as a "party hat".

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by Weily4Life

Do you have experience using this wire muzzle? Are there benefits to the wire muzzle, say over the leather or plastic muzzles?

One of my buddies recently took on a dog that had to be muzzled for an extended period of time (severely dominant dog). The dog did just fine. The leather muzzles are used more for muzzle work (protection), and the plastic muzzles are much like the fabric type; best used for short periods of time (vet visit/grooming).

[JD102175]

Originally Posted by Weily4Life

Do you have experience using this wire muzzle? Are there benefits to the wire muzzle, say over the leather or plastic muzzles?

No, I was just showing the OP what a basket muzzle was. Considering most people only think of the fabric ones that you see commonly used by vets.

Jaime

[jlaack]

Do you have experience using this wire muzzle? Are there benefits to the wire muzzle, say over the leather or plastic muzzles?

Yes and yes. The basket kind allow the dog to pant easier than the tight fitting cloth muzzle which is essential for the dog to be able to cool himself in hot weather or during strenuous exercise. A lot of tight fitting fabric muzzles say that dogs can pant just fine with their product but if you test it on your dog the basket type are much easier for panting. That said, if I am putting a muzzle on my dog (which is a rare occurance and usually at the insistence of an ignorant vet during an emergency visit) I opt for the cloth variety.

[mac 2]

Originally Posted by AngelBunny

Does the law require that the dog actually wear the muzzle or can it be dangling from the dog's collar??

Here in Ireland the law states that:
(a) A rottweiler must be muzzled at all times in a public place.
(b) It must be on a lead at all times, no more than a metre long.
(c) Nobody under the age of 16yrs can lead a rottweiler.
(d) Nobody can lead any more than 2 dogs at any time.

This also applies to doberman, german shepherd, rhodesian ridgeback and a few others.