"Nick" wrote in message
...
Paul E. Schoen wrote:


I still think a muzzle is a good idea, and better than isolation in a
crate. The muzzle will eliminate the chance of a severe bite, while
allowing safe interaction between the dog and children and adults.

Also can cause frustration. Do you expect the dog to live the rest of
it's life with a muzzle on? If not then the problem needs fixed or the
dog needs to go to someone that will fix it or put it to sleep. And, if
you plan on the dog living the rest of it's life with a muzzle on then
it needs to be a properly sized quality muzzle that allows the dog to
both drink and pant while the muzzle is on. It would be even better if
the dog can also eat with a muzzle on. Muzzles that fit that bill are
not cheap. And in the end, is that really a life for a dog?

I do agree with you there. The muzzle should be a temporary tool to avoid
injury in case the dog tries to bite. But she should not be biting the way
she has, and hopefully the OP will be able to resolve the issue with the
help of the SPCA. However, I think it will take a lot of work, and the fact
that there are two children involved makes me think it would be best to get
a dog with more proven temperament. Even Marcel, with his depth of
knowledge and experience with dogs, had to rehome his beloved Moogli
because of the safety of his children. The OP has a larger dog who is going
through adolescence, and thus will be even more unpredictable.

If the
dog attempts to bite, then there is something wrong that needs to be
corrected. In a crate, the dog does not have the interactions that might
trigger the behavior, so you cannot observe the situation that leads to
the
bite.


And out of the crate wearing a muzzle, the dog just gets frustrated if
it wants to bite. What good does that do. The dog either needs work
with a professional or to be returned for biting. Muzzles are a tool,
and just like all tools they should be left to the guidance of a
professional.

I don't know if the dog would be more frustrated trying to bite with a
muzzle, or being corrected for biting without it. Definitely the behavior
needs to be corrected. The muzzle should be only a safety precaution.

Muttley and I met a dog, on the NCRR trail, who was wearing a muzzle and
snarling and straining on his leash. I think the owner was also holding
another small dog. Fortunately Muttley just kept his eye on them and we
walked by with no further interaction. I certainly would not want a dog
that required a muzzle and reacted so strongly to another dog or person
calmly walking by. It would probably take a lot of work to make such a dog
safe and pleasant to live with. I think a dog like that is best euthanized
to allow a much "nicer" dog to live.

Paul and Muttley