Looking for muzzle recommendations. My lab has a bad habit of licking his feet when cutting his nails. I’ve always done my best to wait for him to stop before I cut the nail I’m working on, but last night our luck ran out.

I did end up accidentally nicking his tongue and immediately freaked out. Called the emergency vet and they said there wasn’t much that could be done and to apply pressure and wait it out. If nobody’s dealt with a bleeding dog tongue before I don’t recommend it.

I now think it’ll probably be best for us both to get him muzzle trained for when he needs his nails done to avoid this happening again. He never did get used to the dremel and freaks out over the sound so clipping it is.

Looking for muzzle recommendations to help. Thanks!

Editing to add: ok so I’m reading this back a few hours later and I don’t think I realized how distressed I was when I was writing it lol. Ty so much to everyone who has taken the time to read this and respond!!

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I have two dogs who are reactive - Ace (Blue Heeler/German Shepherd mix) and Murphy (Golden Retriever/Irish Setter mix).

I've decided that I want to start muzzle training them and am feeling emotional about it.*

Neither of my dogs is aggressive in everyday life, but they are reactive at the vet and around unfamiliar people/dogs. Once they get to know someone/another dog, they LOVE them but first introductions/walks can be really stressful.

One reason I'm making this decision is because I recently moved in with my boyfriend. We haven't really been able to have his family/friends over because I'm on edge about how my dogs will react to someone new. I feel like we can’t even take them on walks without them being reactive towards people/animals. I’m also dreading an upcoming vet visit to a new vet. Ultimately can't continue on not addressing their overall reactivity.*

My hope is that muzzle training will allow me to relax a little more and hopefully help the people meeting them feel safer. I’m hoping starting with this and adding behavioral training will help them feel safer/confident and improve their quality of life.

I also see it as a way to protect my dogs. If they were ever to bite someone, the consequences would fall on them/me. The last thing I ever want is for them to be put in a situation where one protective reaction changes their lives/my life forever.

I'm insecure that people will see my dogs in muzzles and immediately think they're dangerous/that I've failed them.

Another thing that scares me is imagining them actually having a reactive moment WHILE wearing the muzzle. I can picture the whole scene in my head... them wearing the muzzle while they are activated and me having to hold them back. I worry people will assume my dogs are crazy/vicious or that I've somehow failed them/don't know how to handle my own dogs. Logically, I know the muzzle is there because I'm trying to be responsible, but it's hard not to imagine feeling judged in those moments.

Is the answer radical acceptance??? Maybe people will judge but I have to accept that. Whether people judge me or not, my dogs ARE reactive and continuing not to address it* COULD be dangerous. If muzzle training would truly be helpful and make my hopes reality, I can learn to deal with judgment.

I don't think this about anyone else's dogs. When I see a dog wearing a muzzle, my first thought is, "that owner is being responsible," and I KNOW that dog is loved and cared for. I don't judge them at all. But somehow I can't extend that same compassion to myself, and I don't really know why.

I have a few specific ?s:

• Has muzzle training ever made your dog more reactive, or did it not really affect their behavior one way or the other?
• Did having a muzzle actually help you feel less anxious during vet visits or introductions?
• How did you introduce the muzzle so your dog learned to not mind it so much?
• Any advice on what I can do in addition to introducing the muzzle to help them feel safe/reduce reactivity while wearing the muzzle?*

*I have contacted a behaviorist because I really want to get proper behavior training. I know this isn't a forum to replace that training... just looking for any tips while I am on the waitlist for a behaviorist.

I'd love any guidance on the ?s above, as well as favorite brands and success stories. I also need reassurance that I'm doing the right thing and maybe a realistic idea of what to expect.

I've been nervous to even post this. I have literally never posted on reddit before and don't even know if I am doing this right lol. I'm really just hoping to hear from people who have been in a similar position and are willing to offer compassion, guidance, or reassurance. I truly want to do right by my dogs!

If you made it this far, thank you for taking the time to read this. And thank you to anyone who takes the time to respond ❤️ I really appreciate you!!

My boof head needs a muzzle but I’d really prefer something low profile and light weight like a wire basket muzzle and I’m struggling to find options in Australia? She has some weird proportions and is forever committed to escaping gear so will potentially have to go down the path of a custom fit

Hi, i bought his muzzle a month ago and she seems not to mind it much. I worry its too small. I looked at the next size up and it looks like it might be too big. I dont have a pet store in town so i have to order online, so I am not sure what i should do.. Her nose is 4 inchs long and a 12 inch circumference . Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Also if anyone can recommenced another type of muzzle i could get in canada that wont break the bank and hopefully get before summer is over, i would be very happy :)

It was suggested that I ask my question here. Who makes a fly mask for dogs, specifically German Shepherds. My poor Ace gets bit so much it is hard to go outside. Thanks

So here in Northern Wisconsin we have mosquitos, gnats, flies, etc. I see horses with fly masks. Does any company make one for German Shepherds?

First walk with my grazer muzzled. Introduced it with treats. She keeps pawing at it, I've been gently tugging her leash when she does this and I give her a firm "no!" Any tips?

My cute stranger danger (mostly) pit/chihuahua mix needs a muzzle. Her trainer recommended the baskerville muzzle, but the part on the bridge of her nose kept pushing into her eyes. For reference, we've had to also switch to Halti brand vs gentle lead due to how the nose band sits. Any brand that has a low profile where the muzzle rests below the eyes? Her head shape is most like a "deer head" Chihuahua but bigger. I need a short turn around time, as she bit today, so I don't think there's time for a custom. A few pictures she tolerated included for reference.

Edit: pictures in comments because I couldn't figure out how to add them to the post

Im trying to mesure him for his muzzle and have taken over 100 videos trying to pause and get a good image. Ive tried desensitizing him for the past 3 days with treats but now he is just more hyper to see it and makes it more difficult. For those of you with dogs who think everything is a snack, how did you distract them to get mesurments? I tried a lick mat and he resource gaurded it so I couldn't approach his face. Also will his scavange gaurd make him unable to sniff things?

Sorry for blurry pictures, she's a wiggler. Tried to measure her when she had a tennis ball in her mouth (not pictured) and it was around 5 inches, but I'm looking at big snoof and the standard sizing that would fit her would either have 5 inches of pant room or 5.75. I feel like 5 would be better, but wanted to get a second opinion. Unfortunately I need it sooner rather than later, so no time for custom orders!

hello everyone! i posted about a week or two ago asking about the fit of my dog’s new muzzle after we boiled it (majority of you said it looks okay/good!), and i just need some further advice 🙏🏻

he’s been going really well with it, but i’m wondering if it may be worth sizing up.

he seems to be able to fully pant, and seems comfortable in it the majority of the time. my only concern is that i do not think he can fully yawn, which i imagine is quite important when it comes to selecting the right size?

i’m torn though, just as another muzzle is a big investment! and, i’d worry that the size up would then be too big.

for context, he’s currently wearing the size taz, so we’d be looking at size sunny.

measurements if helpful:
nose length: ~10cm
closed mouth height: ~8.5-9cm
width: ~11.5cm

Hi Everyone! My parents have a sheepadoodle that is currently in his 2nd surgery in less than a year after swallowing something he shouldn't have a second time. My parents try to be careful with him but they can't have eyes on him all the time. I suggested a muzzle for those times. Can you guys give me some feedback on muzzles that may be a good option for him?

My precious pup is such a good boy & so sweet! But suffers from an addiction: MULCH. I've done research & I know:

* It's normal puppy behavior to want to eat stuff off the ground & teething doesn't help, of course (but it's not just mulch, it's everything!).

\* Proper training is to teach 'leave it' & 'drop it' and supply yummy treats when he does, then redirect to the chew toys I keep for him outside (he has them inside as well).

\* He really enjoys our yard, but if he's gone potty, the second he picks up mulch, we go in.

\* A helpful tip is to keep him on a leash for better control.

\* What has helped is Bitter Apple spray I quickly use on whatever he's about to gobble.

BUT...

It's INCESSANT! Almost like a compulsion, even after a full meal. And, he's gotten so fast & sneaky it's hard to use the Bitter Apple in time. It's frustrating as we have a nice yard I want him to enjoy exploring b/c we're SO b-o-r-e-d (he's not fully vaxxed yet but we do tons of enrichment/exercise inside, snuffle mats, plus he & my 8 y.o. golden sometimes play)

I don't mean to be OCD about it, but I have to be careful b/c one time he strained to go and there was a fair amount of mulch in his poop. So, I'm very careful but it's exhausting to stalk him like an obsessed fan, and I'm becoming hunch-backed having to constantly spray stuff before it disappears in his mouth.

I know a muzzle is probably the best solution, but I positively DREAD the 'desensitizing' process b/c he ain't gonna like it and I don't relish having to putiton/takeitoff/putiton/takeitoff allllllll day long as we go in & out.

So, anyone care to share their experience? tips? suggestions? (I know a basket muzzle with room for him to pant & drink water is important)

TLDR; muzzle doesn't seem to fit properly, need recommendations for better sizing/styles for prey drive protection.

Apologies in advance for the limited images, my boy refuses to sit still as soon as a camera comes out and 99% of the 100 pictues i took were blurry.

This is a baskerville Ultra size 4. There were no smaller sizes available in-store and i was initially told this size would fit best on my 9mo Gsd x husky x malamute mix.

The basket itself seems to be a good size, if it sat in the right place, i got it nearly two months ago thinking he may grow into the rest of it.

The straps are what seem to be way too loose, no matter how tight i pull the straps, the "chin" strap that connects to the collar is too long and my dog is able to remove the muzzle easily.

He has a shorter yet wide-ish snout that makes me think a smaller basket of this make would be too narrow.

What are some of you guy's reccomendations on sizing or style?

After something to specifically protect against prey-drive, he will be starting training for his reactivity but we're better safe than sorry in the end, especially for the little guys. I can take measurements if required?

Thank you in advance :)

I've been looking at a few muzzles and I plan to get one for my golden retriever. He's a sweet heart but I can't trust him with me on walks or at the vet. He's excited around strangers and becomes a bite risk. Though being honest, it's partly my fault for not being great at schedules and getting his energy out, but I'm trying. So far I've looked at one from baskerville and it looks great with panting room. But I don't want him to look scary. I have a large golden retriever. He's about two years old.

The picture of the baskerville muzzle is included. And my doggy.

EDIT:

Thank you all for your recommendations! It helps me a ton.

I'm looking to try a muzzle, its been suggested to me by my vet, just to get to the next steps and peace of mind for me. We separate by doors as of now.

Long story short: I'm looking for what materials should I start researching to help narrow down my options

My 11mo chocolate lab has been reactive towards my senior dog, who is deaf and has a bad back. Lab will display aggression by opening his mouth wide and swinging his head around, which knocks down my senior, and he'll get scraped by the pups teeth. He has not bit down and I want to keep it like that.

My pup doesn't give warnings to my senior, and my senior is now afraid of him, which has become an issue with corrective training. He only does this to my senior dog and only inside the house.

Any material advice? Something comfortable to train him with involing him laying down on the floor or "place"? I like the designs on Big Snoof, but I don't see pictures of dogs inside their houses.

Two problems, 4 y.o. GSD barking at people who walk near our apartment all day. She rarely barks outside, more while protecting our apartment. There is a common terrace and unfortunately the door is right near our apartment. She started doing this a year and a half ago and there’s been improvement with training — She settles in a minute now vs. at first she’d go on for several minutes. I work from home and have ADHD. I am stopping 30+ X day to put her in her place and settle. It’s disruptive at this point so I need to switch to management.

Would like to use a muzzle as a training tool in hopes she will bark less, or maybe at high traffic times eg weekends and after school.

Second use is indoor with a cat I adopted last week. She’s never been aggressive, is patient and gentle with babies, kids dogs, including nervous yapping pups.
I was shocked when she started lunging after kitten and no bites but air nipping. I’ve been training with treats, restraint, separation, etc. and seen a lot of improvement in just a few days. Second benefit of muzzle would be no concern about nipping while she and cat develop bond. She goes into play bows now so I think she wants to play but kitty is small and must be kept safe.

Third use of muzzle is when I take her to the vet for spay surgery. Her regular vet comes to my home so she will be pretty stressed to go into a clinic.

She does not need it on outdoor walks so the heat is less crucial. I want it to be relatively comfortable while curbing the barks.

Wondering if a muzzle is the right solution and if so, what type? It would be for barking and nipping at a new cat.

My 4 y.o. GSD is the sweetest girl but the nervous type and we live in an apartment with a shared terrace. We’re right near the entrance. She began alert barking around 1.5 years ago and since then I’ve been training her to stop after a couple barks and use a quiet voice. She’s improved in duration — from nonstop barking to going to her place and sitting or laying down when I direct her after 30 to 60 seconds. But she never stops on her own — it always interrupts what I’m doing. I WFH and have mild ADHD so very disruptive. The warm weather means more people are out. She can literally light up two or three dozen times a day. I’m losing my mind. I realize training has worked as well as it’s going to work and it’s time to manage the problem.

She is very loving, and I thought she would like a companion cat, another dog would be too much. So I’m four days into a new kitten, and she has been chasing and molesting this cat when out of its kennel. There seems to be some desire to dominate, but also cat is very playful and I think she wants to play too. But I’m not sure. It’s a surprise because she never showed the least bit of prey drive and is gentle and patient with children and other dogs, including tiny dogs. With separation, treats, restraint and training there’s been a big improvement in just a few days.

So I’m wondering, is there a muzzle she could be comfortable in during the day to reinforce the training to address the barking and help the cat until they’ve bonded more?

She is not reactive at all to dogs or people during walks, so it would be inside. Although it might be helpful going to the vet.

I have spent several thousand dollars training her and have no more to spend, but if you have favorite YouTube videos on muzzling and/or cat cohabitation, I’m look at those.

No hate I already feel guilty!

My girls big snoof muzzle arrived yesterday and I want to do a fit check. It looks a little tight on her cheeks, but I think that's due to her gaining weight😅 Im gonna start running her again and just want to make sure shes not gonna be uncomfortable in her muzzle while doing so.

We just got her muzzle and I’m trying to adjust it but can’t get it right. It doesn’t seem to get tight enough to stay on her nose flat? And if she lays down at all it shoves it into her face. I have adjusted the chin strap to fit two fingers comfortably and the head strap can fit two fingers as well. What am I missing? 😅 I took pictures of her measurements and had Mia’s muzzles suggest which cookie cutter one to get to avoid the wrong size (happened once already with a different muzzle) because I wasn’t going to spend $100 and not be sure it would fit. Help!!

thanks for the advice on the previous muzzle that was too small. I got a size 18 big snoof muzzle. Ollie is a 6 year old, 56 ish pounds, pittie mix. It’s way easier to train him with a muzzle that fits lol

Hi! Ivy currently uses an old (broken) muzzle from her big sister as a scavenger guard. We have deer constantly in our backyard, which puts my pups at risk of intestinal parasites, leptospirosis, and other illnesses! (She’s vaccinated and takes her preventatives as well, but still!)

She once ate so much deer poop while going potty that she literally threw up. It’s her favorite tasty treat (ew).

The muzzle works almost perfectly and is used only during potty time and for short periods. Sometimes she shoves the snout part into messes and tries to lick whatever pushes through the holes (sorry). She has a lot of panting room but I think this muzzle is far too big (it’s on the smallest setting) and I feel bad for her that it rests on her nose so much. It’s also too loose for me to feel comfortable using it for extended periods if I need to.

Can I get some recs for:

-VERY easy on/off muzzles with optional extra security for walks

-possibly no area for her to lick the front of. This is important for her not to lick animal urine or eat anything that may get her sick.

I’m willing to spend pretty much anything on one considering it will probably save me an expensive vet visit.

Thanks in advance!