Muzzles

magnumlady

I'm worrying about children coming up suddenly and stroking/prodding our Jack Russell.

He's a rescue dog and at times I've noticed him jump, I'm really worried that he might nip. I'm considering getting a muzzle for when he's out near children.

Any advice/suggestions?

morganafay

Do you know any children that you could socialise him with, to see if he likes them or might possibly nip?

If you're really worried about it then a muzzle is a good idea. Nylon muzzles look nicer, but they have to be tight otherwise the dog can still bite (believe me I know!), and then the dog can't pant properly. I was just reading in a vet nursing book (BSAVA) the other day, that they shouldn't be used for more than a few minutes and shouldn't be used on a walk, because the dog can't pant to cool down. And even if they fit properly, the dog might be able to nip with the front teeth. You should be able to fit one finger above the muzzle and one below, but no more than that, apparently.

Basket muzzles are better, though they look worse, they're meant to be more comfortable for the dog, and safer because they can't bite. It might mean that children will think the dog is aggressive and stay away, which could upset the dog, or maybe would make the dog feel better without children coming up to him? If he tries to snap he could also turn his head suddenly and hit the child with the plastic muzzle which can kinda hurt, but won't really do damage I'm sure.

Or maybe you could just tell children not to pet him because he's nervous and just make sure he's on a short lead when they're there. You could say they can see him and talk to him, but just not to scare him. That would probably help him more to get used to children and be less nervous, wheras wearing a muzzle could make him more afraid from children avoiding him, etc.

I've heard people on here say that halti collars work as well as a muzzle, but I can't see how they do . . . but I don't know. It might discourage the dog from nipping. But I wouldn't rely on it for a very aggressive dog (though I'm sure yours isn't aggressive).

magnumlady

Thanks for your reply.

I don't know anyone with young children. My two are teenagers. He's fine with us. I would tell children not to stroke him but last night these kids were coming out of nowhere! Even toddlers, one of them grabbed his nose. I'm surprised at the parents.....but that's a whole other story.

Zapperzy

This is the problem with small dogs, they are child magnets unfortunately and seem to attract the type of children that like to poke, prod, pull and maul dogs all while their parents look on. If it happens again please do not be afraid to have stern words with the parents, it might save their child's fingers some day when he/she decides to do it to the wrong dog.

Theres no harm getting a basket type muzzle and getting him used to it anyways, just in case you have to put it on someday if theres a lot of children around. Certainly won't do him any harm and it is the responsible thing to do if your not sure of his reaction to kids. It would be best though to socialize him around kids, if you look at it from the dog's point of view then these little humans that run round erractically while making loud noises must be very scary to them, especially so if he has never encountered them before.

Haltis allow a dog to open their mouth (and therefore they can bite), it's only when they put pressure (like when they pull on the lead) into it does it close the mouth. If the dog suddenly lunged to snap at something yes then it would close around his mouth preventing him from biting, but I would not rely on it. Iv seen dogs go into a frenzy barking, lunging and shaking their head while wearing a halti and in this situation then I would not trust them to act as a muzzle. Brilliant training device to stop a dog pulling on the lead though.

magnumlady

Thanks for your reply.
He does seem OK with children, but they are so fast.
I worked out yesterday that if I hold him they don't come near him.
I'm going to look at muzzles as well. Although most of the time he wouldn't be around children.