Muzzles

[rzs]

I was wondering where to get a decent hound muzzle from?

I have been working on Spike's recall and am almost at the stage where I feel brave enough to let him off somewhere enclosed, but I'd feel happier if he was muzzled as he can be a bit lungey at other dogs running past when he's on the lead. I'm sure this is just excitement and frustration (he's fine with other dogs that are both on and off lead who aren't running around) but don't want to take any chances.

He's not been a racer so hasn't been muzzled before. Does it tend to take long for older dogs to get used to a muzzle? Any tips for introducing it?

By the way, I think this section is an excellent idea and as a somewhat neurotic first-time greyhound owner I can think of about a hundred questions to ask! I will try to pace myself though!

[just jackie]

If you are looking for the basket type hound muzzles, either plastic or wire then you could take a look here -

www.jansgifts.co.uk/index.php

jansgifts are very reasonable for price, with a quick turn around, and of good quality. I opt for the plastic ones with the padding Code: KS2PAD, and have always found them to be ideal.

Some hounds will try to get them off, usually by rubbing their face on the floor, up your leg, or by sticking their head between your legs and tripping you up in the process, but I have found that most accept a muzzle fairly quickly.

Jackie
x

[dominique]

I can only relate my experience with Ruby who we had from quite young. We introduced her to a muzzle very slowly, just putting her nose into it and then removing it and treating her every time and lots of praise, building up to actually fastening it on her and then removing it etc. she really doesn't mind wearing it at all and doesn't even try to remove it.
I bought her a plastic muzzle with nose padding from ebay for about £4 plus postage and I've been happy with it.
Good luck

[Flaperoo]

I like the padded ones as suggested by Jackie and Dominique.

Two of mine were ex-racing greyhounds so were used to them. Roo did not appear to be used to a muzzle when we first got him and didn't like it to begin with, but very quickly (within a week) he was fine. I wish I had thought of Dominique's more sensitive ;D approach, but I am much more the don't make a fuss out of it type , so poor Roo just had to get on with it without much sympathy . I also believe in being 100% consistent so they don't get confused, so mine always wear their muzzles whenever we go out, even if it is just round the block last thing at night.

Now when we say walkies Roo is the first one there with his head up waiting for his muzzle to go on ;D

Well done for using one, it is always better to be safe beforehand than wise after the event.

Good Luck

Mary

[rzs]

Thank you

I will check out Jan's gifts for a padded one.