Explaining the muzzle.

[pointy]

Going to a meet and greet on Saturday, want to get the public thinking about the greyhounds even donating a little something and who knows maybe even asking about adoption.

The greyhound I will be taking will be wearing a muzzle so whats the best way to explain why while telling them what fantastic dogs they are? How do you deal with peoples preconceptions as soon as they see a large black dog with a muzzle on?

[Flaperoo]

Hello Pointy

It is sad that people's preconceptions about the wearing of muzzles is so poor . I wish more dogs wore them.

When I first got Flash I used to tell people that he wears a muzzle because he is such a scavenger that I would prefer he wore it than eat something that made him unwell.

Now though I am more truthful about the breed and say that he wears a muzzle (only when offlead now) because as his owner and despite the fact that he has never shown the slightest interest in killing or for that matter even worrying any other animal, I am just being responsible. He was born, bred and trained to chase and kill , he then spent nearly four years doing that job, and I don't want to take the risk that something may trigger him into this behaviour so I muzzle him as a precaution. I muzzle Peggy because she is deadly and has and will kill (which is why she is never offlead, even with a muzzle), and I muzzle Roo Roo (only when off lead now) because I don't know his reactions well enough and I don't want him to get into trouble or heaven forbid injure another animal.

I think what I am getting to, beacuse all three of mine wear their muzzles for different reasons and in different circumstances, is be truthful. And the really really truthful bit is that they make the most loving pets ;D ;D, I am not aware of one that has harmed their human companions out of anything but panic (which any dog will do) and quite the reverse they love people and adore their rescuers for giving them the most basic of needs; A comfortable bed, good food.......... lots and lots of love too is a complete bonus for them. ;D ;D. ALL rescue dogs come with baggage, you have to be prepared to work them through it, but oh boy the rewards for this ar 100 times the amount of effort you have to put in, because these dogs learn quickly and are just so willing to please ;D. The reward for seeing your dog progress, through your hard work and his trust cannot be beaten. If someone wants a ready made, no issues dog, a rescued greyhound is probably not for them because they would end up back at the rescue again. I meet sooooo many people who look at my dogs, stop me and say WOW, but so many are looking at their looks, not their needs.

I'm sure your greyhound will sell him/herself to those who are open minded. I hope you raise lots of money and that there are some homing enquiries too .

I would love to hear how you get on.

Mary XX

[whiskydry]

I'm glad you've asked this Pointy because it's upset me seeing the odd adverse reaction to Barney in his muzzle. I heard one woman tell her kid it was so he didn't bite people, so I had to intervene and say he would never bite a person but in his working life he was trained to chase small furry creatures! So just to make sure I keep them and him safe, he wears a muzzle outside.

The local cats are eternally grateful, I'm sure!

[celtygirl]

The local cats :(well, try explaining to my boys last year why the cat's killed the chicks in front of them ). I hope to have a hound soonish, but have told my boys about muzzles, at age 5 and 8 they understand (and will explain to anyone who asks) - why can't some adults??

[ownerofgreys]

I also muzzle my gang and like you I get people who seem to think that they are visious so I stop and take the time to explain that they are muzzled for their own safety.