How do small dog muzzles prevent barking and biting. What features make Dovesto’s muzzle stand out for small breeds. Why is proper muzzle fit and training essential for dog safety and comfort.

Understanding the Need for Small Dog Muzzles

Small dogs, despite their size, can sometimes exhibit problematic behaviors like excessive barking, biting, or chewing. These issues not only affect the dog’s quality of life but also impact their relationships with humans and other animals. Muzzles designed specifically for small breeds can be an effective tool in managing these behaviors when used correctly.

Common Behavioral Issues in Small Dogs

• Excessive barking
• Nipping or biting
• Destructive chewing
• Scavenging during walks
• Aggressive behavior towards other animals or people

Are muzzles a humane solution for small dogs with behavioral issues? When used properly and in conjunction with positive reinforcement training, muzzles can be a safe and effective way to manage problematic behaviors while working on long-term solutions. They provide a temporary physical barrier that prevents unwanted actions without causing pain or distress to the dog.

Introducing the Dovesto Small Dog Muzzle

The Dovesto Small Dog Muzzle is a specialized product designed to address the unique needs of smaller breed dogs. This adjustable mesh muzzle offers a combination of functionality, comfort, and durability that sets it apart from many other options on the market.

Key Features of the Dovesto Muzzle

• Adjustable design for a custom fit
• Breathable mesh material
• Soft, skin-friendly construction
• Available in multiple sizes (S, M, L, XL)
• Machine washable for easy maintenance

How does the Dovesto muzzle differ from traditional basket muzzles? Unlike rigid basket muzzles, the Dovesto’s soft mesh design allows for greater flexibility and comfort, particularly for small dogs with delicate facial structures. The breathable material ensures proper airflow, enabling dogs to pant and drink water while wearing the muzzle.

Benefits of Using a Muzzle for Small Dogs

While muzzles are often associated with aggressive dogs, they serve a variety of purposes for small breeds and can be beneficial in numerous situations.

Safety and Protection

Do muzzles really keep people and animals safe around small dogs? Indeed, muzzles act as a protective barrier, preventing potential bites or nips during interactions with humans or other animals. This is particularly important in public spaces or during veterinary visits where a dog might feel stressed or anxious.

Behavior Modification

Can muzzles help in training small dogs? When used as part of a comprehensive training program, muzzles can be an effective tool in modifying unwanted behaviors. They provide a physical reminder to the dog, helping to break habits like excessive barking or destructive chewing while allowing owners to work on positive reinforcement techniques.

Medical and Grooming Assistance

Muzzles can be invaluable during medical procedures or grooming sessions, especially for dogs that may become anxious or reactive in these situations. They allow veterinarians and groomers to work safely while minimizing stress for the dog.

Proper Fitting and Usage of the Dovesto Muzzle

Ensuring a proper fit is crucial for the effectiveness and comfort of any muzzle, especially for small dogs with delicate features.

Measuring Your Dog for the Right Size

1. Measure the length from the tip of the nose to just below the eyes
2. Measure the circumference of the snout at its widest point
3. Consult Dovesto’s size chart to select the appropriate muzzle size

Is it normal for a dog to resist wearing a muzzle at first? Many dogs may initially be hesitant about wearing a muzzle. This is why proper introduction and positive association training are essential for successful muzzle use.

Introducing the Muzzle to Your Dog

• Start by letting your dog sniff and investigate the muzzle
• Offer treats near and through the muzzle to create positive associations
• Gradually increase the duration of wear, always pairing it with positive experiences
• Never force the muzzle onto your dog or leave them unsupervised while wearing it

Addressing Common Concerns About Muzzle Use

Despite their benefits, muzzles can sometimes be misunderstood or misused. It’s important to address common concerns to ensure responsible and effective muzzle use.

Comfort and Breathability

Will a muzzle prevent my dog from panting or drinking? The Dovesto muzzle’s mesh design allows for proper airflow, enabling dogs to pant and regulate their body temperature. While drinking may be slightly restricted, dogs can still lap up water through the mesh when necessary.

Duration of Use

How long can a dog safely wear a muzzle? Muzzles should only be worn for short periods, typically no more than 30-60 minutes at a time. They are not meant for extended use and should never be left on an unsupervised dog.

Stigma and Public Perception

Many people associate muzzles with aggressive dogs, which can lead to stigma. However, educating others about the various reasons for muzzle use can help change perceptions. Muzzles are often used responsibly by caring owners for training, medical procedures, or as a precautionary measure in new environments.

Alternatives and Complementary Training Methods

While muzzles can be effective tools, they should be used in conjunction with other training methods for the best results.

Positive Reinforcement Training

How can positive reinforcement complement muzzle use? Rewarding desired behaviors with treats, praise, or toys can help reinforce good habits and make the muzzle-wearing experience more positive for your dog.

Behavioral Modification Techniques

• Desensitization to triggers
• Counterconditioning
• Redirection training
• Consistency in commands and expectations

Working with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist can provide personalized strategies to address your small dog’s specific behavioral issues alongside muzzle use.

Maintaining and Caring for Your Dovesto Muzzle

Proper care and maintenance of your Dovesto muzzle will ensure its longevity and effectiveness.

Cleaning and Storage

How often should you clean a dog muzzle? The Dovesto muzzle should be cleaned regularly, ideally after each use. Its machine-washable feature makes maintenance simple. After washing, allow the muzzle to air dry completely before storing it in a cool, dry place.

Inspecting for Wear and Tear

Regularly check your muzzle for signs of damage or wear, such as frayed edges, loose stitching, or weakened mesh. Replace the muzzle if you notice any significant deterioration to ensure it remains effective and comfortable for your dog.

By understanding the proper use and care of small dog muzzles like the Dovesto model, owners can effectively manage their pets’ behavioral issues while ensuring their comfort and safety. Remember that muzzles are tools to be used responsibly and in conjunction with positive training methods for the best results in modifying your small dog’s behavior.

Dovesto Small Dog Muzzle, Dog Muzzles for Small Dogs Adjustable Mesh Dog Mouth Guard Prevent Small Dog Muzzles for Biting Small Dog Muzzle for Barking Chewing

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The 10 Best Dog Muzzles in 2023 [Ultimate Buyer Guide] – Two Tails Pet Company

Choosing which dog muzzle is right for your pup is no easy feat —there are so many options out there! Luckily, we’ve done all the work for you: we’ve compiled the very best dog muzzles in 2023 (and beyond). Here are our picks:

Our Top Dog Muzzle Picks

• Best overall dog muzzle: Leerburg’s Lightweight Leather Basket Muzzle
• Best dog muzzle for small dogs: Four Paws’ Quick-Fit Muzzle For Dogs
• Best dog muzzle for agitation training: Original RAM Gray Leather Agitation Muzzle
• Best dog muzzle for large-breed dogs: RAM Adjustable Mesh Muzzle
• Best anti-biting dog muzzle: PetSafe’s Anti-Biting Dog Muzzle

How we tested the best dog muzzles: What to look for

1. Materials. A good dog muzzle has to be soft and easy for your pup to wear, but also strong and durable enough to keep their head in place if they decide to pull against it.

2. Ventilation. You need a muzzle with a breathable design in case your dog gets overheated while wearing it.

3. Comfortability. Does your dog look like it would be uncomfortable wearing this type of muzzle on an everyday basis?

4. Security. Can your pet take off the muzzle easily? 

5. Size. It should fit comfortably around your pup’s mouth without being too tight or too loose –they need to eat, pant, and drink!

Related: 100+ Best Boy Dog Names

10 Best Dog Muzzles in 2023

1. Leerburg’s Lightweight Leather Basket Muzzle

If you’re looking for a muzzle that’s lightweight and flexible, Leerburg’s leather basket muzzle is a perfect choice. The non-restrictive design allows air to flow into your dog’s lungs, keeping it from getting too hot or stuffy even if they’re wearing this muzzle for long periods of time. Plus, it’s secure and provides plenty of mouth movement. 

2. PetSafe’s Anti-Biting Dog Muzzle

PetSafe’s Anti-Biting and Barking Dog Muzzle is made from soft, comfortable materials that not only keep your dog from biting others but also give him a sense of comfort and security. This muzzle also includes an adjustable strap that allows you to get the perfect fit for your pet; even if they have a small head.

3. Four Paws’ Quick-Fit Muzzle For Dogs

This great muzzle is designed to fit dogs of all sizes, shapes, and breeds. It’s made of nylon, which helps protect your dog’s face from injuries while also keeping their breathing area open and airy. The muzzle also comes with minimal buckles, so you can adjust the fit of the muzzle to suit your dog’s needs.

4. Premier Pet’s Dog Muzzle 

Premier Pet’s Dog Muzzle is a great choice for dogs who are prone to barking or nipping while on short vet visits. It comes in three sizes (small, medium, and large) to fit different breeds, and it’s made of durable, washable material. In addition, this muzzle is padded with soft foam, which makes it comfortable and easy to wear.

5. RAM Adjustable Mesh Muzzle

The RAM muzzle is designed for dogs over 50 pounds. It’s entirely made of mesh for better breathability and, it’s also very light. On top of that,  the front part of the muzzle has padding to help prevent injuries and irritation to your dog’s gums and teeth. Plus, the attached strap lets you adjust the size of the muzzle so it fits properly on your pup!

6. JAFCO Comfortable Dog Muzzle

The JAFCO Comfortable Dog Muzzle is a jaw-friendly muzzle that was created by a Police K9 trainer. This muzzle features a lightweight, comfortable design that is suitable for dogs of all sizes and breeds. It’s made of plastic and you can find it in both black and white. Additionally, the front part is transparent, so you can see your dog’s expression at all times.

7. Original RAM Gray Leather Agitation Muzzle

This muzzle is a great option for large dogs that have to go through agitation training, especially police dogs. It’s made of comfortable soft leather, designed to avoid any type of damage or irritation to your pet’s skin. Plus, it fits snugly and provides enough airflow so your dog can breathe easily during training.

8. CollarDirect Leather German Shepherd 

This type of muzzle is for dog breeds with a long muzzle, such as the German Shepherd or the Doberman. Thanks to its leather material, its buckles, and its metal rivets, it prevents deformation over time. In addition, it’s highly resistant and durable.

9. Baskerville Muzzle for Dogs

If you are thinking of taking your dog on a trip, the Baskerville muzzle can be a great ally. It has comfortable safety straps that reinforce the muzzle so that it doesn’t come loose at any time. Besides, this product includes adjustable buckles and enough mouth space to let your pup eat and drink safely. 

10. Artero’s Silicone Muzzle For Dogs

The Artero Dog Muzzle is made of silicone, a material that isn’t only comfortable, but also very easy to clean. This makes it perfect for daily use. It allows enough space for your dog to breathe calmly during his walks, and includes a simple adjustable strap to fit all types of heads.

Dog Muzzle: Frequently Asked Questions

How many types of dog muzzles are there?

There are two main types of dog muzzles: the nylon and the basket muzzle. However, you can have a wide variety of muzzles in the market. Some examples are fabric muzzles, leather muzzles, silicone muzzles, and metal muzzles. 

Is it okay to muzzle a dog?

The short answer is yes, if you do it correctly. While there are many good reasons why you might want to muzzle your dog, the most important one is safety. You can use a muzzle when there’s a high risk your dog will bite others, or if you’re having trouble keeping them from eating whatever they find on their way. 

Do muzzles work for aggressive dogs?

Yes, they do. However, muzzles won’t necessarily make aggressive dogs any less aggressive. If you’re looking for a muzzle to help your dog control its aggression, the best option is often to find a vet or trainer who can work with your dog. A professional is going to better evaluate the situation and determine the best way to treat it.

city myths about dogs – Moscow 24, 06/25/2014

Photo: Igor Zarembo

We have already talked about the nightmare of Moscow dog breeders – about dog hunters, and about what it is like to keep a dog in Moscow. It is time to deal with those myths that have firmly settled in our heads.

Myth #1. A dog (especially a large dog) has no place in the city, it feels bad there, it is best to keep a dog in a suburban area. People who keep dogs in city apartments are perverts and pathological sadists who enjoy torturing animals.

It is useless for supporters of “country plots” to prove anything, for them it is a kind of symbol of faith. As a rule, they themselves keep either cats or all kinds of terriers the size of the same cat, so they have only a theoretical idea about the needs of larger dogs. But they know for sure that if someday they have a personal villa near Moscow, they will immediately get a diving dog, and to it another dog, bulldog and all shepherd dogs at once.

If you look at suburban living through the eyes of an inhabitant of a panel “odnushka” in Kuntsevo, then it certainly has a lot of advantages, if from a practical point of view, then there are no less disadvantages. To begin with, prepare for the fact that your dog’s world will be limited to this very site. Simply because you will never have the time or energy to walk with her. It just so happens that three-quarters of Moscow’s jobs are located within the city center, so if you trade a city apartment for a house with a plot, get ready for the fact that you will have to get up very early and rush with all your might either to the train or to the Moscow Ring Road before the start morning traffic jams. And in the evening you will not have the strength for anything but TV and Facebook. And if you managed to have children besides a dog, then there will be no time at all for anything.

“Mosgorspravka”: How to organize a dog walking area

Let’s move on. Where will your dog live? If it is on the site itself (which is mandatory for guards), then if you please, build an insulated enclosure for it and stretch a special cable with a block along the perimeter of the fence, to which the leash will cling. The guard dog, sitting on a chain according to the village custom, has a very limited “radius of action”, and in the very near future, from the inability to properly explore its territory and react to the situation behind the fence, it will begin to go crazy and quietly rage. Sooner or later, all this will end with aggression against the owner or members of his family.

Many breeds that are popular with us, such as the Argentine dogo, Cane Corso, Doberman or Boerboel, are completely unadapted to living on the street in central Russia. The undercoat, thanks to which heat is retained for a long period of time, is almost or completely absent. If such a dog lives in a city apartment, and runs out into the street in winter twice a day for an hour and a half, warming itself with the energy of its own movement, and then returns back to the warm rug and bowl, then it usually does not experience any discomfort. But even in the warmest enclosure, she will feel something like a person dressed for a slushy Moscow autumn and thrown out of a helicopter in the middle of Norilsk. You will have to bring a dog into the house and let it out on demand – and how is this so different from living in an apartment?

Another specifically “suburban” problem is ticks, carriers of piroplasmosis, which is deadly for dogs and encephalitis, which is already dangerous for humans. From the latest edition of the Forest Code, the clause on mandatory anti-mite treatment of fields and forest plantations fell out somewhere, so now this issue is completely at the mercy of the local authorities with their ever-lean budgets. As a result, only green areas in cities are processed (however, this measure, judging by the incidence statistics, does not save much), and rural residents are encouraged to get out on their own. In the city, to fully protect the dog from ticks, as a rule, a flea collar from a good manufacturer is enough, and in the countryside, you will have to add aerosol, drops to the withers to the collar and do not forget to update all this regularly. By the way, the abundant use of antiparasitic agents in some dogs can cause an allergic reaction.

Now let’s add a few household trifles to all of the above. Delivery of feed outside the Moscow Ring Road will cost you more, a decent veterinarian nearby will not be always and everywhere available, and a cynologist will have to be called to your home for individual lessons, which is also not cheap. Well, or get a license, buy a car and endure all the costs associated with it.

“Mosgorspravka”: How and where to walk pets

And there is such a spicy question as bitch celibacy. Keep the “girl” outside the city on the site – prepare to go into a state of siege once or twice a year. Dogs are excellent at digging, but you still have an ordinary fence, not a fortress wall. Some unique ones even manage to climb over the chain-link mesh, clinging to the fingers of their paws – there are a lot of videos on Youtube on this topic. So sooner or later the fortress will fall, and at the very moment when you will not be at home. We add that the bitches themselves during periods of estrus acquire an increased tendency to escape, so the walls of a city apartment, short walks of 20 minutes and a strong leash will protect you best from unwanted puppies.

In the wild, all representatives of the genus Canis live in burrows or dens, which are much smaller than even a toilet in a “odnushka”, and, we note, do not suffer from such crowding. It is not so important whether your dog lives in an apartment or on a plot, the main thing is how much and how you can walk with it. If you have the opportunity to regularly go to nature, then you can assume that your pet’s life as a whole was a success.

Myth #2. “The muzzle must be worn!”

How many copies have been broken around this simple device, how many pages have been written on the Internet. “Within the city limits, all dogs are required to wear muzzles”, “Wear muzzles, otherwise we will persecute everyone” (this is already from dog hunters), “There is such a law . ..”, and so on.

First, there is no such law, at least not in Moscow. Let me remind you once again that dog breeding in our city is completely and completely determined by the “Temporary Rules of Maintenance” dated February 8, 1994. There is a fourth list of places where you can only appear with a dog in a muzzle: “in shops, institutions, playgrounds, markets, beaches and in transport.” All. In addition, there is a point that dogs “with increased aggressiveness” are constantly required to wear a muzzle, but these do not include representatives of “fighting” or “especially dangerous” breeds (we will talk about them later), namely that the owners of an “evil” nature”, which are also subject to mandatory registration with the Central Internal Affairs Directorate at the place of residence of the owner. No one knows what “evil character” is and how it is legally interpreted, so no one fulfills this point. And since there is still no clearly defined rule that the owner bears full responsibility for all actions of the animal belonging to him, in our legislation, this requirement is completely hanging in the air.

“Mosgorspravka”: What to do with an aggressive dog. withers (the so-called “Medinsky’s law”), but, fortunately for everyone, this project died in the first reading.

Why fortunately? Yes, because the constant wearing of a muzzle is a torment. Imagine that your hands were tied behind your back, and your whole body was wrapped in a wrapping film and, in this form, let you walk outside on a hot sunny day – and you will get a rough idea of ​​\u200b\u200bwhat a dog feels. For her, her mouth is both a “hand” with which she interacts with the outside world, and her “thermoregulation system”, which plays the same role as the sweat glands under the skin of a person. In Moscow’s humid summer heat, dogs suffocate even without muzzles.

In addition, the author of this opus is ready to pay dearly to someone who shows how to teach a dog in a muzzle, for example, fetching.
By the way, do you really believe that a muzzle contributes to the safety of others? Well, here’s a mean figure for you: in 2010, at the European “dog” championship in the discipline of IPO, the record speed of a Belgian shepherd weighing 40 kg at the time of the attack of the defendant was 48 km / h. It turns out a blow with an energy of 500 kg / s. For comparison, the Klitschko brothers hit about 400 kg, and Mike Tyson’s legendary right cross “weighs” about 800 kg / s. As the yard hooligans said in the good old days, raising their fist to the nose of a potential victim: “do you smell what it smells like?”

Find on Youtube videos from the training of any canine units, there you will almost always see muzzled dogs attacking. The work of the little animals from the Israeli “Shabak” is especially impressive: hefty, well-trained defendants are blown around by a small thin dog or thrown to the ground with a swing. There are commercials in which a jumping dog pierces the glass of a moving car with a special Kevlar muzzle, and with the next blow “knocks out” the driver.

An exam for future cynologists was held in the capital

If you watch, pay attention to the fact that in the video the dogs beat well-trained decoys, dressed in special protective equipment and standing on soft ground or on sand. But you and I do not take dog attacks “on the chest” a hundred times a day, and in the city asphalt is much more common than grass. And now let’s remember the famous case of the Mirzaev-Agafonov case. The world champion in mixed martial arts hit a guy in the cheekbone, significantly exceeding him in weight and dimensions, but death did not occur from the blow itself, but from contact with asphalt, as a result of which cerebral edema began, followed by pulmonary edema. Hitting a muzzled dog can end the same way for you. Or torn soft tissues of the face, if it has a “mesh” of steel wire.

In summary: timely obedience training of the dog will protect others much better than any muzzle. If you start relying solely on equipment in any safety issues, then sooner or later material fatigue and His Majesty the “human factor” will play their role. The leash will break, the carabiner will burst, and the dog will simply remove the muzzle, which the owner, tired after a working day, will completely fasten and tighten, with his paws. And then she will already “take off” in full. A muzzle is good only in crowded places where a dog can be inadvertently frightened or crushed by its paw, for example, at a train station or at an airport.

Myth #3. “Fighting” breeds

They live in our cities! They are scary and ugly! Every morning their neurotic owners leave their panel lairs and go hunting for people with their “cookies”! In the morning, a fighting dog eats a child for breakfast, and in the evening he snacks on an old woman! How long! Let’s stop! Let’s ban! Kill everyone!

The canonical version of this myth sounds something like this (copied from another site for “urban preppers”, the link in this case does not matter):
The ambitions of some citizens have gone so far that a stupid and very dangerous fashion has arisen to have at home the notorious “fighting” dogs (that is, breeds specially bred for dog fighting in the ring). These include bull terriers, bullmastiffs, pit bull terriers, staffordshires. Although these breeds are considered small, genetically they are killer breeds. They simply go crazy from the smell of blood, feel little pain, are able to attack for the most insignificant reason (he looked wrong, raised his voice a little, made a sharp movement) and is completely unable to retreat. Often they attack simply because they sensed a person’s fear of them. Fighting dogs attack silently, immediately starting to tear the body. Gnawing a hand or biting a throat for these little animals is not a big deal. It is especially sad that they continue to attack even a person lying motionless…

Fighting dogs will be equated with traumatic weapons

Actually, hunting breeds are traditionally considered the most cruel in the dog world. A slender greyhound, a cute husky with a donut tail, an eared beagle with sad eyes and a small terrier were created by man for the same purpose: to drive the beast and kill it. Look at least once at how the Jack Russell furiously shakes the toy thrown to him by the owner, and all doubts will disappear from you at once. But for some reason, no one considers “hunters” dangerous and does not require a ban.

Look online for any of the “European Breed Hazard Ratings” based on dog bites to owners and others. The leaders in it (and by a wide margin) are dachshunds bred for burrowing badger hunting, followed by the same Jack Russell terriers, and the third or fourth places, as a rule, are occupied by dogs used in the army and police: German Shepherd, Belgian Shepherd (Malinois), Doberman. By the way, no one talks about a ban on breeding and keeping “police breeds”, although their ancestors were selected, among other things, according to the criterion of spitefulness towards a person. And all kinds of pits and staffs in these lists got extremely “dishonorable” sixth, seventh and eighth places, that is, they did not even get into the “top three”.

The only breed specifically bred for dog fighting is the American Pit Bull. This fact follows directly from its name: “pit” – this is the pit in which the battles took place. But few of those who talk about “fighting” breeds have attended classic American dog fights at least once in their lives and know their rules. The pit bull is put to fight not by his owner, but by the judge, and before that he, firstly, feels the dog, and secondly, licks it. This is done so that, under the guise of males, bitches are not exposed with a sticky dummy of the “household” (where the male fights only to prove his superiority over the opponent, the bitch will fight to the death) and do not lubricate the dogs’ skin with poison or any other irritating substance. Well, in your opinion, could the judge (that is, a stranger to the dog) do all these manipulations with her, if pit bulls really were those fiends that lovers paint about them to talk about “fighting breeds”? If they really tore people apart “at the slightest provocation”?

As a rule, the mass consciousness, frightened by horror stories like the one quoted above, sees a “fighting dog” in any quadruped with a bulldog or mastiff-like muzzle. This is also actively used by journalists, adding to the ranks of “fighters” breeds bred for a variety of purposes: to protect the yard or livestock, to hunt large animals or ordinary companions. The Bullmastiff, for example, helped the English gamekeepers protect the lands from poachers, and the bull terrier is generally the best friend for British gentlemen of sedentary professions, so that they have someone to scold on the lawn, so that in case they can protect the owner and sometimes hunt. They were especially loved by students and professors of Oxford.

True, almost all of these (as well as many others) breeds were used for the once popular mass entertainment – animal baiting, which included dog fights among themselves. For example, in Moscow, on patronal holidays, behind the Rogozhskaya outpost, a bear or a bull tied to a pole was poisoned by huge (now extinct) medelyans. In London during the time of Elizabeth I, there were special “bear gardens” in Paris Garden, where even foreign ambassadors were taken so that they could enjoy such an exquisite spectacle as “the fight of a polar bear with dogs in the waters of the Thames. ” And historically, this fun went, of course, from the Roman circuses, where baiting successfully competed in popularity with gladiator fights.

In the middle of the 19th century, bullying began to be gradually banned, but before that, the ancestors of almost all dog breeds known to us today, including terriers, managed to visit fighting “pits”. In one of the previous articles, we already mentioned a specific pickling “discipline” for small dogs – killing rats for speed. Today, thanks to the movie, you can see for yourself what it looked like: in the 4th episode of the 1st season of “Penny Dreadful” there is a scene with such “fights”.

Muscovites are urged to keep the streets clean after walking with animals. In Russia and in the countries of Central Asia, however, such “competitions” have been preserved, shamefully disguised as dog sports with names like “test trials of wolfhounds”, where Central Asian and Caucasian shepherd dogs are pitted against each other. But these breeds have been formed over thousands of years as shepherd dogs, and not as “fighting dogs”, and they guard herds in large packs, inside which fights between dominant dogs for leadership and estrus are a common thing. It does not affect the aggressiveness towards a person.

The truth is simple: there are no “fighting”, “fighting” or “fighting”, “particularly dangerous” and so on dogs, but the most common ill-mannered dogs of various breeds attack people.

Myth #4. “She’s small!”

Although we touched on this topic in one of the previous series, but somehow in passing, while the principle of “she is small” has long turned into a set of unwritten rules that have firmly settled in the heads of the owners of all dogs up to 40 cm at the withers: ” Why teach and train her something – she’s small!”, “She tore her leg, bit her leg – that’s nothing, you scared her, she’s small!”, “It wasn’t she who attacked the child, he provoked her, she’s small, she’s afraid!”, “Get your dog away, it’s not my fault – she’s small”, and so on.

Of course, the “small” ones are not subject to any laws and regulations. They calmly go to where a sign with a crossed-out dog hangs, for example, in the subway, to shops or restaurants in the hands of the hostess. And if you suddenly dare to go there with a “German”, even if he is on a leash and in a muzzle – then imagine how many people will not only say, but yell at you “get the dog away !!!”. But your dog has not yet bitten anyone, he has not even tried to growl. At the same time, the same people practically do not react to any aggression from the side of the “small one”, because … well, you yourself know why.

I happened to witness such a scene: a lady of immense dimensions came to our regional branch of Sberbank and stood in line holding some exceptionally vicious chihuahua in her arms. Whether due to the harmfulness of his nature, or really frightened of the people around, the “little one” continuously bared his teeth, growled, and sometimes also subtly lifted. The people standing in the same line, who, presumably, did not give any pleasure to the sight of a bared dog’s muzzle in front of their very noses, simply sighed and turned away. Those who, probably, wanted to say something about this, looked at the lady, and the angry remark died in them somewhere halfway from the brain to the larynx. Her stony face expressed a stern determination to protect her “little one” from any slanderous fabrications with all the power of a rich vocabulary.

Department of Housing and Public Utilities reminded Muscovites of the rules for walking dogs

On public walks in city parks, the “small ones” rush around their owners without a leash and a muzzle, vividly reacting to any manifestations of the surrounding reality. And, of course, their larger dogs are perhaps the most desirable object for self-expression. But if your dog responds to angry barking and showing teeth, then the owners of the “small” one are always ready to protect their pet from the vicious killer dog.

Meanwhile, many “small” ones are far from being harmless. Dachshund, Jack Russell or Fox Terrier can easily cripple a child and instruct an adult in very painful holes. Why such dogs do not need to be trained and why you can go with them where you can’t go with others is a big mystery.

In the dog world there are no “big” and “small”, all breeds from Yorkie to Great Dane belong to the same biological species – canis familiaris, and all have teeth. Between themselves, dogs distinguish between “boys” and “girls”, puppies, adolescents and adults, so if a Chihuahua behaves like a “real” dominant male and tries to attack a Rottweiler, he is unlikely to appreciate the joke. And the fact that in a second the Rottweiler will bite this Chihuahua in half will be solely to blame for the owners of the “small”, who decided that their pet does not need training.

Myth #5. A dog fight (or a dog attacking a person) can be stopped by “spill with water”, “electric shock”, “pulling the collar” and …

… and you will be left without hands or achieve nothing. After the start of the fight, the dog will perceive any external influence as a threat, or as an additional incentive to continue in the same spirit until it is completely killed. Even a beloved owner, grabbing an already fighting dog by the collar, runs the risk of being bitten, to say nothing of strangers. Electric shock is not suitable for about the same reason – feeling the pain from the discharge and not understanding its nature, the dog will clench its jaw even more, just out of fear.

There is only one effective way to break up a dog fight – to grab the animal by the hind legs, raise them to about the level of your own waist or chest and begin to slowly pull away, stepping back and turning clockwise or counterclockwise. At this point, the dog will be much more concerned with maintaining its own balance in space than continuing to fight. The main thing at the same time is not to let it escape and bite you or rush at the opponent again.

Alexey Baikov

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Muzzles for dogs – what are there, how to choose the right one, how to make it yourself Someone thinks that even tiny dogs need to wear not only a collar and a leash, but also such ammunition. Someone is of the opinion that this is a real mockery of a pet and, in general, “if the animal is properly raised, a muzzle will not be useful to him.” Where is the truth? As always: somewhere in between.

Which dogs really need a muzzle? It all depends on temperament and size. But this does not mean that ammunition for dogs is useful only for huge and formidable animals. Although they – in the first place.

Even if you are the lucky owner of the most harmless creature in the world – a Labrador Retriever, when going to crowded places, do not forget an important little thing. You can be confident in your dog, but being confident in others is impossible. Imagine what would happen if someone decides to provoke an animal? And keep in mind: not everyone around understands that the retriever is harmless. Which dog breeds need a muzzle? Service and hunting dogs cannot go outside without ammunition. Some small breeds also need a muzzle. In this case, it is important to consider the temperament of the dog. Contrary to the pretty appearance, some pets can bite others on the sly.

Keep in mind that muzzles not only protect others from your pet, but also your pet from others. Suddenly someone wants to treat your friend to the missing or even worse – poisoned food? Some dogs find missing food while walking and try it right away. They also use the accessory in cases where the pet chews not only something more or less edible, but your shoes or … a sofa. Ammunition for four-legged will protect from all these troubles.

Types of dog muzzles

The days when ammunition for dogs was in short supply are long gone. Dog muzzles surprise with thoughtfulness and functionality. The main thing is to understand what is the peculiarity of each model, and choose exactly what will suit your tailed friend. All products are divided into 2 types: deaf and mesh . The first are made of durable materials, such as leather. In terms of reliability, this is an impeccable option: it completely eliminates the possibility of a bite. But it is not easy for a pet to breathe in such ammunition. Therefore, deaf products are used for training.

Mesh products are made, respectively, in the form of a mesh. They are comfortable for quadrupeds because they do not interfere with air exchange. The best option for walking, especially during the summer heat. Products are divided into muzzles for small dogs and for large dogs . How to choose a useful accessory for a pet? Choose from the following:

• metal muzzle . A classic of the genre – brutal in appearance and reliable, like no other. The metal muzzle allows the pet to breathe freely. Suitable for large dogs, but not recommended for use during training – the animal may get hurt and injure you. In the cold season, you should choose a product with a fabric or leather lining;
• leather muzzle . For dogs of any size, a product made from natural material is suitable. The skin is universal: durable, hypoallergenic, does not heat up in the heat and does not cool down in the cold. Leather ammunition keeps its shape perfectly and is light in weight, unlike metal models;
• plastic muzzle . Budget model for young dogs. Suitable for use at any time of the year, easy to clean and dries quickly. The only caveat is that the product must be made of non-toxic and high-quality plastic;
• nylon muzzle . The new development will please you in every sense. The ergonomics of the product is as follows: nylon is easy to wash and dries instantly. It is lightweight yet amazingly durable. The product is suitable for both large and small dogs. And the biggest advantage is that such a muzzle practically does not cause inconvenience to the pet.

Choose carefully the ammunition for your tailed friend. Then the dog will not resist putting it on before a walk and … will be eternally grateful to you for a comfortable muzzle!

What else are there?

If you have a sense of humor and love to be the center of attention with your pet, you will surely be interested in funny muzzles for dogs. As a rule, these are designer models on which a print is applied. The most popular muzzles are scary – with teeth. They are suitable for such four-legged animals as pit bull terriers, boxers, rottweilers and dobermans. Werewolf muzzles emphasize the militancy of the dog.

Owners of small but agile breeds will love the funny items. Muzzles in the form of a duck’s beak, with a protruding tongue, with a wide smile and muzzles in the form of red lips are especially suitable for dachshunds, pugs, welsh corgis, pomeranians. But keep in mind: creative models will fix the eyes of others on your pet and, perhaps, not only the views. Children will want to pet your pet, and adults will want to take pictures with him.

How to choose the right one?

When it comes time to choose your pet’s ammunition, the question arises: “how to choose a muzzle for a dog?”. Really, how? In this case, sizes for a dog muzzle are important. Measure your pet’s face from the tip of the nose to the base. Don’t forget about the circumference of the muzzle – measure the widest part. Ready? Now add a couple of cm so that the pet can open its mouth.

Considering the question: “how to choose a muzzle for a dog”, it is worth mentioning the quality of the product. It should be soft, but strong, the seams or adhesions should be of high quality.