Dog Community

Muzzles?

Posted : 10/29/2010 7:51:15 PM

Ok I recently adopted a 4 year old female Weimaraner.

Her story: Holly was a house dog for the first 2 years of her life according to the guy(co-worker) I got her from. I do not know the reason but her owner sold her to my co-worker. He bought her on the intentions of breeding but she would not breed. He said she came in heat 3 times in the 2 years he's had her. So he did not want her anymore since she was not gonna make him any money. Angry He kept her in a kennel with his male and other female from the time he bought her.

So now I have her. She is back to being a house dog and is loving it. She is a really good dog but I have one problem with her. She wants to eat my cat. The thing is Holly does not even pay any attention to Sassy until Sassy is doing her kitty zoomies. Yes I have a cat that does zoomies! Sassy can literally rub up on Holly and even lays with her in the bed but Holly just cant resist chasing Sassy when she's running around the house.

I can't control when Sassy decides to do zoomies. So I was thinking about using a muzzle on Holly when I am at home for Sassy's safety until I can teach a good solid "leave it" command.

I was thinking about using a basket muzzle so she can at least open her mouth in it if she needs to yawn or anything. Just not grab Sassy!

Where is a good site I can find a muzzle?

ETA: Holly is crated when I am not home so don't worry about Sassy being hurt while Im away.

micksmom

Posted : 10/29/2010 7:55:50 PM

They way you explained your idea sounds like a good plan to me. Google "Greyhound" or "Basket Muzzles" and you should be able to find a place to get one.

sambob:

...The thing is Holly does not even pay any attention to Sassy until Sassy is doing her kitty zoomies...

That's not so strange- in general, dogs will chase anything that moves.

the_gopher

Posted : 10/30/2010 6:24:36 PM

We used a muzzle on Ari as a tool in our training arsenal and I have to say, used right, it is very effective. For us, it kept Ari's teeth out of the equation while we worked on modifying the behavior problems we were having with her. Basket muzzles work well for this and are easily found.

ETA - you can likely find basket muzzles right online, even through amazon.

tiffy

Posted : 10/31/2010 5:06:07 PM

Congratulations on Holly! Your plan sounds like a good idea too.

sambob

Posted : 10/31/2010 6:19:20 PM

Thanks! I promise to post pictures as soon as I can. She is either running around the yard at 100 miles an hour or rubbing herself all over me(Im assuming from lack of attention the last 2 years of her life) that I cant get a good picture.

kpwlee

Posted : 10/31/2010 6:57:24 PM

Congrats and I am so happy that she has a new start!!

I don't think it is unusual at all and actually think it is wonderful that she only goes after the cat when she has the zoomies!

I think as a short term solution the muzzle is a good idea. I am sure that the experienced trainers on here will have some suggestions on how to clicker train (or other method) her to not chase the cat.

good luck!

spiritdogs

Posted : 10/31/2010 7:45:46 PM

Morrco has a good selection of muzzles. I have a nice one I got through them. It's aluminum, so very light.