Need Advice....I have to take my Maddie to the Vet today

[MadMaddie]

She is about 35 pounds....we think she is German Shepard and terrier and a hell of a Frisbee catcher. I am going to use a soft mesh muzzle on her. She is great when she off leash when she has her frisbee. She tends not to get into scraps when she has her frisbee in her mouth.

When she is on the leash, that is a different story she is Mr. Hyde....I think using the muzzle in situations like going to the vet or events is the only way we should take out. My partner thinks the muzzle will make her meaner.....She is a major Alpha and I don't want to take any chances of her getting hurt or another dog getting hurt..

She has definitely gotten better than she was but she still lunges on the leash with unfamiliar dogs!!

I would greatly appreciate any thoughts? Is using a soft mesh muzzle bad, will it make her meaner?

BTW-MadMaddie is where I got my DU name from!!

Thanks,

[IndyOp]

1. I have been where you are now and I wish I had known....

A whole lot more at the time. My experience using a Gentle Leader with my aggressive dog was not good - he fought it.

For a really good overview of different types and causes of aggression, read Safety with an Aggressive Dog: <http://www.k9aggression.com/Aggression/safety.html>

I have read really good things about Sense-ible and Sense-ation No-Pull Dog Harnesses -
<http://www.softouchconcepts.com/>

Softouch Training with the SENSE-ible™ Dog Harness
and SENSE-ation™ Dog Harness

The SENSE-ible™ and SENSE-ation™ dog harnesses were designed for a new training method called Softouch training. It applies horse training concepts for a gradual and humane approach to developing a calm and responsive dog. The chest strap of the harnesses is moved in different directions to apply body cues with gentle pressure. The harnesses with the Softouch method prevent pressure over a dog’s throat and chest. This helps prevent injuries and the signals that cause dogs to pull. The essence to Softouch Training is detailed communications through "SENSE of touch." Dogs and their owners experience greater harmony.
Benefits

* Reduces common behavior problems, such as jumping, forging, pulling, and lunging on leash.
* Easier to teach commands, such as sit, down, come, wait, and heel.
* Increases a dog's attention on his owner.
* Has a calming effect.




Customer Testimony about Sense-ation Harness: Today I am in Heaven. Rosie and Jigg's are very happy obedient walkers .Their harnesses came two days ago. I fitted them and let them get comfortable wearing them yesterday. I walked them both at the same time; no pulling, heads held high ("very different from the head halters”). Very happy dogs; no pulling, both at my right side waiting for my every command - what a delight. I salute you! Thanks so much. I really missed not walking them. This is great. The only thing that could be more impressive would be to show you a video “before and after”. We just got back from our second walk. This time I invited the neighbor "Oh WOW that's amazing" was her response.


This seems like a similar sort of idea -- Cradle Harness - Larzpetgear.com
<http://www.larzpetgear.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=65>

[MadMaddie]

2. Thanks for the information!!! This is a great help!!

:hi:

[ernstbass]

3. My dogs went crazy with the gentle leader

I use Sporn halters which go under the front legs. The dogs cannot lunge with these harnesses. (doesn't stop one of mine from barking and snarling at other dogs - so embarrassing!)

[IndyOp]

4. Good Reviews on the Sporn -

Thanks for sharing the brand name. It has a little different design from the ones I listed above, I think still the same concept.

<http://www.sporn.com/product_info.php?products_id=28>

About your dog still snarling and snapping -- I got advice to have my Chocolate Lab to sit for a dog treat whenever other dogs approached. He remains in a sit while they walk by and then he gets his cookie. I've been doing this for many months and have noticed a big difference in his behavior. Now he sees another dog and instead of 'defense' or 'attack' he thinks 'cookie'! Now 8/10 dogs he sees, he has no interest in, other than to turn around facing me to get his treat. It is a big improvement over his past behavior and, at the very least, might stop your dog from getting any worse.

:hi:

[MadMaddie]

5. Thank you for the suggestion....

We made it through the vet visit....we are using a pinch collar and it seems to be working.. she doesn't seem to pull as much and believe it or not she doesn't growl as much...we have been very strict with her when we are out walking.

We will investigate the Sporn halter also....we don't want to use the pinch collar forever. She is still very young 1 year and about 4 months so we do have time....:hi: