Muzzle training

[akutaq]

So I have decided that in my upcoming spare time in between moving (There will be a month and a 1/2 that I'll have no job and stay at home before the move) I am going to muzzle train Bear. After thinking, I figured this is the best way to socialize him without him causing injury. Reason being, is that I didn't socialize him properly when he was a

Comments

[ladyamybug]

i have no information on muzzle training. it sounds hard, but necessary based on what you just described. dont you have another dog too? whats the status of that ones behavior and socialization? and what can bear learn from that dog?

[raynedanser]

*wanders in*

I hope you don't mind, polgaramalfoy sent me over. :-D

It sounds like you're on the right track with Bear. It was a short amount of time (5 minutes is perfect because until he IS used to it, you don't want to go too long at a time) and with the treats, you made it a positive experience for both of you. :-D

We had social issues with Cassie (*points to icon*) as well. She wasn't socialized with people or other animals properly before we got her (she's a rescue dog) and we had a lot of bad habits to break. Are obedience classes an option for you at all? If anything, it will get Bear around other dogs, which is good. And if you talk to the trainers, they can help you too.

It takes a LOT of patience, but it CAN be done. How old is he again?

*wanders out*

And here I am, commenting to my own comment....

[raynedanser]

Forgot to mention, if you KEEP making it always a positive experience, soft gentle praise (to keep him calm, which you would really want if he's muzzled instead of the more energetic praise), that will help. A lot.

Re: And here I am, commenting to my own comment....

[akutaq]

Awesome, thanks for the information. Bear is 7 years old, but still acts like he is a pup. He's very energetic and hyper and likes to bounce of walls. We have another dog too, Chloe, who is whippet/sharpei mix. She is 7 years old also and is much more mellow.

Click on the links to see thier pictures:

Bear: http://www.danandheidi.com/miscpics/Bear1.jpg

Chloe: http://www.danandheidi.com/miscpics/Chloe2.jpg

Your dog has SUCH a cute face. I love mugs like hers. Makes me want to kiss it!

Re: And here I am, commenting to my own comment....

[raynedanser]

What beautiful dogs!! :-D

And yeah, Cassie is very kissable. hee!

I hope you don't mind, but I went ahead and friended you, too. ;-)

[akutaq]

Oh no, Bear may be 7 years old, but he acts like he's 6 months, well, except for peeing in the house... hes well trained that way. He is a smart dog and will learn. Its ME that will need to be persistant.