I felt a strong need to write this today after a little run in with someone. I hate to throw the "shaming" word out there as I feel it's the latest and greatest buzz word. However, someone was literally trying to SHAME me for being a responsible dog owner because they simply weren't educated on the topic.
I have a rescue dog, he was literally pulled from the trash like a piece of garbage. Someone THREW him away! So this rescue dog comes to me with baggage.
He is not a very confident dog and has a lot of fear & trust issues. With his background, I don't blame him!
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Due to his troubled past he sometimes needs a muzzle. Not only for human protection but for his own protection as well.
There is a lot of "bad" associations with muzzles. There is no denying that when many people see a muzzled dog, their thoughts instantly go to the Hannibal Lecter character...or they think the human is being cruel to the dog for 'making it wear a muzzle'.
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I'd like to help dispel those negative mental thoughts. Rather than vilifying muzzles, it's time to appreciate muzzles for all the good things they can do for our dogs.
They aren't always meant "for bad dogs". There are many reasons a dog may need to wear a muzzle.
As cute as our doggos are; the fact remains, that they ARE animals and their behavior can never be guaranteed.
Life is unpredictable. Things can happen. It's life.
Here’s just a few situations in which a dog might benefit from muzzle training:
1 -Emergency medical situations: a dog might experience an extremely painful injury. Dogs can bite as a response to pain.
2 -Regular vet visits: getting vaccinations, being poked & prodded, invasive procedures done by strangers. Dogs can bite when they are stressed or fearful.
3 - Disaster preparedness: a dog may need to be moved quickly by unfamiliar people or to an unfamiliar place. Again, fear may play a factor in the dogs behavior.
4 - Used as tool in introducing another species to your dog; I.E. a cat.
Don't let others' opinions on muzzles stop you from making the best, most responsible choice for your dog. YOU are being a responsible dog owner and don't let anyone shame you or make you think otherwise.
Just remember: "What other people think of me is none of my business."
About Laurie
Laurie became a Certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach back in 2010 through ISSA. Her certifications also include BOSU, Flexibility for Performance, EZCOACH Fitness Prescription, Exercise Rx for Psychological Health, Nutrition for Menopause & Beyond, CPR and First Aid. Laurie resides in Milford with her husband, 2 of her sons, and 5 recuse dogs, she's the owner and creator of The Dalai Nala & Social Butterfly- social media designer and has published two books.
Feel free to connect: www.thedalainala.com
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