For the chewers, vet gave me a suggestion - Open for discussion

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Spoke to our vet this morning. Was concerned about Nina, our newest doodle in the Matzkin home, and her rippies and possibly swallowing the squeakers. (We only have unstuffed plush toys but they do have squeakers. Yes, we will take them out but I worry about the what if's - I miss one or she finds something else to chew on that she shouldn't. She is close to a year old, dumped in a kill shelter and saved by the DRC!! She does need work on a some puppy manner issues but she is one heck of a doodle!!) He suggested this type of muzzle. They can eat, drink and vomit, if unnecessary  in one of these muzzles. They are designed to keep our dogs safe from themselves. They cannot be put on any dog left outside for any reason because they cannot defend themselves.  

http://www.dogmuzzle.com/itbaspoldogm1.html

The humane Italian basket dog muzzles are used by Veterinarians, animal behaviorist and dog trainers will help keep your dog from biting, nipping or eating unhealthy objects. This muzzle helps to prevent biting and chewing on dogs that have lick granuloma or stitches that need to heal.

What do you think? 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I've got two chewers here now; rugs, curtains, shirts, towels, boards of wood, grass, plants..you name it, I have no idea how people with more than one puppy get any sleep.  But, I would not muzzle them.  I just have to keep them together and put things away.

This has been great for cleaning my neglected home.

I used the muzzle to protect humans while trying to socialize a dog who would panic in a crate.  It was horribly offensive to my family ( oh well ) during Christmas dinner.  More  horrible would have been 200 stitches.

Yes, put away the toys!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes, using a muzzle to keep someone from being bitten is a different story, to me.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Agree here too - different story when it comes to protection.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I totally get using a muzzle under the circumstances you describe and I would do the same.  Keeps the humans safe and the dog safe.

Your two pups must be experiencing the whole new world before them for the first time and I guess tasting stuff makes everything more fun. I know it has to be hard, but I bet you are loving every minute of having them. (I hope) I hope Spud is enjoying them as well.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I do agree with Laurie too.  Peri is a terrible chewer. We can't have any toys except those heavy rubber ones (zogoflex I think), antlers, etc...

The look she gives me when I put on her walking harness is enough to never want to put this type of muzzle on a dog!  IT's the look of shame!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I agree that there are better chew alternatives than any toy that has squeakers or pieces that can be chewed off. We have gone through all the 'bad' toys and put them where she can't get to them. When she is crated we take them out for the other 3 to play with.  We are working diligently working on 'drop it' and 'leave it' with Nina. TG that she is a quite learner! 

It's been years since we had a puppy so she is retraining us which is a good thing. All 4 doodles are working hard at all the commands they decided that they were too high and mighty to listen to - of course my fault for being lazy.