I can't believe I'm typing this....Muzzle help

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

In order to take Enzo on ferry to a destination we will be going to, they require her to be muzzled!  Anyone suggest a soft, no evasive, muzzle.  I have never used one on any of my dogs, so I am clueless on even what size to fit her.  Looking for a fairly inexpensive one as well, since she will never use it again and I know no one who actually has one to borrow.  TIA

[Wendy and Myla]

Maybe your local SPCA has one that you could borrow or buy quite cheaply?  Our SPCA has a huge building full of stuff like crates, aquariums, bird cages etc that is by donation only.  I had no idea that this service was offered there but when I was reading the paper I saw that they were having a garage sale so I went and I picked up a plastic carrying crate there to pick Myla up in - I couldn't believe how much stuff was there.  Not sure about muzzles though!  Poor Enzo but I'm sure he'll endure it to get to the other side!

[Lynda Kamrath]

Oh, it is fine.  At least you know in advance and can have a couple of practice sessions first.  Actually, they have some wildly-colored muzzles.  My friend has a pink plastic one that his greyhound wears at the dog park while she is racing around.  Doesn't seem to bother her at all.  I have used muzzles on my dogs when we are walking on trails that have animal poop on them.  My dogs love to eat poop, so I have them wear muzzles.  They don't like it much, but better than the alternative.  Just don't leave them on too long.

And, oh yes, don't borrow one that other dogs have had on.  Get your own.  They are cheap and worth it.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Lynda, what type of muzzle works for them to not be able to still get to the poop? I am having a problem with Bella eating poop again. THis time not ever hers, but Murphy's!!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Oh yes, they put muzzles on whippets when they race - and there is not a problem with them at all.  My ex-dil has them for her two whippets.

[Deborah Brown]

We have a basket muzzle which covers the mouth but allow the dog to open their mouths, get treats, drink, etc.  It was fairly easy to train them to wear it and I don't think any of them were particularly traumatized by it.  They don't use it regularly but it's good to know they are familiar with it.  In an emergency, it may be necessary for strangers to handle an injured dog and a muzzle might be required.

[Wendy and Myla]

Good point - I never thought of introducing a muzzle but this whole discussion has made me rethink it.  We are trying to train Myla for every possibility as DH will be retiring in a few years and we want Myla to be part of everything we do - never thought there would be muzzle requirements!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Enzo goes just about everywhere with us. This is a first, but I am hearing more and more instances, where they are required. I guess the lawsuit happy crazies have companies shaking in fear of being sued. I think we are just going to buy one and keep it for these kind of instances. Have to make a Petco trip to see what size she needs and make a decision on type.

[Wendy and Myla]

Let me know what you decide on!  Gotta tell you, when I went on the Catalina ferry (first and only time about 35 years ago), I've never been so sick in my life and everyone was sick - the staff were just going around with buckets of sawdust to put over all the throwup as the bathrooms were full! I actually went to the top deck and laid on the picnic table - doesn't make sense but it helped me and I'll tell you, I was groaning the whole time!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Lol....I got extremely sick once...probably about 30 years ago!
Have been a number of times since...especially since we now live here, and thankfully, have never gotten sick again. Nothing worse than being seasick! And I have grown up on the water! Wonder if dogs get seasick?
I was actually thinking about bring a life preserver for her as well. We have one, from our boat....think I'll get really weird looks?

[Deborah Brown]

Ours is wire but I don't see those for sale now.  Here's a plastic one.  We trained them by putting peanut butter in the basket for the dogs to lick off.  The first couple times, don't use the strap, just get the dog used to the feel of it and just for for a few seconds.  Lots of rewards and praise.  Eventually leave it on for a few minutes while you distract them with play, etc.

http://www.dog.com/item/guardian-gear-basket-dog-muzzle/400602/

and some tips:  http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/...

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Thanks so much for the very informative link!