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? 

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Oh, the visual!! WOL!!!!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Not sure which is nastier - washing a post poop eating face or the poop smash muzzle!! I am sorry Bella has to put you in the position to even consider it.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

it is great when you can see it on the teeth too...yumm!  (blah!!)

[Donna K & Quincy]

Bless you Adrianne, another doodle saved. I have never used a muzzle but if it was to keep my dog or others safe I would. I don't know how you would ever be able to keep track of her every moment when there are 4 doodles romping around. I did see a dog wearing one of these one day when we were hiking and I for one was happy he was wearing it because you could tell he was very dog aggressive. Hopefully she won't be a chronic offender and you won't need to use one. 

[Kyoko]

I feel like I am putting everything in my room and keeping my door shut. Our new addition Pinot Grigio ( starndard poodle ) is 6 months old, and he is a chewer. ( I guess Charlie did, too... But I guess I forgot how much she chewed...)

Shoes, gloves, things that are not toys for him to chew, he wants to chew. So, he is always within our sight, or if I cannot watch him, ie going to take a shower, he would have to go in the puppy pen.

I also bought bunch of teething toys and elk burr, so he can chew them all he want.

I never seen this muzzle, but I am wondering if they can eat with it, how come they cannot chew or eat uunhealthy object with it on?

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good question Kyoko.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

If I understand the product it looks like the front opens for drinking and eating - when you want them too. Otherwise it stays closed.
May be Joanne can enlighten us on that.

The site ' says drink, pant and breathe' not eat.

[Kyoko]

Oh, I see. May be the tab in the front top allows it to open and shut....

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Yes, I corrected myself back on page #1.  No, they can not eat food or humans with the cage muzzle on. My error.

This is why these ugly looking muzzles ( my opinion on ugly ) are better because they can drink, breathe, pant. 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Quincy still comes into the bathroom with me when I shower!  Habit started when he could not be left alone for even a second and now it's more or less ritual!  

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I don't like this idea at all for chewers. I know there are times when a muzzle is needed for a dog, but I don't feel chewing is one of them. I can just see inexperienced dog owners running out to buy this, instead of training and watching and interacting with their puppies.  I really don't think you can protect children and puppies from everything...accidents happen and sometimes I think overprotectiveness is worse than the actuality. If you have a dog that chews stuffies and eats squeakies then I wouldn't buy those toys.  Marrow bones or antlers would be a better alternative to satisfy that need to chew. Just my opinion..since you asked. Lots of people I live with don't ask for my opinion anymore, so I like to give it when I can :) LOL

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Laurie. This is exactly how I feel, too.