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

[F, Calla & Luca]

I think you would be better off not calling or it will be very firm. It's better to ask for forgiveness than permission in some cases. Try the gentle leader but bring a regular muzzle with you. If they object to the gentle leader you could switch. If you don't use the muzzle you could return it.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Good thinking F! I thought when I call for reservations, I'd tell them I'm bringing a dog and let them tell me the requirements. I certainly can understand their concerns, but hate the thought of putting a muzzle on my baby. Only way around it, according to their website, is a carrier. Enzo just a tad big for a carry on, these days! ;). Like your way of thinking tho! We just may do the gentle leader and have a muzzle as backup.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Maybe take a muzzle along and don't remove the tags and keep the receipt. If they let you use the Gentle Leader, you can just return the unused muzzle when you get back home.  Hmmmm....I see F and I think alike :)

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

LOL....great minds......

[F, Calla & Luca]

: )

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I have this kind, which works well:

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2751398

I actually have 2 size 5's that my doods outgrew. If you can get to a PetSmart and try them on for size, and Enzo ends up being a size 5, I'd be happy to send one to you! BTW, according to the size chart for this muzzle, both my doods 'should' wear a size 5. They do NOT! So its best to go and try them on to get the true size needed.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Good to know! Enzo currently weighs 47.5 lbs.....I will for sure go try some on her! Thanks!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

I was thinking the same as all the other great minds!  Try the Gentle Leader but have a muzzle in your backpack or purse just in case.  I know up in Mammoth when you take the bus to Reds Meadows, Devils Postpile or any of those other places they require a dog to have a muzzle on just for the ride.  They actually sell them right there in the ski shop where you buy your bus tickets.  The ones I remember seeing were a dark green cloth type that just slipped over the snout but left the nose and mouth exposed but not exposed enough to bite.  Good luck and let us know how it turns out!  Have a great trip

[Julie and Max]

That's kind of sad that they insist on a muzzle for dogs. :(

[Rosella T]

Poor sweet Enzo! It's virtually impossible to argue against rules like that even though you know you've got the kindest most non-agressive dog there is. Sigh.

I might also suggest practice runs with the muzzle beforehand. It would mean you couldn't return it but at least you would know that she wasn't suddenly muzzled for the first time in a potentially busy unfamiliar environment. You could put it on her at home for 10 seconds then take it off and immediately give her a treat and compliment her and keep doing that and building on the time a little, so that at the very least she has positive associations with the muzzle. Just a thought.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I think Rosella made a good suggestion.  It would be worth the cost of the dang muzzle to keep Enzo from stressing out.  Quincy stresses out with his winter coat! 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Rosella and Lori: yes...actually, we will have to do some work on both the gentle leader and muzzle...she adapts quickly, so I'm hoping it is not too hard on her. Thanks for all the excellent suggestions!