When to muzzle a GSD

 

Now I have been selfish as far as muzzling her is concerned ie I havent! She walks very obediently by my side on a light 'dainty'- looking leash (although you could tow a tractor with it) and NEVER pulls.

 

I know that there is a perception that GSD's are a viscious breed and feel the muzzle will only tar Jess with that same brush at an early stage.

 

 

I know of one other GSD fairly close to us but he is their pet as well as a guardian so is walked on country lanes with little chance of strangers passing.

 

When would be the time to muzzle her or should I start right away?

 

EDIT: Perhaps i should have posted this under Dog Regulations as she should by law be muzzled.

 

well Idon't like see-ing dogs muzzled but what happens if and I say big if here - something were to happen? I had a member of this forum out with me on sunday for a walk on the beach. She owns a rotti and has him muzzled and I seriously doubt very very much that he needs it, he is super friendly and under control.

 

I would get her used to it while she is young if u intend to use it. Like everything else - the younger they learn to deal with something the better.

 

TBH I have been putting it to the back of my mind as i think the muzzle frightens people more than the dog. I saw a muzzled GSD out for a walk in Kilkenny City the other day and it brought it home to me that Jess will have to be muzzled  - to us she is still a puppy.

 

We keep Jess secure at home and ALWAYS on a lead when out walking or on a long line when she goes swimming in the lake.

 

Thanks for your compliment

 

fully understand where your coming from , its the main reason i dont have a GSD, i love them but just couldnt handle the muzzleing and the no off lead time .in fairness i do see alot of people around my way that do muzzle the dogs on the control of dogs act list,some will let them off lead if they are muzzled very late in the evening in the local park , which is usually when its only other dog walkers that are in the park .maybe one day ill get mine .

 

 

Thanks all

I grew up with 4 different GSD & love em... am longing for another one now but have to wait a while.

I live near Phx Park... I often see ppl walking GSD and Rotti's there - OFF the lead AND not  muzzled or halti etc etc.

Doesnt bother me in the slightest... i always giev the owners the benifit... if the dogs off the lead its obviously well trained etc etc....

Libby is always off the lead (shes little cross breed) and likes to greet other doggies but i must admitt i would get her to heel if i saw a GSD tec off a lead untill i knew they were dog friendly... then shes grand to go play.

I met a guy last wk in phx park with a female rotti and a ickel doggie (cant remb breed) the little one & libby were playing & his rotti sat on (off lead) watching.... she was gorgeous.... such a good dog... she actually reminded me of your Cooper Andrea..... but not as sweet hee hee hee

 

Sorry, was logged on as the Mrs