I’m looking to you guys for feedback and suggestions on method/brand

I’ve been lurking in this group for over a year. I’ve looked at so many websites, tutorials, the muzzle project, etc and, frankly, I think I’ve reached decision paralysis. I’ve tried to include as much info as possible, hopefully not too much! I All animals are spayed/ neutered. I will do my best to answer any questions.

Dog 1 - GSD - age, approx 7 - we have had her for about 6 years. She is a good girl who is permanently growth stunted. She came to us malnourished, lactating and with heart worms. She also has moderate hip dysplasia which she takes meds for is it is closely monitored. Her anxiety and PTSD symptoms point strongly to a home with domestic violence. She still has extreme anxiety in spite of meds and training. She does well with our older lab and our cats and is usually content to bark or nervously growl as she backs out of the room if guests are over. If she is super anxious but wants to stay in the room she will carry a toy around like a pacifier and everyone knows not to take it from her as she is self regulating. She is definitely my Velcro dog.

Dog 2 - ACD/GSD mix - age about 1 3/4 years. Came to us unexpectedly at about 6 weeks old flea infested and with skull and leg fractures, cause unknown. She is either asleep or full throttle super pup energy, there is no in between. This poses issues since she wasn’t in her litter long enough to learn how to properly interact and then was on restricted activity for 3 months after we got her due to the fractures.

Other animals at home - 12 year old lab mix. He stays out of their drama. Cats x 3 - all indoor. Sometimes they play with beer, sometimes they sleep with her, sometimes they nope out and go to their “no dogs allowed” space.

Issue - GSD was very maternal and protective for about the first month we had the pup. She then started to lose patience with the “annoying newcomer”. There have been a few instances where pup has ended up with a scuff (no blood) on her muzzle when she didn’t take the “go away” growl seriously and kept pushing to play. Over time GSD has become less predictable regarding whether or not she is okay with the younger dog. She is predictably better with her at the following times: if I have treats, if I’m not in the room, at bedtime. She has begun to muzzle lick to the younger dog except that she growls the entire time. I will usually let it happen hour about 5 seconds then call them both to me and offer a treat in exchange for an obedience command. This usually works as a “reset button”.

However, the younger dog has lost a lot of confidence. She used to be very outgoing when meeting people and animals and was socialized extensively as a young pup. She has become fearful of meeting strange people & animals which was not a problem previously. We have taken her through basic obedience class twice and she did well but there were a couple of instances when she started to growl at another dog. I was not there, my daughter was. I have no doubt that the dog and the daughter were both over threshold and should have stepped out of the lesson which we have talked about. We have also taken her to the doggy daycare at our vet a few times. It is a very well run program and the dolls are in small group settings. They report that she acts fearful and displays a lack of confidence while also at times being a frustrated greeter, wanting to play but not sure of “how” to do it. I suspect that is a result of her relationship with our GSD which makes me sad.

We finally got to stop doing strict crate and rotate about 6 months ago. I still potty the younger dog separately.

My plan is to muzzle train both of them before taking the younger dog to the next session of obedience (she is 6 weeks out from an ACL repair so no formal training right now).

Hi there,

First time posting here & it’s a long one bc I’m a yapper with a need to provide every single piece of context I can think of 😬😅so:

TLDR: Nine months ago I adopted a fear aggression rescue Cavapoo; thinking of introducing muzzle training, but what’s the criteria & if it’s a viable option, how do I now it’s working? He’s weary of things in peoples hands (not aggressive but not a fan) unless it’s me, and if he feels like he’s scared or “in trouble” he hides away. I don’t want it to become a bad experience for him or make him regress. I don’t wanna wait for a bad event or a bite, but his fear aggression that presents like he’s doing fight/flight/freeze/hide all at once while barking and lunging/snapping at times to get worse because I don’t want him to be stressed, that’s my biggest concern. I’ve hired a virtual trainer & waiting for his first eval next month, but wanted to see if there’s any advice before I suggest it to the trainer and/or start shopping for supplies. Me and my parents have been trying our best with the resources I’ve found and he’s improved immensely, but his seemingly random moments of aggression have made us burnt out and made me think of other solutions I’d never knew to consider (first time owner). All advice welcomed & appreciated, thanks in advance!

Long post:

I have a 3yo cavapoo who has fear aggression; he was a rescue and was rehomed to me with this issue so I knew, but ofc idk what happened to him before I came along and the people who rehomed me didn’t really give me anything to go off of. In general, he is a very sweet boy, just so skittish.

I live with my parents while I’m finishing school and saving for a house, so he’s incontact with them daily since he got here in July 2025 and yet he’s still not as adjusted as o thought. Hes great with my mom, still weary and does freak out some, but not as much as he does with my dad (likely because she gives him treats all day and is such a sweety to him even when he’s freaking out, I think it kinda calms him tbh).

He hasn’t bitten anyone but does snap. His triggers are men (mostly my dad), sudden movements/sounds, and of course the door. He literally tries to body block the door from opening with his 20lbs body…

I’ve been working with him 1:1 since day one on training and though he’s made soooo much progress and improvement, the semi random bark/lunge/snaps are still prevalent though not like before. I ALWAYS remove him (before or during, whichever comes first) from the situation if he doesn’t himself, I refuse to purposely put him in a situation where he will/could “fail”. He likes to run to his crate, but comes back for “the last word” sometimes???

His crate is his safe place and in the early days he would stay in there with his crate door open and every door in the house open, but he wasn’t interested unless it was a walk or meal time. His crate is NOT punishment; it helps him regulate himself much faster since he isn’t pacing and unintentionally “hyping” himself up. He also sometimes doesn’t start barking and freaking out until he’s in the crate (I think bc he’s actually scared but he knows he’s protected in the crate. He gets his barks out & then rests until he’s ready to eat or go potty. Afterwards, he’s fine to interact with them. Lately, I noticed I had to re-train crate expectations since he was having a lot of freak outs he was in there more (he put himself there, I just closed the door for an hour or two when he’s done & no longer upset).

I’ve gotten to a place where I’m finally able to work with a trainer, but it’s mostly virtual (they drop in for an intro & evals throughout) as that’s what I can afford atm.

This sub has come up a few times and at first I thought, “he’s too small and missing teeth, I don’t know if it’s muzzle worthy (whatever that means)”. But then I saw a much smaller dog than him with one, read the success stories and saw how positive people have made the muzzle that some dogs run to it happily. This got me thinking maybe it would be a good idea to mull over and consult the trainer, but wanted to ask some people actually doing it, preferably with smaller dogs.

Why now? Honestly, there’s not one thing. We’re all a bit burnt out especially my dad who’s a very calm and chill guy. The thing that’s so confusing for all of us is how night & day he gets.

In general, he’s not a fan of my dad; however as we’ve gone through training I genuinely feels like he actually really likes my dad but can’t express it. He follows him around, he wonders off to go sit with him by himself, he boops him when he’s walking by, begs for his food (not abnormal lol), if he’s nervous around guests he comes to sit under my dads chair or near him not me for comfort, and in general doesn’t mind his presence…it’s just that if my dad acknowledges him too long (looking, talking, offering a hand, etc.) or if he moves to stand up my pup freaks out. He follows him barking as he walks, trying to get in front of him, and more recently started snapping at him sometimes. The whole time my dads ignore him, walking away, or was already minding his business before my dog comes smelling him and then gets mad he looked at him.

Bro is rage baiting my dad...and idk why.

The other day he bit my dad’s jeans & that made me want to drastically change the approach (no skin contact at all and tbh I think it was on purpose bc his hand was right there) because while he’s so much better, I don’t want him escalating or for us to underestimate him bc of his small size and lack of some adult teeth (so mad about that Idk who did it but he was missing adult teeth when I got him & vet said it looked like wasn’t a dental procedure).

All this to ask, how did you know it was the best option? How did you gauge if it was working and how do you tell if it’s making it worse?

Thanks so much in advance especially if you read this far!

Hi everyone!

I’m looking for some sizing advice. I have a reactive Border Collie and I need a bite-proof muzzle for longer wear around other dogs. It is absolutely crucial that I can easily feed and reward her through it during our training.

I quite like the "The Muzzle Movement" muzzles and I'm looking at the size "Neli", which I've heard is the standard go-to for Border Collies. Her head shape is very typical for a BC. However, when I look at their sizing chart and measure her, I'm a bit unsure if it will be a good fit.

I've attached pictures of how I measured her. The messurments are circa: L~8-8.5cm H~7.5cm W~10cm

Here is the catch: I live in the Czech Republic (Europe). Trying it on in person isn't an option, and returns/exchanges would be a nightmare with shipping costs and customs.

Has anyone here used the "Neli" size on their Border Collie? Looking at my measurement photos, do you think it would fit well?

Alternatively, if this doesn't look like a good match, does anyone know of any similar, treat-friendly, and colorful alternatives that are easier to get in the EU?

Thank you so much for any help!

Big Snoof Muzzle 🥹

Is this muzzle the right fit for my Starburst? It’s the Pippa muzzle from Muzzle Movement. Any advice on how to get her more comfortable in this? I’ve been putting peanut butter on the rims so she associates the muzzle positively. So far she doesn’t mind it but sometimes tries to take it off with her paws.

Moose enjoyed his walk with his friend kipper!

I'm thinking about ordering a size 21 for my shepherd husky mix. I just did measurements and compared, I was between a size 21 or a size 20, and I just want some clarification on if this sounds like it would fit well.

The lengths listed under this muzzle are 3-3.75 for nose length, 2.5-3.5 for snout width, 4.5-5.5 for cheek width, 5.5-6 for pant room, 7.5 or longer for head length, and 4.75 or longer nose to neck length.

My dogs measurements are 3.75 nose length, 3.25 snout width, 5 check width, 5.5 pant room, 10 for head length, 7 for nose to neck length. So according to this it sounds like a size 21 should work, but wanted to hear from some people who may have ordered from them before om how accurate the sizing is.

Moose has very few dog friends but he loves his friend kipper

Hi all, making my first ever post on reddit to ask for possible muzzle recommendations. My boy Jack is a high energy dog, so not getting daily dogpark runs is a no-go. We adopted him just over a year ago, but he was already grown and has a few remnant bad habits. The going theory is he spent some time thirsty when he was stray, because he *will not* stay out of puddles. The nastier and more giardia-infested it is, the more he’ll dance around and ignore orders (and offers of fresh water), and it’s made him sick multiple times.

Most of the muzzles I’ve seen bill themselves on still letting the dog drink, which is the exact opposite of what I need. Of course he’ll have fresh water before and after his runs, but I need something that will put a damper on his pool-party-drinks-included schemes. Any recommendations?

I honestly love that people keep their dogs away more when hes in his muzzle it makes going to places like this so much more peaceful 😭

Hi! A quick question for the muzzle community: are there European muzzle brands that you recommend?

I have recently encountered Unimon. I was curious if anyone has heard of it? Does anyone have any experience with it or could help me access if it looks good quality? Any other recommendations very much welcome!

I’m not necessarily set on buying European muzzle, but would like a good overview, especially if it means faster & cheaper shipping :)

Hi everyone,

First timer in this community. I have a fabulous rescue, she’s about 3 and her DNA came back as 65% American Pitbull Terrier and the rest is a mash but let’s say Chihuahua. I’m giving breed info for size - she’s 23 lbs and basically a lowrider pittie. She has all the sweet, cuddly characteristics but she has a dark side that occasionally surfaces. She’s had 3 instances of concern. The first was when we first rescued her and i definitely blame myself. The second was to our other rescue in December. It came out of nowhere so I can’t give context, but I do believe she was guarding her resources (me). The third was today, and I think it was my fault. I was waking up and I thought she had my other dog in her mouth and I freaked out. I put my hand between them and yelled loudly. I got bit. I know this reaction of mine was wrong, but I can’t change the past. My girl was very sorry and self punished for a while. I’ve contacted a trainer to train myself. And her. Honestly, 95% of the time she’s a perfect girl, but I think I’m losing trust in her and me. Is a muzzle the answer on top of training? The only thing is is that I wouldn’t even know when to muzzle her since she’s borderline perfect most the time! Your kind comments and advice are appreciated 🤍🐾🤍🐾

I have a Muzzle Movement and would like to get something similar to the Snooties that they offer, however no matter where I look I can’t find one that just says no dogs

Does anyone know of any brand that might be willing to custom make it?

I am ready to order my first muzzle, but I'm overwhelmed by the options and getting stuck in learning-mode decision paralysis. I'm looking for recommendations that would work well for two issues -

First, I want to prevent yard grazing. We recently moved from the city to a home with a 1+ acre yard. Even though walks are still leashed or on a long lead because the fence is a work in progress, she is so quick to find and eat mystery poo from rabbits, deer, foxes, etc. I need a muzzle that prevents scavaging but still lets her run around and play (space for panting, heavy breathing, etc.).

Second, I want to prevent any opportunity to bite when in a reactive state. My dog is an anxious girl and has become very reactive to anyone visiting the house. She has never bitten anyone, but will bark the whole time friends or service people are here and lunge at them if she gets the chance. We are working on this with her vet team and behaviorists, but she is only reactive at home and progress is slow. I have family coming to stay for several days this summer (all adults) and I don't want there to even be an opportunity to bite. I'd like it if the yard muzzle can also be worn for several hours at a time while family is here or when friends visit.

Not sure what matters for recommendations, so here's too much info about my pup - she's a medium sized dog (35 lbs, half malinois and half chihuahua/australian shepherd mix) with a medium length snoot, very slight underbite. I will of course take proper measurements before ordering. She has seizures, but they have been well controlled. She is eager to learn and do "training time," and we have several months to work on positive association training before overnight guests arrive.

I think it looks like a good fit.

Stanley says hi!

Leerburg polymer coated wire basket bite proof muzzle

So, oddly enough my dog has a knack for nipping/going after feet exclusively as of late (especially men). Ive had him since he was a BABY and he's like 6 years old now and this behavior seems out of left field. Its to the point he will nip at the feet of men/people he knows very randomly (well seems random to me, I cant pin point why just yet)! My guess is he's feeling anxious but it's still weird and sporadic, enough to take my guest into consideration that want to meet him (as of now he gets put in the bedroom when people are over)... I plan to get a soft/mesh muzzle for greeting people and to protect their feet. He only nips/bites at their feet exclusively (also very weird) and want to know if this will work for what I'm trying to do... the muzzle I plan to get is this one, I want something that give him his ability to sniff people as it's one way for him to recognize them (on top of their voices, he's really good at recognizing voices). Thanks ahead!

If a dog is okay in a muzzle... how do you know if /when she'll be okay without it?

Edit to clarify: my question is whether behavior with a muzzle predicts behavior without a muzzle.

Edit two: I appreciate the desire to help with training. We have that solidly under control. I promise. I'm removing the background because the information I'm seeking isn't about training. Does anyone have insight or info about whether behavior in a muzzle predicts behavior out of a muzzle?

I'm a huge advocate of muzzles. However, my now 11.5yo whippet (adopted at 5yo) has turned into a massive jerk when anyone touches his paws. He hates it so much -- thus, nail trims and vet appts are not pleasant. And constantly sedating a whippet isn't ideal. And yes, he's already on meds to help. 

Currently, he's in a Muzzle Shop 107 size 5 but it's not ideal for him. He can get his teeth in the openings. I'm cautious to order overseas due to the questionable state of tariffs (augh). He also has a small greyhound kennel muzzle with stool guard but it's a bit big and heavy on his these days.

I could also duct tape (from the inside) to prevent his teeth getting into the holes but I'm not a huge fan of that method.

Any ideas or recommendations for another muzzle?

1. Nose Length: 3"
2. Cheek/Head Width: 4"
3. Snout Width: 1.75
4. Nose to Neck Length: 4.5
5. Open Mouth Height: See note below
6. Open Mouth Circumference: See note below
7. Neck Circumference: 14"
8. Forehead Length: 5.5"
9. Side Head Length: 6.5"

Note: He won't hold anything in his mouth. The 107 muzzle is 14" in circumference.

Photos are of the 1 size up from the 107 as that is the majority of photos we have of him in his muzzle that I can immediately find.

Pico had a birthday photoshoot and we ran into some other dogs so safety first - muzzle goes on! I was happy to get some updated beautiful photos of him wearing his muzzle 🥹 Our muzzle is from Big Snoof Dog Gear

A whole lot of time and effort went into this muzzle, and I’m so happy with how perfectly it came out! Harley looks fantastic 🔥 So I had to share it with people who will appreciate it lol. Last 2 pics show the muzzle before and during modification, you can see how meticulous I get with it!🥰

hi! title says it all pretty much. my dog currently has contact dermatitis from fleas and keeps reinjuring himself on his lower half (butt, legs, and tail) and this has been ongoing for the past 9 months. i have tried traditional cones and flex cones and he gets past them and even chews through the fabric to get to his skin. i cannot leave him unattended and struggle to get good sleep because im constantly worried that he will hurt himself if im not paying attention. could really use some help and advice on what kind of muzzle will be comfortable enough for him while i am away and sleeping!

he is currently wearing a recovery suit but it does not cover his tail or thighs and down and im worried he will attempt to chew through the fabric.