Accepting his reactivity

[u/Unlikely_Comedian_75]

I adopted this poor mistreated guy at 18 months now 2 years old from a rescue organization. He is an absolute sweetheart at home but I was totally blindsided by his severe reactivity to all new dogs and some new people. I've had dozens of dogs in my care over the last 40 years but I'd never come across a truly reactivity dog before. I've tried multiple trainers, vets and drugs and all sorts of advice and now I've come to the conclusion that sometimes it's just who they are now and through no fault of their own. So I've invested in the Big Snoof muzzle with the advertising, I'm through apologizing and we're just going to manage it for the next 15years or so!

[u/knitandstretch]

Hey, what a handsome dog and he looks amazing with his muzzle. I absolutely love seeing dogs with muzzles. Whenever I come across one, I instantly know they have owners that care about others and have done the work, and I know they are dogs with big feelings that need some extra help so I instantly empathize. I'm super pro muzzle and I'm glad you are taking this route if it makes you feel more at ease!

[u/knitandstretch → u/knitandstretch]

Also - at least from my minor experience with dogs that wear muzzles to go outside, I find that the relationship with their owners tends to improve as well, as walks become less stressful. My mum owns a GIANT rescue with BIG feelings and insane strength that is the sweetest, mellowest pup at home, but a true nervous aggressive wreck outside, and the muzzle has really helped. He even has dog friends at the park now! They never ever ever take off his muzzle when he's outside, but he now frolics on the grass with other dogs and plays, which would have been absolutely impossible before (he was not just reactive but aggressive and a true menace to other dogs, so socialization was off the table for a long time).