Am I a bad dog ower if i pick up my dog and hold his muzzel when other dogs are around?

Question

Whenever we go for walks we sometimes see other dogs. My dog pulls me and trys to get the other dog. I'm pretty sure he doesn't want to play. So i've started picking him up off the ground and i hold onto his muzzel, while doing this i walk away with him. It works great but i'm worried that what i'm doing is wrong. I don't want to be a bad owner, can anyone help?

He is a 2 year old pomaranian which i adopted not long ago. ^^ i want him to make friends but i'm worried he'll attack if he had the chance

Answer 1

buy a muzzle for him its much kinder to the dog
go to petsmart to check them out =]

Answer 2

At two it is a little late to be socializing a dog. Dogs that aren't socialized as puppies quite often tend to be aggressive with other dogs. There are books about dog socializing that you should read.

The best idea would be to arrange play dates but keep the other dog in a cage until your dog gets used to it. Then keep your dog muzzled and on a leash, it is probably going to attack the other dog. Remember to be confident and show your dog what behavior is unacceptable, by correcting with the leash or a light tap with a finger on the dogs muzzle and what is acceptable by praising and petting. Praising and petting your dog is especially important if you think it is nervous and going to bite or growl because it will assure your dog that it is in no danger.

Remember not to praise while the dog is exhibiting an undesired behavior because this will reinforce the negative behavior.

Good luck but i don't think there is too much you can do without investing a lot of time and effort. At least give it a try, and when you get a new dog remember to socialize it, with others dogs, people and children as early and as much as possible.

Answer 3

You are the alpha pack leader you get to do what you want. It does not sound like you are hurting your dog so I'm sure it's fine. Anyway, better that than have your dog or the other dog savaged because you did nothing.
I would say though that you need to find a way of socialising your dog. I would also suggest you correct your dog everytime it does something wrong. You did not mention the breed of dog which is a shame because this can tell a person a lot about the breed. I.e. if it was ever bred to fight or used in hunting etc. Anyway - find a solution that works for you and just keep doing it.

Answer 4

As long as you aren't hurting him, then no.

I might suggest investing in a gentle lead or an actual muzzle for when you walk your dog - stigma or no, it's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the risk of your dog biting another dog or person.

Answer 5

Its not holding the muzzle that's bad, it's picking him up. Instead, to control him, buy a chain "choker" collar and keep him by your side by snapping the leash towards you, to the side. Every time your dog gives too much interest in something with ears forward, tail up, and weight put forward, make a quick sound, like "Csh!" or "Aeh!" with a snap of the leash. that should advert his attention away from that thing and to you or just away. If he doesnt, then block him by stepping in front of him and saying his name. if he then looks away and at you, praise him with a simple "good boy" and maybe a treat, but no pets or cuddles since that might make him more wound up.

Answer 6

Hmm.....Maybe he just trying to get to know the others dogs and he has a muzzle?!

Answer 7

you don't ever want to man handle your dog...if you felt he was a threat to other dogs you wouldn't take him around them in the first place, right???

Answer 8

It works, it's harmless, good for you; good for your dog.