Muzzle style dog leads? Please help me understand...?

Question

OK so it's summer right, I see dogs walking with these horrible full muzzle style leads around their mouths, I can sort of see why people (lazy in my opinion) use them for training purposes and I feel the strap around the base of the mouth is alright. But dogs need to pant to keep their temp down, how could you be OK with walking your beloved pet around in 90+ degree weather restricting their natural method to cool themselves?

Answer 1

Yes. I agree with you. When I see these contraptions I feel the owner is too lazy to actually train their dog.

Although, I know for some people it is being used temporarily as a training aid.

Have never used one. I would rather take the time to train my dog.

Answer 2

Jess is probably right about the Halti and Gentle Leader. If it is truly a muzzle then I'm sure for the most part the dog needs it. The Halti an Gentle Leader are great training tools for dogs that pull. They do not cause any physical stress on the dog and alleviate any stress on you. They do not encircle the dogs muzzle, just the top. If the dog starts to run you gently pull on the lead and the dogs head turns towards you making him unbalanced, he quits pulling.

Answer 3

The leads you are referring to are called a gentle leader. They should never be pulled tight enough to stop panting or any other use of the mouth. As a matter of fact, the dog should be able to eat or drink with this harness on. If you are interested in helping these dogs you should get on the gentle leader web site and look to see the appropriate fitting for these wonderful training devices, and the next time you see someone with one on incorrectly you could offer some assistance. You could even print out the information and carry it in your pocket to hand out when you see it. I hate people that don't ask when they don't understand how something works. The purpose of the gentle leader is to redirect the dog's head towards the owner for correction, but for times other than correction the harness should be harmless.

Answer 4

I dont think those leads are suppossed to be on so tight that the dog cant pant.. just enough that if the dog pulls, it puts pressure on the face, which is a type of correction.

I think the people who have those muzzles on that tight are using them incorrectly.

I wouldnt walk with my pet in 90+ weather anyways.. thats too hot for either of us.

Answer 5

Even the muzzle style leads should allow enough room for the animal to breath and pant. For the most part those types of leads are only used long as they're need to train the animal... and in the long run that's what's best for the animal, the owner's and other people the animal comes in contact with. I work in a vet office and our Vetrinarian suggests those types of leads to people who need to train their dogs... usually with a lot of success.

Answer 6

The collars you are referring to Halti's and Gentle Leaders do not restrict panting, drinking, eating, or even biting.

They are comparable to a horses halter.

If these collars help train a dog not to pull, its better that than have the dog rot in the backyard because it pulls the owners arm of there sockets everytime the dog is walked.

Answer 7

Muzzles shouldn't be so tight that the dog can't open its mouth enough to pant.

Answer 8

muzzles still allow your pet to pant it just keeps them from barking and bitting. i have thought about getting ine and it says on the package it allows your pet to drink and pant if need be. but not tol eave on more then 20 min.

Answer 9

The muzzles shouldn't be so tight that the dog can't pant. You are right this is cruel!!!!!!!

Answer 10

http://www.livingwithdogs.us/dogstuff/images/gentleleader-golden-ball.jpg
They don't hurt the dogs, these style leads are better for the dogs neck and throat.